Friday, May 04, 2007
Canucks 1 Ducks 2 (2 OT)
I'm gonna wrap up last night's game in this post and then recap the Canucks season tonight or tomorrow. Looking back at last night's game, I feel dejected and disappointed; looking at the larger picture however, the season was very much a successful one. But please, allow me to mope for now.
Last night's effort wasn't what I expected. Facing elimination, it was probably their worst effort of the series. They seemed sluggish and disinterested, and were being outplayed, outshot and outchanced. In fact, if it wasn't for Roberto Luongo - and Dany Sabourin for three minutes (Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province) - there was no way the game would have even gone into overtime, much less double overtime.
Louie is, naturally, dejected (Ed Willes, Vancouver Province), but the rest of the team should be as well. Louie had 56 saves last night. Before Niedermayer's goal, he had stopped 54 of 55 shots and gave the Canucks every opportunity to steal a win and bring the series back to Vancouver. They needed one more goal, just one more goal, but couldn't get it.
More from the Mainstream
About the game around the blogosphere
My 3 Stars of the Game
Official Statistics
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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
Last night's effort wasn't what I expected. Facing elimination, it was probably their worst effort of the series. They seemed sluggish and disinterested, and were being outplayed, outshot and outchanced. In fact, if it wasn't for Roberto Luongo - and Dany Sabourin for three minutes (Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province) - there was no way the game would have even gone into overtime, much less double overtime.
Louie is, naturally, dejected (Ed Willes, Vancouver Province), but the rest of the team should be as well. Louie had 56 saves last night. Before Niedermayer's goal, he had stopped 54 of 55 shots and gave the Canucks every opportunity to steal a win and bring the series back to Vancouver. They needed one more goal, just one more goal, but couldn't get it.
More from the Mainstream
- It was really one man vs. the Ducks. (Ed Willes, Vancouver Province)
- He doesn't like losing. (Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province)
- Sensational season comes to a halt. (Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province)
- Sedins sick throughout this series. (Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province)
- Reid finally catches a break. (Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province)
- Nonis has daunting task of upgrading Canucks offence. (Tony Gallagher, Vancouver Province)
- Canucks quacked. (Brad Ziemer, Vancouver Sun)
- The bitter end. (Iain MacIntyre, Vancouver Sun)
- Bone-crushing hit was turning point. (Cam Cole, Vancouver Sun)
- Reid asked to feed need for speed. (Brad Ziemer, Vancouver Sun)
- Luongo couldn't stop them all. (Jim Matheson, Edmonton Journal)
- Goin' quackers. (Terry Jones, Edmonton Sun)
- Vancouver ousted. (Grant Kerr, Globe and Mail)
- Performance for the ages. (Bob Mackenzie, TSN)
- Canucks future looks bright. (Elliotte Friedman, CBC)
- Ducks make this one final. (Elliott Teaford, LA Daily News)
- Luongo's inattention proves costly. (Mark Whicker, OC Register)
- Ducks halfway to the Stanley Cup. (Eric Stephens, LA Times)
- Ducks benefit from May's experience. (Lonnie White and Eric Stephens, LA Times)
- Canucks' Luongo wrongly takes blame. (Helene Elliott, LA Times)
About the game around the blogosphere
- Canucks and Beyond, Waiting For Stanley, The Chief Canuck and Canucks Fangirl have their postgame posts up.
- Check Yankee Canuck and stick in rink as well. I'm sure Mike and Isabella will have something up there eventually.
- For thoughts from the Anaheim side, check Battle of California, Girl With A Puck and Anaheim Duck Fan.
My 3 Stars of the Game
- Roberto Luongo (VAN): 56 saves on 58 shots.
- Scott Niedermayer (ANA): Heads-up play on the game-winner.
- Samuel Pahlsson (ANA): Solid two-way play produced first goal and stopped the Sedin line.
Official Statistics
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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, Luongo
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Round 2 Game 5: One Game, One Period, One Shift At A Time
Alanah and I recorded a brief episode of The Crazy Canucks podcast last night. While we didn't disagree that coming back from a 3-1 series deficit is a huge hill for the Canucks to climb, we also both know that it's not impossible to do. Something she mentioned, however, is something I hope the Canucks keep in mind when they take to the ice tonight for game five - the Canucks need to take it one game, one period, and even one shift at a time. Winning three games in a row against the Ducks is a tall task. Winning one game isn't.
I wouldn't change anything in what the team is doing right now. Well, a Sedin goal and a more effective powerplay would help. Other than that, the Canucks have proven that they can win games playing the way they play. The boys just need to go out there and play like they've played in the last three games. I don't like the 3-1 deficit either, but given what they've shown us all season long, if any team is going to come back from it, it would be this team. One game, one period, one shift at a time.
More pregame pieces:
- It's not like we don't have a chance. (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province)
- Glass is half-full for Game 5. (Ed Willes, Vancouver Province)
- Luongo calling for backup. (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province)
- Powerplay time surprises Hansen. (Ben Kuzma and Jim Jamieson, Vancouver Province)
- Sedins under fire from Vigneault. (Jim Jamieson, Vancouver Province)
- May shows Anaheim how manual labour is done. (Ed Willes, Vancouver Province)
- Sedins on the spot in a twins killing. (Brad Ziemer, Vancouver Sun)
- The Breaking Point. (Iain MacIntyre, Vancouver Sun)
- Bieksa expects to join fray against Anahaeim. (Elliott Pap, Vancouver Sun)
- One Ugly Duckling. (Cam Cole, Vancouver Sun)
- No apology from Ducks coach for physical approach. (Cam Cole, Vancouver Sun)
- Road should ease load for Canucks. (Elliott Pap, Vancouver Sun)
- Experiment pays off for Ducks. (Grant Kerr, Globe and Mail)
- Down to their last life. (Terry Jones, Edmonton Sun)
- Then the wheels came off. (Barry Macdonald, 24 Hours)
- Banged up Selanne held out of practice. (Elliott Teaford, Press Telegram)
- Marchant, Jackman are close to returning. (Lonnie White, LA Times)
- Selanne sticks with it. (Lonnie White, LA Times)
- Selanne tops on all-scar team. (Dan Wood, OC Register)
- Linden vision made NHL re-appear. (Mark Whicker, OC Register)
- Ducks Giguere a difference maker. (Jim Alexander, Press Enterprise)
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 day preview
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Ducks 3 Canucks 2 (OT)
I wish there were room for moral victories in the playoffs. I wish the Canucks could take solace in the fact that as much as the Canucks are down 3-1 in their series against the Anaheim Ducks, it could easily be the other way around.
After the game one drubbing, no one gave them much of a chance in this series. They were supposed to get run over by big, bad Anaheim. They were supposed to be outmuscled and outskilled by the still mighty Ducks. That hasn't happened.
The Canucks again held the upper hand last night. They were outplaying the Ducks and had a 2-0 lead going into the third period. I know they've had problems protecting two-goal leads but it seemed for a while that they were going to do just that. That is, until Chris Pronger scored and Anaheim got the shot in the arm they neeeded.
Time to put my brave face on.
This series is far from over. Despite losing both home games, the Canucks have proven that they can play with these guys. A powerplay goal or two in game three and a Smolinski or Hansen goal in game four and this series could have looked a lot different. If the Canucks can show as much heart as they've shown so far, they can steal game five in Anaheim and bring the series back to Vancouver for game six.
Don't jump off the bandwagon just yet.
More from the Mainstream
About the game around the blogosphere
My 3 Stars of the Game
Official Statistics
Next Game
Game 5 in Anaheim on Thursday night.
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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 game one drubbing, no one gave them much of a chance in this series. They were supposed to get run over by big, bad Anaheim. They were supposed to be outmuscled and outskilled by the still mighty Ducks. That hasn't happened.
The Canucks again held the upper hand last night. They were outplaying the Ducks and had a 2-0 lead going into the third period. I know they've had problems protecting two-goal leads but it seemed for a while that they were going to do just that. That is, until Chris Pronger scored and Anaheim got the shot in the arm they neeeded.
Time to put my brave face on.
This series is far from over. Despite losing both home games, the Canucks have proven that they can play with these guys. A powerplay goal or two in game three and a Smolinski or Hansen goal in game four and this series could have looked a lot different. If the Canucks can show as much heart as they've shown so far, they can steal game five in Anaheim and bring the series back to Vancouver for game six.
Don't jump off the bandwagon just yet.
More from the Mainstream
- Vancouver blows 2-0 third period lead. (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province)
- One big save and this series changes. (Ed Willes, Vancouver Province)
- Just not his night. (Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province)
- Bieksa makes surprise early return from injury. (Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province)
- Cowan lost to knee surgery. (Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province)
- Big push at the end was enough for Ducks. (Tony Gallagher, Vancouver Province)
- Banged up Selanne having fun again. (Canadian Press via Vancouver Province)
- Ducks run amok. (Elliott Pap, Vancouver Sun)
- Even a coach of the year couldn't get this one done. (Cam Cole, Vancouver Sun)
- Stench of inevitability. (Iain MacIntyre, Vancouver Sun)
- Canucks on brink of elimination. (Grant Kerr, Globe and Mail)
- Moen 'em down. (Dan Wood, OC Register)
- Marchant could return to lineup on Thursday. (Dan Wood, OC Register)
- Ducks take charge in OT. (Eric Stephens, LA Times)
- Ducks opt to play the percentages. (Helene Elliott, LA Times)
About the game around the blogosphere
- Liveblog courtesy of the Yankee Canuck.
- Postgame from Canucks and Beyond and Waiting For Stanley.
My 3 Stars of the Game
- Chris Pronger (ANA): One goal, one assist and 32 more minutes of ice-time.
- Brendan Morrison (VAN): Best game - and first goal - of the playoffs.
- Teemu Selanne (ANA): Tied the game late in the third period.
Official Statistics
Next Game
Game 5 in Anaheim on Thursday night.
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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
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.
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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.
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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
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
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.
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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.
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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
