Thursday, March 13, 2008
Canucks 1 Ducks 4
Something that was mentioned during last night's broadcast but not talked about much afterwards was Chris Pronger's alleged stomp on Ryan Kesler's calf (Iain MacIntyre, Vancouver Sun):
Not that the Canucks offered much resistance. As dominant as they were against the Kings the other night, they were just as passive last night. The Sedins got pounded in front of the net. Naslund got pounded by Francois Beauchemin on a (nice) open ice hit. And the worst part was that there was no retribution. The Canucks looked scared, played scared and looked like they just wanted to head straight to Phoenix.
More on the game from today's MSM:
Tonight against the Coyotes.
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Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks, Anaheim+Ducks
Chris Pronger stomped on Ryan Kesler, and the Anaheim Ducks stomped on the Vancouver Canucks.Tom Larscheid was the one who mentioned it on air and I don't know if Kes is the type to make this kind of thing up. (I can't find the video anywhere, but I'd appreciate a link if any of you find it.) The thing is, I wouldn't put it past Pronger to do something like that. We all know that he's a heckuva defenseman. We also know that he's a heckuva bully.
Kesler, fortunately, was alright. We'll see about the Canucks, who provided little initial resistance and were beaten 4-1 here Wednesday, halting their three-game winning streak and stalling their National Hockey League playoff drive.
Kesler, cross-checked from behind by Pronger after scoring earlier this season, appeared to be deliberately stepped on by one of the league's dirtiest players when the Canuck fell at the Duck captain's feet after delivering a check in the second period.
"He stomped on me," Kesler said. "He got me on the calf."
If true -- and it appeared to be -- it was an especially despicable act by Pronger, whose teammate Corey Perry is currently out six weeks after suffering a skate cut to his leg.
Not that the Canucks offered much resistance. As dominant as they were against the Kings the other night, they were just as passive last night. The Sedins got pounded in front of the net. Naslund got pounded by Francois Beauchemin on a (nice) open ice hit. And the worst part was that there was no retribution. The Canucks looked scared, played scared and looked like they just wanted to head straight to Phoenix.
More on the game from today's MSM:
- Bigger, stronger, faster, hungrier. (Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province; Iain MacIntyre, Vancouver Sun)
- At least Louie got a little bit of rest. (Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province; Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province)
- That's home ice advantage. (Dan Wood, OC Register; JP Hoornstra, LA Daily News)
Tonight against the Coyotes.
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Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks, Anaheim+Ducks
Labels: Ducks, game recap, Kesler, Luongo
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Canucks 3 Ducks 2
I had a work function last night and asked the wifey to tape the game for me. Alas, she went for a facial and didn't set the VCR so I missed out on what, from what I heard and read, was a great game for the kids.
I realize it's only been one game, but still, it's refreshing that the Canucks have some decent depth at every position now. When Bieksa and Salo went down six weeks ago, Alexander Edler, Mike Weaver and Luc Bourdon filled in just fine, and of course, Edler is still a regular in the lineup these days. Mason Raymond and Jason Jaffray were good last night and had a couple of points each. Curtis Sanford stole the show with 33 saves, 16 of them in the final period when the Canucks were outshot 16-1.
Again, it's only one game, but hey, I'll savor the win and hope they can do it all over again tonight.
More from the mainstream:
Tonight against the San Jose Sharks
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I realize it's only been one game, but still, it's refreshing that the Canucks have some decent depth at every position now. When Bieksa and Salo went down six weeks ago, Alexander Edler, Mike Weaver and Luc Bourdon filled in just fine, and of course, Edler is still a regular in the lineup these days. Mason Raymond and Jason Jaffray were good last night and had a couple of points each. Curtis Sanford stole the show with 33 saves, 16 of them in the final period when the Canucks were outshot 16-1.
Again, it's only one game, but hey, I'll savor the win and hope they can do it all over again tonight.
More from the mainstream:
- Fill-ins fine on same line (Gordon McIntyre, Vancouver Province)
- Jaffray jacked about debut (Gordon McIntyre, Vancouver Province)
- Injection of enthusiasm (Iain MacIntyre, Vancouver Sun)
- All good things must come to an end (Iain MacIntyre, Vancouver Sun)
- Jaffray makes impact (Adam Wazny, Winnipeg Sun)
- Ducks fall to Vancouver, 3-2 (Dan Wood, OC Register)
- Sanford, Canucks stop Ducks (J.P. Hoornstra, Daily Breeze)
Tonight against the San Jose Sharks
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Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks, Anaheim+Ducks
Labels: Ducks, game recap, Jaffray, Morrison, Sanford
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Game Day Post: Moose at Ducks
Okay, okay, maybe that's overstating things a bit, but with Luongo, Morrison, Isbister and Cowan out and Drew McIntyre, Jason Jaffray, Mason Raymond and Mike Brown in, the Canucks sure look a lot more Manitoba Moose-y than usual. That's the worst case scenario. There were some media reports last night saying that Luongo and Morrison are still possible, in which case things may not be too bad. I guess I'm just bracing myself.
Last season, the Canucks, with Salo and Mitchell injured, dressed a defense consisting of Ohlund, Krajicek, Bieksa, Edler, McIver and Coulombe. At that time, Ohlund was of course the lone veteran and the rest had played a combined 163 games in the NHL. (IIRC, Edler had two games experience and McIver and Coulombe were playing their first NHL games.) Anyway, their opponent that night was also the Ducks and the 'Nucks subsequently loss 6-0 at GM Place. I just hope that the team can suck it up this time around, and really, do they have a choice?
Looking at the positives, Jaffray (19 GP, 10G-11A-22P) and Raymond (17GP, 6G-8A-14P) are two of the Moose's leading scorers and Vigneault is most likely to give them plenty of opportunities to produce. Jaffray is pure offense and even led the Moose in scoring last season. He didn't get a call-up because he didn't have an NHL contract. For the first time, we'll see if he can play at the NHL level or if he turns out to be just another Lee Goren. Raymond, we've seen before and we already know he needs to work on being consistent and on his finish. I hope he has.
More previews from today's MSM:
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Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks
Last season, the Canucks, with Salo and Mitchell injured, dressed a defense consisting of Ohlund, Krajicek, Bieksa, Edler, McIver and Coulombe. At that time, Ohlund was of course the lone veteran and the rest had played a combined 163 games in the NHL. (IIRC, Edler had two games experience and McIver and Coulombe were playing their first NHL games.) Anyway, their opponent that night was also the Ducks and the 'Nucks subsequently loss 6-0 at GM Place. I just hope that the team can suck it up this time around, and really, do they have a choice?
Looking at the positives, Jaffray (19 GP, 10G-11A-22P) and Raymond (17GP, 6G-8A-14P) are two of the Moose's leading scorers and Vigneault is most likely to give them plenty of opportunities to produce. Jaffray is pure offense and even led the Moose in scoring last season. He didn't get a call-up because he didn't have an NHL contract. For the first time, we'll see if he can play at the NHL level or if he turns out to be just another Lee Goren. Raymond, we've seen before and we already know he needs to work on being consistent and on his finish. I hope he has.
More previews from today's MSM:
- Luongo doubtful for game in Anaheim (Matthew Sekeres, Globe and Mail)
- Resiliency in high demand (Gordon McIntyre, Vancouver Province)
- Streak of 542 consecutive games the measure of pain tolerance (Gordon McIntyre, Vancouver Province)
- Ironman streak more trouble than it's worth (Tony Gallagher, Vancouver Province)
- Who needs sleeping pills with this hockey? (Ed Willes, Vancouver Province)
- Niedermayer finds retirement overrated (Gordon McIntyre, Vancouver Province)
- Sanford on the spot (Iain MacIntyre, Vancouver Sun)
- Excited about callups (Adam Wazny, Winnipeg Sun)
- Just a tap away (Adam Wazny, Winnipeg Sun)
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Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks
Labels: Ducks, game day preview, Jaffray, Luongo, Moose, Morrison, Sanford
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Ducks 0 Canucks 4
I started writing this recap while watching the Toronto/Montreal game and the worst zamboni driver in the world drive circles around the ice, and wondering out loud why TSN couldn't split the screen and show a bit of the Canucks game. I had a few choice words for TSN, but in hindsight, it was probably a good thing that I missed the first eight minutes of the first period.
Bert came but he didn't exactly conquer. For that first period anyway, his Ducks were very good. They were dominant good. They created a lot of chances and didn't give the Canucks a lot of their own. They outshot the good guys in blue by a 15-5 margin, but thanks to Roberto Luongo's goaltending, didn't have anything to show for it.
As we all remember from the October from hell, 20 minutes does not a game make. After that first period, the Canucks took over and outshot the Ducks 28-11 the rest of the way. At the very least, they owe Louie some dinner.
It helped that Anaheim imploded. The Ducks tried to bully their way back into the game but couldn't get past anything past the referees. (Well, except Chris Pronger, who got away with giving Ryan Kesler a nice little crosscheck from behind after Kesler scored his first of two goals.) For almost eight consecutive minutes between the second and third periods, there was at least one Duck in the penalty box. The Canucks made them pay. In 12 total minutes of powerplay time, they scored two powerplay goals.
Back to Louie for a second. He stopped all 26 Anaheim shots and has now recorded two straight shutouts. He hasn't let a goal in since early in the third period of the St. Louis game - a span of more than 135 minutes. Since the Canucks started their run on November 3rd, Louie's stopped 261 of 277 shots for a .942 save percentage.
With the win, the Canucks improved their November record to 8-2-2. They'll finish off the month with one more home game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
About the game around the blogosphere:
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
Bert came but he didn't exactly conquer. For that first period anyway, his Ducks were very good. They were dominant good. They created a lot of chances and didn't give the Canucks a lot of their own. They outshot the good guys in blue by a 15-5 margin, but thanks to Roberto Luongo's goaltending, didn't have anything to show for it.
As we all remember from the October from hell, 20 minutes does not a game make. After that first period, the Canucks took over and outshot the Ducks 28-11 the rest of the way. At the very least, they owe Louie some dinner.
It helped that Anaheim imploded. The Ducks tried to bully their way back into the game but couldn't get past anything past the referees. (Well, except Chris Pronger, who got away with giving Ryan Kesler a nice little crosscheck from behind after Kesler scored his first of two goals.) For almost eight consecutive minutes between the second and third periods, there was at least one Duck in the penalty box. The Canucks made them pay. In 12 total minutes of powerplay time, they scored two powerplay goals.
Back to Louie for a second. He stopped all 26 Anaheim shots and has now recorded two straight shutouts. He hasn't let a goal in since early in the third period of the St. Louis game - a span of more than 135 minutes. Since the Canucks started their run on November 3rd, Louie's stopped 261 of 277 shots for a .942 save percentage.
With the win, the Canucks improved their November record to 8-2-2. They'll finish off the month with one more home game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
About the game around the blogosphere:
- Canucks spoil Bertuzzi's homecoming (Grant Kerr, Globe and Mail)
- Bertuzzi saying all the right things (Grant Kerr, Globe and Mail)
- November to remember includes drubbing of Ducks (Brad Ziemer, Vancouver Sun)
- Pronger takes over demon role in new rivalry (Iain MacIntyre, Vancouver Sun)
- Canucks can play with the champs (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province)
- Trust Burkie to steal the spotlight (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province)
- Bert's return underwhelming (Jim Jamieson, Vancouver Province)
- With Luongo, anything is possible (Tony Gallagher, Vancouver Province)
- Ducks come undone after start (Dan Wood, OC Register)
- Canucks frustrate the Ducks (Eric Stephens, Los Angeles Times)
- Some good, old-fashioned trash-talking from Waiting For Stanley.
- Canucks Fangirl is the latest on the Ryan Kesler bandwagon. (What would Taylor Pyatt say?)
- Isabella echoes my sentiments on the TSN thing.
- Keep your eyes peeled on Earl Sleek from the Battle of California for the Ducks side of things.
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Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks, Anaheim+Ducks
Labels: Ducks, game recap, Luongo
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Game Day Post: Ducks at Canucks
For the first time since getting traded, Bert is back. Naturally, all the talk around Canuckland is about him playing his first game at GM Place in about a year and a half.
I don't think there's any question that Bert's return will be well-received by the GM Place faithful. Even in his darkest hour, Vancouver fans stood by him. I was at the Brad May Charity Classic - during the lockout year and in the middle of his suspension - and fans saved the biggest ovation for him. I don't see any reason for those sentiments to have changed.
I was a big Bertuzzi fan during his time here. I can't think of any other Canuck skater - maybe Pavel - that could dominate the game and control the game the way he did. When he was on the ice, he pretty much did anything he wanted to. Really, the only question was, well... how often he wanted to. Obviously, Bert hasn't been as dominant in the last few years. He's only played three games since coming back from his latest injury but he's got three points (all assists) in them.
The Canucks will have their hands full tonight. Emotions aside, the Ducks are actually on a nice, little roll. They started the season much like the Canucks did, but turned it around and are a very good 7-2-2 in November, including a 3-1 record on the road. Ryan Getzlaf, especially, has played great and now leads the Ducks in scoring with 25 points, 15 (7G-8A) of which he put up in 11 November games.
Roberto Luongo is coming off a shutout of the Blackhawks on Sunday, and I hope he's forgotten about the last time he faced Anaheim. On that one, fateful overtime period in May, Louie took his eye off the puck for a split-second and let in a blast (sure, let's call it that) fromRob Scott Niedermayer that eliminated the Canucks from the playoffs. I'm thinking Louie's over it, but I hope he has some special sort of payback in mind tonight.
More on this game 'round the 'net:
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Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks
I don't think there's any question that Bert's return will be well-received by the GM Place faithful. Even in his darkest hour, Vancouver fans stood by him. I was at the Brad May Charity Classic - during the lockout year and in the middle of his suspension - and fans saved the biggest ovation for him. I don't see any reason for those sentiments to have changed.
I was a big Bertuzzi fan during his time here. I can't think of any other Canuck skater - maybe Pavel - that could dominate the game and control the game the way he did. When he was on the ice, he pretty much did anything he wanted to. Really, the only question was, well... how often he wanted to. Obviously, Bert hasn't been as dominant in the last few years. He's only played three games since coming back from his latest injury but he's got three points (all assists) in them.
The Canucks will have their hands full tonight. Emotions aside, the Ducks are actually on a nice, little roll. They started the season much like the Canucks did, but turned it around and are a very good 7-2-2 in November, including a 3-1 record on the road. Ryan Getzlaf, especially, has played great and now leads the Ducks in scoring with 25 points, 15 (7G-8A) of which he put up in 11 November games.
Roberto Luongo is coming off a shutout of the Blackhawks on Sunday, and I hope he's forgotten about the last time he faced Anaheim. On that one, fateful overtime period in May, Louie took his eye off the puck for a split-second and let in a blast (sure, let's call it that) from
More on this game 'round the 'net:
- Bert back in Vancouver with Ducks (Tony Gallagher, Vancouver Province)
- Emotional time for Naslund (Jim Jamieson, Vancouver Province)
- It was what it was: Six years of Bertuzzi quotes (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province)
- Warning goes missing (David Pratt, Vancouver Province)
- (Un)happy returns (Iain MacIntyre, Vancouver Sun)
- Canucks expect cheers for Bert (Brad Ziemer, Vancouver Sun)
- Todd Bertuzzi will be center stage (Dan Wood, OC Register)
- Ducks' Bertuzzi ready for his return to Vancouver (Eric Stephens, Los Angeles Times)
- Bertuzzi ready for return (J.P. Hoornstra, San Bernardino Sun)
- Kurten Call - The Return of Bertuzzi (Orland Kurtenblog).
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Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks
Labels: Bertuzzi, Ducks, game day preview, Naslund
Monday, September 24, 2007
Preseason: Canucks 0 Ducks 5
Thankfully, I've got free high-speed connection from my hotel here in Gatineau, just across the Pont du Portage bridge from downtown Ottawa. That said, I don't know if I should be grateful for being able to listen to the 5-0 loss to the Ducks last night.
From the sounds of things, the 'Nucks got thoroughly outplayed much like they did against the San Jose Sharks on Saturday and coach Alain Vigneault wasn't pleased (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province):
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From the sounds of things, the 'Nucks got thoroughly outplayed much like they did against the San Jose Sharks on Saturday and coach Alain Vigneault wasn't pleased (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province):
Despite missing nine injured veterans and forced to play nine rookies against the veteran-laden Stanley Cup champions, Vigneault didn't cut his club any slack. And he was especially disappointed in those who should be more prominent.Here are the rest of today's links:
Brad Isbister and goalie Curtis Sanford were singled out for sub-par play, while Ryan Shannon, Nathan McIver and Alex Burrows got the thumbs-up. Defenceman Dan McGillis, on a tryout and playing his first NHL game since the 2005-06 season, got a passing grade.
- Canucks shut out. (Iain MacIntyre, Vancouver Province)
- Bertuzzi nets goal, two assists in first game vs. former team. (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province)
- The end seems near for some Canucks hopeful. (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province)
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Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks
Labels: Ducks, game recap
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Round 2 Game 4: Do or Die
I hope the Canucks can get over the disappointment of losing game three faster than I can. Truth be told, I'm still upset at their blown opportunity. It's not often the Ducks will giftwrap eight powerplays, including two long 5-on-3's, and it's not often Scott Niedermayer and Chris Pronger will both have subpar games in the same game. The stars seemed aligned for a Canucks victory. Seemed.
Tonight, the Canucks face their latest, biggest test of the season. While the series can't end yet, a loss means they have to win three straight games against the Ducks to still take series. Not that I don't believe in the boys. I'd just much rather them not be in that position.
Today's mainstream pieces:
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Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks, Anaheim+Ducks
Tonight, the Canucks face their latest, biggest test of the season. While the series can't end yet, a loss means they have to win three straight games against the Ducks to still take series. Not that I don't believe in the boys. I'd just much rather them not be in that position.
Today's mainstream pieces:
- It's time to change the powerplay. (Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province)
- Just one question left for Canucks. (Ed Willes, Vancouver Province)
- Bieksa could return, Cowan might not. (Jim Jamieson, Vancouver Province)
- Pest making most of second chance. (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province)
- Giguere keeps it simple in goal and gets job done. (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province)
- Beauchemin a rare find. (Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province)
- Twins need more. (Tony Gallagher, Vancouver Province)
- Time for twins to peak. (Cam Cole, Vancouver Sun)
- Canucks plan to hold a traffic jam in front of net. (Brad Ziemer, Vancouver Sun)
- Luck of the draw. (Elliott Pap, Vancouver Sun)
- Two top Ducks have feet of clay. (Iain MacIntyre, Vancouver Sun)
- Glass rule's half empty for Ducks coach, GM. (Elliott Pap, Vancouver Sun)
- Canucks will need to light fire under cold powerplay. (Grant Kerr, Globe and Mail)
- Sedins can't be Smothered brothers. (Mark Spector, National Post)
- Coach Vigneault tries to press the powerplay button. (Terry Jones, Edmonton Sun)
- Special teams earn credit for nomination. (Eric Stephens, LA Times)
- Selanne draws a little flak from Carlyle. (Eric Stephens, LA Times)
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Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks, Anaheim+Ducks
Labels: Ducks, game day preview
Saturday, April 28, 2007
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.
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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.
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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:
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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)
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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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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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Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks, Anaheim+Ducks
Labels: Believe In Blue, Ducks, game recap, Macdonald
Monday, March 12, 2007
Canucks 2 Ducks 4
Playing their third game in four nights and fourth in six nights, the Canucks looked like a tired team. The Ducks knew this and their game plan was obvious from the opening faceoff: bully the Canucks and tire a tired team out of the Honda Center. Credit the Ducks for playing their game plan en route to a 4-2 win, but also credit the Canucks for not backing down from the physical play.
Despite the loss, I like what I saw with the Canucks. They're not going to win every game, but it was good to see the fight in them. Kevin Bieksa stood up for Tommi Santala after Dustin Penner ran him from behind and got away with it. Jeff Cowan didn't score but dropped the gloves, not once but twice. Even Markus Naslund, Mattias Ohlund and the Sedins mixed it up.
In fact, the only difference in this game were the play of the specialty teams. Maybe it was a symptom of being a tired team, but the Canucks powerplay was outscored by the Ducks powerplay 2-0 and that was the difference in the game. The Canucks have now allowed a powerplay goal in nine of their last ten games, and with a playoff spot all but wrapped up, I hope they take the next 13 games to get the penalty-killing unit back to top form. Their PK% is still tops in the league but it needs to start shutting the door like they did in early January.
Now if I had any complaints about last night's game, it was the inconsistent officiating, which was downright infuriating:
More from the Mainstream
My 3 Stars of the Game
Official Statistics
Next Game
Big Northwest Division showdown against the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday night.
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Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks, Anaheim+Ducks
Despite the loss, I like what I saw with the Canucks. They're not going to win every game, but it was good to see the fight in them. Kevin Bieksa stood up for Tommi Santala after Dustin Penner ran him from behind and got away with it. Jeff Cowan didn't score but dropped the gloves, not once but twice. Even Markus Naslund, Mattias Ohlund and the Sedins mixed it up.
In fact, the only difference in this game were the play of the specialty teams. Maybe it was a symptom of being a tired team, but the Canucks powerplay was outscored by the Ducks powerplay 2-0 and that was the difference in the game. The Canucks have now allowed a powerplay goal in nine of their last ten games, and with a playoff spot all but wrapped up, I hope they take the next 13 games to get the penalty-killing unit back to top form. Their PK% is still tops in the league but it needs to start shutting the door like they did in early January.
Now if I had any complaints about last night's game, it was the inconsistent officiating, which was downright infuriating:
Referee-bashing is a national pastime in Canada, mostly because the officials provide so much fuel. The credibility of the complaints, however, are often undermined by the fact they always come from the losing team.Regardless, it was a good effort from the boys, even if it wasn't a perfect one. They showed that when push comes to shove that they'll shove back. I like that. I really do.
But Meier, of whom the best that can be hoped is that his nightly mistakes don't affect the outcome, and Dwyer were especially bewildering on Sunday.
"I don't even know who's who out there," Bieksa said. "They're both ... I don't know who they are but they shouldn't be paired together. I don't know how to explain some of those calls."
Bieksa fought Dustin Penner after the Duck ran, without penalty, Canuck Tommi Santala head-first into the boards. Bieksa was nailed for instigating and a 10-minute misconduct.
A few shifts later, Anaheim heavyweight Shawn Thornton instigated a fight with Jeff Cowan after the Canuck ran Duck Kent Huskins. Thornton, like Cowan, received only five minutes for fighting.
As the second period ended, Penner knocked Bieksa to the ice at the end of a scramble in front of the Vancouver goal. Each player got another 10 minutes for that collision.
"I don't know how I get tackled and get a 10-minute penalty," Bieksa said. "I don't know how to explain that one. I don't know how I get an instigator and then Shawn Thornton goes out and does the same thing. [Penner] asked me if I wanted to go and dropped his gloves."
More from the Mainstream
- Lots of fights, lots of rough stuff... - Ed Willes (Vancouver Province)
- Ducks trip up Canucks. - Dan Wood (Orange Country Register
- Ducks fight for another win. - Elliott Teaford (Daily Breeze)
- Ducks get physical. - Eric Stephens (LA Times)
My 3 Stars of the Game
- Teemu Selanne (ANA): Scored two goals and added an assist.
- Andy McDonald (ANA): Also scored two goals and an assist.
- Daniel Sedin (VAN): Only recorded an assist but also showed that he didn't mind a bit of the rough stuff.
Official Statistics
Next Game
Big Northwest Division showdown against the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday night.
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Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks, Anaheim+Ducks
Labels: Ducks, game recap
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Game Day: Canucks at Ducks
For all the hype about Burkie's Duckies at the beginning of this season, the Canucks actually have as many wins - 41 - as they do. They are six points up on than the Canucks and currently occupy 2nd place in the Western Conference, but that six-point difference in the standings is only because of the "loser" points - the Ducks have 11 of them; the Canucks only have 5.
Both teams come to tonight's game on a roll. The Canucks are on a five-game win streak and are 11-1-1 in their last 13 games; the Ducks have won four games in a row and are 8-1-3 in their last 12 games.
Dany Sabourin started in the last meeting against the Ducks. He was impressive and got his first career NHL win. This time however, Roberto Luongo will get the start. Less than 48 hours after breaking Kirk McLean's franchise record for most wins in a single season, he will get the chance to hit the 40-win mark for the first time in his career.
Here are more pregame pieces for your reading pleasure:
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Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks, Anaheim+Ducks
Both teams come to tonight's game on a roll. The Canucks are on a five-game win streak and are 11-1-1 in their last 13 games; the Ducks have won four games in a row and are 8-1-3 in their last 12 games.
Dany Sabourin started in the last meeting against the Ducks. He was impressive and got his first career NHL win. This time however, Roberto Luongo will get the start. Less than 48 hours after breaking Kirk McLean's franchise record for most wins in a single season, he will get the chance to hit the 40-win mark for the first time in his career.
Here are more pregame pieces for your reading pleasure:
- Vancouver and Vigneault go well together. - Ed Willes (Vancouver Province)
- Gameday preview from the Canucks side. - Jason Botchford (Vancouver Province)
- And from the Ducks side. - Curtis Zupke (The Orange County Register)
- Can't put a price on the happiness of a grateful child. - Ben Kuzma (Vancouver Province)
- Personal grief fuels charity initiative. - Ben Kuzma (Vancouver Province)
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Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks, Anaheim+Ducks
Labels: Ducks, game day preview
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Canucks 3 Ducks 2 (OT)
I hope we all learned a lesson after this game. Never again should we question Alain Vigneault when he decides to sit Roberto Luongo and play the backup. Dany Sabourin's last two starts were against two of the better teams in the league - Buffalo Sabres and Anaheim Ducks - and he came out of it with a 1-0-1 record; last night's 3-2 overtime win against the Ducks was the first of Sabourin's NHL career and he was impressive.
Sabourin recovered quickly from a bad Tim Brent goal and was sharp afterwards.
More from the Mainstream
Crow, Sopel and the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday.
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Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks, Anaheim+Ducks
Sabourin recovered quickly from a bad Tim Brent goal and was sharp afterwards.
During several barrages on the Canucks net Tuesday, you couldn't help but wonder: Was that Roberto Luongo hiding under Dany Sabourin's white alien mask?Luongo, who took Sabourin's usual spot at the bench, named him the game's first star:
Sabourin whirled himself around the ice, threw everything he had at the puck and with sheer effort kept the Canucks in a game in which they were often getting pounded, out-played and out-classed.
"He has been working hard all year and I couldn't be happier for the guy," said Roberto Luongo, who got a rare night off. "He was the first star in my book. He made some huge saves, especially in the first period and then late in the game."I very much ditto those sentiments.
More from the Mainstream
- It's kinda funny that the Canucks won the game on a cheesy, Scott Niedermayer hooking penalty. The league was supposed to discuss exactly what constitutes hooking. (To be fair, I don't think what Scotty did merited a hooking penalty; but then again, Brendan Morrison was similarly called on a cheesy holding penalty in the first period.) - Ben Kuzma (Vancouver Province)
- Here's something from the Ducks side of things. - Dan Wood (OC Register)
About the game around the blogosphere
- As usual, The Chief Canuck has the good, the bad and the ugly.
- Waiting For Stanley and Canucks Fangirl also recap the game.
- Despite the Canucks win, Earl Sleek of Battle of California fame won a bet.
My 3 Stars of the Game
- Dany Sabourin (VAN): I'm taking Louie's advice on this one. 38 saves on 40 shots from a dangerous Ducks team.
- Markus Naslund (VAN): One, goal, one assist and looking more and more like the Markus of old.
- Ryan Getzlaf (ANA): Good Canadian kid a threat all night. Six shots on goal plus a few more chances.
Official Statistics
Next GameCrow, Sopel and the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday.
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Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks, Anaheim+Ducks
Labels: Ducks, game recap, Sabourin
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Game Day: Canucks at Ducks
Admittedly, expectations of the Canucks were low at the start of the season, and for the first three months, their play kept it that way. Now with the best winning percentage since the Christmas break and a game tonight against the suddenly not-so-mighty Anaheim Ducks, the Canucks are aiming higher:
More from today's mainstream:
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Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks, Anaheim+Ducks
In a world where Britney Spears goes skinhead, it's no longer strange to think the Vancouver Canucks have a shot at finishing as high as second in the Western Conference should they win their division.Consider this: a win tonight would move the Canucks within five points of the Ducks with a game in hand. That's not funny. That's unbelievable.
Three months ago you would have been laughed out of town for suggesting either could happen.
More from today's mainstream:
- Canucks trying to re-sign pretty boy Pyatt to a contract extension. (Great, Tracy can stalk him for a few more years.) - Elliott Pap (Vancouver Sun)
- Morrison's feeling better these days. A lot better. - Grant Kerr (Globe and Mail)
- What do you get when you 30 GM's together a week before trade deadline day? For now, a lot of trade talk. - Pierre Lebrun (Canadian Press)
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Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks, Anaheim+Ducks
Labels: Ducks, game day preview
