Vancouver Canucks

[VanIsleNorm]

Interesting. I'm a bit worried that E. Kane is a bit of a problem, but I think a bigger city would mask some of his issues. Although Vancouver is bigger, the coverage of him wouldn't be any less than in Winnipeg. I think Kane would benefit from a few years in an American market (like Florida or Tampa or Dallas or Carolina...). Somewhere where he could walk out of the arena after the game without constant attention.

As for major changes in Vancouver, I'm more and more worried that heads won't roll. I wish they weren't facing so many injuries. I'm petrified that Torts and GMMG will get a pass because of them. I read an article recently where Torts argued that he had to get away from his game plan because of major injuries and that they had to get back to what they set out to be at the beginning of the season.

IF they are going to start fresh, they need to do it quickly. Let the new coach and GM make Kesler and Edler deals. Let the new coach and GM draft (with a pretty decent pick). Let MG buy-out Booth. One last move to highlight his tenure of mediocrity.

Looking over his time in Van (http://www.nucksmisconduct.com/2013/...th-the-canucks -- it's a year old, but perhaps that is a good thing for Gillis!), and you'll see how little he actually did for this team:

Highlights:
1. Getting Hamhuis at a discount -- although that had more to do with the city of Vancouver than MG.
2. The initial Ehrhoff deal -- that was a steal.

Lowlights:
1. Every single NHL draft. Hodgson (later disaster ensues), Schroeder, Connauton, Jensen and Corrado are the best he's brought to Vancity (with the exception of the last draft -- which isn't assessable yet). And this is my #1 problem with him. There needs to be something worthwhile in 5 years of drafts!
2. Hodgson debacle (still not sure what all happened there, but Kassian isn't exactly making it look like a win quite yet)
3. Luongo contract (which I'll concede, was made 500% worse by the league's rule changes, which were unforeseen)
4. Some brutal signings: Demitra and Sundin are two that stand out.

Time will tell I suppose. There's a lot for a new GM to work with here methinks. And I wouldn't be shocked if a new GM and coach came in and turned things around for next season with a couple astute moves and some better luck. Make it happen!

I agree with most of what you are saying. However, why do I hear over and over agian from seemingly knowledgable hockey fans how bad the Sundin and Demitra contracts were? I feel that having Demitra and especially Sundin around even short term was absolutely crucial in the development of many of our younger players, no player more so than Ryan Kessler. Kessler cemented himself as a top 6 player playing on the "RPM" line and having the support of veteran pro's around him he became a dominant player and never turned back. With all of the horrible long-term contracts being forked out to younger average players I feel these short term contracts given to influential players was perhaps his greatest contribution to the team and by avoiding commiting to Brian Rolston or Scott Gomez type players Gillis allowed himself to have cap flexability two years later when few other teams did and was able to pull off the Ehrhoff trade.

[hawkdog]

Jared McCann, LC (Sault Ste. Marie, OHL)
For success to happen in the Soo, players must display a strong work ethic and possess two-way acumen - Jared McCann
receives check marks in both categories. Early in his career, McCann has shown to be a valuable commodity in all three
zones and few players show a dedication to the backside pressure as the Stratford native does. His defensive commitment
stems from advanced hockey sense but by no means is McCann strictly a defensive specialist. His top-tier speed, stick
handling skills in traffic and lethal shooting arsenal, particular a deadly wrist shot, are exactly why scouts are enamored by
the sophomore Soo star. McCann’s intangibles, coachable attitude and dedication to perfection make him a true student of
the game.
Upside: Top six two-way pivot (Patrice Bergeron), 35-40-75
Rank: 17

[hawkdog]

BC’S DEMKO HEAVY FAVORITE AS TOP DRAFT-ELIGIBLE GOALIE (click here)
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=712863

[hawkdog]

good showing by the young guns last against the sharks, Subban looks steady! Excited to see who makes the team this year!

[VintageVibe]

Empty netters don't get much prettier than the one Hank tallied last night. I wouldn't be surprised if we see this goal in the highlight reels at the end of the season.

He takes a bouncing puck from his own blue line, fights off a guy in the neutral zone, second last guy back trips him, last guy back jumps on him, and he still manages to kick the puck up to his stick and tap it in one-handed - all of this happening at top speed.

So much incorporated into one play - and that's what makes hockey so special.

[northernnuck]

Amazing that I have not heard any news thread that we got goals from 1st, 2nd and 3rd line....................Vey!

[hawkdog]

right on, love that the team gave Willie the winning puck!! shows they like the guy and will play for him!!

[hawkdog]

3 in a row, tonight will be a big test against Tampa. Can't believe Miller is 9-0 against the oilers considering how long he played for Buffalo

[rainydrinkwater]

I haven't been to watch a Canucks game yet this season so I'm wondering if it's more of:

a- VCR is playing great hockey = 4-0 record

or

b- VCR has played EDM & CGY twice each = 4-0 record

Anyone who's been watching closer have any thoughts?

[STONE.]

I haven't been to watch a Canucks game yet this season so I'm wondering if it's more of:

a- VCR is playing great hockey = 4-0 record

or

b- VCR has played EDM & CGY twice each = 4-0 record

Anyone who's been watching closer have any thoughts?

To start, neither is correct since the Nucks are 3-1.

I've watched most of the games so far, and they are MUCH improved from the garbage we saw last year.
BUT, playing Edmonton and Calgary for the first three games helped for sure.
Although I thought they looked good in the Tampa loss last night -- could've easily won that won if not for a couple missteps. The opening goal and the 5-3 goal (it might have been 5-4 at the time, but they were killing a pair) were ones I'm sure they wish they could have back. Bad decisions.

The Sedin-Sedin-Vrbata line has looked really good, and last night I thought Edler looked like he could be back.
Vey has been impressive so far.

Not sure they have the firepower/depth to keep this start up for the season. But I'm optimistic based on what I've seen so far.
Hopefully Miller wins them some games and they get a bit of help from lines 2-4.

[rainydrinkwater]

To start, neither is correct since the Nucks are 3-1.

D'oh

Thanks for the insight though.

[hawkdog]

I think the score was 4-2 versus Tampa?

I think the second line is starting to gel and Kassian has had some flashes of Brilliance.
I thought it could of been a closer game in Tampa if Sedin hadn't of coughed up the puck to Stamkos - Miller in net might have made the difference - although I hate to agree with Kypreos

[audiopile]

I think the score was 4-2 versus Tampa?

I think the second line is starting to gel and Kassian has had some flashes of Brilliance.
I thought it could of been a closer game in Tampa if Sedin hadn't of coughed up the puck to Stamkos - Miller in net might have made the difference - although I hate to agree with Kypreos

I agree, mostly. Although it was Kassian's lack of maturity that changed to momentum and I blame him for the loss, not the goaltending. It was at 2-2 and the canucks were going to the man advantage when Jack Assian decided to get silly and took a bad penalty, which eventually led to a 5on3 PP goal for Tampa (3-2). The 4th goal was just BAD defending. I don't see any brilliance with Kassian, and I feel rather alone with this opinion, but I'm OK with that.

[hawkdog]

your allowed you opinion,
but he scored a nice goal last night

[hawkdog]

Couple of sweet goals last night! hate the late goal by Pax but it was nice to Sedin get revenge on Subban with the OT goal.

Miller is now 7-1, gotta love it.

Hope Burrows doesn't get any penalty time for his hit on Emelin.