Canucks: first Canadian team to top the NHL at Christmas since 2005

Every year in the National Hockey League, there are usually several surprises, both positive and negative.

This season, in the negative category, we obviously include the rather disappointing performance of the Edmonton Oilers.

It’s a shame to see a Canadian team underperform like this, especially given that it boasts the best player in the world.

But at least Canadian fans can take solace in the fact that the Vancouver Canucks are a pleasant surprise this season.

The Canucks are simply dominant and impressive this season.

So much so, in fact, that they are currently in first place in the entire National Hockey League at the Christmas break.

Who’d have thought it?

The Canucks are not only pulling off a major surprise, they’re also pulling off a major feat.

They are the first Canadian team since the Ottawa Senators in 2005 to sit atop the NHL standings at the Christmas break.

Their 23-9-3 record in 35 games for a total of 49 points puts them just ahead of the New York Rangers and Vegas Golden Knights, who are on 37 points.

Only the Rangers have a better points percentage, given that they have a three-game lead over the Canucks.

And if we look at the other statistics, the one that jumps out and impresses even more is the +46 differential.

To give you an idea, the second-best differential in the NHL is +34 and belongs to the Los Angeles Kings.

Don’t even get me started on the Montreal Canadiens, who are at -17.

In short, the Canucks’ season is truly amazing, and not just in team terms.

Individually too, the Canucks are dominating.

Three Vancouver players – J.T. Miller, Quinn Hughes and Elias Pettersson are in the top-10 NHL scorers.

And that’s not counting Brock Boeser, who is also having quite a season, as he finds himself second in NHL scoring with 24 goals, only behind Auston Matthews(who is scoring at a hellish pace).

In short, the Canucks are having an incredible season, no matter how you slice it.

Their best players are performing extremely well, their depth players are doing an exceptional job, and their goalie, Thatcher Demko is among the best goalies in the NHL this year.

Let’s see if the Canucks’ fairy tale continues after the Christmas break, and if they can be a powerhouse for the rest of the season and into the playoffs.

In a gust

– Matvei Michkov, offensive talent and a healthy team. Oh shit, we had to name just one gift.

– Indeed, very nice photo.

– Read more.

Sorting out a crowded Hart Trophy field and more award picks at the holiday break. My latest for@TheAthletic https://t.co/xM3vMhoVqV

– Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) December 24, 2023

– A tough defeat for Erik Johnson and the Buffalo Sabres.

– Auston Matthews disguised as a gift.

– Canadian soccer in 2023.