With his most ardent supporters just about to consider throwing in the towel, Markus Naslund has sprung back to life.
Though he did suffer through a three-game scoring drought shortly after being reunited with the Sedins, Naslund has played with far more determination and desire since rejoining his fellow Swedes.
This surge apparently indicates his overwhelming approval of Alain Vigneault’s current consistency with regards to the captain’s linemates. Contrary to common thinking, it’s been Naslund’s effort that has propped up the line some nights, which is a sharp contrast to triplets of the past who were almost always the sole beneficiary of playing with the twins.
While I was one of those who endorsed the “spreading the wealth” philosophy last season, it’s become evident that this year’s Canucks are better off with one line loaded up. Part of that has to do with the consistent play of Brendan
Morrison and Ryan Kesler, who have both been able to elevate the level of their respective lines most nights this season.
Those contributions have allowed the top line the luxury of having an off night without conceding a loss in the process.
• The B.C. Lions could clean up at tonight’s CFL Awards for the second straight year, an indicator of just how good this organization has become at both finding and keeping impact players.
That said, with no Grey Cup this year, we may end up looking at this era of the Lions as one of missed opportunities.
While there’s no question that management has resurrected a franchise that many considered a write-off just a decade ago, we may end up remembering these Leos as a team that did not perform at their best in the biggest games. Despite compiling the league’s best record over the last four years by a large margin, the Lions have just three postseason wins and one Grey Cup to show for it.
Instead of comparing this team to the Eskimos’ dynasty that won five Cups from 1977-1982, the Lions must currently be considered the Montreal Alouettes’ of the West; a club that contends every single year, but seldom puts it all together when it matters the most.
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