The Vancouver Canucks have been one of the NHL’s most pleasant surprises during the first half of the season, and there are plenty of reasons why.
J.T. Miller has solidified a legitimate and fearful top line with Elias Pettersson and Brock Boeser. Jacob Markstrom has found a way to improve even more after a career year. Rookie sensation Quinn Hughes is anchoring a blue line that has lacked offensive production for several years.
Overall, the defensive play has been much better — and the Canucks are receiving much stronger play from the bottom-six.