Canucks-Flames Preview

by Sean Zandberg on Oct 1, 2009 12:36 PM PDT in Game Preview Comment 52 comments

Are you ready? No...I said: Are....you...READY?! Then....for the hundreds reading at home. including you, Brian Burke, you spiteful putz...Here's your starting lineuuuuups! (Yes I am a fan of DX).

Flames

David Moss - Olli Jokinen - Jarome Iginla
Nigel Dawes - Daymond Langkow - Rene Bourque
Curtis Glencross - Craig Conroy - Dustin Boyd
Fredrik Sjostrom - Eric Nystrom - Brandon Prust

Dion Phaneuf - Robyn Regehr
Jay Bouwmeester - Mark Giordano
Adam Pardy - Staffan Kronwall

Miikka Kiprusofft

Cory Sarich reportedly did not skate today with foot issues.

Canucks

Daniel Sedin - Henrik Sedin - Alex Burrows
Sergei Shirokov - Ryan Kesler - Mikael Samuelsson
Mason Raymond - Kyle Wellwood - Steve Bernier
Darcy Hordichuk - Ryan Johnson - Rick Rypien

Willie Mitchell - Sami Salo
Kevin Bieksa - Alex Edler
Shane O’Brien - Christian Erhoff

Roberto Luongod

Thanks, Fan 590. Good to see both Bieksa and Rypien are ready to go, and that Rypien especially is not going through his personal issues again.

GAME TIME: 7:00 PST

TV: CBC HD. Ah, no more streaming makes me a happy man

The Enemy: Matchsticks And Gasoline

-Team 1040 interviews with several Canucks todayy (thanks SteveNux)

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Comments

We gonna win.

by Beantown Canuck on Oct 1, 2009 12:42 PM PDT reply actions

I’m amped up for tonight!!

3-1 Canucks.

by cyxj on Oct 1, 2009 12:46 PM PDT reply actions

Go Nucks! I love these lines. I predict awesomeness.

Burrows + Canucks = Stanley Cup!

by SpeakUp on Oct 1, 2009 12:53 PM PDT reply actions

Craig Simpson previews the game.

4-1 Nucks.
i’m surprised i posted in time to call the score for once.

http://canuckpuckbunny.blogspot.com

GO CANUCKS GO!

by missy on Oct 1, 2009 1:03 PM PDT reply actions

Haha – I love that photo of Hordichuck in the Matchsticks And Gasoline article.

Thanks for putting my link up there. There are some pretty good interviews on that 1040 page. I like when he said that Daniel cried a little when Henrick got his alternate captain A.

by SteveNux on Oct 1, 2009 1:03 PM PDT reply actions

Unleash. The. Rypien.

'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.

by Yankee Canuck on Oct 1, 2009 1:08 PM PDT reply actions

WoW

…Apart from being a homer here…

That line-up looks damn strong! When you match-up with Calgary line for line, any hockey expert or couch-know-it-all (like myself) would like Vancouver’s chances at domination, or at least a 4-1 outcome, as I too predict.

by Jesse Taylor on Oct 1, 2009 1:16 PM PDT reply actions

Calgary is pretty top-heavy in its scoring talent, largely a one-line team. Their other lines will chip in, they’re not schmucks, but over a full season it’s gonna be mostly the Iginla show and that prob won’t be enough,. They blew too much money on too few players, which is why a $1.3m guy like Moss is on the first line.

Their other prob is Jokinen; he’s too streaky. He’s also a Sean Avery type of person, in it for himself and lacking team spirit. There’s a reason Gretzky dumped him, his talent notwithstanding

Last year, for ex, when he first came to Cgy, he racked up the indiv points but still they lost their games (and ultimately the divn lead/title). And this year his shootout slapshot accomplished nothing for his team except to have their own goalie take one off his collarbone.

In goal, Kipper’s save % has been dropping for years. Either he turns it around or the Flames are hosed. Is he just getting old before his time? Some guys do and some guys don’t, but it’s been 4 or years now since he was a world-beater, the way he started out.

Tonight is just one game, so who knows how it turns out (go Canucks!). But I think Cgy fans could have a tough year ahead of them. On the plus side, they have improved their coaching at least.

by casual on Oct 1, 2009 2:04 PM PDT up reply actions

Like you said, just one game. But tonight Ill be watching the 3rd line. Compairing the two lines, there is huge mismatches, theoretically.

by Jesse Taylor on Oct 1, 2009 2:29 PM PDT up reply actions

hmmm….interesting. would like to hear your breakdown of why any of Vancouver’s lines are worthy of “dominating”.

Line 1 Career points/Last Years pts.
Cgy – 1437/185, Van – 1025/215

Line 2 Career points/Last Years pts.
Cgy – 770/108, Van – 348/99

Line 3 Career points/Last Years pts.
Cgy – 629/110, Van – 301/82

Line 4 Career points/Last Years pts.
Cgy – 111/26 Van – 149/17

Total – Cgy: 2947/429, Van: 1826/413

Add to this that Calgary is a younger team 27.6 vs 28.3 avg. and I question “any hockey expert would like Vancouver’s chances at domination.” In fact, Calgary’s 3rd line looks to be the most lopsided in terms of ‘dominating’. I guess we’ll see, but I think both teams have solid line-ups. ‘Nucks have the goaltending edge, but Calgary the “D”. It’ll be a good battle for the Northwest. Like they say in Basque…“every bird thinks it’s own nest is best”

D for 3 and now goal for 21 years, of course I'm a goaltender apologist.

by LawrenceS on Oct 1, 2009 3:43 PM PDT up reply actions

People are underestimating the Flames depth. Curtis Glencross may just have a hell of a year. He’s a good player on the rise.

Nucks Misconduct

by Sean Zandberg on Oct 1, 2009 3:45 PM PDT up reply actions

Calgary does not have an edge on D. They have three elite guys and very little depth. After the big 3 there are 3 guys who would have a hard time playing on our top pair in Manitoba. I will take our 6 strong D corps and that’s not including Schneider.

by Section 312 on Oct 1, 2009 3:46 PM PDT up reply actions

They have three elite guys and very little depth.

That’s actually laughable. How many teams in the NHL have “three elite guys?” Granted…Sarich being injured is to the Canucks benefit, but I think it would be better to know the players you’re comparing before making statements like that. What was Shane O’Brien’s corsi last year? and Mark Giordano’s for Calgary? Calgary has two (had three before waivers) guys who would be playing in the NHL if not for their “very little depth.”

D for 3 and now goal for 21 years, of course I'm a goaltender apologist.

by LawrenceS on Oct 1, 2009 3:54 PM PDT up reply actions

once again

Corsi rears its ugly head

by kesrows on Oct 1, 2009 3:56 PM PDT up reply actions

The Corsi is your friend kesrows. Just not Ryan Johnson’s friend.

'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.

by Yankee Canuck on Oct 1, 2009 4:01 PM PDT up reply actions

I’ll eat the spinach and lima beans. But I refuse to touch the Corsi.

by kesrows on Oct 1, 2009 4:04 PM PDT up reply actions

…unless Gillis tells me I have to.

by kesrows on Oct 1, 2009 4:06 PM PDT up reply actions

SOB is our 6th or 7th D man when everyone is healthy so how is comparing him to your 4th guy fair? How about Erhoff versus Giordano? Or Bieksa versus Pardy? Even the most biased Flames fans must see that their team lacks depth. Especially on the back end.

by Section 312 on Oct 1, 2009 4:03 PM PDT up reply actions

I think many people would put Sarich ahead of Giordano in Calgary, based on experience. Don’t forget he’s injured so he’s not on the list. Ask Patrick Marleau who Cory Sarich is. Isn’t Bieksa Vancouver’s second best d-man? And all you feel comfortable comparing him to is Pardy? Ouch, if that’s the case here in Vancouver, the Canucks are in trouble. We can include the 40 year old in the depth when he plays a game and stops being broken. Remember, as for the Canucks, even the Islanders didn’t want Vancouver’s waiver guys. If I were Gillis I would trade Erhoff for Giordano straight up in a second…or yesterday.

D for 3 and now goal for 21 years, of course I'm a goaltender apologist.

by LawrenceS on Oct 1, 2009 4:17 PM PDT up reply actions

If you were Gillis, you never would have hired Keenan.

by kesrows on Oct 1, 2009 4:21 PM PDT up reply actions

Very, very true

D for 3 and now goal for 21 years, of course I'm a goaltender apologist.

by LawrenceS on Oct 1, 2009 4:23 PM PDT up reply actions

Forget their defense; dropping Keenan is the best move Calgary made this summer.

'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.

by Yankee Canuck on Oct 1, 2009 4:24 PM PDT up reply actions

I’m not so sure that is the case. Can’t exactly complain about his results.

by rsm on Oct 1, 2009 5:04 PM PDT up reply actions

I can’t complain about his results? What results am I supposed to be enamored with?

'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.

by Yankee Canuck on Oct 5, 2009 7:00 AM PDT up reply actions

Bieksa is definitely not our second best D man. Top 4 for sure. And I have said this more than once and I will say it again. In terms of defensive zone play, offense, toughness and hitting ability (in other words a total all around defenceman) I will take Bieksa over Phaneuf every day of the week. Once Phaneuf learns to take care of his own zone I would obviously change my opinion but it still hasn’t happened.

And save the Ouch if that’s the case blah blah blah Canucks in trouble blah blah blah. You and I both know the Canucks have a better overall roster that the Flames. And I would certainly not trade Ehrhoff for Giordano. You are over valuing your own guys. The guy didn’t even get drafted. Since you only seem to understand stats Ehrhoff had 42 points last year Giordano had 19.

by Section 312 on Oct 1, 2009 4:42 PM PDT up reply actions

1.“You and I both know the Canucks have a better overall roster that the Flames.”

2.“After the big 3 there are 3 guys who would have a hard time playing on our top pair in Manitoba.”

3.“SOB is our 6th or 7th D man when everyone is healthy so how is comparing him to your 4th guy fair?”

4.“Since you only seem to understand stats Ehrhoff had 42 points last year Giordano had 19.”

When did I ever say Calgary was my team? I think I am providing objective numbers here.

1. I think it’s quite apparent that I don’t agree with this, and I sense that you are just throwing out “I like x because he plays for my favorite team” ideas with little to back it up, whether it be subjectively or objectively.

2. This would mean Calgary’s 4-6 is equivilent to Vancouver’s 7or 8-9 no? See response one.

3. Well that is what you have said, and again “After the big 3 there are 3 guys who would have a hard time playing on our top pair in Manitoba.” – unless you’re thinking Phaneuf is not one of the 3 elite.

4. Giordano played only 58 games, was a +2 and had a corsi of +21 and makes 890K. Ehrhoff played 77 games was a minus -12 on SJ!!! and makes 3.1 million. When he was traded sharks boards were calling him Error-hoff. Giordano is a value player who moves the puck in the right direction, but hey….if you like Ehrhoff, then perfect for you, because the Canucks have him.

Lastly, re: Phanuef -he definitely has his downsides, but he is young and has a much higher ceiling than Bieksa. I’m just glad you’re not choosing Team Canada’s line-up, cause Phanuef likely shouldn’t make it, but Bieksa shouldn’t even be invited.

Anyway, we obviously disagree.

D for 3 and now goal for 21 years, of course I'm a goaltender apologist.

by LawrenceS on Oct 1, 2009 5:55 PM PDT up reply actions

I guess Im more looking at potential this season. IMO, the 3rd line for the Canucks is more poised to have breakout seasons than the members of Calgarys 3rd line.

I drafted Boyd in my keepers league, so Id love for him to put up nice numbers, I see Glenncross with the best of the 3 with Conroy having a decline.

With the Canucks 3rd line, I see all 3 as having career years. With Wellwood and Bernier showning the most improvements. Raymond is the worst of the 3 and I still see him out scoring the likes of Conroy.

Like you said: "every bird thinks it’s own nest is best"

by Jesse Taylor on Oct 1, 2009 3:56 PM PDT up reply actions

D-Lines

Not sure if there is much difference, but Canucks.com has the Dmen lines in the following order:

Mitchell – Salo
Ehrhoff – Edler
Bieksa – O’brien

by Jesse Taylor on Oct 1, 2009 1:19 PM PDT reply actions

That sounds more right to me, as the 1st and 3rd pairings were pretty much what they stuck with by the end of last season.

by cyxj on Oct 1, 2009 1:31 PM PDT up reply actions

Rypien/Prust

What’s the over/under on the minute they hook up for a rematch? 7 minute mark, 1st period?

GO CANUCKS!

by Jevant on Oct 1, 2009 1:38 PM PDT reply actions

The entire line of Mason Raymond – Kyle Wellwood – Steve Bernier are predicted by some to have a breakout season this year, so I’m looking forward to seeing them develop.

I wonder if the chemistry between Sergei Shirokov – Ryan Kesler – Mikael Samuelsson takes a little while? Individually they are all great players, but two of these guys are new to the team.

by SteveNux on Oct 1, 2009 2:03 PM PDT reply actions

Yeah, I plan on watching that line, too. All 3 guys appear to have worked their tails off over the summer and all have talent and are still at the “getting better” stages of their careers. If they live up to potential, they should each top 20 goals this year, and maybe more.

Looking fw to seeing Shirokov develop, too. He’s kinda like our “wildcard” coming into the year. Betcha we see more of him on the PP, too, cuz it’s like he was just plain built for that: Shirokov-Sedin-Sedin on the PP, cycling the puck at high speed, and Shirok has got such great finish around the net to complement Daniel’s….

by casual on Oct 1, 2009 2:11 PM PDT up reply actions

I was talking about this with my brother at lunch today.

If the canucks are to make it to the Cup Finals, like many T.V. people are predicting, then the Canucks absolutely need the Raymond-Wellwood-Bernier line to have career breakout years. If Shirkov is going to be around the top lines, he needs to also prove he can (unproven in NHL).

The Sedins are locks for 82+ points, Kesler/Burrows came into their game last year, Samuelson is a cup winner and played his role in the win. So it comes down to 3rd line to support the top two lines and derail other teams with huge mismatches from the third line.

by Jesse Taylor on Oct 1, 2009 2:26 PM PDT up reply actions

AND...

…get a nice solid 50 point year out of Cody Hodgson!

Er…wait…

Just for you Sean. Just. for. you.

by Jevant on Oct 1, 2009 2:29 PM PDT up reply actions

God do I wish! I took him in my Keeper league. Screwed there.

by Jesse Taylor on Oct 1, 2009 2:31 PM PDT up reply actions

ha! I’m not saying anything about Cody anymore. No sir!

Nucks Misconduct

by Sean Zandberg on Oct 1, 2009 3:31 PM PDT up reply actions

You are right Sean it is time to move on. No more talking about he who shall not be named. Is that right? I have never read or seen a Harry Potter book or movie. I just know there is a guy they don’t talk about.

by Section 312 on Oct 1, 2009 3:48 PM PDT up reply actions

Haha, on the game logs on CDC we used to say 'Voldemort'(he-who-must-not-be-named) instead of shutout.

There ain't no turning back when our train is off its track, and there's nothing we can do but watch it crash (watch it crash)
And there ain't no right and wrong when we know it won't be long, and there's nothing we can do but watch it crash
-Tomas Kalnoky/Streetlight Manifesto, Watch It Crash

by kentcheesehead on Oct 1, 2009 3:54 PM PDT up reply actions

Dunno how much pure checking duty the 3rd line will see, tho, esp tonite against Cgy who, if you stop their top line, are pretty pedestrian after that.

As for Shirok, I’ve seen enough that I know he has the talent to play top 6. My bigger concern is how he handles the grind, game in and game out, and whether or not he can, as a smaller guy, hold up to it physically. That preseason knee injury was worrisome.

by casual on Oct 1, 2009 2:31 PM PDT up reply actions

Our 4th line is decent enough it could almost be a checking line with Johnson out there. It could also punch the crap out of the other team.

by SteveNux on Oct 1, 2009 2:43 PM PDT up reply actions

I agree. I was really impressed with Shirokov’s finish in every game he played. I’d like to See Samuelsson on the PP too – just to see what he can do.

Knowing AV’s line-swapping tendencies, we’ll probably get to see all possible combinations ;)

by SteveNux on Oct 1, 2009 2:18 PM PDT reply actions

I predict we will see Burrows with Kesler and Shirokov at times throughout the season. Samuelsson will get some top line minutes as we know AV will be juggling at times. I still think our 2nd line is a little weaker than most teams 2nd lines right now. And if we are relying on players to have break out years to help us win a cup that isn’t the best position to be in. I don’t trust Wellwood and Bernier farther than I can throw them. Bernier has been underachieving longer than Bertuzzi has been floating.

Alright now that I have all that negativity out of my system. We do have a VERY strong D corps and we will be getting some more talent up front as we get healthy. I think Luongo will have one of the best seasons of his career and possibly the best season for a Canucks goalie of all time. Great athletes use slights and doubters as motivation and Luongo has had a lot of people talking about him not being as good as we all thought. Lots of experts saying he isn’t a big game player. He will use that as motivation and that chip on his shoulder will help him dominate this league.

And it starts tonight. 5-1 Canucks.

by Section 312 on Oct 1, 2009 3:25 PM PDT reply actions