Monday, April 30, 2007
Ducks 3 Canucks 2
If only the Canucks had some power in their powerplay, they could be up 2-1 in their series against the Ducks instead of the other way around. Here are the powerplay stats that you're going to hear a lot today: the Canucks were 1-for-8 on the powerplay, including two lengthy 5-on-3's, and the Ducks were 2-for-4; in the postseason, the Canucks are 4-for-58 (6.9%) with the man-advantage.
Their lack of efficiency with the man-advantage isn't exactly a surprise. Their 17.2% success rate in the regular season was in the bottom-third of the league, and going into last night's game, they had only scored on three of their 50 powerplay opportunities in the postseason. They did score on one last night, but it's the seven they didn't that was the difference in the game.
Other than that, there are still some positive things to take from the game. For consecutive games now, I don't think that the Canucks were outplayed, and in fact, were better on even-strength and carried the play for much of the first period. Heck, they were able to draw eight penalties, right? Sure the Ducks came on stronger once they got some powerplay time, but until Corey Perry's game-winner, it was really anyone's game. If the Canucks were only able to connect on their own powerplay chance (or two or three), the game could have had a happier ending.
And that's probably what's most disappointing about the game. The Canucks had a glorious chance to give the Ducks their first series deficit in these playoffs. Instead, they face a must-win game on Tuesday. I know all these games are must-win games, but Tuesday's is more so for the simple reason that the Canucks wouldn't want to travel to Anaheim down three games to one.
More from the Mainstream
About the game around the blogosphere
My 3 Stars of the Game
Official Statistics
Next Game
Game 4 on Tuesday night at 7:30 PM.
______________
Comments/Questions: Feel free to post in the comments section or email me at gocanucksgo10 (at) hotmail (dot) com.
Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks, Anaheim+Ducks
Their lack of efficiency with the man-advantage isn't exactly a surprise. Their 17.2% success rate in the regular season was in the bottom-third of the league, and going into last night's game, they had only scored on three of their 50 powerplay opportunities in the postseason. They did score on one last night, but it's the seven they didn't that was the difference in the game.
Other than that, there are still some positive things to take from the game. For consecutive games now, I don't think that the Canucks were outplayed, and in fact, were better on even-strength and carried the play for much of the first period. Heck, they were able to draw eight penalties, right? Sure the Ducks came on stronger once they got some powerplay time, but until Corey Perry's game-winner, it was really anyone's game. If the Canucks were only able to connect on their own powerplay chance (or two or three), the game could have had a happier ending.
And that's probably what's most disappointing about the game. The Canucks had a glorious chance to give the Ducks their first series deficit in these playoffs. Instead, they face a must-win game on Tuesday. I know all these games are must-win games, but Tuesday's is more so for the simple reason that the Canucks wouldn't want to travel to Anaheim down three games to one.
More from the Mainstream
- Paying a price for power outage. (Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province)
- They're storming out of the gate. (Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province)
- Canucks d-men did their job. (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province)
- Tough night for Luongo. (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province)
- One fact in the fog is pretty clear. (Ed Willes, Vancouver Province)
- Trying to fly with three lines. (Tony Gallagher, Vancouver Province)
- Pretty good is not good enough. (Cam Cole, Vancouver Sun)
- Extra man no advantage for Canucks. (Brad Ziemer, Vancouver Sun)
- Opportunities wasted. (Iain MacIntyre, Vancouver Sun)
- Jiggy jams door close on Canucks. (Elliott Pap, Vancouver Sun)
- Ducks know when to turn on power. (Grant Kerr, Globe and Mail)
- Perry comes on strong when it counts. (Grant Kerr, Globe and Mail)
- Corey Perry scores the winner. (Terry Jones, Edmonton Sun)
- Ducks victory a grind-out affair. (Dan Wood, OC Register)
- Ducks take advantage of disadvantage. (Dan Wood, OC Register)
- A day in the mines. (Mark Whicker, OC Register)
- Ducks show killer instinct in 3-2 win. (Eric Stephens, LA Times)
- Ducks' Perry provides the smart moves. (Helene Elliott, LA Times)
- Alexander Edler's goal was to make farm team. (Jim Morris, Canadian Press via NHL.com)
About the game around the blogosphere
- Alanah's come down with the flu (real flu or what the Canucks call a flu?) but shares her postgame thoughts anyway.
- Mike had the liveblog going again.
- More from zanstorm and Hanna.
My 3 Stars of the Game
- Jean-Sebastien Giguere (ANA): Withstood the early Canucks barrage.
- Corey Perry (ANA): A goal and an assist.
- Markus Naslund (VAN): Second goal in as many games. Lots of other chances.
Official Statistics
Next Game
Game 4 on Tuesday night at 7:30 PM.
______________
Comments/Questions: Feel free to post in the comments section or email me at gocanucksgo10 (at) hotmail (dot) com.
Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks, Anaheim+Ducks
Labels: Believe In Blue, game recap
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Ownership Woes
If you've been following the Canucks ownership squabble, here's an update from Brian Hutchinson (National Post):
______________
Comments/Questions: Feel free to post in the comments section or email me at gocanucksgo10 (at) hotmail (dot) com.
Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks
This city is in the throes of playoff hockey ecstasy, and agony. The Vancouver Canucks are in mortal secondround combat with the powerful Anaheim Ducks. Unbeknownst to many Canucks fans, there is another battle brewing, with more at stake than bragging rights and silver trophies. On the line are family connections, closely guarded business secrets, and a $250-million prize: Control of the 35-year-old NHL franchise itself, and the 18,600-seat, profit-churning arena where the team plays.The piece is as detailed as I've seen on this issue. More over here.
A bitter ownership dispute between two wealthy Vancouver families goes to trial on Monday in the Supreme Court of British Columbia. In one corner is the Gaglardi clan. It claims to have been betrayed by former friends and business associates, the Aquilini family, during a protracted attempt three years ago to purchase the Canucks from reclusive Seattle billionaire John McCaw Jr.
______________
Comments/Questions: Feel free to post in the comments section or email me at gocanucksgo10 (at) hotmail (dot) com.
Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks
Labels: ownership
Lucky Lou-nie
Yes, Canucks fans are certainly a superstitious bunch. Who can blame them when it works?
From Greg Douglas (Vancouver Sun):
Comments/Questions: Feel free to post in the comments section or email me at gocanucksgo10 (at) hotmail (dot) com.
Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks, Roberto+Luongo
From Greg Douglas (Vancouver Sun):
It will be awhile before Dallas Stars goaltender Marty Turco has dinner again at Umberto Menghi's signature eatery, Il Giardino on Hornby Street. Not that Turco has anything against the food or service at the charming Tuscan-style villa. He loves the place. But as Turco's superstitions go, forget it.______________
Turco picked up the tab for eight of his teammates last Sunday on the eve of Game 7 in the Canucks-Dallas playoff series. Funny thing is, Il Giardino isn't open Sundays. But Turco insisted. He had wined and dined the same eight teammates earlier in the week and when the Stars won Game 5 the next night at GM Place, Turco wasn't taking no for an answer prior to Game 7. The Dallas players would sit in the same seats, order the same meal and drink the same wine.
After several desperate calls from Turco, the chef and two senior staff members agreed to open the restaurant for his private sitting. All in, it would cost Turco close to $10,000 to have the lights turned on, the grills fired up and the tab delivered for the nine hearty diners.
Dallas, of course, lost 4-1 the next night and Turco to this day is unaware that there was a Canucks souvenir collectible coin -- Roberto Luongo edition -- securely taped to the bottom of his chair. Turco should have known. As the team's rallying cry goes: "We are all Canucks".
Comments/Questions: Feel free to post in the comments section or email me at gocanucksgo10 (at) hotmail (dot) com.
Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks, Roberto+Luongo
Labels: Believe In Blue, Luongo
Canucks 2 Ducks 1 (2 OT)
First of all, to those who hopped back on the bandwagon after last night's 2-1 double overtime win against the Ducks, welcome back.
You had to be impressed with the Canucks' effort last night. Many people wrote them off after game one, and especially with the Sami Salo and Kevin Bieksa still missing from the defense corps and Willie Mitchell supposedly playing on one leg, they dug deep and came up with a solid, solid game.
To a man, they responded to the beating they got from us fans and from the media. Like all good teams do, they adjusted their game and neutralized the high-flying Ducks. While they still had problems at times matching Anaheim's speed, they matched them in effort and kept a lot of the Ducks' chances on the outside. The Canucks outplayed the Ducks on even-strength, and in fact, most of Anaheim's chances only came with the man-advantage. They forechecked and forced turnovers and created scoring chances. They went into the corners, got dirty and won puck battles. In other words, they stopped playing like they were scared of the big, bad Ducks and came out of it with home-ice advantage in this series.
Markus Naslund stripped the puck from Chris Pronger for his first goal since game one of round one. Jeff Cowan scored his second in two games in this series. Lukas Krajicek stepped it up and did his best Jyrki Lumme impression. The rookies, Alex Edler and Jannik Hansen, looked unintimidated. I could go through the entire lineup and find something good about the way they played.
And Roberto Luongo? He answered his critics who said that the Ducks have figured him out and have gotten to his head. He stopped 43 shots and now has his first career win against the Ducks.
Now, while the win to even this series at 1-1 was huge, the more important victory for the Canucks is knowing they can beat the Ducks. They hadn't been able to solve them all season long and certainly not in game one. Now, they head home for games three and four knowing otherwise.
More from the Mainstream
About the game around the blogosphere
My 3 Stars of the Game
Official Statistics
Next Game
Sunday night back at the Garage.
______________
Comments/Questions: Feel free to post in the comments section or email me at gocanucksgo10 (at) hotmail (dot) com.
Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks, Anaheim+Ducks
You had to be impressed with the Canucks' effort last night. Many people wrote them off after game one, and especially with the Sami Salo and Kevin Bieksa still missing from the defense corps and Willie Mitchell supposedly playing on one leg, they dug deep and came up with a solid, solid game.
To a man, they responded to the beating they got from us fans and from the media. Like all good teams do, they adjusted their game and neutralized the high-flying Ducks. While they still had problems at times matching Anaheim's speed, they matched them in effort and kept a lot of the Ducks' chances on the outside. The Canucks outplayed the Ducks on even-strength, and in fact, most of Anaheim's chances only came with the man-advantage. They forechecked and forced turnovers and created scoring chances. They went into the corners, got dirty and won puck battles. In other words, they stopped playing like they were scared of the big, bad Ducks and came out of it with home-ice advantage in this series.
Markus Naslund stripped the puck from Chris Pronger for his first goal since game one of round one. Jeff Cowan scored his second in two games in this series. Lukas Krajicek stepped it up and did his best Jyrki Lumme impression. The rookies, Alex Edler and Jannik Hansen, looked unintimidated. I could go through the entire lineup and find something good about the way they played.
And Roberto Luongo? He answered his critics who said that the Ducks have figured him out and have gotten to his head. He stopped 43 shots and now has his first career win against the Ducks.
Now, while the win to even this series at 1-1 was huge, the more important victory for the Canucks is knowing they can beat the Ducks. They hadn't been able to solve them all season long and certainly not in game one. Now, they head home for games three and four knowing otherwise.
More from the Mainstream
- Duck this, Anaheim. (Iain MacIntyre, Vancouver Sun)
- Burke's bullies fail to intimidate. (Cam Cole, Vancouver Sun)
- Mother of a Duck. (Cam Cole, Vancouver Sun)
- Ducks come up short. (Dan Wood, OC Register)
- Extra effort. (Mark Whicker, OC Register)
- Fresher Canucks see result doubled. (Curtis Zupke, OC Register)
- Ducks alter course on playoff travel. (Dan Wood, OC Register)
- Canucks late-night magic beats Ducks in second overtime. (Eric Stephens, LA Times)
- Canucks defensemen hurting. (Lonnie White and Helene Elliott, LA Times)
- The onus is on the Ducks. (Helene Elliott, LA Times)
- Ducks' Pahlsson well acquainted with Sedin brothers. (Eric Stephens and Helene Elliott, LA Times)
- Squeeze play wins it. (Elliott Teaford, Daily Breeze).
About the game around the blogosphere
- Alanah from Canucks and Beyond recaps the game.
- So does Hanna from Canucks Fangirl and zanstorm from Waiting for Stanley.
- Mike the Yankee Canuck liveblogged the game and called the Cowan game-winner.
- James Mirtle called Cowan's goal a weird one. (We're just used to seeing those sorts of goals happen now.)
- For the SoCal view, check Earl Sleek from Battle of California, Finny from Girl with a Puck, and Anaheim Duck Fan.
My 3 Stars of the Game
- Roberto Luongo (VAN): 43 saves including a lot of huge ones on the Ducks powerplay.
- Jean-Sebastian Giguere (ANA): 47 saves for the home team.
- Lukas Krajicek (VAN): Stepped up his game and was great in 32:07 minutes of ice-time.
Official Statistics
Next Game
Sunday night back at the Garage.
______________
Comments/Questions: Feel free to post in the comments section or email me at gocanucksgo10 (at) hotmail (dot) com.
Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks, Anaheim+Ducks
Labels: Cowan, Ducks, game recap
Friday, April 27, 2007
Round 2 Game 2:
After being embarrassed in game one of this series against the Anaheim Ducks, it was good to hear the Canucks not make any excuses (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province):
I'm really looking forward to tonight's game. If anything, I want to see the pride and character that Fin's boys have shown all season long. I want to see them bounce back and make game two a more competitive game than game one. I want to see Roberto Luongo finally figure out the Ducks. I want to see the Sedins finally figure out the Ducks defense and Mitchell and the defense slow down the Ducks offense. The Canucks obviously didn't play their best game on Monday. From the goaltender out, they need to be better in so many areas and I want to see them do it.
And if they do, then despite the Wednesday night debacle, the Canucks could, amazingly enough, take home-ice advantage away from Anaheim in this series.
Today's pregame pieces:
Comments/Questions: Feel free to post in the comments section or email me at gocanucksgo10 (at) hotmail (dot) com.
Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks, Anaheim+Ducks
“That’s the easy way out,” said Canucks centre Brendan Morrison. “We could sit here and say we’re missing two of our better D-men [Sami Salo, Kevin Bieksa]. But to be honest with you, I haven’t heard that from one guy — not even a mention of it — even with the lineup we’re dressing now.I mentioned the same thing on The Crazy Canucks podcast the other night - the Canucks are going to have to learn to play with the players they have. If that means no Cooke, Kesler, Salo and Bieksa for the remainder of the series, then so be it. The fact is, all playoff teams go through all sorts of adversity and injuries. Those that can overcome them and find a Brian Glynn to step into the lineup go far.
“We believe we can win.”
I'm really looking forward to tonight's game. If anything, I want to see the pride and character that Fin's boys have shown all season long. I want to see them bounce back and make game two a more competitive game than game one. I want to see Roberto Luongo finally figure out the Ducks. I want to see the Sedins finally figure out the Ducks defense and Mitchell and the defense slow down the Ducks offense. The Canucks obviously didn't play their best game on Monday. From the goaltender out, they need to be better in so many areas and I want to see them do it.
And if they do, then despite the Wednesday night debacle, the Canucks could, amazingly enough, take home-ice advantage away from Anaheim in this series.
Today's pregame pieces:
- Frustration is still name of the game for injured Salo, Bieksa. (Associated Press)
- Burrows will continue being burr under Selanne's saddle. (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province)
- New son lends Giguere a fresh perspective. (Tony Gallagher, Vancouver Province)
- Coach in a crunch. (Iain MacIntyre, Vancouver Sun)
- Ducks soar with rejects. (Cam Cole, Vancouver Sun)
- Salo earns an Oscar for injury defence. (Iain MacIntyre, Vancouver Sun)
- Cup time running out. (Grant Kerr, Globe and Mail)
- Intimidation working for Ducks. (Grant Kerr, Globe and Mail)
- Kunitz is key to main line. (Elliott Teaford, LA Daily News)
- Team-first attitude propels Ducks. (Dan Wood, OC Register)
- Ducks make Luongo work for Canucks. (Eric Stephens, LA Times)
Comments/Questions: Feel free to post in the comments section or email me at gocanucksgo10 (at) hotmail (dot) com.
Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks, Anaheim+Ducks
Labels: Believe In Blue, Ducks, game day preview
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Canucks 1 Ducks 5
Well, the good news is, the Canucks got off to the start they wanted. In the first seven minutes of game one, they had three or four quality scoring chances - more than they had in some games against Dallas - and then Jeff Cowan opened up the scoring with his first ever career goal. The bad news is, the lead lasted about two minutes and the game was all Anaheim Ducks afterwards.
After the elation that followed Monday's game seven win, last night's 5-1 loss was as sobering a reality check as they come.
The Canucks simply couldn't keep up with the Ducks. It could have been the fatigue from their seven-game series against the Stars or perhaps the trickle-down effect of missing two of their top-four defensemen. Or maybe the Ducks are just that big, that fast and that skilled.
The good thing is that this was only one game - the first game - in a best-of-seven series. I've said it before but the Canucks have been very good this year at bouncing back after games like these. Hopefully they can bounce back on Friday night.
More from the Mainstream
About the game around the blogosphere
My 3 Stars of the Game
Official Statistics
Next Game
Game 2 goes Friday night in Anaheim.
______________
Comments/Questions: Feel free to post in the comments section or email me at gocanucksgo10 (at) hotmail (dot) com.
Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks, Anaheim+Ducks
After the elation that followed Monday's game seven win, last night's 5-1 loss was as sobering a reality check as they come.
The Canucks simply couldn't keep up with the Ducks. It could have been the fatigue from their seven-game series against the Stars or perhaps the trickle-down effect of missing two of their top-four defensemen. Or maybe the Ducks are just that big, that fast and that skilled.
The good thing is that this was only one game - the first game - in a best-of-seven series. I've said it before but the Canucks have been very good this year at bouncing back after games like these. Hopefully they can bounce back on Friday night.
More from the Mainstream
- This wasn't a fair fight. (Cam Cole, Vancouver Sun)
- Anaheim delivers a shock to the system. (Iain MacIntyre, Vancouver Sun)
- Salo's not in the pink. (Iain MacIntyre, Vancouver Sun)
- Anaheim speeds to early series lead. (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province)
- Vancouver ridiculously outmatched by Ducks. (Tony Gallagher, Vancouver Province)
- Double pain in back end. (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province)
- Are Ducks playing with Luongo's mind? (Tony Gallagher, Vancouver Province)
- He's the complete player. (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province)
- Surging Ducks overpower Luongo. (Grant Kerr, Globe and Mail)
- Hard knocks for 'Nucks. (Terry Jones, Edmonton Sun)
- First strike. (Dan Wood, OC Register)
- Ducks find a way to have fun again, and win. (Randy Youngman, OC Register)
- A touch of Swedish flavor. (Dan Wood, OC Register)
- Luongo gets a taste of Ducks' offense. (Curtis Zupke, OC Register)
- Ducks crush weary Canucks. (Elliott Teaford, Daily Breeze)
- Luongo gets into playoff mode. (Staff reports, LA Times)
- Rust is history for Ducks. (Eric Stephens, LA Times)
- A poised Pronger sets the tone for Ducks. (Helene Elliott, LA Times)
About the game around the blogosphere
- More postgame thoughts from Alanah, zanstorm and Hanna.
- Earl Sleek was at the game and shares his view from his playoff seat.
My 3 Stars of the Game
- Andy Macdonald (ANA): First career playoff hat-trick.
- Teemu Selanne (ANA): Goal, assist and somehow shoved Burrows into a diving penalty.
- Chris Pronger (ANA): Did he ever leave the ice?.
Official Statistics
Next Game
Game 2 goes Friday night in Anaheim.
______________
Comments/Questions: Feel free to post in the comments section or email me at gocanucksgo10 (at) hotmail (dot) com.
Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks, Anaheim+Ducks
Labels: Believe In Blue, Ducks, game recap, Macdonald
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Round 2 Game 1: Maggie Picked Us
On paper, the Anaheim Ducks are a much better team than the Vancouver Canucks. In the regular season, they scored half a goal more per game (3.10 - 2.65) and their powerplay was five points more efficient (22.4% - 17.2%). They beat up the other team more and led the league in fighting majors and penalty minutes.
The head-to-head match-up isn't much better. The Ducks and the Canucks played each other four times and the Ducks won three of them; they outscored the Canucks 14-6 in those games.
There's no denying this is going to be a tough series for the Canucks. Up front, the Ducks have a bigger, quicker, and arguably, a more skilled group of skaters; on their back end, they have Scott Niedermayer and Chris Pronger and Francois Beauchemin.
The Canucks, however, have Roberto Luongo, the great neutralizer. If they are going to have a chance in this series, Louie is going to have to be great again. Hard to believe that he can be better than he was in the Stars series, but it has to help now that he has one playoff series and one playoff series win now under his belt.
Remember too that the Canucks won the Dallas series despite scoring just 13 goals (two of them in empty nets) in seven games. The hope is that they'll score more goals this time.
Almost every pundit I've seen or read in the last couple of days - with the exception of Maggie the Monkey - has picked the Ducks to win this series. If I was Alain Vigneault, I'd post those predictions in the locker room and then ask his boys to prove them wrong.
The game 1 preview pieces:
- Intriguing GM meeting. (Ed Willes, Vancouver Province)
- Luongo, Giguere, key net matchup. (Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province)
- Sizing up sizable opposition. (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province)
- Ducks better in everywhere but net. (Jim Jamieson, Vancouver Province)
- Read between the lines for injury status. (Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province)
- Selanne likes his chances. (Tony Gallagher, Vancouver Province)
- Just between friends. (Cam Cole, Vancouver Sun)
- Don't be fooled. (Elliott Pap, Vancouver Sun)
- No ducking now. (Brad Ziemer, Vancouver Sun)
- Ducks still pretty mighty against Vancouver. (Elliott Pap, Vancouver Sun)
- Canucks hope to catch resting Canucks off-guard. (Brad Ziemer, Vancouver Sun)
- Several Canucks nursing wounds. (Elliott Pap, Vancouver Sun)
- Series not about us. (Brad Ziemer, Vancouver Sun)
- Burke and Linden forever linked, even in playoffs. (Grant Kerr, Globe and Mail)
- Matchup just Ducky for Burke. (Jim Matheson, Edmonton Journal)
- Brian Burke says it's no big deal. (Terry Jones, Edmonton Sun)
- Friends Burke, Nonis won't be pulling for each other. (USA Today)
- Canucks' goalie Luongo is focus of attention. (Lonnie White, LA Times)
- Impact of Ducks' Burke is felt on both sides in NHL playoff series. (Eric Stephens, LA Times)
- Rest doesn't mean relax for Ducks. (Eric Stephens, LA Times)
- Familiarity breeds competition. (OC Register)
Comments/Questions: Feel free to post in the comments section or email me at gocanucksgo10 (at) hotmail (dot) com.
Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks, Anaheim+Ducks
Labels: Believe In Blue, Burke, game day preview, Luongo, Nonis
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Stars 1 Canucks 4
Some will say the Vancouver Canucks were lucky that the crossbar was placed right where Mike Modano can hit it. Some will say the Canucks were lucky that the officiating crew gave them double the number of man-advantages than they gave the Stars. (Those people obviously hadn't seen the Canucks' powerplay this series.) I'll tell you this: You have to be good to be lucky, and last night, the Canucks were good. As Alain Vigneault asked for, they worked their tushies off and were good.
Roberto Luongo was good. Okay, he was great. Stu Barnes will attest to that. In Louie's first season as a Vancouver Canuck, he took them to the postseason, and in his first postseason appearance,won stole them a first playoff series.
Trevor Linden, the game seven scoring leader among active players, was good. The scoresheet recorded a goal and an assist, but he gave the Canucks more than that. He was as much a presence on the ice as he was to the team in '94.
The Sedins were good. Especially in the latter half of game seven, they got their cycle game going and created scoring chances and drew penalties.
Taylor Pyatt was good. Guess who threw his weight around to give the Sedins room for their cycle game?
Markus Naslund was good. So were Jan Bulis, Jannik Hansen, Bryan Smolinski, and the defense. Even the aforementioned powerplay, which had only scored one goal in the entire series, responded with two big goals. In fact, it's hard to find anyone in the lineup who didn't respond to Alain Vigneault's challenge to be better than they were after game six.
Hats off to the Marty Turco and the Dallas Stars for a fine series. And when I say fine, I mean competitive. Most of the games weren't pretty but they produced the best goaltending duel I've ever seen and kept me at the edge of my seats.
Now for their efforts, the Canucks get to meet Brian Burke and the Anaheim Ducks. In the second round of the playoffs. For the first time in four years and for only the second time at GM Place.
More from the Mainstream
About the game around the blogosphere
My 3 Stars of the Game
Official Statistics
Next Game
Round 2 stars tomorrow night in Anaheim.
______________
Comments/Questions: Feel free to post in the comments section or email me at gocanucksgo10 (at) hotmail (dot) com.
Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks, Dallas+Stars
Roberto Luongo was good. Okay, he was great. Stu Barnes will attest to that. In Louie's first season as a Vancouver Canuck, he took them to the postseason, and in his first postseason appearance,
Trevor Linden, the game seven scoring leader among active players, was good. The scoresheet recorded a goal and an assist, but he gave the Canucks more than that. He was as much a presence on the ice as he was to the team in '94.
The Sedins were good. Especially in the latter half of game seven, they got their cycle game going and created scoring chances and drew penalties.
Taylor Pyatt was good. Guess who threw his weight around to give the Sedins room for their cycle game?
Markus Naslund was good. So were Jan Bulis, Jannik Hansen, Bryan Smolinski, and the defense. Even the aforementioned powerplay, which had only scored one goal in the entire series, responded with two big goals. In fact, it's hard to find anyone in the lineup who didn't respond to Alain Vigneault's challenge to be better than they were after game six.
Hats off to the Marty Turco and the Dallas Stars for a fine series. And when I say fine, I mean competitive. Most of the games weren't pretty but they produced the best goaltending duel I've ever seen and kept me at the edge of my seats.
Now for their efforts, the Canucks get to meet Brian Burke and the Anaheim Ducks. In the second round of the playoffs. For the first time in four years and for only the second time at GM Place.
More from the Mainstream
- Ageless Linden in vintage (uni)form. (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province)
- Old guys show up when it's do or die. (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province)
- Sedins show no Euro-softyness. (Ed Willes, Vancouver Province)
- Fans finally have Luongo to float their hopes. (Ed Willes, Vancouver Province)
- After Luongo, the key guy was Mitchell. (Tony Gallagher, Vancouver Province)
- Luongo simply 'couldn't be happier'. (Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province)
- Dallas unable to fill huge void left by absence of star D-man Zubov. (Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province)
- Hockey gods smile on Canucks in crucial game. (Cam Cole, Vancouver Sun)
- Sweet 16: Trevor Linden leads the way. (Iain MacIntyre, Vancouver Sun)
- It's Duck season. (Elliott Pap, Vancouver Sun)
- In a golden state. (Elliott Pap, Vancouver Sun)
- Tippet 'baffled' by proliferation of penalties. (Brad Ziemer, Vancouver Sun)
- Linden takes coach's tip, then tips in winner. (Grant Kerr, Globe and Mail)
- Linden seals the deal. (Terry Jones, Edmonton Sun)
- Vanquished. (Mike Heika, Dallas Morning News)
- Canucks break through in Game 7. (Kate Hairopoulos, Dallas Morning News)
- Stars vanish in Vancouver. (Jean-Jacques Taylor, Dallas Morning News)
- Injury forces Stars to go without Zubov. (Staff reports, Dallas Morning News)
- Another empty feeling for Stars. (Tracey Myers, DFW Star-Telegram)
- Stars show plenty of heart but ran out of gas in the end. (Jim Reeves, DFW Star-Telegram)
- Stars mad at penalty calls. (Jennifer Floyd-Engel, DFW Star-Telegram)
- Fans subdued by Turco effort. (Jennifer Floyd-Engel, DFW Star-Telegram)
About the game around the blogosphere
- James Mirtle's loving Trevor Linden.
- Alanah's in a bragging mood.
- Mike the Yankee Canuck liveblogged the game.
- Jes shares his - and his girl's - postgame thoughts.
- So does Waiting For Stanley, The Chief Canuck and Canucks Fangirl.
My 3 Stars of the Game
- Roberto Luongo (VAN): Wouldn't let the Stars build on their 1-0 lead.
- Trevor Linden (VAN): Responded to Vigneault's rant with his best performance of the series.
- Henrik Sedin (VAN): Finally able to set up the cycle; one goal and an assist.
Official Statistics
Next Game
Round 2 stars tomorrow night in Anaheim.
______________
Comments/Questions: Feel free to post in the comments section or email me at gocanucksgo10 (at) hotmail (dot) com.
Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks, Dallas+Stars
Labels: Believe In Blue, game recap, Linden, Luongo
Monday, April 23, 2007
Round 1 Game 7: Three Times A Charm?
After what seemed like a certain second round match-up against the Anaheim Ducks just five days ago, it's now come down to this. One game. Game seven. Winner takes all.
If you're a regular reader of this blog, you'll know that I tend to be a glass half-full kinda guy. I know I focus a lot on the positives, spin or otherwise. Right now, I would normally be rattling off stats like how long it's been since the Canucks have lost three in a row; or how many times the Sedins have been left scoreless for this many games this season; or how much more experienced the Canucks are when it comes to playing in game sevens; or how many times Roberto Luongo has lost a game seven in his career.
However, one thing I've noticed in my postseason posts is how often the games have gone against the stats I've pointed out, so for tonight's game, I'm going to point out a negative stat instead in hopes of reversing it. In all the game sevens that I've ever attended at GM Place, the Canucks are one game under .500. They've won one (Blues '03) and lost two (Wild '03 and Flames '04). Along with the Sedins' and Naslund's lack of scoring and the powerplay's ineffectiveness, surely that's a stat the Canucks want to correct, eh?
Plenty of pregame previews for tonight's game seven:
- Seventh: heaven or otherwise. (Vancouver Province)
- It's been a long, long, long series. (Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province)
- Old guard knows it's time to win this battle for playoff survival. (Ed Willes, Vancouver Province)
- Coach Vigneault still pointing finger. (Ed Willes, Vancouver Province)
- Sedins feel responsibility. (Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province)
- Burrows maintains there was no malice aforethought in his slash on winger Morrow. (Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province)
- No hitch to slow down Modano's speed game. (Tony Gallagher, Vancouver Province)
- Game 7: It's up to the Canucks tonight. (Iain MacIntyre, Vancouver Sun)
- Work ethic goes AWOL in humiliating Game 6 loss. (Brad Ziemer, Vancouver Sun)
- Vigneault's advice: Try harder. (Brad Ziemer, Vancouver Sun)
- Burrows, Morrow agree to differ. (Brad Ziemer, Vancouver Sun)
- Port McNeill rallies around hometown hero Mitchell. (Chantal Eustace, Vancouver Sun)
- Vigneault wants veterans to get worked up. (Grant Kerr, Globe and Mail)
- There could be a shortage of Canadian teams in playoffs. (Terry Jones, Edmonton Sun)
- Turco, Stars roll into Game 7. (Mike Heika, Dallas Morning News)
- Can Stars push enough to pull an upset? (Mike Heika, Dallas Morning News)
- Seven will be a winner for Stars. (Jean-Jacques Taylor, Dallas Morning News)
- Stars consider backup plan. (Mike Heika, Dallas Morning News)
- A quiet, confident ride for Stars. (Kate Hairopoulos, Dallas Morning News)
- With all things equal, pressure is set on high. (Dallas-Fort Worth Star-Telegram)
- Digging deep now paying off. (Tracey Myers, DFW Star-Telegram)
- Definitely the coach's Stars. (Jim Reeves, DFW Star-Telegram)
- Canucks have had ups, downs in Game 7. (Milenko Martinovich, DFW Star-Telegram)
- Turco carries his entourage again. (Jennifer Floyd-Engel, DFW Star-Telegram)
Comments/Questions: Feel free to post in the comments section or email me at gocanucksgo10 (at) hotmail (dot) com.
Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks, Dallas+Stars
Labels: Believe In Blue, game day preview, Stars
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Canucks 0 Stars 2
I'm hungover, I'm tired and I'm pissed off.
I want to curse and swear and rant on and on about how the Canucks, on their most important game of the season, didn't bother to come out and play, but Alain Vigneault already did that (Ed Willes, Vancouver Province):
More from the Mainstream
About the game around the blogosphere
My 3 Stars of the Game
Official Statistics
Next Game
Game 7 tomorrow at 6 PM.
______________
Comments/Questions: Feel free to post in the comments section or email me at gocanucksgo10 (at) hotmail (dot) com.
Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks, Dallas+Stars
I want to curse and swear and rant on and on about how the Canucks, on their most important game of the season, didn't bother to come out and play, but Alain Vigneault already did that (Ed Willes, Vancouver Province):
Before his players could board the bus, Alain Vigneault threw them under it Saturday night.Neither do I, though like they've been able to do all season, I hope they can somehow snap out this little funk and pull out the series win tomorrow night.
Citing a lack of leadership and effort from his veteran core in a crucial 2-0 loss to the Dallas Stars that evened the best-of-seven Western Conference quarterfinal series at three games apiece, the Vancouver Canucks coach put his stars in the crosshairs and pulled the trigger.
How they respond to the tongue-lashing will either script a series victory Monday night in Game 7 at GM Place or a sorry slide from another 3-1 series lead.
"Players that have played the longest are not bringing their A-game to the table and that's why we lost," said a solemn Vigneault. "Not just the game they're putting on the ice, but their work ethic and dedication and commitment that's needed. And that's just not good enough.
"If we bring this type of game and effort on the ice [in Game 7], I don't like our chances."
More from the Mainstream
- Sleepy series suits Buddhists, not fans. (Tony Gallagher, Vancouver Province)
- Pathetic powerplay sends it to 7. (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province)
- Ultimate test of character on Monday. (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province)
- Limping Morrow says he'll be back. (Tony Gallagher, Vancouver Province)
- Injured Cooke clearly not cut out for the cheerleading role. (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province)
- Stars are aligned. (Terry Jones, Edmonton Sun)
- No mystery after Dallas victories. (Terry Jones, Slam Sports)
- Turco, Stars roll into Game 7. (Mike Heika, Dallas Morning News)
- By doing a little more, Stars to play another day. (Jean-Jacques Taylor, Dallas Morning News)
- Finally, a goal for Modano. (Chuck Carlton, Dallas Morning News)
- Stars upset at late slash. (Chuck Carlton, Dallas Morning News)
- Stars to report Canucks for slash on Morrow. (Dallas Morning News)
- Canucks coach calls out his players. (Kate Hairopoulos, Dallas Morning News)
- Turco's zeroes force Game 7 for Stars. (Tracey Myers, DFW Star-Telegram)
- Stars say bye-bye to boring and hello to momentum shift. (Jim Reeves, DFW Star-Telegram)
- Monster Mo has Stars looking scary. (Jennifer Floyd-Engel, DFW Star-Telegram)
- Best Canucks not giving their best? (Milenko Martinovich, DFW Star-Telegram)
About the game around the blogosphere
- Postgame calmness from Alanah.
- Postgame thoughts from The Chief Canuck, Waiting For Stanley and Canucks Fangirl.
- Jes has some not-so-cool stats.
- If you're the type to like torturing yourself, The Yankee Canuck liveblogged the game.
My 3 Stars of the Game
- Mike Modano (DAL): His first goal of the series stood as the game-winning goal.
- Marty Turco (DAL): Two consecutive shutouts now.
- Roberto Luongo (VAN): Was perhaps the only Canuck to bring his A-game.
Official Statistics
Next Game
Game 7 tomorrow at 6 PM.
______________
Comments/Questions: Feel free to post in the comments section or email me at gocanucksgo10 (at) hotmail (dot) com.
Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks, Dallas+Stars
Labels: Believe In Blue, game recap, Stars
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Round 1 Game 6: Take Two
Remember when the Canucks had a chance to clinch the Northwest Division against the Colorado Avalanche? Remember how the didn't but clinched a couple of days later in San Jose?
Like then, I pray to God that after the Canucks' inability to close off the series last Thursday, that they can go into Dallas and finally eliminate the Stars. Let's face it, no one outside of Texas wants to see a game seven.
In any other year - and with anyone but Luongo in goal - I would probably be nervous about going to the road team's building for a crucial game. However, the Canucks haven't lost back-to-back games in more than a month, and as you know, the Canucks always save their best games for the road (Elliott Pap, Vancouver Sun):
Comments/Questions: Feel free to post in the comments section or email me at gocanucksgo10 (at) hotmail (dot) com.
Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks, Dallas+Stars
Like then, I pray to God that after the Canucks' inability to close off the series last Thursday, that they can go into Dallas and finally eliminate the Stars. Let's face it, no one outside of Texas wants to see a game seven.
In any other year - and with anyone but Luongo in goal - I would probably be nervous about going to the road team's building for a crucial game. However, the Canucks haven't lost back-to-back games in more than a month, and as you know, the Canucks always save their best games for the road (Elliott Pap, Vancouver Sun):
The Vancouver Canucks have the Dallas Stars right where they want them tonight: In Dallas.More game day pieces from the mainstream:
Strange, isn't it? Teams sweat it out to finish high in the standings, they gain home-ice advantage and then all they do is lose.
The road is a beautiful place in this series. The road team has won four straight. The home team has prevailed just once -- and that took quadruple overtime.
Dallas, in fact, has dropped six straight home playoff dates. Things couldn't look any better for the Canucks as they attempt to finish off the Stars at the American Airlines Center.
- The series about nothing. (Iain MacIntyre, Vancouver Sun)
- Don't fret over powerplay, coach warns. (Elliott Pap, Vancouver Sun)
- Paging the Sedins. (Terry Jones, Winnipeg Sun)
- Canucks, Stars regroup for pivotal game. (Grant Kerr, Globe and Mail)
- Turco shows his saving grace. (Jean-Jacques Taylor, Dallas Morning News)
- Another streak looms for Stars. (Mike Heika, Dallas Morning News)
- Stars' Sydor thrives on hitting. (Kate Hairopoulos, Dallas Morning News)
- Burden of proof. (Jennifer Floyd-Engel, DFW Star-Telegram)
- Signs of a shift? (Tracey Myers, DFW Star-Telegram)
- Oh brother, where's the scoring? (Milenko Martinovich, DFW Star-Telegram)
- Checklist is incomplete on home ice. (Tracey Myers, DFW Star-Telegram)
Comments/Questions: Feel free to post in the comments section or email me at gocanucksgo10 (at) hotmail (dot) com.
Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks, Dallas+Stars
Labels: Believe In Blue, game day preview, Stars
Friday, April 20, 2007
Stars 1 Canucks 0 (OT)
The Dallas Stars' powerplay, 2-for-28 in the series prior to the opportunity they got in overtime, picked a good time to get going. Brendan Morrow went to the front of the net, tipped Sergei Zubov's point shot behind Roberto Luongo and extended the Stars' playoff lives for at least two more nights.
It was a disappointing end to what was the most entertaining game of the entire series. The Canucks talked about killer instinct prior to the game. To be fair, they did all the right things except beat Marty Turco. They came out strong and generated some early scoring chances. In fact, the shots were 6-1 before the game was even four minutes old; Turco stopped them all.
It was a matter of first break gets the goal and first goal gets the win, and Dallas got their break in overtime with a lousy Canucks line change that led to their powerplay goal.
Game six is Saturday night in Dallas. It should be a hostile environment (though I don't know if Jennifer Floyd-Engel will be watching). I have tickets for game seven, but I don't want to have to use them.
More from the Mainstream
About the game around the blogosphere
My 3 Stars of the Game
Official Statistics
Next Game
Game 6 goes Saturday night back in Dallas.
____________
Comments/Questions: Feel free to post in the comments section or email me at gocanucksgo10 (at) hotmail (dot) com.
Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks, Dallas+Stars
It was a disappointing end to what was the most entertaining game of the entire series. The Canucks talked about killer instinct prior to the game. To be fair, they did all the right things except beat Marty Turco. They came out strong and generated some early scoring chances. In fact, the shots were 6-1 before the game was even four minutes old; Turco stopped them all.
It was a matter of first break gets the goal and first goal gets the win, and Dallas got their break in overtime with a lousy Canucks line change that led to their powerplay goal.
Game six is Saturday night in Dallas. It should be a hostile environment (though I don't know if Jennifer Floyd-Engel will be watching). I have tickets for game seven, but I don't want to have to use them.
More from the Mainstream
- Luongo, Turco duel to death. (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province)
- Oh, oh, oh no! 3rd OT game a loss. (Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province)
- Yet more anxiety to come for the faithful. (Ed Willes, Vancouver Province)
- Playoff battle scars tell the true story of Canucks' Pyatt. (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province)
- Cooke crumbles? (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province)
- Six years between playoffs for Green. (Jim Morris, Canadian Press via Vancouver Province)
- Peak experience lets Dallas survive. (Tony Gallagher, Vancouver Province)
- Tussle's set for Texas. (Brad Ziemer, Vancouver Sun)
- Winning this won't be easy. (Iain MacIntyre, Vancouver Sun)
- One more to Morrow. (Elliott Pap, Vancouver Sun)
- Former Canuck keeps tabs on old team. (Elliott Pap, Vancouver Sun)
- Coach deserves credit for Canucks' success. (Terry Jones, Edmonton Sun)
- Stars live another day. (Grant Kerr, Globe and Mail)
- This could be the year of Luongo. (Stephen Brunt, Globe and Mail)
- Stars alive after five with win in OT. (Mike Heika, Dallas Morning News)
- Morrow challenges with a capital 'C'. (Jean-Jacques Taylor, Dallas Morning News)
- Sedin twins can't find the net. (Kate Hairopoulos, Dallas Morning News)
- Lindros makes presence known. (Mike Heika, Dallas Morning News)
- Stars alive for the Morrow. (Tracey Myers, DFW Star-Telegram)
- Gee, all it took for Stars was begging, pleading. (Jim Morris, DFW Star-Telegram)
About the game around the blogosphere
My 3 Stars of the Game
- Marty Turco (DAL): 2nd shutout of the series.
- Roberto Luongo (VAN): Only goal to beat him was a tipped powerplay goal.
- Brendan Morrow (DAL): Stars captain tipped in the game's only goal in overtime.
Official Statistics
Next Game
Game 6 goes Saturday night back in Dallas.
____________
Comments/Questions: Feel free to post in the comments section or email me at gocanucksgo10 (at) hotmail (dot) com.
Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks, Dallas+Stars
Labels: Believe In Blue, game recap, Stars
