Michael (Artem Chubarov) Grabner

Is it just us or does Michael Grabner remind you of Artem Chubarov? Remember Chubarov? He plays for the Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod in the KHL, a team that apparently only has the cool name going for it. Chubarov played a few seasons with the Canucks, joining the team in 1999 and playing in the league until 2003-04. Chubarov like Grabner was a left handed shot, stood 6ft 1in, and weighed about the same as the guy too, just under 200 pounds. Chubarov could skate too, and was considered to be a top prospect in the Canucks systems, drafted 2nd by the Canucks, 31st overall. Grabner was projected to be around the same position, but the Canucks grabbed him up fourteenth overall.

Artem Chubarov was probably best known for being the only player in NHL history to begin his career with four consecutive game-winning goals. Which looking back was a shocker, because he suffered from the same ailment that Grabner seems to be fighting at the moment.

Crestitis.

Crestitis is the inability for a player to shoot at anything other than a goalies crest. Now, Chubarov used to put a ton of shots wide and high as well, so, at least Grabs is getting them in the right direction. But, maybe they need to get him a washing machine like Sidney Crosby has, so he can consistently shoot into it, because the number of chances this guy gets, and puts into goalie equipment is nuts. Chubarov’s season high for goals was 12, as fans we can only pray that Grabner does not follow the same trend.

In the meantime, check Stars by The XX, a great trip hop/pop band coming town and playing at the beloved Commodore.