After taking more than a month to recover from an ankle injury, Teddy Blueger began his journey with the Vancouver Canucks later than he wanted. Signed to a one-year deal in the offseason, the 29-year-old forward was eager to prove his worth in a bottom-six role. So far, at this point in the season, he’s done just that.
In this post, I’m going to look at three reasons why Blueger has been a solid player for the Canucks this season.
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Reason One: Blueger Is Solid on Defense and Offence
In late November, in a 5-1 win over the Seattle Kraken, Blueger showed both his defensive prowess and his ability to make offensive contributions. Just before scoring a shorthanded goal on a breakaway, he made a great defensive play to intercept a loose puck in the neutral zone. That goal was his first for the Canucks. This game marked a turning point in Blueger’s season. With it, he showed the ability to make crucial plays in all facets of the game.
Reason Two: Blueger Puts Up a Six-Game Point Streak
In the most recent chapter of his Canucks journey, Blueger played a crucial role in a 7-4 victory against the San Jose Sharks by registering two assists. This extended his current point streak to six games. The new Canucks’ player got assists on goals by Nils Aman and Dakota Joshua. Now, with a total of 12 points, 28 shots on net, 15 hits, 14 blocked shots, and a plus-7 rating over 21 games, Blueger has solidified his place as a productive center on the Canucks’ third line.
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Reason Three: Blueger Has Gained Consistency in Bottom-Six Role
From providing assists in wins to scoring goals in critical moments, Blueger has consistently played a key depth role for the Canucks. He’s been solid defensively and unyielding in the offensive zone. As such, he’s become an integral part of the team’s success. No matter who comes and goes with the team, Blueger seems to have found a home. He’s remained a consistent force, showing his adaptability and resilience.
In short, Blueger has been a solid addition to the Canucks. In his role as a bottom-six center, he’s made significant contributions that have shown his defensive brilliance. Now that he’s currently on a six-game point streak, he’s solidified his status as a valuable asset in the team’s bottom-six lineup.
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