By Canucks Fanz Columnist: Farhan Devji
Throughout his junior career with the Spokane Chiefs of the Western Hockey League, Michael Grabner was notorious for his second half surges of complete and utter domination. Much to the delight of the Manitoba Moose brass, Grabner is staying true to his form. 

Last season with the Chiefs, Vancouver’s first round pick in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft recorded 25 points in his final 21 games and the preceding year, he recorded 24 points in his final 20 games, with 19 of his 24 points being goals. Grabner likely won’t put up those types of numbers again this season with the Moose, however with a considerable portion of offense in the form of Mason Raymond and Jason Jaffray on loan to the Vancouver Canucks, Grabner’s second half surge has come early this season as he has rapidly developed into Manitoba’s go-to-guy.

“It’s obviously a little easier when you get more ice time to do things out there,” said Grabner. “I think it gave me more confidence over the past couple weeks and I think I am playing pretty good right now,” he said.

I’d say. Even though Grabner just had his five-game goal scoring streak snapped, he is still currently tied for the lead in Moose scoring with 13 goals and 11 assists for a total of 24 points in 36 games. He is also currently tied for 5^th in points among American Hockey League rookies. However, Grabner suggests that the stats aren’t his main concern at the moment.

“We have stat sheets and stuff in the dressing room before the games and I obviously look at them but I don’t really care where I’m at,” said the native of Villach, Austria. “I’m trying to improve my game so I can hopefully make it to next level. It’s nice to be right up there but that’s not my main focus right now,” he said.

Grabner went on to say that he can’t really pin point one thing about why he has always seemed to be a second half performer.

“I don’t know what it is that makes me get more points in the second half,” he said. “I don’t think I play that much better it just seems like I get some more bounces and pucks are going in.”

Grabner’s offensive production has been stellar, to say the least, so far this season, however his ability to put the puck in the net was never really the question. Since day one, the major concern about Grabner’s play was the ability for him to play in the defensive zone. But along with his offensive play, Grabner’s performance in his own end has drastically improved since his short stint down the stretch with the Moose last season, and even since the beginning of this season.

“Yeah of course, that was the main focus for me this year,” said Grabner when asked if he had keyed in on his defensive zone play this season. “I think I have proven that I can score when I get chances, now I am trying to prove that I can also be reliable in my own end,” he said.

As the Vancouver Canucks once again find themselves searching for ways to bolster their rather lackluster offensive output, it seems as though Grabner would be the perfect candidate. Instead of having to part with some valuable assets such as Luc Bourdon or Cory Schneider to bring some more scoring into the mix, a call-up could be just what the doctor ordered for the offensively challenged Canucks. However, Grabner is doing his best not to think about the possibility of call-up, at least for now.

“I haven’t heard anything and I’m trying to not think about it and just give it my all here with the Moose,” he said. “I can only play the game, the decision whether they call me up or not is up to them, but I try not to worry about that too much. I’m still young and have to work on some things.”

If his recent play in any indication, the Moose might be without their leading scorer sooner rather than later.

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