The efforts of General Manager Jim Benning to add depth to the Vancouver Canucks organization has had a significant impact on the play of the Utica Comets. The Comets are off to a red-hot start winning all five games they’ve played. In their most recent homestand, they outscored their opponents by a margin of 21-5. The majority of players this season are the property of the Canucks and their contributions have been outstanding in all positions.

Goaltending

The goaltending tandem of newly acquired Zane McIntyre and Canucks prospect Michael DiPietro has been solid. Consequently, both players have been named as the first star in games thus far. McIntyre started the first two games for the Comets before be summoned by the Canucks to fill in for Jacob Markstrom, who had been given a leave of absence for personal reasons. Both of those games were on the road and ended in 4-3 victories, the second win coming in overtime.

DiPietro received his first American Hockey League start in the Comets home debut. After surrendering an early goal, DiPietro settled down and was terrific the rest of the way. He instantly became a crowd favourite while earning his first professional win. DiPietro stopped 24 of 26 shots in the second game of his two-game stint, as the Comets won convincingly 8-2.

Defence

In watching the Comets play this season, the most noticeable improvement is the mobility of their defencemen. The signings of Brogan Rafferty and Josh Teves have greatly enhanced that position. A healthy Olli Juolevi has also been beneficial. The young defensive core is rounded out by Ashton Sautner, Guillaume Brisebois and Jalen Chatfield.

Juolevi has shown vast improvement in his game without the puck. Last season while he was contributing offensively, his down-low coverage struggled at times. That has not been the case so far this season. He looks to have gained strength in his upper body, and it seems to have paid dividends.

Teves leads the entire AHL in the plus-minus department with a +12 rating. Both his mobility and his transition game have been bonuses.

Rafferty has also been a terrific addition. Both his aspiring two-way play and his impressive transition game have been outstanding while providing the Comets with quality zone exits. Rafferty also ranks among the leaders in plus-minus.

Chatfield, Brisebois and Sautner have all played admirably as well.

Forwards

The Comets have been scoring at a torrid pace to start the season, leading the league in goals scored with 29 in just five games. Several players have played significant roles in that accomplishment.

Reid Boucher leads the league in both goals ( 8 ) and points ( 10 ), while Nikolay Goldobin is just one point behind with nine.

Victims of the Canucks improved roster, Goldobin and Sven Baertschi have been welcome additions to Comets roster, providing a healthy return. Since being sent down to Utica, Baertschi has averaged two points per game.

Zack MacEwen has been outstanding in the early going for the Comets. Unmatched is the intensity and infectious desire that he possesses. MacEwen has contributed offensively while being a physical beast. However, his role on the penalty-killing unit might be his most significant contribution.

After what many called a disappointing year, Kole Lind has shown remarkable improvement thus far in this campaign. Not only has he been producing, with seven points, but he has been getting under the skin of his opponents. His confidence seems to be growing with each outing.

Unfortunately a recent injury to Jonah Gadjovich has marred the start of his season, but prior to his setback he was showing steady progression.

Sophomore Lukas Jasek has been playing a very mature two-way game. One that sees him contributing offensively with four points and defensively with a plus-minus rating of +8. Whereas, the overall play of Jasek has always impressed me; this season, he seems to have reached a new level.

The off-season acquisitions of Justin Bailey, Francis Perron and Tyler Graovac have substantially upgraded the team speed. All three players have been factors in the overall success of the Comets.

Overview

The Vancouver Canucks have had a history of injury-related problems and have not had sufficient quality depth to withstand those situations. No longer is it such the case. The quality of call-up replacement players has substantially improved, and that should have a signif icant impact when injuries do arrive.

Rick Warman is a Vancouver Canucks and prospects contributor for Overtime Heroics. Follow him @statman1956 on Twitter

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