Look Out! Here Come The Preds!
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 22, 2009 12:00 AM PST
in Game Preview
148 comments
PREDATORS (22-11-3) AT CANUCKS (20-16-0)
GAME TIME: 7:30 PM
TV: Sportsnet Pacific
THE FANGED ENEMY: On The Forecheck
UPDATE (11:23 AM): It was apparently heard on the Team 1040 that Pavol Demitra is back practicing with the Canucks...already. They must have good drugs in Slovakia. Just tuned in to the Team and if you gauge what AV said...Alexander Edler could play tonight.
UPDATE (1:08 AM): Salo and Johnson are expected to play tonight. For more on that, and some praise by AV for O'Brien, check out the Vancouver Sun.
UPDATE (1:24 AM): Jason Arnott is "questionable" for tonight with an upper body injury.
********************
Oh no! Not another Central Division team! No! The Canucks are 1-7 against that heinous group. Turn on the game and pop an anxiety pill, right? Well, maybe not. There are a couple possibilities/reasons why the Canucks might show up for this one.
A. They usually follow lackluster efforts with good ones.
B. Nashville sits 4th in the West. The Canucks won't be playing down to their competition. Nashville is 7 points ahead of Vancouver.
Almost amazingly, the Canucks can still find themselves in 8th spot tomorrow night if they beat the Preds and Dallas loses to San Jose in regulation tonight.(DONE!) Detroit and Dallas play on Wednesday and will probably push us out then if we sneak in.
The Preds are rolling right now. Since their 4-2 win over the Canucks on December 8th, they have a 5-0-1 record. They have won 4 in a row (Canucks don't know what that is like), and have a 7-1-2 record in their last 10 games. Good lord, is this Nashville we are talking about? What gives?
In the 4 game winning streak, there are a few unlikely heroes in Nashville's lineup:
-Patric Hornqvist has 4 goals and 7 points, earning him the NHL's 3rd Star Of The Week.
-Marcel Goc (good buddies with Ehrhoff) has 2 goals and 4 assists.
-Joel Ward has 1 goal and 5 assists.
Then we have what should be the usual suspects:
-David Legwand and Martin Erat have 2 goals and 4 assists each.
-Steve Sullivan has 3 goals and 1 assist.
-JP Dumont (3 points) and Jason Arnott (2 points) have slowed down. Doesn't mean we should discount them. They can strike at any moment.
So Nashville has a lot of good things going on right now, especially with the scoring from several sources.
How do the other stats add up?
COMPARATIVE STATS
-GOALS PER GAME: Canucks 5th, Preds 13th
-GOALS AGAINST PER GAME: Canucks 10th, Preds 16th
-5 ON 5: Canucks 6th, Preds 11th
-POWER PLAY: Canucks 5th, Preds 26th.
-PENALTY KILL: Canucks 19th, Preds 28th
SHOTS PER GAME: Canucks 11th, Preds 12th
SHOTS AGAINST PER GAME: Canucks 10th, Preds 11th.
WINNING % WHEN LEADING AFTER 1: Preds 3rd, Canucks 6th
WINNING % WHEN LEADING AFTER 2: Preds 1st (100%), Canucks 8th (.933)
FACEOFF %: Canucks 11th, Preds 14th
Sad, isn't it? We are better than them in most statistical categories but are still 7 points behind them. Crazy to think that in Nashville's 4-game winning streak they have scored 23 goals, but only 1 of them on the power play, which goes along with their ranking above.
I would really appreciate it if the Canucks would just calm the hell down and play their game. They need to stop getting caught up-ice. They need to play an aggressive, consistent, and defensively sound game. Can someone please teach them how to properly break out of their own zone? Please!
Willie Mitchell said Monday: "We have to go into this one prepared to win 1-0 or 2-1," said Mitchell. "If we do that, we'll be more consistent."
Oh, and check out Kevin Bieksa's disdain about having his ice time reduced. There is some finger-pointing going right now.
Can we clone 12 Ryan Keslers? Is that possible?
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well, if we had 12, I'd say 16-3...
But, seeing as that is not the fact, I will go with a 4-3 Canucks win to give us a good feeling for a few days.
Saaaayyyy, Bieksa with the GWG…
;-)
The earliest use of the word with the spelling we recognize today is found in "L'Acadie: or Seven Years' Exploration in British America" by James Edward Alexander, published in 1849:
We also met a lusty fellow in a forest road with a keg of whisky slung round him who called to us 'Come boys and have some grog, I'm what you call a canuck"
by vancitydan on Dec 22, 2009 12:57 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Could the Canucks “cash it in” for Xmas? God I hope not. 5-3 Canucks. Daniel Sedin with the winner.
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 22, 2009 1:11 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
3-1 Preds, Legwand GWG
I’m not a pessimist I just want to get on the board in this prediction game!
by jozsef on Dec 22, 2009 2:51 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
A POEM
"Kevin Bieksa (AKA: It All Started With Eager)
Kevin Bieksa hit a great wall.
Kevin Bieksa angered Vignault.
All the Canucks’ horses and all the Canucks’ men
Couldn’t put Kevin together again.
So they traded him
…….and Grabner
…….and Schneider (Corey)
…….and money
…….for Kovalchuk the end
by Bobby Canuck on Dec 22, 2009 8:49 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Ha! No seriously we don’t need Kovalchuk. That’s too much $$$ invested in one guy. I’d rather throw that much $$ at 2 guys instead of one.
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 22, 2009 9:19 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
As soon as I posted that “poem” I realized that Bieksa, Schneider and $ were sufficient and that rather than being traded, Grabs would be a great linemate to Kovs.
by Bobby Canuck on Dec 22, 2009 9:27 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Where is anyone reading the Canucks-Kovalev rumor? I can’t find it. My computer has a bullshit filter. ;)
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 22, 2009 9:33 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Nah, it’s just a dream.
Los Angeles, CA
by AttilaS on Dec 22, 2009 9:40 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Over at U.S.S. Mariner, the best Seattle Mariners blog I have found, they have a term for when people throw out ridiculous trade ideas based on rumor, innuendo or pure fantasy. (Something I have been known to do from time to time) They call it rosterbation. If you do it too much you will go blind.
by Section 312 on Dec 22, 2009 9:46 AM PST up reply actions 3 recs
Whaha! Rosterbation..that is classic stuff right there.
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 22, 2009 9:50 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Hahahaha. I love that word – I’m going to have to borrow that!
Unleash the Alex!
by gotsparkly on Dec 22, 2009 10:56 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
As long as there’s a happy ending.
Please allow me to adjust my pants, so that I may dance the good time dance, and lead the onlookers and innocent bystanders into a trance.
by Smoboy41 on Dec 22, 2009 11:30 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Wrong Kov. We don’t want that lazy alev one. We wantthat sniper alchuck
by Beantown Canuck on Dec 22, 2009 12:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Finally, a team that is not a bottom dweller.
4:2 Canucks, the 4th one is empty-net.
Los Angeles, CA
by AttilaS on Dec 22, 2009 9:27 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I keep having this feeling that the playoff loss to Chicago, especially the last game, is having a negative impact on the Canucks to this day. I hope they’re not that fragile but their ups and downs do seem to reflect a fragility component.
Hoping they rebound, I say 2-1 Canucks and Danny with game winner.
Part of me thinks they won’t rebound and will lose 6-2.
by Bobby Canuck on Dec 22, 2009 9:42 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Nice try but you won’t get any points for that second prediction. ;)
by Section 312 on Dec 22, 2009 9:44 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t think the team looks fragile. It looks lazy, stupid and uninspired on occasion.
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 22, 2009 9:51 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
How long has AV been here now? And how long is it usually before a team starts to tune out the coach? Is it possible that AV’s used up all of his motivational ploys and the boys just aren’t listening to him anymore?
by Section 312 on Dec 22, 2009 9:52 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Give him a taser, that’ll get the boys’ attention.
Los Angeles, CA
by AttilaS on Dec 22, 2009 10:03 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
And how long is it usually before a team starts to tune out the coach?
Depends on what team. If you coach the Devils you have to keep your EI case open!
AV’s time here could be dangling by a thread. Gillis wants results this year.
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 22, 2009 10:10 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Don’t we all want results this year?
So do you pull the trigger on a move first and then see if they respond? Or do you change the coach first and wait to make a deal until closer to the deadline? Or do you stand pat for now?
by Section 312 on Dec 22, 2009 10:20 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Sure we all do. Some GM’s are more hasty than others. Gillis has been nothing but patient so far. I couldn’t tell you if a trade or a coach firing would be better, or in which order I mean. This is a deep conversation. Gillis wants more wide open, but there are too many players who can’t execute that properly or the coach can’t preach it properly. Which one is it? This would make an excellent post BTW.
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 22, 2009 10:35 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Quite possible. Actually…more-than likely.
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 22, 2009 10:39 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Boggles my mind
that AV is giving Bieksa a pass on that Backes net drive, Bieksa’s effort level on that play was pathetic, and his attitude that nothing needs to change in his game is pure petulence.
by yoata on Dec 22, 2009 10:26 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
He might not be giving him a pass in private though? Maybe he already roasted him for it after the game? You would hope he did or maybe he knows he can’t yell anymore because he is close to being tuned out.
by Section 312 on Dec 22, 2009 10:29 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
He
blamed it on Lu, i don’t think he’s sugar coating anything, I think he genuinely thinks Bieksa did nothing wrong there, AV is even losing it defensively, that play was crap, embarrassing really and if I’m Lu I’m pissed at both Bieksa and AV.
by yoata on Dec 22, 2009 10:34 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, well said yoata. The fact that he blamed Lou pretty gave his position away.
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 22, 2009 10:36 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
That is
the headscratcher, D lets a scorer waltz straight to the net untouched and that’s the freakin goaltender’s fault???
by yoata on Dec 22, 2009 10:38 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I couldn’t believe it when I read it. I couldn’t believe Bieksa himself didn’t take the blame for it either.
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 22, 2009 10:40 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t want to sound like an AV apologist because I am not but you have to hope that he is taking Bieksa to task behind the scenes? Maybe he knows something we don’t about Bieksa and doesn’t want to make him even more fragile than he already seems to be? I don’t know why else you would do what AV did. Not trying to make excuses for him just trying to understand it.
by Section 312 on Dec 22, 2009 10:41 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
But then he blamed Luongo. Why the heck would he do that? Did he consult with Lou first before blaming him in front of the media? That sounds unlikely.
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 22, 2009 10:45 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The explanation
to me is that AV has lost it completely, not only is he clueless offensively, it now appears he’s also forgotten what it means to defend, because Bieksa did anything but on that play.
Only other thing I can think of is that he told Bieksa in no uncertain terms to stop taking penalites, and this is just defending that position, but no penalty was necessary there, just positioning and a little effort was all that was required, Bieksa just stood there and watched.
by yoata on Dec 22, 2009 10:45 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
to me is that AV has lost it completely, not only is he clueless offensively, it now appears he’s also forgotten what it means to defend, because Bieksa did anything but on that play.
Why is Bieksa’s folly AV’s fault? I mean, a bonehead is a bonehead.
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 22, 2009 10:49 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think he’s saying it’s AV’s fault for blaming Lu instead of where the blame really lies – with Bieksa.
Unleash the Alex!
by gotsparkly on Dec 22, 2009 10:58 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
I thought that much was fairly obvious, that’s what we were talking about no, Sean?
However, by AV excusing it, does he not take responsibility for it? I mean his job is to correct poor play isn’t it?
by yoata on Dec 22, 2009 1:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
We were talking about that, I just read into your comment wrong I guess.
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 22, 2009 1:34 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Bieksa hasn’t always been a bonehead just recently and he isn’t the first player to regress at some point while playing for AV. I don’t think Bieksa is a bad defenceman so maybe something is wrong with him? We all know that guys play with injuries, personal stuff that we don’t know about etc etc. I don’t like to make excuses for players but sometimes stuff is going on behind the scenes that can affect performance. I mean why else would AV be giving Bieksa a pass?
by Section 312 on Dec 22, 2009 11:00 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Bieksa’s always had a tendency to make the occasional error, but they’ve usually been bad penalties where he let his anger get the better of him. This is diff. I agree that there might be something else at work here.
The opposite of serious is not funny; the opposite of serious is unserious.
by casual on Dec 22, 2009 11:13 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The thing about that quote, and it surprised me too yoata, is it sounded a lot like one of those "for public consumption " comments.
The only rationalization I can come up for in putting it on Lui was more that perhaps it was something that AV may have said, in French no doubt, to his ace goalie..
.“ne vous inquiétez pas trop à propos de cette personne, mon ami, vous savez Je t’aime bien?”
(THX Google!)
As for Bieksa, maybe he is adjusting to being a new father and the kid cries a lot.
He isn’t getting enough sleep…Which is good I guess, he’ll be away from home and have the whole Olympic Mindfuck Mystery Tour to get his game together. Maybe it won’t be here by the end though eh? ;-)
What’s the pool on where he goes?
I liked the trade above for Kovy…gotta disagree there Sean.
When a truly transcendent talent comes along, one THAT talented, you find a way to make it work. It would probably mean using a young defenseman or two on the back…and Grabner lighting it up with Kovalchuk.
Perhaps the law firm of Oberg and Funk can hang up their shingle on the ol’ blue line?
The earliest use of the word with the spelling we recognize today is found in "L'Acadie: or Seven Years' Exploration in British America" by James Edward Alexander, published in 1849:
We also met a lusty fellow in a forest road with a keg of whisky slung round him who called to us 'Come boys and have some grog, I'm what you call a canuck"
by vancitydan on Dec 22, 2009 11:10 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I just don't buy that
I think if he wants to cushion the blow he does so, he didn’t, he flat out excused Bieksa from blame and laid it squarely on Lu.
by yoata on Dec 22, 2009 1:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I dunno if it’s it’s motivational or if the team just plays overly-cautious (which can look like the same thing) cuz that’s the way they’ve been coached.
Anyway, 4-2 Canucks, Daniel with the GWG.
The opposite of serious is not funny; the opposite of serious is unserious.
by casual on Dec 22, 2009 10:31 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
We know they can play an cautious game. It wasn’t that long ago that they were a tight defensive team and pulled it off rather well. Better than this wide open horse shit
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 22, 2009 10:38 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
How many teams in this league can do wide-open well? Not many.
Unleash the Alex!
by gotsparkly on Dec 22, 2009 11:00 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Unless they have Patrick Roy in net ;)
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 22, 2009 11:07 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
No, Grant Fuhr.
Please allow me to adjust my pants, so that I may dance the good time dance, and lead the onlookers and innocent bystanders into a trance.
by Smoboy41 on Dec 22, 2009 11:32 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
But I get what you are saying.
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 22, 2009 12:32 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It’s not horse shit, it’s a necessary step; I suspect AV might be the wrong coach for it, tho.
Look at the Cup winners in the “new” NHL era; good team D, yes, but they weren’t just clampdown teams, they brought good team O to the rink, too.
2008-09 – Pittsburgh Penguins
2007-08 – Detroit Red Wings
2006-07 – Anaheim Ducks
2005-06 – Carolina Hurricanes
2003-04 – Tampa Bay Lightning
You need both. You can’t go crazy wide open, but you can’t play a 60 minute shell, either. Ehrhoff, for ex, a D-man brought in for his O, is our +/- leader. The team decided to add some measure of O this year, not a bad decision in itself, and we have good talent, but is AV the right coach to make it happen? Or is he more a specialist who’d fit better with a rebuilding team?
Jury’s still out. We’re less than halfway thru the year and not much chance that we’re changing coaches mid-season, so I guess we’ll see what we see.
The opposite of serious is not funny; the opposite of serious is unserious.
by casual on Dec 22, 2009 11:08 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Sure, you need both.
I call it horse shit only when it’s not executed properly. We’ve seen the Canucks succeed and fail at it this year. High tempo, but very responsible defence. For starters, the D gotta stop pinching in so much and failing at it. Yeah it’s great O’Brien gets his first goal, but if that Sammy pass hits a leg…bango,,,an odd-man rush the other way.
I should start counting odd-man rushes against Vancouver. It wasn’t like that over the past couple of years. Not this bad.
There is a balance, yes. I can agree with that.
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 22, 2009 11:17 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
My bigger complaint is in our own zone, watching the Canucks try to clear the puck, esp against a strong forecheck. Our current system is too often a “pass it to the point” approach, same as the oppo fw’s are trying to do…
We’re far from the only team that does this, and sometimes it really is the best available play, best of a bad lot anyway depending on player positioning, but we overdo it.
The opposite of serious is not funny; the opposite of serious is unserious.
by casual on Dec 22, 2009 11:33 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
You want to crap on them because they did something creative in the offensive zone?That’s the one place we need a bit more flair.
Please allow me to adjust my pants, so that I may dance the good time dance, and lead the onlookers and innocent bystanders into a trance.
by Smoboy41 on Dec 22, 2009 4:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Really? I thought our goals for was doing just fine.
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 22, 2009 4:38 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, SOMEONE keeps saying AV can’t coach offense. But we’re 8th in goals for. Perhaps I should rephrase my statement and say trying to be creative in the offensive zone is rarely a bad thing.
Please allow me to adjust my pants, so that I may dance the good time dance, and lead the onlookers and innocent bystanders into a trance.
by Smoboy41 on Dec 22, 2009 5:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
He can’t coach offence and defence at the same time! At least, it doesn’t appear like it.
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 22, 2009 5:26 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
So
you credit AV with the Nucks offense this year?
by yoata on Dec 22, 2009 5:58 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Would you rather I chalked it up to dumb luck?
Please allow me to adjust my pants, so that I may dance the good time dance, and lead the onlookers and innocent bystanders into a trance.
by Smoboy41 on Dec 22, 2009 7:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'd say
the players abilities have a lot more to do with it.
by yoata on Dec 22, 2009 7:30 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
true, but a coach can put the reins on them if he wants to
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 22, 2009 11:25 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Explain the Devils this season, then.
Please allow me to adjust my pants, so that I may dance the good time dance, and lead the onlookers and innocent bystanders into a trance.
by Smoboy41 on Dec 22, 2009 11:33 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Season ain’t over.
But maybe only Lemaire can still make the trap work. He popularized it, won cups with it, was the best at it. Others did well imitating him but now that the rules make it tougher to “just” trap your way to a cup, Lemaire, as the best of the best in that regard, is the only one left who might still pull it off.
The opposite of serious is not funny; the opposite of serious is unserious.
by casual on Dec 22, 2009 11:35 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
If the Devils win the Cup, I’m shoving knitting needles into my eyes.
Please allow me to adjust my pants, so that I may dance the good time dance, and lead the onlookers and innocent bystanders into a trance.
by Smoboy41 on Dec 22, 2009 11:37 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
3-2 canucks, keslord with the winner.
"If Chuck Norris was up against 7 Rangers, he'd call Ryan Kesler."
GO CANUCKS GO!
by missy on Dec 22, 2009 11:07 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
and i’m missing the game again tonight. working 2-11 again :(
"If Chuck Norris was up against 7 Rangers, he'd call Ryan Kesler."
GO CANUCKS GO!
by missy on Dec 22, 2009 11:50 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I am flying home tonight so hopefully Air Canada Jazz has TVs on the plane and they will let me watch the Nucks.
by Section 312 on Dec 22, 2009 11:53 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Wow we’re not in a playoff spot yet, almost halfway thru the season, even tho we have better stats than many of the teams ahead of us. Time to panic. Fire the coach! Fire the GM! We need to play more defensively! Oh, we did that, it’s boring. We need to play more offensively! Oh we did that, we got scored against and lost two out of the last 6. The coach has lost the room! We suck. PANIC!!! AHHHHHHHHHH!
That’s what this board looks like.
I think the reason that none of us are coaching the Canucks is obvious; we don’t have a clue. Frankly, Luongo could have stopped Backes if he was on his game, and yes, Bieksa played him horribly. But Bieksa seems to be a bit of a frail guy, and I think maybe the coach is throwing him a bone. Everyone gets motivated differently, and if cutting minutes works but calling him out again doesn’t, I would guess AV has more insight into that than you or I. Luongo, on the other hand, responds to direct challenges quite well, although often he challenges himself as opposed to the coach doing it.
OK I’m rambling now.
3-2 Vancouver, Glass FTW.
by GAHHHHH! on Dec 22, 2009 11:21 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
I’m not panicking. I’m just concerned. The inconsistency is unacceptable. You have to admit that at least.
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 22, 2009 11:26 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The early inconsistency was understandable given the injuries, but the inconsistency of late is puzzling. I don’t blame character;I do wonder if they’re playing, mentally at least, too tentatively, esp in their own zone. To the attack!
The opposite of serious is not funny; the opposite of serious is unserious.
by casual on Dec 22, 2009 11:41 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I would say not being in the playoffs halfway through the year when we are supposed to be a contender, not to mention that we have a lot of road games left on the schedule, means we are getting close to the point when we need to do something. I don’t think anyone is panicking. In fact I think the Canucks fans on this board have been remarkably patient so far.
by Section 312 on Dec 22, 2009 11:30 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
But your opinion is still appreciated, GAHHHH!
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 22, 2009 11:32 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Patience?
Canuck fans? Hahahahahah…stop it, my sides, my sides.
Please allow me to adjust my pants, so that I may dance the good time dance, and lead the onlookers and innocent bystanders into a trance.
by Smoboy41 on Dec 22, 2009 11:36 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It’s all relative. We have been patient for Canucks fans.
by Section 312 on Dec 22, 2009 11:40 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Huh…apparently Demitra is already back in Vancouver. Edler may play tonight. AV just said that Edler is as “good as he’s going” to be in regards to his injury.
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 22, 2009 11:31 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Good as he’s going to be?
I really don’t like the sound of that.
The opposite of serious is not funny; the opposite of serious is unserious.
by casual on Dec 22, 2009 11:37 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t have too much confidence in this team right now. They’re gonna give the Preds no respect again and get burned.
3-2 Preds, Sullivan GWG.
by cyxj on Dec 22, 2009 11:33 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
This is the second time this month that the Canucks will play the Peds coming off a loss to, what was at the time, the last place team in their conference. It’s also the second time this month where a game against Nashville will go a long way to determine the success or meh-ness or a road trip or homestand.
Have the Canucks learned?
3-1 Preds
Interesting to thing ahead to Boxing Day. Edmonton is last in the west now. Will the Canucks make it four for four in December against bottom feeders?
I am TOTALLY stealing rosterbation next time I comment on a Bruce Garrioch or Eklund idea.
by ThomasPratt on Dec 22, 2009 12:04 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
GWG Tootoo (assist to the Hooded Fang)
by ThomasPratt on Dec 22, 2009 1:23 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Haha
Oh wow! Look at all the faith in the Canucks here with the game predictions!
I find your lack of faith disturbing.
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 22, 2009 12:45 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Woulda been way better if you’d posted the family guy version…
by GAHHHHH! on Dec 22, 2009 1:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Well…there is this upcoming..it says Dec. 22nd…don’t see it on the sked though…maybe its an actual theatre or DVD release? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QXZJkLwR4I
Another for the list!
The earliest use of the word with the spelling we recognize today is found in "L'Acadie: or Seven Years' Exploration in British America" by James Edward Alexander, published in 1849:
We also met a lusty fellow in a forest road with a keg of whisky slung round him who called to us 'Come boys and have some grog, I'm what you call a canuck"
by vancitydan on Dec 22, 2009 4:16 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
My faith in their ability to piss away the homestand is unshakable!
Did anyone see the second period intermission with Rick Bowness on Sunday? He was visibly pissed, spitting out sentiments like the Canucks didn’t have enough respect for the Blues. I thought that was pretty telling in the context of interviews that are usually 2 min of bromides.
I mean, we all suspected it, but to have a coach confirm it is pretty damning
by ThomasPratt on Dec 22, 2009 1:22 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
He was visibly pissed
Hell yeah! He looked like he just murdered someone…or wanted to.
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 22, 2009 1:32 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Two out of the past three years the team has gone on very impressive winning streaks. They’ve always had trouble getting the puck out of their own zone so that’s really nothing new. During those streaks they’ve won many games while allowing their opponents one or two goals. This because their fore and backchecking and goaltending were superb. Those elements have been seen rarely this season. Luongo, as good a goalie as he is, has been disappointing game after game. Most of the time he shouldn’t be allowing any more than 2 goals, but most of the time this year he has allowed more.
by Bobby Canuck on Dec 22, 2009 1:53 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
There is no way you can be throwing the blame for this season on Luongo. I must repectfully disagree with that sentiment. After I finish cursing you under my breath.
Please allow me to adjust my pants, so that I may dance the good time dance, and lead the onlookers and innocent bystanders into a trance.
by Smoboy41 on Dec 22, 2009 4:16 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I context…Luongo hasn’t looked sharp way too many times. He looked awkward against the Blues even.
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 22, 2009 4:40 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
At $7M per
I can and will blame a lot on Luongo’s less that great play and certainly less than consistent great play this season, he needs to sharpen up and stay that way, which he probably will at some point.
by yoata on Dec 22, 2009 6:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
In the YoataHL, all the players wear their salaries on the backs of their jerseys.
Please allow me to adjust my pants, so that I may dance the good time dance, and lead the onlookers and innocent bystanders into a trance.
by Smoboy41 on Dec 22, 2009 7:14 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
You’ve been mighty sharp with the wit lately, smoboy!
The opposite of serious is not funny; the opposite of serious is unserious.
by casual on Dec 22, 2009 7:20 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Tis the season.
Please allow me to adjust my pants, so that I may dance the good time dance, and lead the onlookers and innocent bystanders into a trance.
by Smoboy41 on Dec 22, 2009 8:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Why not?
Especially in the cap world, you spend that much on one guy you expect he’s going to be a huge part of your success, has Lu been a huge part of their success this year?
by yoata on Dec 22, 2009 7:31 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes. And I’m not Denzel Washington, so let’s not get into a Great Debate, ok? You and I probably differ greatly on Luongo and I’m cool with that.
Please allow me to adjust my pants, so that I may dance the good time dance, and lead the onlookers and innocent bystanders into a trance.
by Smoboy41 on Dec 22, 2009 8:17 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Did I put a little smiley-face after my statement? You sure you wouldn’t be more comfortable posting on Winging it in Motown?
Please allow me to adjust my pants, so that I may dance the good time dance, and lead the onlookers and innocent bystanders into a trance.
by Smoboy41 on Dec 22, 2009 9:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, my friend, I think Luongo is a large part of the Canucks success this season.
Don’t you?
Please allow me to adjust my pants, so that I may dance the good time dance, and lead the onlookers and innocent bystanders into a trance.
by Smoboy41 on Dec 23, 2009 4:19 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m gonna deck your halls, mister! ;)
Please allow me to adjust my pants, so that I may dance the good time dance, and lead the onlookers and innocent bystanders into a trance.
by Smoboy41 on Dec 23, 2009 7:20 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
He was maybe a little awkward Sunday, but I thought he’s been pretty good lately.
Also, check out his stats:
by jozsef on Dec 22, 2009 6:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Been better
in Dec, but still not consistent and still has lapses at bad times.
by yoata on Dec 22, 2009 6:15 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
For comparison, Brodeurs sporting a 2.21 GAA .911% December
by jozsef on Dec 22, 2009 6:26 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I hate those goalie stats. They don’t paint a good and proper picture
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 22, 2009 6:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Longer term
they do, but can be deceiving otherwise.
by yoata on Dec 22, 2009 7:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
That Kesler/Johnny Cash picture is absolutely hilarious. Good show.
http://www.trevorpresiloski.com
by tpresiloski on Dec 22, 2009 3:33 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Preds fan here...
Arnott will play tonight per @predsradio on Twitter, and will slide back into centering the top line. Dan Ellis is in net for presumably two reasons— he’s pretty hot, and Rinne was dealing with some flu symptoms at the beginning of the trip.
Our lines will likely look like this, if Hordichuk dresses. If not, look for Dave Scatchard to take Wade Belak’s spot.
Sullivan-Arnott-Erat
Ward-Legwand-Smithson
Dumont-Goc-Hornqvist
Jones-Spaling-Belak
by Chris Burton on Dec 22, 2009 3:59 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Oops.
Weber/Suter
Hamhuis/Klein
Franson/Bouillon
by Chris Burton on Dec 22, 2009 3:59 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
No Santorelli on this trip?
Please allow me to adjust my pants, so that I may dance the good time dance, and lead the onlookers and innocent bystanders into a trance.
by Smoboy41 on Dec 22, 2009 4:14 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Santo was pretty ineffective in every aspect except the shootout, where he was 3-0, so that wasn’t good enough to keep him in the big leagues. We’ve gone through Cal O’Reilly since then and recently called up Nick Spaling who has been more effective than either O’Reilly or Santo. Spaling is a great penalty killer and good hustler—perfect in that 4th line role where he hasn’t made many mistakes.
Anyone know if Hordichuk will dress?
Even if Belak doesn’t go, don’t think Burrows will be able to get away with his usual thuggery— Shea Weber will be ready to rumble ;).
by Chris Burton on Dec 22, 2009 4:29 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Doubt if Hordi dresses….unless Tootoo’s been chugging Red Bull. Tanner Glass has pretty much replaced him.
Please allow me to adjust my pants, so that I may dance the good time dance, and lead the onlookers and innocent bystanders into a trance.
by Smoboy41 on Dec 22, 2009 4:37 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks, shutoutking. Now I’m headed to Van to break Arnott’s legs.
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 22, 2009 4:42 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Your top 3 lines are rolling right now. Freaky stuff!
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 22, 2009 4:42 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
And Ryan Jones just had a 4 game goals streak broken. Look out for Goc and Hornqvist, as well.
23 goals in 4 games, almost entirely even strength. Our EV play has looked like a power play at times.
Good luck tonight, but not too much. A six point trip would be massive heading into a b2b against the Hawks.
by Chris Burton on Dec 22, 2009 4:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Toots had his foot broken by a Shea Weber slapshot. He’s out two more weeks. Shame, too, as he was really coming into his own offensively.
by Chris Burton on Dec 22, 2009 4:43 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Precisely why he is so effective, and identical to the feelings all Predator fans have for Alex Burrows.
by Chris Burton on Dec 22, 2009 4:59 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Did he and Kesler compliment your girlfriend, too?
Please allow me to adjust my pants, so that I may dance the good time dance, and lead the onlookers and innocent bystanders into a trance.
by Smoboy41 on Dec 22, 2009 5:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I knew you were going to say that. Why? Because everybody says that about Burrows. You should hear the Hawks and Blues fans hate on him.
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 22, 2009 5:25 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I hate him almost exclusively because of his hit on JP Dumont last year. I was at that game. Even if he portrayed no other dirty tactics I’d still loathe him for that.
Such is hockey, though.
Drop the puck already.
by Chris Burton on Dec 22, 2009 5:52 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Hate to
break this to you but that was a clean shoulder to shoulder hit.
by yoata on Dec 22, 2009 6:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Burrows came well off his feet, man.
by Chris Burton on Dec 22, 2009 6:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
From what I recall, he left his feet.
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 22, 2009 6:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Burrows went airborne only after contact was made, and as part of a spin move to turn and face the puck. The “after contact” part is prob why he got away with it.
It actually makes the contact worse (harder), tho, since he’s using his leg muscles to drive his shoulder into the opponent, but by not having left his feet yet he can still use the resistance of the ice for maximum power.
There’s no penalty for “follow thru,” tho. As the rules stand, that was a clean hit. If that’s a prob, then the rule should be changed.
Even at that, in this case the spin move still makes it an iffy call, but I could see it going either way. And if it were one of your guys hitting one of ours that way, I might see it differently too, dunno.
The opposite of serious is not funny; the opposite of serious is unserious.
by casual on Dec 22, 2009 7:01 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Why would Hordichuk change their lineup? He doesn’t even play more than 4 min. a game anymore.
by marcness52 on Dec 22, 2009 6:36 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Trotzy has shown a pattern of dressing Belak when the opposition dresses an enforcer type (Edmonton, Calgary, TB games examples)
by Chris Burton on Dec 22, 2009 6:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Rypien is in the lineup. He’s way better than Hordichuk.
by marcness52 on Dec 22, 2009 8:18 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
3-1 Preds. With the way Erat played us last time, I say Erat with the winner.
by marcness52 on Dec 22, 2009 6:40 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
It’s unanimous! Majority of Canucks fans are expecting a loss. Oh I hope they prove you wrong!
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 22, 2009 6:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
We should get double points for correctly predicting a ’Nucks loss.
Please allow me to adjust my pants, so that I may dance the good time dance, and lead the onlookers and innocent bystanders into a trance.
by Smoboy41 on Dec 22, 2009 7:17 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Except they won…so minuses for all you nay-sayers!
by Sean Zandberg on Dec 22, 2009 11:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
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