Thursday, April 03, 2008
Oilers 2 Canucks 1
Consider this an open post.
If you're a Canucks fan, feel free to rant. If you're a fan of another team, feel free to gloat.
I'm still going to the game on Saturday which, in all likelihood, is Trevor Linden's final game. I'll be back with a post-mortem on this team shortly after that.
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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
If you're a Canucks fan, feel free to rant. If you're a fan of another team, feel free to gloat.
I'm still going to the game on Saturday which, in all likelihood, is Trevor Linden's final game. I'll be back with a post-mortem on this team shortly after that.
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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
Labels: game recap, Oilers
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Avalanche 4 Canucks 2
In the Canucks' defense-first approach, it's no surprise that they're 30-8-4 when they score the first goal in a hockey game and 18-6-2 when they have the lead after the first period. Here's the problem. Since the trade deadline, those records have been a lot more mediocre. The Canucks are only 3-3-1 when they score first and 5-3-1 when they have the lead going into the first intermission.
Once again, they blew a decent start and pissed away two points. It's the third time they've done that in the last week and pretty much explains the position they're in now - ninth place in the Western Conference and needing to win both of their remaining games and hoping for the Nashville Predators to lose at least one of theirs.
And it's not just the fact that the Canucks are losing games, it's how they're losing them. Lately, they've allowed doubt and panic to seep into their games. One goal against is usually followed by another and sometimes another. Consider these numbers from their last four losses:
What happened to defense-first?
More from the MSM:
Next game:
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, Colorado+Avalanche
Once again, they blew a decent start and pissed away two points. It's the third time they've done that in the last week and pretty much explains the position they're in now - ninth place in the Western Conference and needing to win both of their remaining games and hoping for the Nashville Predators to lose at least one of theirs.
And it's not just the fact that the Canucks are losing games, it's how they're losing them. Lately, they've allowed doubt and panic to seep into their games. One goal against is usually followed by another and sometimes another. Consider these numbers from their last four losses:
- March 25th vs. Calgary - They allowed two goals in 41 seconds in the third period.
- March 26th vs. Colorado - In the second period, they allowed two goals in 73 seconds and then another two goals in 62 seconds. Those four goals came in a span of only 6:47.
- March 28th vs. Minnesota - They allowed two goals in 5:44 in the first period and another two goals in 5:00 in the second period.
- April 1st vs. Colorado - They allowed three goals in 5:19.
What happened to defense-first?
More from the MSM:
- Game recaps from the Vancouver side. (Matthew Sekeres, Globe and Mail; Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province; Ed Willes, Vancouver Province; Iain MacIntyre, Vancouver Sun)
- Botchford blames Louie. (Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province)
- Cole blames Nazzy. (Cam Cole, Vancouver Sun)
- Game recaps from the Colorado side. (Rick Sadowski, Rocky Mountain News; Terry Frei, Denver Post)
- Decent team is putting it nicely. (Waiting For Stanley)
- Tapeleg earned some bragging rights. (Jerseys and Hockey Love)
Next game:
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, Colorado+Avalanche
Labels: Avalanche, game recap, Luongo, Naslund
Monday, March 31, 2008
Flames 2 Canucks 6
One down, three to go.
The Detroit Red Wings gave the Vancouver Canucks a gift earlier in the day - the ability to control their own playoff destiny again - and the Canucks took full advantage. They beat the visiting Flames 6-2 and took over eighth place in the Western Conference.
The game was a remarkable contrast from the one they played in Calgary just less than a week ago. Last week, they built a 2-0 first period lead and then wilted down the stretch to lose 3-2. Last night, the Canucks actually initiated a lot of the physical stuff and had to claw back from two first period deficits before finally pulling away.
With three games left in the regular season, it doesn't get any clearer than this: win and they're in. And as Ed Willes (Vancouver Province) said this morning, all the criticism the team has faced would be forgotten:
Like Jarome Iginla and Dion Phaneuf did last week, Markus Naslund and Trevor Linden stepped it up when it mattered the most and were absolutely phenomenal.
Here's Jason Botchford (Vancouver Province):
It was only one game but it was a good one. Three more of those this week would be nice.
More from the MSM:
A visit from the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday.
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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, Calgary+Flames
The Detroit Red Wings gave the Vancouver Canucks a gift earlier in the day - the ability to control their own playoff destiny again - and the Canucks took full advantage. They beat the visiting Flames 6-2 and took over eighth place in the Western Conference.
The game was a remarkable contrast from the one they played in Calgary just less than a week ago. Last week, they built a 2-0 first period lead and then wilted down the stretch to lose 3-2. Last night, the Canucks actually initiated a lot of the physical stuff and had to claw back from two first period deficits before finally pulling away.
With three games left in the regular season, it doesn't get any clearer than this: win and they're in. And as Ed Willes (Vancouver Province) said this morning, all the criticism the team has faced would be forgotten:
For the Canucks, the only salient facts to emerge from their 6-2 win over the Calgary Flames is they're now back in eighth place in the Western Conference and with three homes games left on their schedule, they control their own destiny.Not completely forgotten, in my opinion, but at least pushed aside temporarily (like, until the next loss). Last night, the team played like a team. They looked like they cared. They hit, they scored and they stood up for each other.
This is all you need to know. Everything else is irrelevant. So save the deeper analysis for another time because it was out of place after this night.
Like Jarome Iginla and Dion Phaneuf did last week, Markus Naslund and Trevor Linden stepped it up when it mattered the most and were absolutely phenomenal.
Here's Jason Botchford (Vancouver Province):
It was an improbable throwback to a different era, an iconic image that infused hope into a fan base that had no reason for any.And Brad Ziemer (Vancouver Sun):
As a smiling Trevor Linden glided across the ice after scoring his second of the game -- his biggest, most important goal of the season, the one that breathed new life into the Canucks' foundering playoff hopes -- his arms were outstretched to the heavens. The grateful, elated, relieved, in-love crowd showered him with a lingering standing ovation. It could have been his last as a player.
It was memorable.
So was Linden's play. So was Markus Naslund's. So were the Canucks, a team who somehow beat the Calgary Flames 6-2 Sunday when the mood, the momentum and the flow suggested they had no chance.
If they really will both be gone after this season ends, Trevor Linden and Markus Naslund gave us something to remember Sunday night.The rest of the lineup was good too. Jeff Cowan and Byron Ritchie were noticeable, which means they were doing their job. Alex Burrows got Iggy off his game. Brad Isbister played big and threw his weight around. Taylor Pyatt played big and attacked the net constantly.
They also gave Vancouver Canuck fans hope.
Linden and Naslund are two of the big reasons why we are able to put off the post-mortem and instead are once again talking about the playoffs.
It was only one game but it was a good one. Three more of those this week would be nice.
More from the MSM:
- Ahead again in the playoff race. (Iain MacIntyre, Vancouver Sun; Grant Kerr, Globe and Mail)
- Relaxed Roberto. (Marc Weber, Vancouver Province)
- From the Calgary side of things. (Scott Cruickshank, Calgary Herald; George Johnson, Calgary Herald)
- Zanstorm took in the game from GM Place... (Waiting For Stanley)
- and Temujin liveblogged it. (Waiting For Stanley)
A visit from the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday.
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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, Calgary+Flames
Labels: Flames, game recap, Linden, Naslund
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
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, March 06, 2008
Predators 2 Canucks 6
There were a lot of good things to like about the Canucks' 6-2 win over the Nashville Predators. They played, perhaps, one of their most complete games of the season and six different guys scored. Most importantly, they overtook the Predators and put themselves back in a playoff position. Unfortunately, I think what most people will be talking about tomorrow is the stupid ending to a good game.
Jordan Tootoo is an ass. With a little more than a minute left in the game, he charged at Aaron Miller and injured him with a late hit. Then when Luc Bourdon tried to get at him, he cross-checked Bourdon to the face. Was he trying to defend himself from Luc? Of course. Did he need to introduce his stick to Bourdon's face in the process? Of course not. This is exactly the kind of bullshit the league should be eliminating.
The thing is, this isn't Tootoo's first cheap shot. He's a repeat offender and this is already his third such offence in a year. And that's not counting some of his less-publicized late hits. Last season, he did the same thing to Stephane Robidas, albeit with a glove instead of a stick. Earlier this season, he took a run at Daniel Winnik's head. Apparently, Tootoo's a slow learner.
I'm curious to find out if the league will review the incident and issue some sort of additional punishment. If they weren't planning on it, then they should. I love hard-hitting hockey as much as the next guy, but I'm sick and tired of this kind of cheap shit.
I'll post more in the morning.
[update: 03/07/2008, 6:09 PM]
After a good night's sleep, I'm less foaming at the mouth this morning. I hope Alain Vigneault is too (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province).
One other thing that will probably overshadow the Canucks' offensive outburst is the possibility that Kevin Bieksa will be suspended for his *ahem* instigator penalty late in the game.
You be the judge (the clip also includes a replay of Tootoo's cheap shot too if you want to get your blood boiling like mine was last night).
To end on a happier note... It was refreshing to see the swagger back in the boys' play last night and I hope they can get on a roll. They host St. Louis tomorrow and then play eight of their next ten games on the road. Heading out with a little momentum going their way won't hurt.
More from the MSM:
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, Nashville+Predators
Jordan Tootoo is an ass. With a little more than a minute left in the game, he charged at Aaron Miller and injured him with a late hit. Then when Luc Bourdon tried to get at him, he cross-checked Bourdon to the face. Was he trying to defend himself from Luc? Of course. Did he need to introduce his stick to Bourdon's face in the process? Of course not. This is exactly the kind of bullshit the league should be eliminating.
The thing is, this isn't Tootoo's first cheap shot. He's a repeat offender and this is already his third such offence in a year. And that's not counting some of his less-publicized late hits. Last season, he did the same thing to Stephane Robidas, albeit with a glove instead of a stick. Earlier this season, he took a run at Daniel Winnik's head. Apparently, Tootoo's a slow learner.
I'm curious to find out if the league will review the incident and issue some sort of additional punishment. If they weren't planning on it, then they should. I love hard-hitting hockey as much as the next guy, but I'm sick and tired of this kind of cheap shit.
I'll post more in the morning.
[update: 03/07/2008, 6:09 PM]
After a good night's sleep, I'm less foaming at the mouth this morning. I hope Alain Vigneault is too (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province).
"I'm just trying to get the game over with," said Vigneault. "It's 6-2 and I don't know why things like that happen and why a player would run 100 feet with the game over. No respect for the game and no respect for the opposition.Hopefully.
"There's a few of that type in the league and hopefully the league will deal with it."
One other thing that will probably overshadow the Canucks' offensive outburst is the possibility that Kevin Bieksa will be suspended for his *ahem* instigator penalty late in the game.
You be the judge (the clip also includes a replay of Tootoo's cheap shot too if you want to get your blood boiling like mine was last night).
To end on a happier note... It was refreshing to see the swagger back in the boys' play last night and I hope they can get on a roll. They host St. Louis tomorrow and then play eight of their next ten games on the road. Heading out with a little momentum going their way won't hurt.
More from the MSM:
- The Canucks' six goals tied a season-high and matched the combined total from their previous four games. (Matthew Sekeres, Globe and Mail; Elliott Pap, Vancouver Sun; Brad Ziemer, Vancouver Sun)
- What's this? A positive-sounding article from Tony G? (Tony Gallagher, Vancouver Province)
- They didn't score a goal - seven games and counting now - but they sure chipped in. (Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province)
- Like Jim Hughson said last night, "Everyone can come back on the bandwagon now." (Iain MacIntyre, Vancouver Sun)
- On Ohlund's injury. (Brad Ziemer, Vancouver Sun; Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province)
- What to do with Naslund? Because the best time to talk about this is in the middle of a playoff race. (Ed Willes, Vancouver Province)
- T'was a good night. (Waiting For Stanley)
- Bieksa the Bad Ass. I like that. (Canucks Fangirl)
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, Nashville+Predators
Labels: game recap, Predators
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Canucks 1 Avalanche 2
The good news is, the Canucks seem to have found their secondary scoring. The bad news is, their primary scorers are nowhere to be found.
After a 2-1 loss to the Avalanche last night, the Canucks extended their losing streak to four games and dropped to ninth place in the Western Conference. In those four games, they've scored a grand total of six goals and Sedin-Sedin-Naslund contributed a grand total of one assist.
In fact, Sedin-Sedin-Naslund have been quite quiet for six games now. The team scored 13 goals in span; none were scored by those three. So who's been doing the scoring? These guys:
Ed Willes (Vancouver Province) offers two trains of thought. The more optimistic one says:
More from the MSM:
Tomorrow night against the Nashville Predators
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Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks, Colorado+Avalanche
After a 2-1 loss to the Avalanche last night, the Canucks extended their losing streak to four games and dropped to ninth place in the Western Conference. In those four games, they've scored a grand total of six goals and Sedin-Sedin-Naslund contributed a grand total of one assist.
In fact, Sedin-Sedin-Naslund have been quite quiet for six games now. The team scored 13 goals in span; none were scored by those three. So who's been doing the scoring? These guys:
- Shannon - 2 goals, 3 assists
- Kesler - 3 goals
- Raymond, Salo, Edler - 2 goals, 1 assist
- Burrows - 1 goal, 1 assist
- Pyatt, Ohlund, Mitchell - 2 assists
Ed Willes (Vancouver Province) offers two trains of thought. The more optimistic one says:
Depending on how you looked at things, in fact, the Vancouver Canucks were sitting in an enviable position before they skated into Denver to meet the Colorado Avalanche, and they're still not that badly off. They're in a three-way cluster around the final two playoff spots in the Western Conference and hold games in hand over both the Nashville Predators and the Avs.The other one, not so much:
They're still 6-3-5 over their last 14 games and they're very much alive in the Northwest Division pennant race.
I mean, it almost seems pointless to go over it all again but if you wondered why so few still believe in the Canucks the evidence was on display again Tuesday night. Watching this team trying to score goals is like watching someone trying to pass a kidney stone.I agree that it's too early to jump off the bandwagon. I just wish the team wouldn't make it so hard to stay on it.
Their best players seem to be incapable of changing the momentum of a game. That lack of offence puts too much pressure on Roberto Luongo to play like Superman every night and even Luongo isn't good enough to get this team in the playoffs the way they're playing.
If that wasn't enough, it now seems the Canucks' defensive corps, which was supposed to be the strength of the team, has been vastly overrated. They're not supplying offence. The Canucks still surrendered 31 shots Tuesday night.
More from the MSM:
- On the outside looking in. (Gordon McIntyre, Vancouver Province; Brad Ziemer, Vancouver Sun)
- All about Foppa. (Gordon McIntyre, Vancouver Province; Brad Ziemer, Vancouver Sun)
- And from the Colorado side of things. (Adrian Dater, Denver Post; Woody Paige, Denver Post; Bernie Lincicome, Rocky Mountain News)
- Tapeleg was at the game and has a recap and lots of pictures. (Jerseys and Hockey Love)
Tomorrow night against the Nashville Predators
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Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks, Colorado+Avalanche
Labels: Avalanche, game recap, Naslund, Sedin
Friday, February 22, 2008
Canucks 3 Predators 2 (SO)
For the first time in four months, the Vancouver Canucks finally had their top-four defensemen in the lineup. How'd they do? Well, they allowed 51 Nashville shots on Roberto Luongo.
The good thing is, Luongo was the best Canuck last night. He stopped 49 of those 51 shots plus another 3 in the shootout. As we've gotten used to by now, he won a game the Canucks simply had no business winning. In the team's current three-game winning streak, he hasn't allowed more than two goals per game.
In what was probably his best game as a Canuck, Mason Raymond scored a beauty of a goal, added an assist and scored the shootout winner. His line with the other little engines that could, Ryan Shannon and Matt Cooke, combined for 5 points (1G-4A) and 5 shots on goal. To be honest, I cringed when Vigneault put this line together a few games ago. I was worried that opposing teams would just bowl them over. So far, they've been able to utilize their speed to elude them and use their skill to keep the puck away from them.
But the story of the night was Kevin Bieksa's return (Iain MacIntyre, Vancouver Sun; Gordon McIntyre, Vancouver Province; Gordon McIntyre, Vancouver Province). He, of course, missed 47 games and played the night before with the Manitoba Moose. He played a modest 15 minutes, but you can tell he needs to get used to playing the guys again. He had a miscue with Louie early in the game and left his man open on the Predators' second goal. But overall, Bieksa was okay. He definitely adds a different dimension to the defense. Case in point was him going after Jordin Tootoo, who took a bit of a run at Henrik Sedin. Bieksa probably would have beat him had Tootoo not lay down and play dead.
The win moved the Canucks up to seventh place in the Western Conference standings, four points up on the ninth place Phoenix Coyotes. They're starting to heat up as well. They've won four of their last five games and only has one regulation time loss in their last nine games (5-1-3). Just in time too.
About the game around the blogosphere:
Saturday night against the Detroit Red Wings.
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The good thing is, Luongo was the best Canuck last night. He stopped 49 of those 51 shots plus another 3 in the shootout. As we've gotten used to by now, he won a game the Canucks simply had no business winning. In the team's current three-game winning streak, he hasn't allowed more than two goals per game.
In what was probably his best game as a Canuck, Mason Raymond scored a beauty of a goal, added an assist and scored the shootout winner. His line with the other little engines that could, Ryan Shannon and Matt Cooke, combined for 5 points (1G-4A) and 5 shots on goal. To be honest, I cringed when Vigneault put this line together a few games ago. I was worried that opposing teams would just bowl them over. So far, they've been able to utilize their speed to elude them and use their skill to keep the puck away from them.
But the story of the night was Kevin Bieksa's return (Iain MacIntyre, Vancouver Sun; Gordon McIntyre, Vancouver Province; Gordon McIntyre, Vancouver Province). He, of course, missed 47 games and played the night before with the Manitoba Moose. He played a modest 15 minutes, but you can tell he needs to get used to playing the guys again. He had a miscue with Louie early in the game and left his man open on the Predators' second goal. But overall, Bieksa was okay. He definitely adds a different dimension to the defense. Case in point was him going after Jordin Tootoo, who took a bit of a run at Henrik Sedin. Bieksa probably would have beat him had Tootoo not lay down and play dead.
The win moved the Canucks up to seventh place in the Western Conference standings, four points up on the ninth place Phoenix Coyotes. They're starting to heat up as well. They've won four of their last five games and only has one regulation time loss in their last nine games (5-1-3). Just in time too.
About the game around the blogosphere:
- Zanstorm's pissed... at the Sedins. (Waiting For Stanley)
- Hannah's happy we squeaked out a win. (Canucks Fangirl)
- Mo stories from the father-son road trip. (Iain MacIntyre, Vancouver Sun)
- Some quick trade talk. (Elliott Pap, Vancouver Sun; Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province)
- I personally don't care what network Jim Hughson ends up with, as long as he's doing Canucks games. (Vancouver Province)
Saturday night against the Detroit Red Wings.
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Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks, Nashville+Predators
Labels: Bieksa, game recap, Luongo, Predators
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Canucks 3 Wild 2 (OT)
That's more like it!
I don't want to get ahead of myself too much but last night's 3-2 overtime win against the Minnesota Wild makes me feel a lot better about the Canucks' postseason chances. While Saturday night's win was more of a pure blood and grit kinda win, last night's had more of a playoff feel to it. Both teams matched lines, both teams slowed the game down, and both teams approached the game more strategically.
The Canucks won and deservedly so. Just like on Thursday night, they controlled a lot of the play and certainly created more scoring chances. Thankfully, this time they came out with the two points.
On even-strength, Ryan Kesler's line played well against Marion Gaborik's line. Sedin, Sedin and Naslund were clutch. Louie was clutch. The Little Engines That Could - Ryan Shannon, Matt Cooke and Mason Raymond - played great and even chipped in with a goal.
Shannon, especially, is beginning to look more comfortable. Unlike at the start of the season, he looks more patient with the puck and more competitive without it. In other words, he's letting the game come to him instead of vice-versa, and in the five games since his call-up, he has three assists and is a plus-2.
By the way, someone explain to me the Wild fans' animosity towards Mattias Ohlund. I know he slashed Mikko Koivu and Koivu missed 24(-something) games after that, but surely they haven't forgotten that that was a response to Koivu' dirty shot to Ohlund's head moments before that. Personally, I loved Ohlund's game last night - he had 26 minutes of ice-time, an assist on the game-winning goal and a plus-2 rating. It didn't shut up the fans, but I'm sure it pissed them off.
About the game around the blogosphere:
Tomorrow night against the Nashville Predators.
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Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks, Minnesota+Wild
I don't want to get ahead of myself too much but last night's 3-2 overtime win against the Minnesota Wild makes me feel a lot better about the Canucks' postseason chances. While Saturday night's win was more of a pure blood and grit kinda win, last night's had more of a playoff feel to it. Both teams matched lines, both teams slowed the game down, and both teams approached the game more strategically.
The Canucks won and deservedly so. Just like on Thursday night, they controlled a lot of the play and certainly created more scoring chances. Thankfully, this time they came out with the two points.
On even-strength, Ryan Kesler's line played well against Marion Gaborik's line. Sedin, Sedin and Naslund were clutch. Louie was clutch. The Little Engines That Could - Ryan Shannon, Matt Cooke and Mason Raymond - played great and even chipped in with a goal.
Shannon, especially, is beginning to look more comfortable. Unlike at the start of the season, he looks more patient with the puck and more competitive without it. In other words, he's letting the game come to him instead of vice-versa, and in the five games since his call-up, he has three assists and is a plus-2.
By the way, someone explain to me the Wild fans' animosity towards Mattias Ohlund. I know he slashed Mikko Koivu and Koivu missed 24(-something) games after that, but surely they haven't forgotten that that was a response to Koivu' dirty shot to Ohlund's head moments before that. Personally, I loved Ohlund's game last night - he had 26 minutes of ice-time, an assist on the game-winning goal and a plus-2 rating. It didn't shut up the fans, but I'm sure it pissed them off.
About the game around the blogosphere:
- Zanstorm's a lot more optimistic. (Waiting For Stanley)
- The Canucks won and Hannah did too. (Canucks Fangirl)
- Unlike on Thursday night, lady luck, puck luck or whatever was on the Canucks side. (Iain MacIntyre, Vancouver Sun)
- It's a bit of a longshot, but the Northwest Division title is still in sight. (Gordon McIntyre, Vancouver Province)
- Scraping for points. (Gordon McIntyre, Vancouver Province)
- Backstrom deserves a lot of credit for Minnesota's point. (Bruce Brothers, Pioneer Press)
- More on the Luongo pads controversy. (Iain MacIntyre, Vancouver Sun; Jim Matheson, Edmonton Journal; David Shoalts, Globe and Mail).
Tomorrow night against the Nashville Predators.
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Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks, Minnesota+Wild
Labels: game recap, Luongo, Wild
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Win One, Lose One
After a horrible, horrible 6-2 loss to the Colorado Avalanche last night, the Canucks bounced back with a solid, spirited effort. The two points was nice and it brought them to an eighth place tie with the Nashville Predators in the Western Conferenceit allowed them to stay a point back of the Nashville Predators for the eighth playoff spot, but personally, I was most happy to see them not hang their heads and dwell on the night before.
Because of the obvious lack of offensive flair in their lineup, the Canucks don't score a lot of pretty goals in the shootout. However, Ryan Shannon's goal last night was. My favorite part? It wasn't the creativity or the fact that it was the game-winner. It was that, after Shannon scored, Khabibulin punched him in the back of the head and Shannon simply turned around and celebrated in the Bulin Wall's face.
Boo-ya!
*****
I'm off to Toronto tomorrow morning and will be there all week. The Canucks don't play until Thursday, but in case there's any major news, I'll try and post something real quick from my hotel. I just hope I have some luck finding a pub that'll show the game.
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Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks, Chicago+Blackhawks
Because of the obvious lack of offensive flair in their lineup, the Canucks don't score a lot of pretty goals in the shootout. However, Ryan Shannon's goal last night was. My favorite part? It wasn't the creativity or the fact that it was the game-winner. It was that, after Shannon scored, Khabibulin punched him in the back of the head and Shannon simply turned around and celebrated in the Bulin Wall's face.
Boo-ya!
*****
I'm off to Toronto tomorrow morning and will be there all week. The Canucks don't play until Thursday, but in case there's any major news, I'll try and post something real quick from my hotel. I just hope I have some luck finding a pub that'll show the game.
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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, Chicago+Blackhawks
Labels: Blackhawks, game recap, Shannon
Friday, February 08, 2008
Canucks 2 Thrashers 1
I think most Vancouver Canucks fans would be in agreement that last night's 2-1 win over the Atlanta Thrashers wasn't pretty, though as they say, a win is a win. After the doom and gloom at the start of this road trip, the Canucks are at least going home with four of the possible eight points.
Alex Burrows had a great game (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province):
More from the MSM:
Saturday night against Colorado (a Hockey Day in Canada game) and Sunday night against Chicago
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Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks, Atlanta+Thrashers
Alex Burrows had a great game (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province):
It also marked a highlight-reel night for Alex Burrows, who got under Kovalchuk's skin and also scored the winning goal. The super-pest strategy could have backfired, but the agitating Burrows wasn't worried about that.Mattias Ohlund was back in the lineup and provided a huge psychological lift (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province):
"If we can get under his skin, that's another part of the game that we've got to do," said Burrows.
"Those Russian guys. Normally, it [agitating] doesn't really wake them up. They like to shut it down and just going at him is part of my game."
Scoring isn't, but Burrows is one of the Canucks' most-improved players and his sixth goal spoke of hustle and enough skill to thread the needle.
Vigneault's convinced the process started well before the puck was dropped. It started when Mattias Ohlund went above the call of duty to help the Canucks improve to 14-16 in one-goal games.The win was a big monkey off their back but now comes another key stretch of games. The Canucks have seven games left before the trading deadline. Five of those seven games are at home and four of them are against Northwest Division rivals. As the Forsberg and other trade talks heat up, the team has that long to put themselves back in playoff contention or slide right out of it.
Not only did the defenceman start the sequence for the tying goal -- his slapshot from the left boards was deflected by Daniel Sedin -- he returned from taking care of a family matter to rejoin the Canucks at the morning skate.
"For him to take a red-eye [flight] last night and to come here and play says so much about the individual and how much he cares about his teammates," said Vigneault.
"It was a huge lift for us and I'm really pleased to be his coach because he's a top-notch competitor."
Ohlund logged 23:36, had two shots on goal and played well even though he could have been easily distracted by events in Vancouver.
More from the MSM:
- Going home on a high. (Brad Ziemer, Vancouver Sun)
- 55 games in, the Canucks finally had their first regulation win after trailing after two periods. (Charles Odum, AP via Globe and Mail; Carroll Rogers, Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
- Maybe, maybe not. (Brad Ziemer, Vancouver Sun; Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province).
Saturday night against Colorado (a Hockey Day in Canada game) and Sunday night against Chicago
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Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks, Atlanta+Thrashers
Labels: Burrows, game recap, Ohlund, Thrashers
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Canucks 2 Stars 3 (SO)
For a team that played without five of its top six defensemen, the Vancouver Canucks did pretty good to earn a point last night. Among the veterans, Markus Naslund was their best forward, Matt Cooke and Alex Burrows stirred things up pretty good, the Sedins and Sami Salo were okay and Roberto Luongo made some big saves when he needed to. Even Mike Weaver stepped it up a notch. Among the kids, I thought Mason Raymond looked more and more confident as the game went on and the rest of the patchword "d" played admirably well (until about the 10-minute mark of the third period anyway).
For all that, they got a single point against the best team in the Pacific Division. That's huge. Believe it or not, if they win against the Thrashers tomorrow night, they'll have taken half of the available points in the road trip. It's not great, but I guess considering the circumstances, it's not bad either. I mean, things could be worse.
More from the MSM:
Off to Atlanta to thrash the Thrashers tomorrow.
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For all that, they got a single point against the best team in the Pacific Division. That's huge. Believe it or not, if they win against the Thrashers tomorrow night, they'll have taken half of the available points in the road trip. It's not great, but I guess considering the circumstances, it's not bad either. I mean, things could be worse.
More from the MSM:
- No one's complaing about the 'Nucks' effort. (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province; Brad Ziemer, Vancouver Sun)
- Fitzgerald makes his NHL debut... wearing Lukas Krajicek's stuff. (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province)
- A not-so-good update on Aaron Miller and mum's the word on Mattias. (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province)
- An update that's not really an update on Peter Forsberg. (Elliott Pap, Vancouver Sun)
- Former Vancouver Giant does well in Dallas. (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province)
- The Stars have now won four straight games, all against the Northwest Division. (Mike Heika, Dallas Morning News)
- Both captains came through on the shootout. (Tracey Myers, Star-Telegram)
- Nazzy had a hat-trick of sorts. (Canucks Fangirl)
- A liveblog from the Dallas side of things. (The Shootout)
Off to Atlanta to thrash the Thrashers tomorrow.
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Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks, Dallas+Stars
Labels: game recap, Stars
Friday, February 01, 2008
Vancouver Canucks vs. The State of Florida
This is my 1,000th post. I can't believe that, after all my random ramblings, you guys keep coming back. Quite simply... thank you.
*****
I was hoping for some sort of fairy tale story for my 1,000th post. You know, the one where Roberto Luongo comes back after a week off, sweeps the road trip and rights the Vancouver Canucks ship that's lost its way in the last month.
After starting 2008 with wins against both New York teams, the Canucks have won just twice more (both against St. Louis). As crappy as we thought their 5-7 record in October was, their 4-7-1 record in January was one point worse.
I'm at a loss for words. For some reason, they just can't put things together. Alex Burrows had a good game, I thought, but few others did. Taylor Pyatt has been the best Canuck over the past few games. Maybe Mattias Ohlund too. Both were okay last night. The Sedins created some good sustained pressure but didn't have many scoring chances. Luc Bourdon looked good in some parts of the game, but took himself out of the play in others. Overall however, it's been a while - I'm thinking since the Rangers game - since the Canucks have played the proverbial 60-minute game.
More on last night's game:
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
*****
I was hoping for some sort of fairy tale story for my 1,000th post. You know, the one where Roberto Luongo comes back after a week off, sweeps the road trip and rights the Vancouver Canucks ship that's lost its way in the last month.
After starting 2008 with wins against both New York teams, the Canucks have won just twice more (both against St. Louis). As crappy as we thought their 5-7 record in October was, their 4-7-1 record in January was one point worse.
I'm at a loss for words. For some reason, they just can't put things together. Alex Burrows had a good game, I thought, but few others did. Taylor Pyatt has been the best Canuck over the past few games. Maybe Mattias Ohlund too. Both were okay last night. The Sedins created some good sustained pressure but didn't have many scoring chances. Luc Bourdon looked good in some parts of the game, but took himself out of the play in others. Overall however, it's been a while - I'm thinking since the Rangers game - since the Canucks have played the proverbial 60-minute game.
More on last night's game:
- Remember when the Canucks couldn't lose to the Southeast teams? (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province)
- Louie not making any excuses. (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province)
- Believe it or not, we're only 12 points from being in the Steve Stamkos sweepstakes. (Brad Ziemer, Vancouver Sun)
- Their big-3 was better than our big-3. (Brad Ziemer, Vancouver Sun)
- There were as many fights as goals last night. (Damian Cristodero, St. Petersburg Times; The Tampa Tribune)
- Shut 'em out, Louie. (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province; Brad Ziemer, Vancouver Sun)
- Again, thanks Mike Keenan. (Ben Kuzma, Vancovuer Province; George Richards, Miami Herald)
- He deserves a warm welcome back. (George Richards, Miami Herald; Steve Gorten, South Florida Sun-Sentinel)
- Meh... he'll snap out of it. (Brian Biggane, Palm Beach Post)
- Olli Jokinen might not play tonight. (Steve Gorten, South Florida Sun-Sentinel)
Comments/Questions: Feel free to post in the comments section or email me at gocanucksgo10 (at) hotmail (dot) com.
Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks
Labels: game day preview, game recap, Lightning, Luongo, Panthers
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Stars 4 Canucks 3
There were some good parts in the Vancouver Canucks' 4-3 loss to the Dallas Stars last night. Like maybe the first few minutes and the last few seconds. What they did in between, well, I can't say I'd file it under the good category.
Don't let the score fool you. The game wasn't close. The Stars held the territorial advantage and had the better scoring chances. They also had more 2-on-1's than Jenna Jameson. Sure the Canucks had more shots on goal, but as has been the case lately, there wasn't much finish.
It was actually quite frustrating to watch the game last night. On home ice, the Canucks should be more dominating than that. I hate to always play the injury card, but it's tough watching guys who would normally be in the press box or with the Moose get outplayed on a regular basis. Yes, I'm talking about Mike Weaver, who got outmuscled a lot, and Nathan MacIver, who got turned around a few times. And this isn't necessarily a criticism of those guys because they've filled in admirably at times. However, it's a bit much, especially with all the injuries, to expect them to replace the Mitchell and Bieksa long-term.
Curtis Sanford was just as brutal and he knows it (Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province).
More from the MSM:
Tomorrow night against the Tampa Bay Lightning
(Note: I have a couple of family things to attend to tonight and tomorrow so I won't be posting a game-day post. I'll be back on Friday.)
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Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks, Dallas+Stars
Don't let the score fool you. The game wasn't close. The Stars held the territorial advantage and had the better scoring chances. They also had more 2-on-1's than Jenna Jameson. Sure the Canucks had more shots on goal, but as has been the case lately, there wasn't much finish.
It was actually quite frustrating to watch the game last night. On home ice, the Canucks should be more dominating than that. I hate to always play the injury card, but it's tough watching guys who would normally be in the press box or with the Moose get outplayed on a regular basis. Yes, I'm talking about Mike Weaver, who got outmuscled a lot, and Nathan MacIver, who got turned around a few times. And this isn't necessarily a criticism of those guys because they've filled in admirably at times. However, it's a bit much, especially with all the injuries, to expect them to replace the Mitchell and Bieksa long-term.
Curtis Sanford was just as brutal and he knows it (Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province).
The Canucks lost a winnable game Tuesday and the reason was all over Curtis Sanford's face, in his disheartened body language and in his own words.It's too bad really. A couple of key saves here and there could've made a difference. Ask the Stars. They got more than a couple of key saves from Marty Turco, who seems now to relish playing against the Canucks.
"The last two goals are saves I have to make and I should make," the backup said after getting pulled for the second time in his past four starts.
"I put the team in a bad position and I put Alain [Vigneault] in a bad position. It's embarrassing to get pulled in front of your own fans. [Vigneault] had to do that. If I was in his position I would have done the same thing. I waved at Modano's goal, basically. I didn't fight through the screen on the last goal."
More from the MSM:
- The Canucks have given up the first goal of the game for seven consecutive games now. It's like 2005 all over again. (Gordon McIntyre, Vancouver Province; Brad Ziemer, Vancouver Sun)
- Methinks Turco likes it when we chant his name. (Gordon McIntyre, Vancouver Province)
- Willie's out but hopefully for not too long. (Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province; Elliott Pap, Vancovuer Sun)
- Something from the Dallas side of things. (Tracey Myers, Star-Telegram)
- Hannah's frustrated as well. (Canucks Fangirl)
- Talking Turco. (Andrew's Dallas Stars Page)
- His Stars won but Art wants to talk about the refs. (Stars Scene)
Tomorrow night against the Tampa Bay Lightning
(Note: I have a couple of family things to attend to tonight and tomorrow so I won't be posting a game-day post. I'll be back on Friday.)
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Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks, Dallas+Stars
Labels: game recap, Sanford, Stars
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Blues 2 Canucks 3 (SO)
After stopping Andy Macdonald in the shootout and winning the game for the Canucks, Roberto Luongo skated out of his net and did a little fist pump. The rest of the team skated out, greeted him and patted each other in the back. The losing streak was over and everyone was excited and relieved.
To me, the most telling part of the game was just how much the fans stuck with the team, even when they were trailing in the third period. There was no bronx cheer from the crowd, even after a Louie gave up a couple of un-Luon-god-like goals, but instead, plenty of encouragement. Maybe we're beginning to shake off our reputation as a goalie graveyard after all.
The Canucks needed that win. If they had lost, they would have entered the All-Star break with five straight losses with the possibility that Columbus and Nashville would knock them down to 10th in the Western Conference. As it stands, they have a three-point lead on both teams and a chance to rest easy for a week.
More from the mainstream:
January 29th against the Dallas Stars.
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Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks, St.+Louis+Blues
To me, the most telling part of the game was just how much the fans stuck with the team, even when they were trailing in the third period. There was no bronx cheer from the crowd, even after a Louie gave up a couple of un-Luon-god-like goals, but instead, plenty of encouragement. Maybe we're beginning to shake off our reputation as a goalie graveyard after all.
The Canucks needed that win. If they had lost, they would have entered the All-Star break with five straight losses with the possibility that Columbus and Nashville would knock them down to 10th in the Western Conference. As it stands, they have a three-point lead on both teams and a chance to rest easy for a week.
More from the mainstream:
- Finally, a come-from-behind win. (Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province; Elliott Pap, Vancouver Sun; Matthew Sekeres, Globe and Mail)
- Matty Ohlund is a monster performer. (Jim Jamieson, Vancouver Province)
- Louie looked shaken and stirred early but recovered nicely late in the third period and the shootout. (Iain MacIntyre, Vancouver Sun; Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province; Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province; Ed Willes, Vancouver Province)
- In the shootout, the Blues are the anti-Edmonton. (Brad Ziemer, Vancouver Sun)
January 29th against the Dallas Stars.
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Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks, St.+Louis+Blues
Labels: Blues, game recap, Luongo, Ohlund
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Wild 4 Canucks 2
If you don't mind, I want to focus first on the positives of last night's 4-2 loss to the Minnesota Wild. For example, the Canucks outshot the Wild 40-26, the second straight game they've put up 40 shots on goal. Much like in the Kings game, they also held the territorial advantage and generated more than a few scoring opportunities. If anything, the Canucks simply suffered from not having any puck luck and a blown call that led to Minnesota's go-ahead goal. If the Canucks keep generating scoring chances like that, I imagine they'll eventually put the puck into the net more often.
Or is it that simple?
There's no doubt that most Canucks fans will be calling for changes after a fourth consecutive loss (and sixth in seven games). I can hear the Mats Sundin and Peter Forsberg rumors gaining steam. I can hear Krajicek to Pittsburgh for Erik Christensen. In other words, I can hear the sky falling in Canucksland.
For the most part, I'm willing to ride out this slide. Every team goes through this and especially a team as decimated as the Canucks. Last night, they played again without Willie Mitchell, and as a result, had problems containing the Wild in front of the net. A perfect example was the Brian Rolston goal when Mike Weaver lost a battle in front of Roberto Luongo. Weaver only logged 8 minutes of ice-time, meaning Aaron Miller (19:08) and Lukas Krajicek (20:26 and he was in the penalty box for six minutes) had to play more. In an ideal world, Miller and Krajicek should log about 15-16 minutes.
One other I did notice is that, except for the Kesler, Cooke and Burrows line, the Canucks didn't get players in front of the net. The Burrows goal was a result of Kesler crashing the net. Ditto Pyatt's. The Canucks took a lot of shots from the outside and Backstrom gave up a lot of rebounds, but unfortunately, there was usually no one there to tap them in. Against the Kings, they didn't any traffic in front of Labarbera and he saw every single one of the Canucks' 46 shots.
More from the MSM:
Wednesday night versus the Blues.
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Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks, Minnesota+Wild
Or is it that simple?
There's no doubt that most Canucks fans will be calling for changes after a fourth consecutive loss (and sixth in seven games). I can hear the Mats Sundin and Peter Forsberg rumors gaining steam. I can hear Krajicek to Pittsburgh for Erik Christensen. In other words, I can hear the sky falling in Canucksland.
For the most part, I'm willing to ride out this slide. Every team goes through this and especially a team as decimated as the Canucks. Last night, they played again without Willie Mitchell, and as a result, had problems containing the Wild in front of the net. A perfect example was the Brian Rolston goal when Mike Weaver lost a battle in front of Roberto Luongo. Weaver only logged 8 minutes of ice-time, meaning Aaron Miller (19:08) and Lukas Krajicek (20:26 and he was in the penalty box for six minutes) had to play more. In an ideal world, Miller and Krajicek should log about 15-16 minutes.
One other I did notice is that, except for the Kesler, Cooke and Burrows line, the Canucks didn't get players in front of the net. The Burrows goal was a result of Kesler crashing the net. Ditto Pyatt's. The Canucks took a lot of shots from the outside and Backstrom gave up a lot of rebounds, but unfortunately, there was usually no one there to tap them in. Against the Kings, they didn't any traffic in front of Labarbera and he saw every single one of the Canucks' 46 shots.
More from the MSM:
- 0-17-1 and counting. (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province)
- Line matching to Lemaire's advantage. (Tony Gallagher, Vancouver Province)
- Louie outplayed again. (Gordon McIntyre, Vancouver Province)
- I'm sorry. I'd much rather make the playoffs sooner than later. (Cam Cole, Vancouver Sun)
- Good non-call my ass. (Elliott Pap, Vancouver Sun)
- You know, they're only two points back of first place... (Matthew Sekeres, Globe and Mail)
- Freakin' Bouchard. (John Shipley, Pioneer Press; Michael Russo, Star Tribune)
- Freakin' Bouchard. (Wild Puck Banter)
- Gotta stay positive. (Waiting for Stanley)
Wednesday night versus the Blues.
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Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks, Minnesota+Wild
Labels: game recap, Wild
Friday, January 18, 2008
Canucks 2 Red Wings 3 (SO)
We recorded an episode of the The Crazy Canucks podcast last night, and while John and I were crying about our three consecutive losses, Rebecca reminded us that it was a .500 road trip and the Canucks, believe it or not, took 3 of a possible 6 points.
Is the glass half-empty or half-full?
The Canucks had another slow start. The Red Wings outshot them 16-5 in the first period and 49-28 in the game. They built a 2-0 lead before the Canucks eventually decided to get back in the game.
Now, the Canucks did play better in the latter half of the game and they managed to salvage a point, but these slow starts are beginning to kill them. They've given up the first goal in four of their last five games. Coincidentally, they've lost four of their last give games.
About the game around the blogosphere:
Saturday night against the Los Angeles Kings.
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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, Detroit+Red+Wings
Is the glass half-empty or half-full?
The Canucks had another slow start. The Red Wings outshot them 16-5 in the first period and 49-28 in the game. They built a 2-0 lead before the Canucks eventually decided to get back in the game.
Now, the Canucks did play better in the latter half of the game and they managed to salvage a point, but these slow starts are beginning to kill them. They've given up the first goal in four of their last five games. Coincidentally, they've lost four of their last give games.
About the game around the blogosphere:
- Sean breaks it down, period by period. (Waiting for Stanley)
- Some Nazzy love. (The Yankee Canuck)
- Making 47 saves wasn't enough. (Jim Jamieson, Vancouver Province)
- It takes the Canucks about two games to put up 49 shots, doesn't it? (Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province; Iain MacIntyre, Vancouver Sun)
- It's too bad Edler's slapper missed Hasek. (Iain MacIntyre, Vancouver Sun)
Saturday night against the Los Angeles Kings.
______________
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, Detroit+Red+Wings
Labels: game recap, Red Wings
