Mason Raymond getting praise for his 2-way game

When we first saw Mason Raymond play for the Canucks we saw a speedy winger who just wanted to score 100 goals (sometimes all by himself.) Raymond was in and out of the lineup this season probably mostly because his defensive game was lackluster, and that doesn't fly with Coach Vigneault.

Now you can see that Raymond has learned to do what it takes to stick with the lineup. He is responsible on both sides of the ice.

"He's been doing a great job," said Burrows. "Once the D-man got his stick back to get the slapper, Mase was still in the corner. But he really gave it all he had to get in the lane and get down. [Ryan Johnson] probably showed him how."

According to Raymond, no one has shown him anything. He basically knew what he had to do to change his game. More on that at The Province. What happens to Mason when Taylor Pyatt comes back? He is due back in Vancouver sometime this week. Is Raymond the odd man out again? We all know the value of Pyatt in the playoffs. He's a big-body presence who works the PK really well too. Plus he can be tossed on the power play at any time. I think it's going to be a tough call for the coaches if Raymond keeps playing like this, and that is a testament to how far he has come this season.