tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80891802024-03-12T18:03:34.669-07:00Vancouver Canucks Hockey BlogSporadic Canucks Commentary and Analysis Since 2004<a href="http://www.twitter.com/TheCanuckFan">@TheCanuckFan</a>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02983581278683754407noreply@blogger.comBlogger332125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089180.post-46380225497655801082016-02-23T10:28:00.001-08:002016-02-23T10:28:34.084-08:00Shinkaruk for GranlundThought I'd summarize my tweets from last night on the Shinkaruk trade. So here they are...- Keep coming back to the fact Granlund was diminishing asset in Calgary & Benning still forked over one of his best chips for no reason.- There was no reason Shinkaruk needed to be traded today. You had 2 more years of waiver exemption. Also 7 days until the deadline, where many situations could <a href="http://www.twitter.com/TheCanuckFan">@TheCanuckFan</a>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02983581278683754407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089180.post-58154666566109817102016-02-11T23:42:00.001-08:002016-02-12T00:46:38.488-08:00#TeamTankFor the first time in my life I find myself not cheering for the Vancouver Canucks. It started gradually - even subconsciously - not cheering a goal here, indifference there. It feels weird. A loss to the Calgary Flames on a Saturday night would normally get me right pissed off. Last Saturday? "Meh"My first taste of Canucks playoff hockey was back in '89 when an underdog Canucks team took the <a href="http://www.twitter.com/TheCanuckFan">@TheCanuckFan</a>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02983581278683754407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089180.post-48274157257732141282013-10-02T19:54:00.001-07:002013-10-02T20:21:18.038-07:00A Blog PostYes, it's a rare blog post!Going to try something different and see what happens this year. Anyway, to start things off, here are some random thoughts on the eve of the Canucks' season opener...- Like the new aggressive forecheck that Tortorella has implemented. So far, so good, but we'll see if they can keep it up in the regular season without giving up too many odd man rushes.- A lot of whining<a href="http://www.twitter.com/TheCanuckFan">@TheCanuckFan</a>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02983581278683754407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089180.post-15125595818992109732012-02-27T22:22:00.000-08:002012-02-27T22:22:29.121-08:00Canucks Trade Cody Hodgson for Zack Kassian and Marc-Andre GragnoniAfter the 2012 Trade Deadline the Vancouver Canucks are a different team, whether they are a better team is a question of some debate. The look and flexibility of this team has been significantly altered. Gone is Cody Hodgson's offensive production from the 3rd line and 2nd unit power play, in it's place is a more a more traditional checking line, a young power forward and a defenseman who can <a href="http://www.twitter.com/TheCanuckFan">@TheCanuckFan</a>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02983581278683754407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089180.post-85749333455070404422011-10-23T12:44:00.001-07:002011-10-23T12:48:50.208-07:00Canucks Trade Samuelsson and Sturm to Florida for David BoothWhile watching the Lions game yesterday I hear a TSN Tradecentre alert go off on my phone. I wonder "Hmmm which mediocre player was traded for a mid-round pick today." Needless to say it was a little shocking to see that the Canucks had traded away Mikael Samuelsson. Even more surprising was the player they received in return.The Canucks sent Samuelsson and Marco Sturm to Florida (yes Florida <a href="http://www.twitter.com/TheCanuckFan">@TheCanuckFan</a>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02983581278683754407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089180.post-24486974858895990292011-10-06T16:47:00.000-07:002011-10-06T16:48:01.236-07:002011-2012 Opening Night LineupThe Canucks open the season tonight against the Pittsburgh Penguins (7:00 CBC). Here's your opening night lineup...ForwardsSedin Sedin Burrows
Sturm Hogdson Samuelsson
Higgins Malhotra Hansen
Volpatti Lapierre Weise
DefenseHamhuis Bieksa
Edler Salo
Ballard Tanev
GoaltendersLuongo
Schneider
It was reported today that Mike Gillis expects Ryan Kesler to return in 5 to 6 games, or roughly two weeks.<a href="http://www.twitter.com/TheCanuckFan">@TheCanuckFan</a>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02983581278683754407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089180.post-46856375510715501802011-09-24T10:08:00.000-07:002011-09-24T10:08:30.349-07:00A New SeasonWell it's been a long time since my last post. Quite frankly, after such a crushing disappointment I needed to take the summer off from all things Canuck. I was going to do a review of last season and "what went wrong", but really whats the point. We all know what went wrong. The Canucks power play floundered, Tim Thomas was amazing and Luongo wasn't good enough (again). Sure you can throw in the<a href="http://www.twitter.com/TheCanuckFan">@TheCanuckFan</a>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02983581278683754407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089180.post-62782936834315239012011-06-13T16:27:00.000-07:002011-06-13T16:27:57.085-07:00One Win AwayThis is it. For just the second time ever the Vancouver Canucks are playing to win the Stanley Cup. "Surreal" is the only word I can think of to describe what's going on in Canuck Nation. The Dream can be fulfilled tonight!
Throw all the numbers out the window. This is one hockey game and the Stanley Cup is on the line!
Pre Game Thoughts...
The obvious key to the game is scoring first, but <a href="http://www.twitter.com/TheCanuckFan">@TheCanuckFan</a>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02983581278683754407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089180.post-57431362157554083022011-06-05T10:54:00.000-07:002011-06-05T10:54:54.336-07:00Two Wins AwayThe Vancouver Canucks have been great in third periods all season long and game two of the Stanley Cup finals was no different. After a weak 2nd period the Canucks took over in the third and tied the game on a Daniel Sedin goal. Vancouver fans barely had time to sit down for the overtime as Alex Burrows ended it 11 seconds in on a great individual effort. Just like that Vancouver is just two wins<a href="http://www.twitter.com/TheCanuckFan">@TheCanuckFan</a>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02983581278683754407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089180.post-15798423025340642002011-06-04T10:28:00.000-07:002011-06-04T10:28:47.624-07:00Three Wins AwayIt took until the final seconds of the third period, but the Vancouver Canucks finally beat Tim Thomas. Raffi Torres scored the winner on a great passing play by Ryan Kesler and Jannik Hansen. The Canucks are now just three wins away from the Stanley Cup!
The Keys to the Stanley Cup
Let's take a look at the four keys to the Stanley Cup...
The X Factor: Officiating
One of the biggest questions <a href="http://www.twitter.com/TheCanuckFan">@TheCanuckFan</a>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02983581278683754407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089180.post-40691620811157123562011-05-31T19:33:00.000-07:002011-05-31T19:33:18.881-07:00The Stanley Cup Finals - Bruins Vs CanucksIt's been 17 years. Hard to believe really. Back in 1994 I would never have imagined that the Canucks would not return to the Stanley Cup finals until 2011. Since game seven in 1994 - counting the regular season and playoffs - the Vancouver Canucks have won 654 games. Now all we need is four wins. 4 Wins.
This time around the Canucks are heavily favoured, most predicting the series to be over in <a href="http://www.twitter.com/TheCanuckFan">@TheCanuckFan</a>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02983581278683754407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089180.post-3069516147417092652011-04-28T07:39:00.001-07:002011-04-29T07:33:38.987-07:00Vancouver Canucks Round 2 Playoff ScheduleThe Vancouver Canucks vs the Nashville Predators round 2 playoff schedule is as follows:
Thursday, April 28 at Vancouver, 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 30 at Vancouver, 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, May 3 at Nashville, 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 5 at Nashville, 5:30 p.m.
*Saturday, May 7 at Vancouver, 5:00 p.m.
*Monday, May 9 at Nashville, TBD
*Wednesday, May 11 at Vancouver, TBD
All Times Pacific. * If <a href="http://www.twitter.com/TheCanuckFan">@TheCanuckFan</a>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02983581278683754407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089180.post-13266673764624629062011-04-25T12:36:00.000-07:002011-04-25T12:36:05.664-07:00Deserving of a Better Fate?The Vancouver Canucks played their best game of the series, but it wasn't enough to finish off the Chicago Blackhawks. Alain Vigneault shook things up by juggling his lines and starting Corey Schneider in goal. Despite outplaying the Blackhawks in the second half of the game, Vancouver couldn't get the one goal they needed. For Canuck fans it was just another heartbreaking loss. On to the game <a href="http://www.twitter.com/TheCanuckFan">@TheCanuckFan</a>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02983581278683754407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089180.post-57628039546583159512011-04-23T10:05:00.001-07:002011-04-23T10:11:10.156-07:00A Test of FaithCanucks fans have experienced many moments of pain and disappointed over the last 40 years. My first real experience was in 1989 Vs the Calgary Flames. Mike Vernon's overtime glove save on Stan Smyl and the series clinching goal off the skate of Joel Otto are still fresh wounds 22 years later.
A couple first round series wins over the Winnipeg Jets in the early 90's gave me hope that all you had<a href="http://www.twitter.com/TheCanuckFan">@TheCanuckFan</a>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02983581278683754407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089180.post-14153629511644893402011-04-16T10:25:00.000-07:002011-04-16T10:25:01.153-07:00Canucks Finally Win a Game 2 Vs ChicagoIt got interesting late, but the Vancouver Canucks managed to hang on to a 4-3 lead and win game #2 for the first time in the past three series against the Chicago Blackhawks. The Canucks had another dominant opening period, once again scoring first while hitting the Hawks hard and often. The Canucks never lost the lead and responded every time Chicago scored or gained momentum. The Canucks' <a href="http://www.twitter.com/TheCanuckFan">@TheCanuckFan</a>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02983581278683754407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089180.post-90550712766314683182011-04-14T17:16:00.002-07:002011-04-14T17:23:16.743-07:00Canucks Take Game One 2-0The Vancouver Canucks opened their 2011 Stanley Cup drive with an impressive 2-0 victory over the Blackhawks. The Canucks took it to Chicago early, dominating in the hit department while adding a couple goals. The Hawks got it together in the 2nd period, but Roberto Luongo was outstanding, posting his second career playoff shutout. On to the game notes...
The big story of game one was obviously <a href="http://www.twitter.com/TheCanuckFan">@TheCanuckFan</a>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02983581278683754407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089180.post-50796147975654416842011-04-01T08:48:00.002-07:002011-04-01T08:49:35.009-07:00Canucks Clinch Presidents' TrophyFor the first time in their 40 year history the Vancouver Canucks have won the Presidents' Trophy!
Sure it doesn't mean a whole lot, but it is a nice accomplishment. What's more impressive is the way they accomplished the feat. They've scored the most goals while allowing the fewest. They have the NHL's best power play and the best penalty kill. They could boast the league's top 2 scorers and <a href="http://www.twitter.com/TheCanuckFan">@TheCanuckFan</a>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02983581278683754407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089180.post-65598081158515453552011-03-13T12:01:00.000-07:002011-03-13T12:01:05.985-07:00Canucks Sweep Five Game Road TripAfter their worst homestand of the season the Vancouver Canucks set off to California to begin a five game road trip. They would face five teams who were battling for their playoff lives in the tight Western Conference. The end result was the franchise's first 5 game road trip sweep since 1992.
With 12 regular season games remaining the Canucks have an 8 point lead over Philadelphia (14 games <a href="http://www.twitter.com/TheCanuckFan">@TheCanuckFan</a>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02983581278683754407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089180.post-59435035220270669002011-02-28T13:19:00.001-08:002011-02-28T14:59:57.186-08:00Canucks Acquire F Chris Higgins and F Maxim LapierreIt ran right down to the wire, but the Canucks managed to pull off a couple trades to add to their forward depth. A couple of ex-Canadiens are on their way to Vancouver:
To Vancouver:
F Chris Higgins
To Florida:
D Evan Oberg, 3rd Round Pick (2011)
To Vancouver:
F Maxim Lapierre, F MacGregor Sharp
To Anaheim
F Joel Perrault, 3rd Round Pick (2013)
Chris Higgins
Chris Higgins is an interesting <a href="http://www.twitter.com/TheCanuckFan">@TheCanuckFan</a>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02983581278683754407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089180.post-77331031483641398202011-02-28T07:35:00.001-08:002011-02-28T07:37:21.765-08:00Trade Deadline DayThe NHL trade deadline is at noon pacific today and the Vancouver Canucks are hoping to add the final piece(s) for their Stanley Cup drive.
GM Mike Gillis is going to try and add a 4th line centre, but could very well walk away from today with nothing should the asking prices be too high.
Check back later for analysis of any Canucks moves. You can also follow the Vancouver Canucks Hockey Blog on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/TheCanuckFan">@TheCanuckFan</a>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02983581278683754407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089180.post-19625018474417203682011-02-25T13:41:00.004-08:002011-02-25T13:47:03.891-08:00One Game Until Trade DeadlineThe Vancouver Canucks have one more game, Saturday vs the Bruins, to evaluate their roster before Monday's NHL trade deadline. Usually at this time of year there is a wide range of opinions on what the Canucks need and what they're going to do. This year things are a little different. The Canucks have the best record in the NHL with few holes in their lineup - this has led to a general consensus <a href="http://www.twitter.com/TheCanuckFan">@TheCanuckFan</a>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02983581278683754407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089180.post-7816273456365535742011-02-23T14:14:00.000-08:002011-02-23T14:14:31.706-08:00Canucks Third Quarter Report CardWith 21 games remaining in the regular season the Vancouver Canucks have finished the third quarter of their season, so it's time for the next round of letter grades. In case you missed them, here are the first quarter and second quarter report cards.
Last quarter's grades are represented in brackets (second quarter,first quarter). Remember grades are based on player expectations, so Raffi Torres<a href="http://www.twitter.com/TheCanuckFan">@TheCanuckFan</a>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02983581278683754407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089180.post-38944986848030340152011-02-17T11:05:00.000-08:002011-02-17T11:05:01.918-08:00Add Bieksa to the List - Oberg RecalledThis is just getting ridiculous. After taking a shot off the foot Kevin Bieksa is now the latest Canuck defenseman to hit the injured list. Bieksa is out with a foot fracture of some kind, no details have been released and he will be re-evaluated when the team returns to Vancouver. Evan Oberg has been recalled from Manitoba and will suit up tonight in Nashville. Yes the Canucks will be playing <a href="http://www.twitter.com/TheCanuckFan">@TheCanuckFan</a>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02983581278683754407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089180.post-8346796460139781262011-02-15T12:44:00.000-08:002011-02-15T12:44:58.630-08:00Another Day Another Defenseman DownAndrew Alberts is the latest victim of the annual springtime injury train. Alberts is out with a broken wrist, no word yet on how long he will be out - the general diagnosis for a broken wrist is at least 6-8 weeks. Alberts joins Hamhuis, Ballard, Edler and Sweatt on the injured list. That leaves the Canucks with Ehrhoff, Bieksa, Salo and Rome as the only veteran defensemen. Yann Sauve has <a href="http://www.twitter.com/TheCanuckFan">@TheCanuckFan</a>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02983581278683754407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089180.post-30916000092997762672011-02-04T14:45:00.000-08:002011-02-04T14:45:13.948-08:00Rookies ImpressingThe Vancouver Canucks continue to roll along, they now lead the Western Conference by 7 points, and lately they've been rolling with several rookies in the lineup. In the past few weeks Sergei Shirokov, Lee Sweatt and Cody Hogdson have all scored their first career goals (earlier in the year Bolduc, Volpatti & Bliznak had theirs) and Chris Tanev has caught everyone's attention with his great play<a href="http://www.twitter.com/TheCanuckFan">@TheCanuckFan</a>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02983581278683754407noreply@blogger.com