Pre-season observations and predictions for 2009'10

It's that time a year again! Pre-season is over and there's only a few days until the regular season starts. The following is the good, the bad, and the ugly from pre-season, and some predictions for the regular season. Stay tuned for a more complete look at all the teams in the West, and our predictions for Western Conference, Eastern Conference, and Stanley Cup Playoff predictions.

The good - Sergei Shirokov

The young Russian has lived up to the hype and then some. We have to keep in mind that he has been playing professional hockey for a couple years now, and at 23 years old, he isn’t your typical rookie. In four pre-season games, Shirokov has scored 2 goals and added 5 assists, leading all Canuck players. He is shifty, creative and a very smart, heads up player, and best of all – he seems to have clicked with the Sedins already. Based on his pre-season play, 60 points is not out of the question.

Honorable mention - Roberto Luongo, the Sedins, Aaron Rome, Andrew Raycroft, Evan Oberg, Tanner Glass

The bad - Cody Hodgson

It’s tough to say why he was disappointing this pre-season, or is it? Hodgson was injured for the first few weeks of training camp, limiting his training and his preparation. Upon arrival back into the lineup, he looked very slow and very awkward. The coaching staff won’t admit that his injury is still nagging him, but I truly believe that it is. There’s no way a kid as good as Hodgson could look so out of place. Heck, he looked better at last year’s camp, and there is absolutely no way his play has declined since then. Adding to his problems is all the hype put on the 19 year old Center. Everyone is expecting him to come in and be the next Gretzky, and realistically it may take a few years before he can actually make an impact. It’s hard to believe that Hodgson might end up in junior again, but with the way he’s played and the depth in Vancouver’s lineup – it’s not too far of a stretch. I think the Canucks give him his 9 game tryout and then decide from there what to do with him.

Honorable mention - Cory Schneider, Mikael Samuelsson, Alex Burrows

The ugly - Michael Grabner

Again, maybe a case of being too highly hyped, but Grabner was just plain bad. After such a promising year with the Moose last season, many were expecting him to take his game to the next level. It didn’t happen. Grabner has a huge shot, and great speed – tools you would think would make a guy standout – but again, it didn’t happen. His inability to bury his chances, and his shyness to the physical game definitely overshadowed his strengths. Canuck fans can only hope that he is a late bloomer, and will step up his play in the AHL once again this year, and make a case for a late season call-up.

Honorable mention - Dave Scatchard (released), P.C Labrie (Moose)

Looking forward; Predictions:

MVP – Roberto Luongo

Without question, the Canucks will only go as far as Bobby Lou will take them. With a disappointing season behind him, and a deal that will see him stay in Vancouver for the rest of his career – expect a bounce back year for the star goalie. 40 wins, a low 2.00GAA and a 930% with 10 shutouts is not out of the question.

MVPNG (Non goalie) - Ryan Kesler

If Kesler can produce the same offensive numbers he did last year, and continue his great defensive game, there is no reason he shouldn’t repeat as team MVP. Sure, Daniel and Henrik Sedin will lead the team in scoring once again, but Kesler’s overall game is just so well rounded.

Breakout season – Steve Bernier and Kyle Wellwood

Both players lost weight in the off-season, and their newfound off-season training regiments look to have paid off. Both players are noticeably quicker this year, and at their age and with their skill set, it’s time they prove they are worth the weight, umm, I mean wait. I expect 50 points from Wellwood and over 20 goals from Bernier. Their other linemate Mason Raymond deserves some mention here too as he looks great so far this year. The best thing is that this is expected to be a line to open the year. Canuck fans should be excited.

Unsung Hero – Ryan Johnson

Some people have said he was a disappointment last year. Were they watching different games than me? Johnson was a very important role player for the Canucks. Sure he doesn’t put up many points, but that’s not what he’s here for. Johnson blocks shots, wins faceoffs, brings energy every night and kills penalties. The kicker – he did all this with a badly mangled finger that would leave most of us out of work for a few months. Johnson is a quality player and a quality guy, and I pray fans can look outside the box scores to see how he contributes.

Best addition – Christian Ehrhoff

This guy can move the puck, he skates well, he contributes offensively and he is good defensively. So far he has taken a few dumb penalties which is concerning, but afterall, he is a Canuck, so he felt it necessary to fit in. I think he will help this team greatly and was a great pickup by Mike Gillis.

Worst addition – Mikael Samuelsson

I hope he proves me wrong, but I am just not sold on this guy. In Detroit, you are setup to succeed. 20 goal scorers there are often 10 goal scorers elsewhere. Unless he can click with the Sedins, I don’t expect numbers any better than he had last year, in fact, I expect less. 30-40 points. Trust me, I hate that I feel this way too.

Most over-rated - Mikael Samuelsson

Read above article. Also, he hasn't shown anything in the pre-season.

Most under-rated - Daniel and Henrik Sedin

Considering the bad press these guys get outside of Vancouver, they are easily the most under-rated Canucks. They consistently put up over 80 points a year, and dominate with their puck possession, but still fail to get the recognition they deserve. On top of that, they are in the best shape of their lives, and are just entering their prime. I could see over 90 points from each of them this year.

Player to watch – Sergei Shirokov

Vancouver fans are excited for this kid, and after his pre-season they should be. 60 points isn’t out of the question, but neither is a spot on the Moose a few weeks into the season. I for one think that he will be an affective player for the Canucks all season and is a star in the making. If he can hold down a spot with the Sedins – watch out!