Vancouver Canucks' defensive woes show no sign of stopping due to this major issue
The Vancouver Canucks are struggling once again just 9 games into the NHL season, and there biggest issues seem to be surrounding their defensive play, especially there inability to block shots.
Shot blocking may not be the most glamours stat to discuss, like goals and goalie stats are, but, it is as important as any other, and it seems to not be talked about as much as it should. It especially becomes important when you have a goalie in net (Arturs Silovs) who is struggling badly to stop the puck, and with the team not lending a helping hand, it is a recipe for disaster.
Vancouver Canucks defensive issues and lack of shot blocking
As it stands right now, the Vancouver Canucks rank second to last in blocked shots sitting at 31st. They have only managed to block an average of 12.01 shots per 60 shots faced. If you average it out, it means they barely block 6 shots per game.
Shot Blocking has never been the Canuck's best stat in the past, as they ranked near the bottom last season (28th), blocking only 12.92 shots per 60. At the end of the day, they did see a slight increase in the postseason when Arturs Silovs took over in net, but they still were ranked near the bottom, which had a direct correlation (according to NHL EDGE), to Artūrs �ilovs allowing so many long-ranged goals.
Yes, goalies do need to make those saves and you cannot always blame it on the team, but block shots are more than just a fundamental skill that helps the team win, but it also shows a willingness to do anything for your teammates, and to put your body on the line for the greater good. The best team make sacrifices for their team, and we are not seeing that out of the Vancouver Canucks the last couple of seasons.
