Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Coyotes 1 Canucks 3
I've ordered the Canucks pay-per-view game on Shaw seven times this season. I've had problems five of those times. Last night, I missed the last 10 minutes of the game because the screen blacked out. It was stupid. Fucking stupid. (Or maybe I am for forking out the money anyway.)
For those who want a refund, the number is (604) 629-8888. You can also send an email from this link:
https://secure.shaw.ca/need_help/Request_Help_Form.asp
They'll offer you a refund of anywhere of $4.32 because they claim that there was only ten minutes left in the game. I'm personally of the opinion that we should all get full refunds but I'll leave it to you to think if $4 is fair or not.
*****
The Canucks looked a lot more interested last night than the last time they played Phoenix (the 2-0 loss). As he'd done all season, Luongo shut the door. For the first time in a long time, the Sedins provided the offense. As was expected, Rick Rypien and Nathan McIver didn't let the Coyotes throw their weight around. If the Canucks were intimidated last time around, they weren't last night, and in fact, controlled a good chunk of the game.
While the Morrison, Naslund and Pettinger line didn't show up on the score sheet, I thought they had another great game. Naslund and Morrison looked like they may have rekindled some chemistry from their WCE days. Pettinger hasn't looked out of place either and seemed to be able to read where Nazzy and Mo were going.
If this line could be a consistent threat, then it's obviously good news for the Canucks but especially good news for the Sedins. It certainly makes the opposition coaches think twice about who they want defending which line. I don't think it's a coincidence that, one game after combining for nine points, Nazzy, Mo and Pettinger faced Ed Jovanovski for most of the game. The Sedins faced Keith Ballard and Derek Morris and took full advantage.
*****
Does injury news even surprise us anymore? This time, Mason Raymond is expected to be out of the lineup for four weeks with a second degree MCL sprain (TSN.ca).
After the game, Alain Vigneault wasn't pleased:
I agree with Alanah. The hit was definitely a knee-to-knee, though I can't tell if Ballard intentionally stuck out his knee. Raymond's quick and Ballard's not. To me, it just seemed that Ballard went for the hit, Raymond kinda got by him and Ballard ended up getting him late. Tough call for sure, but even tougher break for Raymond, who's really been one of the Canucks' bright spots this season.
More from the MSM:
Thursday night against the Edmonton Oilers.
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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, Phoenix+Coyotes
For those who want a refund, the number is (604) 629-8888. You can also send an email from this link:
https://secure.shaw.ca/need_help/Request_Help_Form.asp
They'll offer you a refund of anywhere of $4.32 because they claim that there was only ten minutes left in the game. I'm personally of the opinion that we should all get full refunds but I'll leave it to you to think if $4 is fair or not.
*****
The Canucks looked a lot more interested last night than the last time they played Phoenix (the 2-0 loss). As he'd done all season, Luongo shut the door. For the first time in a long time, the Sedins provided the offense. As was expected, Rick Rypien and Nathan McIver didn't let the Coyotes throw their weight around. If the Canucks were intimidated last time around, they weren't last night, and in fact, controlled a good chunk of the game.
While the Morrison, Naslund and Pettinger line didn't show up on the score sheet, I thought they had another great game. Naslund and Morrison looked like they may have rekindled some chemistry from their WCE days. Pettinger hasn't looked out of place either and seemed to be able to read where Nazzy and Mo were going.
If this line could be a consistent threat, then it's obviously good news for the Canucks but especially good news for the Sedins. It certainly makes the opposition coaches think twice about who they want defending which line. I don't think it's a coincidence that, one game after combining for nine points, Nazzy, Mo and Pettinger faced Ed Jovanovski for most of the game. The Sedins faced Keith Ballard and Derek Morris and took full advantage.
*****
Does injury news even surprise us anymore? This time, Mason Raymond is expected to be out of the lineup for four weeks with a second degree MCL sprain (TSN.ca).
After the game, Alain Vigneault wasn't pleased:
"In my opinion it was a dirty hit," Vigneault said. "I can't see how they couldn't have seen that, knee-on-knee. I hope the league is going to review it."Alanah (Canucks and Beyond) has the Youtube video:
I agree with Alanah. The hit was definitely a knee-to-knee, though I can't tell if Ballard intentionally stuck out his knee. Raymond's quick and Ballard's not. To me, it just seemed that Ballard went for the hit, Raymond kinda got by him and Ballard ended up getting him late. Tough call for sure, but even tougher break for Raymond, who's really been one of the Canucks' bright spots this season.
More from the MSM:
- Split Sedins. (Jim Jamieson, Vancouver Province;
- Payback's a bitch. (Ed Willes, Vancouver Province; Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province; Brad Ziemer, Vancouver Sun; Iain MacIntyre, Vancouver Sun)
- Ohlund speaks to the press. (Jim Jamieson, Vancouver Province; Elliott Pap, Vancouver Sun).
Thursday night against the Edmonton Oilers.
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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, Phoenix+Coyotes
Labels: Coyotes, game recap, Raymond, Sedin
Monday, April 09, 2007
Canucks 1 Coyotes 3
Truth be told, I wasn't expecting much from yesterday's game against the Phoenix Coyotes. Good thing too because it really wasn't much of a game. The Canucks went into Phoenix, pleaded "please don't hurt us" and gift-wrapped a 3-1 loss to Wayne Gretzky and crew. In fact, at one point of the Sportsnet broadcast, Jim Hughson mentioned how much it felt like an exhibition game.
A couple of moments worth noting, however.
Classy move on Gretzky's part to call a timeout after Jeremy Roenick scored his empty net goal; it may very well have been the last goal of Roenick's NHL career. After spending a total of six seasons in Phoenix, it gave the fans an opportunity to give him a good ovation.
Ditto on Gretzky's move to pull Curtis Joseph with a few seconds left. Cujo, who turns 40 later this month, may have played his last NHL game. Good on Gretzky to realize this and good on the fans to acknowledge what could have been his final win.
More from the Mainstream
Official Statistics
Next Game
Wednesday night - game 1 against the Dallas Stars.
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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, Phoenix+Coyotes
A couple of moments worth noting, however.
Classy move on Gretzky's part to call a timeout after Jeremy Roenick scored his empty net goal; it may very well have been the last goal of Roenick's NHL career. After spending a total of six seasons in Phoenix, it gave the fans an opportunity to give him a good ovation.
Ditto on Gretzky's move to pull Curtis Joseph with a few seconds left. Cujo, who turns 40 later this month, may have played his last NHL game. Good on Gretzky to realize this and good on the fans to acknowledge what could have been his final win.
More from the Mainstream
- Bring out the Stars. (Iain MacIntyre, Vancouver Sun)
- Nonis won't take credit. (Iain MacIntyre, Vancouver Sun)
- Mitchell gives scouting report. (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province)
- Coyotes end season with win. (Bob Baum, Associated Press via Arizona Central)
Official Statistics
Next Game
Wednesday night - game 1 against the Dallas Stars.
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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, Phoenix+Coyotes
Labels: Coyotes, game recap, Joseph, Roenick
Friday, March 09, 2007
Coyotes 2 Canucks 4
23-4-4. That's the Canucks' record since Christmas. That's 50 out of a possible 62 points. That's 81% of points available in almost 40% of the season.
Someone asked yesterday (on TEAM 1040 or the PPV telecast, I can't remember) if the Canucks are on a good run or if they are for real. Put it this way, I'm trying to temper down my own expectations but it's awfully hard to.
Then Ed Willes (Vancouver Province) points this out:
More from the Mainstream
About the game around the blogosphere
My 3 Stars of the Game
Official Statistics
Next Game
Tough test tonight against the revamped and loaded San Jose Sharks.
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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, Phoenix+Coyotes
Someone asked yesterday (on TEAM 1040 or the PPV telecast, I can't remember) if the Canucks are on a good run or if they are for real. Put it this way, I'm trying to temper down my own expectations but it's awfully hard to.
Then Ed Willes (Vancouver Province) points this out:
Back in October, the belief in most precincts was, if everything broke right for this team -- if Roberto Luongo gave them all-star goaltending, if the Sedins could handle their new role as first-liners and if, by some miracle, they could score enough goals -- they might, they just might, challenge for a playoff spot.Wow. Just wow.
And if that's if the planets and stars were aligned properly. If injuries or other calamities befell them, they had the potential to be worse than, well, the Phoenix Coyotes.
Now fast-forward 5 1/2 months and the issue isn't that the Canucks have altered those expectations, it's the degree to which things have changed for this team. Following Thursday night's 4-2 win over the Phoenix Coyotes, the Canucks are on pace to finish this season with 103 points. Given that they're now a surreal 24-4-4 since Christmas, it's also reasonable to suggest they might surpass that figure.
The franchise record for points in a season, moreover, is 104 recorded by the '02-'03 crew. That means it's a distinct possibility the '06-'07 edition of the Canucks will become the greatest regular-season team in the franchise's history.
More from the Mainstream
- Postgame from the Vancouver side. - Iain MacIntyre (Vancouver Sun), Tony Gallagher (Vancouver Province)
- And the Phoenix side. - Matt Paulson (East Valley Tribune)
- Like the rest of the team, Dany Sabourin is on a roll with two wins in his last two starts. - Ed Willes (Vancouver Province)
- That said, Roberto Luongo will be back in net tonight. - Iain MacIntyre (Vancouver Sun)
- Nazzy's goal was a beauty, thanks in part to a beautiful pass from his newest centerman, Bryan Smolinski. - Tony Gallagher (Vancouver Province)
About the game around the blogosphere
- The Chief Canuck and Waiting For Stanley post their game recaps.
- One Fan's Perspective gives his perspective from the Coyotes side.
My 3 Stars of the Game
- Markus Naslund (VAN): Second game-winner in as many games against the Coyotes.
- Sami Salo (VAN): Heckuva point shot for his career-high 12th goal of the season.
- Brendan Morrison (VAN): Lots of speed and finish on his line. Two more points tonight.
Official Statistics
Next Game
Tough test tonight against the revamped and loaded San Jose Sharks.
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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, Phoenix+Coyotes
Labels: Coyotes, game recap, Sabourin, Smolinski
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Game Day: Canucks at Coyotes
The Canucks are in Phoenix tonight to face the Coyotes, the first game of a three games in four nights set on the road. No word from the coaches yet, but Dany Sabourin is expected to make one of the starts and give Roberto Luongo a breather.
Here are today's Canucks-related stuff:
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, Phoenix+Coyotes
Here are today's Canucks-related stuff:
- Daniel Sedin, 30-goal scorer. It has a nice ring to it. - Jason Botchford (Vancouver Province)
- Lee Goren down in the farm just hit the 20-goal plateau himself - Ken Wiebe (Winnipeg Sun)
- Everyone in Vancouver is still talking about Jeff Cowan. - Gordon McIntyre (Vancouver Province), Elliott Pap (Vancouver Sun), Grant Kerr (Globe and Mail)
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, Phoenix+Coyotes
Labels: Cowan, Coyotes, game day preview, Sedin
Friday, March 02, 2007
Coyotes 3 Canucks 4
I don't know what it is about non-playoff bound teams like the Coyotes, the Blues, the Blue Jackets and the Kings that give the Canucks problems. Yes, the Canucks have managed to win most of their games against these teams - they have a 10-3-2 record these teams after all - but they've had to scrap and claw their way most times to get the two points. Shouldn't they be dominating these teams? Or am I just sounding like a spoiled fan right now?
Last night, the Canucks didn't put the Coyotes away early. Heck, they had to play catch-up after Shane Doan gave the Coyotes a 3-2 lead early in the third period. Daniel Sedin responded with his second goal of the night - his 29th of the season - to tie the game; Markus Naslund then scored the gamewinner with just over four minutes left in regulation. (By the way, does anyone know how many goals Markus has scored lifetime against Curtis Joseph? I swear, Cujo is one of Nazzy's favorite goalies.)
Besides the usual suspects, some Canucks stepped it up. Jeff Cowan did, especially after Josh Green went down with a serious knee injury; he played what was easily his best game as a Canuck. Brent Sopel and Bryan Smolinski also looked more comfortable and both recorded assists on Naslund's game-winning goal.
More from the Mainstream
Sunday night clash against the Minnesota Wild.
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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, Phoenix+Coyotes
Last night, the Canucks didn't put the Coyotes away early. Heck, they had to play catch-up after Shane Doan gave the Coyotes a 3-2 lead early in the third period. Daniel Sedin responded with his second goal of the night - his 29th of the season - to tie the game; Markus Naslund then scored the gamewinner with just over four minutes left in regulation. (By the way, does anyone know how many goals Markus has scored lifetime against Curtis Joseph? I swear, Cujo is one of Nazzy's favorite goalies.)
Besides the usual suspects, some Canucks stepped it up. Jeff Cowan did, especially after Josh Green went down with a serious knee injury; he played what was easily his best game as a Canuck. Brent Sopel and Bryan Smolinski also looked more comfortable and both recorded assists on Naslund's game-winning goal.
More from the Mainstream
- Last night's game won't win many artistic points. - Ben Kuzma (Vancouver Province), Tony Gallagher (Vancouver Province)
- After seven games in seven cities, the Canucks are home for a short while. - Iain MacIntyre (Vancouver Sun)
- Jeremy Roenick sat out this game and watched this game from the press box. Or The Keg. Somewhere. - Elliott Pap (Vancouver Sun)
- The Canucks are looking to sign Moose sniper Jason Jaffray to an NHL contract. - Ben Kuzma (Vancouver Province)
- Not exactly Canucks-related, but here's another Ryan Smyth piece. - Ed Willes (Vancouver Province)
About the game around the blogosphere
- The Chief Canuck has the good, the bad and the Bulis.
- Waiting For Stanley is erecting a statue in Jeff Cowan's honor. Okay, okay, he just changed his banner but you get the idea.
- Canucks Fangirl shares her recap of the game.
My 3 Stars of the Game
- Daniel Sedin (VAN): Two more goals give him 29 for the season.
- Shane Doan (DAL): Most dangerous Coyotes forward.
- Jeff Cowan (VAN): Best game as a Canuck.
Official Statistics
Next GameSunday night clash against the Minnesota Wild.
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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, Phoenix+Coyotes
Labels: Cowan, Coyotes, game recap
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Game Day: Coyotes at Canucks
It's been a while since the Canucks have lost two games in a row, which probably explains the mild sense of panic suddenly going through Canuck-land. Well, that and the fact that they haven't played their A-game in a few games.
Tonight's opponents, the Phoenix Coyotes, are another one of those non-playoff teams that the Canucks can't take lightly. I hope they learned their lessons after they lost to the Blues on Tuesday.
For what it's worth, the Calgary Flames beat the Minnesota Wild last night in a shootout and are now tied in points with the Canucks; the Wild are only a point behind because they *ahem* earned a point last night as well.
Here are more 'Nucks links for today:
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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, Phoenix+Coyotes
Tonight's opponents, the Phoenix Coyotes, are another one of those non-playoff teams that the Canucks can't take lightly. I hope they learned their lessons after they lost to the Blues on Tuesday.
Kevin Bieksa knows there's nothing worse than wounded pride, because any non-playoff team can be a handful if taken lightly.Third time's a charm?
The Canucks defenceman admitted that's what happened Tuesday at St. Louis in a 3-1 loss to the Blues, who prevailed without traded stars Keith Tkachuk and Bill Guerin.
"We've learned that lesson the hard way against a team we should probably beat," said Bieksa.
"They had lost their best two players and I think Louie [Roberto Luongo] put it best -- there are no free points.
"We definitely want to come out and put them [Coyotes] away early because we know they have nothing to lose and will be playing for pride. We want to give them a reason to shut it down a little."
The Canucks sang that same refrain before home-ice losses to Chicago (Feb. 7), a shootout setback to Columbus (Jan.30) and an overtime loss to Los Angeles (Jan. 26).
For what it's worth, the Calgary Flames beat the Minnesota Wild last night in a shootout and are now tied in points with the Canucks; the Wild are only a point behind because they *ahem* earned a point last night as well.
Here are more 'Nucks links for today:
- Alain Vigneault hopes that Taylor Pyatt can play tonight. - Ben Kuzma (Vancouver Province)
- The Coyotes are starting over. Again. - Iain MacIntyre (Vancouver Sun)
- The Manitoba Moose are welcoming Marc Chouinard with open arms. - Adam Wazny (Winnipeg Sun)
- They're getting their rosters ready for the playoffs as well. - Adam Wazny (Winnipeg Sun)
- Canucks' 2006 1st-rounder, Michael Grabner, has bounced back from an earlier tongue-lashing from coach Bill Peters. He has three hat-tricks in the last two weeks and was named the CHL's Player of the Week last week. - Spokesman Review, WHL.ca
- Another Canucks draft pick, Mason Raymond, was also named WCHA's Offensive Player of the Week. - UMD Bulldogs
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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, Phoenix+Coyotes
Labels: Chouinard, Coyotes, game day preview, Grabner, Moose, Raymond
