With the Philadelphia Flyers in town tonight the Canucks face an opponent that they haven't beaten at home since 1989. Yep, that's 1989. The Year Trevor Linden broke into the league. Have to say that the 'Nucks are kind of due.
Keys to the game:
Jump on the Flyers defence early. Without Chris Pronger logging a ton of minutes I think the Flyers D-corps is susceptible to sustained pressure from a fast, puck-possession team like Vancouver.
Quick Start. Philly hasn't played in 8 days, so they might be a little game rusty. They flew into Vancouver a day earlier than normal to practice and get acclimatized to the time zone. Hopefully this means they are quite into the game right off the bat.
Both teams have been playing well lately (Philly 7-2-1, Van 7-1-2).
This game is on national tv so I can't wait to see my Canucks take on one of the teams I hate the most.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
End of 2010
The Vancouver Canucks are finishing the season on a strong note. They absolutely humiliated the Columbus Bluejackets in their own barn and came back from a 2-1 deficit against the Edmonton Oilers to win 3-2. A few weak goals allowed by Roberto Luongo against Detroit gave the Red Wings the opportunity to capitalize on a late 3rd period power play that carried over to overtime for a 5-4 win, but that Canucks loss was a strong game against a potential playoff opponent.
Despite their extremely strong play of late, they are not pulling very far ahead of other Western Conference contenders. Parity is the main reason as there are some very good teams in the Conference. Vancouver has to continue their strong play. So what do they need in the new year?
1. No weak goals from Luongo.
The Canucks no.1 netminder has proven to be susceptible to the weak goal over the years. While he makes a lot of great saves and won an Olympic Gold medal, he has yet to prove he can carry a team deep in the playoffs. Focus will be his main challenge. Giving Cory Schneider more games should give Luongo more energy late in the season and hopefully solve his problem of mental lapses at critical times.
2. Balanced scoring.
We all know what the Sedins are capable of offensively. They can certainly carry a team, but what happens when their playoff oppenents focus their defensive gameplan to stopping Vancouver's 1st line? Kessler is developing into a great two-way player, and getting Mason Raymond back and producing will hopefully help. Players like Raffi Torres have to keep up their offensive output without compromising the defensive game. Can Jeff Tambellini continue to score? He's got 8 goals without playing full-time this season.
3. The D-line.
Health on the blueline will be critical. A bit of an Achilles heel in past years, Vancouver's d-men have to stay healthy. Sami Salo, Dan Hamhuis, and Keith Ballard have missed significant time, and while Andrew Alberts is playing well, you can't expect him to be as effective as the aforementioned players.
4. Special Teams.
A strong point for the Canucks this year, they are at the top of the league in both Power Play and Penalty Kill situations. Everyone knows how important these two areas are in the playoffs. Poor penalty killing nearly knocked Vancouver out against the L.A. Kings last year. No repeat of that performance is wanted. Conversely, capitalizing on mistakes by opponents can make or break a series.
What other areas does Vancouver need going forward in 2011?
Despite their extremely strong play of late, they are not pulling very far ahead of other Western Conference contenders. Parity is the main reason as there are some very good teams in the Conference. Vancouver has to continue their strong play. So what do they need in the new year?
1. No weak goals from Luongo.
The Canucks no.1 netminder has proven to be susceptible to the weak goal over the years. While he makes a lot of great saves and won an Olympic Gold medal, he has yet to prove he can carry a team deep in the playoffs. Focus will be his main challenge. Giving Cory Schneider more games should give Luongo more energy late in the season and hopefully solve his problem of mental lapses at critical times.
2. Balanced scoring.
We all know what the Sedins are capable of offensively. They can certainly carry a team, but what happens when their playoff oppenents focus their defensive gameplan to stopping Vancouver's 1st line? Kessler is developing into a great two-way player, and getting Mason Raymond back and producing will hopefully help. Players like Raffi Torres have to keep up their offensive output without compromising the defensive game. Can Jeff Tambellini continue to score? He's got 8 goals without playing full-time this season.
3. The D-line.
Health on the blueline will be critical. A bit of an Achilles heel in past years, Vancouver's d-men have to stay healthy. Sami Salo, Dan Hamhuis, and Keith Ballard have missed significant time, and while Andrew Alberts is playing well, you can't expect him to be as effective as the aforementioned players.
4. Special Teams.
A strong point for the Canucks this year, they are at the top of the league in both Power Play and Penalty Kill situations. Everyone knows how important these two areas are in the playoffs. Poor penalty killing nearly knocked Vancouver out against the L.A. Kings last year. No repeat of that performance is wanted. Conversely, capitalizing on mistakes by opponents can make or break a series.
What other areas does Vancouver need going forward in 2011?
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Is it Open Season on Duck Hunting?
The Anaheim Ducks are in town tonight to battle the Vancouver Canucks. Last night the Ducks salvaged a third period collapse with a win in a prolonged shootout. Managing to finally score in regulation was a something that the Ducks succeeding in achieving after going over 2 games without a goal. However, they weren't able to put away the Oilers and the young team clawed back to force overtime.
What do the Canucks need to do tonight? Simply jump on the Ducks early. Anaheim struggles to score, so putting up a goal or two against them early in the game should make the Ducks press. Look for the Canucks to take advantage of more open ice if they get up early in the game.
Allowing a weaker team to stick close throughout the game only allows them to take advantage of lucky bounces. Anything can happen in a close game and the Canucks would be wise to attack the Ducks defense early and often. Vancouver should be well-rested while Anaheim played last night in Edmonton. Whether this means a tired Ducks team or a team capitalizing on adrenaline from the previous night's win will be answered once the puck drops. In my opinion Vancouver better win tonight.
Taking a quick look at the standings would suggest that Anaheim is a comparable team to Vancouver. Taking a closer look suggest something else. Anaheim has 14 wins to Vancouver's 13, but the Ducks have played 5 more games than the Canucks, and both teams currently have 31 points in the bank. Vancouver ranks second and third respectively on the Power Play and Penalty Kill. Anaheim is 10th and 19th. Vancouver scores 3.20/games and allows 2.48 while Anaheim's numbers are 2.43 and 2.93. Even 5-on-5 is an advantage for the Canucks (1.04 to 0.83 Goals for and Against Ratio). The numbers point to a Canucks win tonight, but those are just numbers.
As I mentioned earlier, Anaheim has struggled to score lately. Their 2 goals against the Oilers last night doesn't lead me to believe they have solved their goal scroring problems. Vancouver needs to score early and score often.
What do the Canucks need to do tonight? Simply jump on the Ducks early. Anaheim struggles to score, so putting up a goal or two against them early in the game should make the Ducks press. Look for the Canucks to take advantage of more open ice if they get up early in the game.
Allowing a weaker team to stick close throughout the game only allows them to take advantage of lucky bounces. Anything can happen in a close game and the Canucks would be wise to attack the Ducks defense early and often. Vancouver should be well-rested while Anaheim played last night in Edmonton. Whether this means a tired Ducks team or a team capitalizing on adrenaline from the previous night's win will be answered once the puck drops. In my opinion Vancouver better win tonight.
Taking a quick look at the standings would suggest that Anaheim is a comparable team to Vancouver. Taking a closer look suggest something else. Anaheim has 14 wins to Vancouver's 13, but the Ducks have played 5 more games than the Canucks, and both teams currently have 31 points in the bank. Vancouver ranks second and third respectively on the Power Play and Penalty Kill. Anaheim is 10th and 19th. Vancouver scores 3.20/games and allows 2.48 while Anaheim's numbers are 2.43 and 2.93. Even 5-on-5 is an advantage for the Canucks (1.04 to 0.83 Goals for and Against Ratio). The numbers point to a Canucks win tonight, but those are just numbers.
As I mentioned earlier, Anaheim has struggled to score lately. Their 2 goals against the Oilers last night doesn't lead me to believe they have solved their goal scroring problems. Vancouver needs to score early and score often.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Canucks sing the Blues
The St. Louis Blues come to Vancouver on the heels of a Saturday night loss to the Edmonton Oilers, their fifth in a row. The Canucks just returned from Chicago after beating their nemesis in a crucial game. One team was hungry for a win, the other was perhaps a little too complacent.
The Blues were without a few of their top offensive players when they rolled into Vancouver desperate to reverse their fortunes. The gameplan: shut down the high-powered Canuck offense. The Blues followed their plan to a tee.
Limiting the Cancuks to just 23 shots, and only 2 to start the first three quarters of the third period, enabled the Blues to hang on to a tight lead provided by Alex Steen's second goal scored early in the final period. Steen was the best player last night on both teams, and Vancouver's inability to adjust and key on him lead to their demise.
For the Canucks, Alex Burrows needs to step it up. He only has 4 goals and 4 assists in 15 games played to this point. I know he's missed games early in the season due to injury, but 15 games is plenty of time to get in the groove. In order for the Canucks to be competitive down the stretch and into the playoffs, Burrows is going to have to be better on a nightly basis. Performances like last nights 1 shot, -2 in nearly 17 minutes of ice time just won't cut it. He's a good player who has been making huge improvements each successive year, but the Canucks cannot afford for him to continue to be average.
Next up for Vancouver is the Anaheim Ducks. The Ducks are struggling right now, losing their last 2 games and going 3-6-1 in their last 10. Let's hope the Canucks don't repeat their lackluster performance against another team that's on the slide. Beating weaker and vulnerable opponenents will be key for the success of the team in the tough Western Conference.
The Blues were without a few of their top offensive players when they rolled into Vancouver desperate to reverse their fortunes. The gameplan: shut down the high-powered Canuck offense. The Blues followed their plan to a tee.
Limiting the Cancuks to just 23 shots, and only 2 to start the first three quarters of the third period, enabled the Blues to hang on to a tight lead provided by Alex Steen's second goal scored early in the final period. Steen was the best player last night on both teams, and Vancouver's inability to adjust and key on him lead to their demise.
For the Canucks, Alex Burrows needs to step it up. He only has 4 goals and 4 assists in 15 games played to this point. I know he's missed games early in the season due to injury, but 15 games is plenty of time to get in the groove. In order for the Canucks to be competitive down the stretch and into the playoffs, Burrows is going to have to be better on a nightly basis. Performances like last nights 1 shot, -2 in nearly 17 minutes of ice time just won't cut it. He's a good player who has been making huge improvements each successive year, but the Canucks cannot afford for him to continue to be average.
Next up for Vancouver is the Anaheim Ducks. The Ducks are struggling right now, losing their last 2 games and going 3-6-1 in their last 10. Let's hope the Canucks don't repeat their lackluster performance against another team that's on the slide. Beating weaker and vulnerable opponenents will be key for the success of the team in the tough Western Conference.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
No Canucks-Blues on TV in Toronto
Well, there is telecast of the Canucks-Blues game in Toronto, but since I get WGN as part of my HD package I get to watch the Blackhawks-Flames game tonight. In fact, it just ended with the 'Hawks beating the hapless Flames 3-2. Is there something wrong with the fact that in Canada one can watch an American local broadcast more often than other Canadian broadcasts. I can understand it if you're in Nova Scotia and you get the Bruins, or Winnipeg and The Wild, or Niagra Falls and the Sabres. But Chicago is nowhere near Toronto, and frankly I just want to watch my favourite team. I guess the silver lining tonight is that I got to see Calgary lose, again. Way to build a team Sutters!!
I heard earlier today that Mason Raymond is sick and Aaron Rome will be moved to the 4th line to take his spot. While I'm all for versatility in your lineup, I don't think Alain Vigneault is putting Rome up front because he feels the defence has some abilities that can be utilitzed in that position. Rather, I think this move is because there isn't anyone else around who can fill in the spot at this time. Why would that be?
The salary cap has been in the news this year as a few teams have had to be creative in how they structure their roster. Do you remember the mighty Devils icing 3 lines early in the season to get under the cap since they made such a great signing of a superstar in the off-season. There other examples of creative lineups to deal with the cap, but I also think this issue is affecting the number of players that teams keep as healthy scratches on a nightly basis.
Why does this matter? Maybe it doesn't really. I mean, who is usually a healthy scratch but the player(s) who are at the low end of the depth chart or the struggling player who needs to be sent a message (ahem, PK Subban). But if keeping the roster shorter than it was in the past because of cap needs means that there isn't a forward to fill in when someone can't play and a defence takes that spot and makes a crucial error, there is going to be severe consequences.
Teams can't afford to squander points, have you seen the standings in the Western Conference lately. One loss can mean that one day your team is leading its division and the next it's out of a playoff spot, especially in the ultra-tight Western Conference. Putting a player in a position he is perhaps not used to might make sense for cap management, but it's an awful big risk if it means a player is out of position and makes a mistake because of it that costs a game.
Another consideration is the NHLPA. I can hear the "huh?!" already. Yeah, the NHLPA!!! Keeping shorter rosters means less players on the payroll, and that can certainly not sit well with the players union. I haven't heard anyone talk about this issue, and that's probably because the NHLPA is in major need of leadership. That will likely change soon. Will this be an issue in the upcoming collective bargaining talks, that remains to be seen.
In any case, I contend that there should be more national telcasts of all the Canadian teams, especially the Canucks, because then I won't have my mind wander and think about the cap and the NHLPA. Instead I'd be able to yell at the tv when Aaron Rome makes a blunder on his first and only shift on the 4th line that ended up in the back of the Canucks net. See, silver lining.
I heard earlier today that Mason Raymond is sick and Aaron Rome will be moved to the 4th line to take his spot. While I'm all for versatility in your lineup, I don't think Alain Vigneault is putting Rome up front because he feels the defence has some abilities that can be utilitzed in that position. Rather, I think this move is because there isn't anyone else around who can fill in the spot at this time. Why would that be?
The salary cap has been in the news this year as a few teams have had to be creative in how they structure their roster. Do you remember the mighty Devils icing 3 lines early in the season to get under the cap since they made such a great signing of a superstar in the off-season. There other examples of creative lineups to deal with the cap, but I also think this issue is affecting the number of players that teams keep as healthy scratches on a nightly basis.
Why does this matter? Maybe it doesn't really. I mean, who is usually a healthy scratch but the player(s) who are at the low end of the depth chart or the struggling player who needs to be sent a message (ahem, PK Subban). But if keeping the roster shorter than it was in the past because of cap needs means that there isn't a forward to fill in when someone can't play and a defence takes that spot and makes a crucial error, there is going to be severe consequences.
Teams can't afford to squander points, have you seen the standings in the Western Conference lately. One loss can mean that one day your team is leading its division and the next it's out of a playoff spot, especially in the ultra-tight Western Conference. Putting a player in a position he is perhaps not used to might make sense for cap management, but it's an awful big risk if it means a player is out of position and makes a mistake because of it that costs a game.
Another consideration is the NHLPA. I can hear the "huh?!" already. Yeah, the NHLPA!!! Keeping shorter rosters means less players on the payroll, and that can certainly not sit well with the players union. I haven't heard anyone talk about this issue, and that's probably because the NHLPA is in major need of leadership. That will likely change soon. Will this be an issue in the upcoming collective bargaining talks, that remains to be seen.
In any case, I contend that there should be more national telcasts of all the Canadian teams, especially the Canucks, because then I won't have my mind wander and think about the cap and the NHLPA. Instead I'd be able to yell at the tv when Aaron Rome makes a blunder on his first and only shift on the 4th line that ended up in the back of the Canucks net. See, silver lining.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Big Game, Big Win Against the Blackhawks
It's still early in the NHL season, but that doesn't mean the games played now don't mean much. The Chicago Blackhawks have had the Vancouver Canucks number in recent memory. However, last night's shutout of the 'Hawks was a huge win for the Canucks and their march to the playoffs.
Chicago has beaten the Canucks twice earlier this season, at a time when the 'Hawks were not playing expecially well. They were clearly adjusting to new teammates, linemates, and a Stanley Cup hangover. But lately they 'Hawks have been playing better and are reasserting themselves as one the premier teams in the NHL. I still believe that despite their many changes and question marks in goal, the path to the Cup finals in the Western Conference goes through Chicago.
So having said that, the Vancouver Canucks had to win last night. Their opponent had knocked them out of the playoffs two years in row, and then started this campaign with another two wins, one an absolute thrashing in Vancouver. If the Canucks had not come out and played at least a solid and competitive game then the questions would surely have grown in the locker "Can we beat these guys?"
Well the answer to that question is yes. But don't get the wrong impression. The challenges for the Canucks are still prevalent. They need to continue to get consistent efforts from all their lines and solid goaltending from Roberto Luongo and Corey Schneider. Having Schneider riding shotgun this season will certainly prove beneficial later in the year as he can shoulder more of the burden than last years backup Andrew Raycroft, thus leaving Luongo fresher for the playoffs.
One area that still leaves me a little unsure of is the defence. Mainstays like Kevin Bieksa and Christian Ehrhoff are playing up to expectations, and new acquisition Dan Hamhuis seems to be settling in after missing a few games. The other new Canuck, Keith Ballard, still has not made the impact management thought he would due to some injury problems and the resulting mediocre play. But the Canucks are at least solid enough and have enough puck movers to allow Ballard to get his game in gear. Also, the play of Andrew Alberts continues to be a bonus in my mind. Not much of a factor last year, and in my opinion a bit of a liability when on the ice, Alberts has been able to log some crucial minutes, allowing the Canucks to move obnoxious and defensively challenged Shane O'Brien. Moving O'Brien is addition by subtraction, but also Alberts' play is nice bonus.
Moving forward the Canucks still need to play the tough teams well and build more and more confidence and momentum throughout the reas of the season. One step down though, beating their nemisis the Chicago Blackhawks.
Chicago has beaten the Canucks twice earlier this season, at a time when the 'Hawks were not playing expecially well. They were clearly adjusting to new teammates, linemates, and a Stanley Cup hangover. But lately they 'Hawks have been playing better and are reasserting themselves as one the premier teams in the NHL. I still believe that despite their many changes and question marks in goal, the path to the Cup finals in the Western Conference goes through Chicago.
So having said that, the Vancouver Canucks had to win last night. Their opponent had knocked them out of the playoffs two years in row, and then started this campaign with another two wins, one an absolute thrashing in Vancouver. If the Canucks had not come out and played at least a solid and competitive game then the questions would surely have grown in the locker "Can we beat these guys?"
Well the answer to that question is yes. But don't get the wrong impression. The challenges for the Canucks are still prevalent. They need to continue to get consistent efforts from all their lines and solid goaltending from Roberto Luongo and Corey Schneider. Having Schneider riding shotgun this season will certainly prove beneficial later in the year as he can shoulder more of the burden than last years backup Andrew Raycroft, thus leaving Luongo fresher for the playoffs.
One area that still leaves me a little unsure of is the defence. Mainstays like Kevin Bieksa and Christian Ehrhoff are playing up to expectations, and new acquisition Dan Hamhuis seems to be settling in after missing a few games. The other new Canuck, Keith Ballard, still has not made the impact management thought he would due to some injury problems and the resulting mediocre play. But the Canucks are at least solid enough and have enough puck movers to allow Ballard to get his game in gear. Also, the play of Andrew Alberts continues to be a bonus in my mind. Not much of a factor last year, and in my opinion a bit of a liability when on the ice, Alberts has been able to log some crucial minutes, allowing the Canucks to move obnoxious and defensively challenged Shane O'Brien. Moving O'Brien is addition by subtraction, but also Alberts' play is nice bonus.
Moving forward the Canucks still need to play the tough teams well and build more and more confidence and momentum throughout the reas of the season. One step down though, beating their nemisis the Chicago Blackhawks.
Canucks Need to Exorcize the Demons
For the past 2 playoffs the Canucks have been unable to get past the Chicago Blackhawks. Nothing has changed this season with 2 losses so far, 2-1 and a 7-1 thrashing. While the Blackhawks are a much different team this year, the results against the Canucks have been the same. In order for the Canucks to be the Cup contender that many picked in the pre-season, they need to beat the Chicago Blackhawks.
While the regular season results don't necessarily mean that's what's going to happen in the playoffs, in the case of the Canucks-Blackhawks rivalry over the past few seasons it is clear that the Blackhawks have had the upper hand. Does this lack of success against another Cup contender play on their minds? I think it must, and is likely growing with every loss. The Canucks must win tonight in order to give their psyche a boost during the playoffs.
While the regular season results don't necessarily mean that's what's going to happen in the playoffs, in the case of the Canucks-Blackhawks rivalry over the past few seasons it is clear that the Blackhawks have had the upper hand. Does this lack of success against another Cup contender play on their minds? I think it must, and is likely growing with every loss. The Canucks must win tonight in order to give their psyche a boost during the playoffs.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Garth Butcher
I read an article recently about Garth Butcher. He was recently honoured at a Canucks game and he won the 50/50 draw. Typical of the kind and generous man, he has given away some of the winnings. I had the good fortune to once have a personal moment with him when I was a young minor hockey player.
I was playing in an Atom hockey tournament all-star game where players from various teams were selected to play together. The tournament arranged for Butcher and another Canuck to coach the two teams. I was fortunate to have #5. I made a really bad play that cost us a goal, and as a result was really bummed. Garth put his arm around my shoulder, told me not to worry about, go out and have some fun. Well, I played much better, and I'll never forget the personal moment he took to make a little kid feel better.
I was playing in an Atom hockey tournament all-star game where players from various teams were selected to play together. The tournament arranged for Butcher and another Canuck to coach the two teams. I was fortunate to have #5. I made a really bad play that cost us a goal, and as a result was really bummed. Garth put his arm around my shoulder, told me not to worry about, go out and have some fun. Well, I played much better, and I'll never forget the personal moment he took to make a little kid feel better.
Every Canuck Fan Should Love Raymond
Mason Raymond's performance last night against the Calgary Flames is indicative of what the speedy winger can bring to the table every night. His short-handed goal where he picked up the pick inside his own zone and blazed down the boards was undoubtedly highlight reel material. Topping it off was a dazzling move at such a high speed that made one the league's perenial top goaltenders look average at best.
Raymond's performance reminded me a bit of Pavel Bure in his prime, flying down the wing at full-speed with defencemen having no chance to catch him, then pulling off a deke that made the goalie look silly. Now I'm not suggesting Raymond is anywhere near the world-class level of Bure, but it's hard not to get excited about the possibility of seeing that kind of talent on a nightly basis. He certainly possesses the kind of speed that can bring fans out of their seats whenever he touches the puck.
So far he is basically on pace to have the same type of season he had last year. It's not too hard to make the leap that should he gain more confidence and continue to get quality ice-time that the 25 year old winger won't continue to get better. Consider that this is only his third full year in the NHL, the possibilities of multiple 30 goal seasons is very attainable.
Raymond's performance reminded me a bit of Pavel Bure in his prime, flying down the wing at full-speed with defencemen having no chance to catch him, then pulling off a deke that made the goalie look silly. Now I'm not suggesting Raymond is anywhere near the world-class level of Bure, but it's hard not to get excited about the possibility of seeing that kind of talent on a nightly basis. He certainly possesses the kind of speed that can bring fans out of their seats whenever he touches the puck.
So far he is basically on pace to have the same type of season he had last year. It's not too hard to make the leap that should he gain more confidence and continue to get quality ice-time that the 25 year old winger won't continue to get better. Consider that this is only his third full year in the NHL, the possibilities of multiple 30 goal seasons is very attainable.
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