Latest News and Commentary
I’ll say it again: Cody Hodgson is not playing enough
Written on January 9, 2012 at 09:19, by HTTN
After his incredible 2 point performance against the Boston Bruins, Cody Hodgson is ranked 5th in scoring amongst Canucks forwards with 24 points and he’s done it against the odds–despite playing a meager 12:28 per game.
The list of forwards who have more points than him right now is short and awesome: Daniel and Henrik Sedin, Ryan Kesler, and Alex Burrows.
Yet when it comes to playing time, there are 9 forwards who average more minutes than the rookie.
Point is, the kid is skilled and he’s shown he can score when it matters. When the Canucks are in need of a goal, he should be thrown out on the ice right behind those 4 ahead of him on the scoring chart.
I’m sure you don’t need to be reminded of how good he is, but seriously, just watch his second goal from the Bruins game again. It was incredible. It has future superstar written all over it. But this isn’t the future, he’s that good right now
Last week, Alain Vigneault basically said there are no more minutes to give Hodgson. (from Brad Ziemer of The Vancouver Sun)
“I am not going to drop Hank’s minutes down. I hope I am not that dumb. And I am not going to drop Ryan’s minutes down. That is the reality of our situation.”
The actual reality of the situation is that when Hodgson makes a mistake, he has been punished by losing playing time.
Furthermore, the Canucks have gone past regulation time on 7 occasions this season, and Hodgson has not been given a single overtime shift in 3 of those instances.
How he should be handled
Late in games when the team needs a goal, get Hodgson out there! Put him on Kesler’s wing. In overtime, he should be the 5th forward on the ice, right after those 4 scorers ahead of him.
And for God’s sake, stop punishing him for mistakes because every player makes them.
I can hear you saying, “But you can’t give him the same respect you give the captain and alternate captain of the team!”
Why not? He’s earned it. Tired of hearing about his conditioning, tired of dealing with his injury problems, he took the onus on himself during the offseason to make is body fitter than it had ever been before. The result: in terms of effort, he’s been one of the most consistent Canucks all year long.
On Saturday, blogger Jeff Angus compared Hodgson’s second goal to one by Steve Yzerman.
Yes, Hodgson’s game can be compared to Yzerman’s. His mental make up? (again from The Vancouver Sun)
“Like I have said all along, I am happy to be playing… I’m playing with some good linemates and enjoying playing the game… I’m just happy to contribute whatever way I can.”
With the maturity and attitude he’s showing, it may not be a stretch to say that he’s similar to Yzerman in other ways as well.
Let him play, Canucks. You will be rewarded.
