Canucks Young Stars Game Recap: Lotz makes lots of saves

Dec 19 2017, 8:04 pm

Our own Ryan Biech is in Penticton at the Young Stars tournament, keeping a close eye on the development of the Canucks prospects.

Hockey season is finally here! The Canucks Young Stars played their first game today which unfortunately ended in a 4-3 OT loss to the Edmonton Oilers.

The Canucks prospects started the game very slowly, and luckily due to the goaltending of invitee Austin Lotz, they were able to get out of the first period with only a 1-0 deficit. After being outshot 14-2 in the first period, they gave up another quick goal at 1:50 of the second period as Edmonton’s Bogdon Yakimov stole the puck in the slot and roofed it on Lotz.

The second goal against seemed to wake the Canucks up, as Dane Fox and Curtis Valk both scored before the end of the period to even the score at two. Edmonton took the lead once again in the third, but for a second time, Curtis Valk scored to equalize. Shortly into the OT period, Mitchell Moroz was able to bang home a loose puck to give the Oilers the win.

Quick Hits

  • Bo Horvat was average. I expected him dominate the game, but he didn’t do anything to stand out over any of the other Canucks forwards. He was good on the forecheck, and responsible in his own end. But didn’t play like a prospect who was going to force himself onto an NHL roster.
  • One player that stood out to me, was the aforementioned Curtis Valk, as he ended the night with 2 goals. The diminutive forward was quick on loose pucks, and buried the chances that he got. Hopefully he can continue to build on this strong start, and earn himself an invite to main camp.
  • As the title says, Austin Lotz made lots of saves. If it wasn’t for him, the game would been over very quickly. Compared to the Oilers goalie, Lotz looked tiny in the net, but he was aggressive and extremely agile. The Canucks are in need of a junior age goalie that can turn pro in 1-2 years, so Lotz is someone to keep an eye on.
  • If only Jordan Subban could get taller overnight, as he seems to have all the right tools to play in the NHL. He didn’t dominate the game, but his gap control and offensive awareness were very noticeable throughout the 2nd and 3rd periods.
  • At the time, out of respect for Bob, I didn’t say where he was eating, but NHL Insider Bob McKenzie enjoyed some Denny’s between games today. I can’t confirm whether he ordered ‘Moon’s over my hammy’ or a simple cheeseburger, as I had to walk out without getting my meal, after waiting almost 40 minutes. It seems like the Dennys was not prepared to handle both a TSN insider, and the VanCity Buzz prospect reporter at the same time.

The Canucks don’t play again until Sunday afternoon at 2:00 PM, which hopefully will give them some time to prepare for what should be a stiffer test against the Winnipeg Jets.

Feature Image: canucks.nhl.com

DH Vancouver StaffDH Vancouver Staff

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