It's about damn time we have this. Maxim Lapierre has been a huge asset, especially in the absence of Malhotra. He totally reminds me of Burrows before Burrows started scoring goals. He's fast, he hits, he works his ass off every single shift, and he seems to love playing playoff games. Along with Higgins and Hansen, they've made probably the most consistent line we've had these playoffs since they were put together. When they're on the ice, they carry the flow of the play. Lapierre hasn't taken a single bad penalty in the playoffs (which was the biggest question on him coming here), and AV seems to have him completely dialed in. He's a major asset when he plays like this, and I hope we can retain him in the summer.
I can't be the only one feeling the love for Lappy.
I completely agree. Lapierre centering an offensively threatening third line has been one of the key reasons for the turnaround of the Canucks recently.
I shudder to think what this team would look like if he and Higgins hadn't been acquired. We'd probably see Bolduc getting steady minutes and Glass on the 3rd line. We'd probably also be talking about next season already.
While he's not quite as effective as Malhotra in his role, he's done an admirable job considering his salary and what it cost to acquire him. He's been the best face off man for the Canucks in the playoffs (55.6%) and he's taken over Malhotra's massive number of defensive zone starts. In the playoffs thus far, only 26.3% of Lapierre's zone starts have come in the offensive zone and that's right around Malhotra's 25% figure from the regular season. Throw in the fact that he's only been on the ice for a single GA in 8 games and he's looking like a good pickup. A little more offense would be nice, as the team has only produced 1 goal with him on the ice, but it's tough to complain other than that.
I was a fan of his since last years playoffs. Still remember watching that crazy goal he scored against penguins I think. But yeah good move by MG to acquire Lappy. We'd be screwed if Henrik and Kesler were our only natural centers.
Also, one thing I noticed about him is that, he always sprints to the bench during a line change.
I actually wanted the Canucks to take a look at him when he was flying high in Montreal, but then he fell off the radar. In the role asked of him he's been doing a great job and wouldn't hesitate to take a give him a look next year.
Lap-dog has been great, along with Higgins as well, both easily worth the thirds (+ oberg) traded to acquire them. Such great pick-ups.
I have been greatly impressed with Lapierre's:
face-off %
physicality
discipline
defensive play
offensive play
speed
Especially lately. That's pretty much everything you could ask of him.
He reminds me of Burrows as well. Can't get enough bang-for-buck frenchies on the team, am I right? Haha.
I hope we retain him in the off-season as well. It's about time we have an answer for the 4th line centre. I think we were all getting tired of the revolving door of:
Gotta keep this guy for next year. I believe he's a RFA. Imagine how scary our strength up the middle would be? Henrik, Kesler, Manny (Hoping for a recovery), and Lapierre.
It was under the radar when he got picked up that AV was his junior coach, and had him playing as a shutdown center as well as providing offence. Seems like he responds well to AV and to the coach's credit he seems to have played him a really good amount so far - not too much, not too little.
I still would like to see Hodgson as 3C with Lapierre moving in defensive situations.
He doesn't have the quick hands of Burrows, Alex really does have a special shot and scoring touch. But Lappy seems to have some untapped potential.
Gotta keep this guy for next year. I believe he's a RFA. Imagine how scary our strength up the middle would be? Henrik, Kesler, Manny (Hoping for a recovery), and Lapierre.
That's just sick!
Is it official that Manny's eye injury will heal properly and he'll be able to return? Hope he puts a ****ing visor on his helmet now. But that would be like the best centreman lineup in the NHL outside of like... Pittsburgh and Philly. What about Hodgson though?
He was out there late in the game as the second centre alongside Henrik and wound up taking and winning an important draw after an icing.
He's managed to walk that line of being an agitator without being a distraction or taking penalties. You can always see him after the whistle giving someone a few words especially around the net.
As time has gone on, he's been able to handle a third line role better here. It's likely because he's becoming more familiar with the way the Canucks play and what's expected out of him. I know we don't like to give our coaches much credit but they've molded quite a few of these hustle players into smart two way guys. He reminds me more of Hansen then Burrows in that way. Hansen would bring his energy the past couple seasons but he'd be out of position a lot and couldn't totally be trusted. Now he's one of the better role players in the league and you're not worried about him missing his defensive assignments.
Is it official that Manny's eye injury will heal properly and he'll be able to return? Hope he puts a ****ing visor on his helmet now. But that would be like the best centreman lineup in the NHL outside of like... Pittsburgh and Philly. What about Hodgson though?
I like Hodgson's play on the half wall, he can probably develop into a really good winger. He's smart.
He wouldn't be the first player to switch over to the wing - Raymond was a C coming up. Never hurts to have lots of guys who can fill in on the middle.
I'm sure he'll be back. RFA, cheap, doesn't have the #'s to get much of a raise. Plus as Habs fans have told us, he's actually better as a winger.
Whoa, fascinating. He's handy on the draw but could work wonders with Manny and Hansen as a third line. That would also free up Cody for the 4th line if that's the direction they wanted to take him. It'll be interesting to see where he fits on the team should (hopefully WHEN) Gillis re-sign Maxim.
Good call - Lapierre deserves the respect. I like our new 3rd line (Higgins-Lapierre-Hansen) better than our old 3rd line (Torres-Malholtra-Hansen). Although Malholtra's faceoff ability is undeniable (especially to start a PK) I think Lapierre has a better all around game. He is way more physical, better on the forecheck and is comparable in the defensive zone. When you combine that with the Higgins upgrade on Torres, I really like what I see there right now. I would still love to have Malholtra in the line up but right now I would definitely move him to the 4th line with Torres and Glass if he could magically play again.
Good call - Lapierre deserves the respect. I like our new 3rd line (Higgins-Lapierre-Hansen) better than our old 3rd line (Torres-Malholtra-Hansen). Although Malholtra's faceoff ability is undeniable (especially to start a PK) I think Lapierre has a better all around game. He is way more physical, better on the forecheck and is comparable in the defensive zone. When you combine that with the Higgins upgrade on Torres, I really like what I see there right now. I would still love to have Malholtra in the line up but right now I would definitely move him to the 4th line with Torres and Glass if he could magically play again.
I was really worried about our penalty killing in the post-season once Malhotra went down to injury. Maxim's addition and Kesler/Burrows raising their play has done the trick to date and I wouldn't be surprised to see it continually become more effective.
This guy has pretty much locked up a job for next season in my opinion. Pretty perfect bottom six centre, when combined with Malhotra they'll give us a ridiculous 1-4 punch at the centre ice position. And I love his chemistry with Higgins, I'm not overly confident we'll be able to keep Higgins as he'll most likely head to a team where he can score a top-six role (though that's failed him in the past so maybe he'll be a bit more realistic). I can't see Lapierre costing us a ton on a 2-3 year deal. These guys have some major chemistry, and Hansen can play with anybody.
