Hodgson and Grabner Barely Improve As Canucks Beat Flames
by Sean Zandberg on Sep 26, 2009 11:45 PM PDT
in Preseason
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PrintIt's hard not to chuckle at the fact that the Flames, who dressed nearly all of their opening night roster lose in a shootout to a Canucks team that dressed arguably nine. It's also a bold statement to the Canucks' depth. In the aftermath of this thrilling victory that put the Canucks at 7-0-1 in preseason play, several things should be noted:
-Cody Hodgson and Michael Grabner look like they are not going to make the big team, while Sergei Shirokov stepped up again. I'm growing weary of watching and waiting for Hodgson and Grabner to do something to prove otherwise. Let's just get it over with already. I am tired of the disappointment. I'm not calling Shirokov a lock. I saw several times tonight where his defensive game is lacking. That needs to improve. You can't cherry pick at center ice under Alain Vigneault I'm sure.
-Brad Lukowich missed the 2nd and 3rd periods due to "dizziness." Christian Ehrhoff and Aaron Rome gobbled up
most of the ice time, playing 26:43 and 25:19 respectively. That's more than any other Canuck. I am really impressed with Aaron Rome.
-Jannik Hansen could be a 13th forward in Vancouver, but even that is immensely arguable. He is playing super hockey and deserves a spot.
-I'm sorry, but where did all the "trade Luongo" people go? Hiding in their mothers' closet? Luongo is looking like a Vezina guy already.
-Mike Gillis told the TSN crew that he's expecting the backup goaltender to play 15-20 games this season.
-There was a bit of questioning Olli Jokinen's close-range slap shot at Roberto Luongo in the shootout. Luongo stopped it, and then Alexander Edler cranked one at Miikka Kiprusoff the next play. Edler denies that it was retribution, while Luongo responded: "
I don’t really care — I made the save," added Luongo. "If he’d scored maybe I’d be pissed off."
Here's how to make a bunch of Flames fans go home depressed:
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Sean…when I played those many years ago, I hated cherry pickers too.
I didn’t really notice Shark doing that though. Sometimes the 3rd forward is supposed to be up.
I agree though, a defensively responsible coach like AV will catch that.
Don’t forget the excellent back checking he did too.
I saw one against Jarome, and another against Dawes where he checked them to prevent getting a clear pass for a quality scoring chance.
I think he has already made the team…but will play tomorrow…unless he totally screws the pooch…he will be there Oct. 1st.
I love how everyone was saying the right thing afterward.
Of course Edler wired one at Kipper’s collarbone in retribution.
Total bush league move by Joke-inen.
vancitydan
Hansen
Is he ever gonna develop finish? Hasn’t seemed to yet. Based on my assumption that he never will (could be wrong about that) I’d package him in any Schneider trade.
Yo, a “trade Luongo” guy reportin here. The argument was never trade him cause of one game. The argument was to trade him if he didnt sign an extension this summer. I’m happy with havin him a lifetime Nuck, and stoked about his low cap hit. My fears were an extension for 4 years at 9 mil a year. That would have screwed us, and made us basically a one-man team.
And finally on the Luongo issue. He stunk it up when we needed him most, and he deserved criticism for that. A lot of people were lookin to a deep run last year (me included) and it ended WAY early. We lost to an inferior team who beat us with some young and inexperienced teens. Van fans had every right to spout off, and the captain deserved some flack. I think its all forgiven though, and I at least am lookin forward to a good year with a deep run.
Don’t get to excited or misled by the preseason though. The Nucks are the cream of the crop in the NW, but theres some good teams in the West again.
On a completely different note, does it annoy anyone else that Gustaffason in T.O is being called “monster” ? Only leaf fans would have a nickname for a guy who has played 2 games and had heart surgery in the league. JOKE!!! :)
well, actually, he was already being called “the monster” in the world championships back in may, when it wasn’t even certain yet where he would be going.
http://canuckpuckbunny.blogspot.com
GO CANUCKS GO!
Nuckels! The Swedes have been calling him monster for quite a while now.
How dare you defile the name of Luongod? I hope you have repented of your sin. Luongo is a consummate professional. You will see greatness this season.
by Sean Zandberg on Sep 27, 2009 1:21 PM PDT up reply actions
I think your right. The reg season is not where he will be judged though. Obviously its foolish to think of the playoffs now, but its comin and Luongo is gonna HAVE to perform.
It doesn’t hurt that he’s fighting for an Olympic roster spot.
by Sean Zandberg on Sep 27, 2009 3:48 PM PDT up reply actions
Am I the only one who was actually encouraged by what went on last year, playoffs included? Even people who seem optimistic about the team this year seem to think that last year was a huge disappointment.
We were coming off of a very weak season the year prior, with a coach of doubtful abilities, a rookie GM at the helm, and not a single player who could be guaranteed to post over 30 goals. Yeah, the Hawks upset us, but only because we set such a high standard of play throughout the latter half of the season and the first round of the playoffs. And in terms of points, the Hawks actually finished with more and in a pretty tough division, so it may not have even been an upset when all was said and done.
Luongo deserves some blame. The rest goes to the whole team, which disappeared around him. But is it heresy to suggest that we were beaten by a more talented team and look to improve that this year?
...loving life for Christ's glory...
i see what you’re saying.
i think a big part of the disappointment is from all the hype the fans had about being in the playoffs.
chicago is pretty damn good too, and our defence system was pretty lousy in that last game.
i think we have a huge chance to continue improving this year.
http://canuckpuckbunny.blogspot.com
GO CANUCKS GO!
You can never stand pat in this league. You always strive to improve. The biggest downfall for the Islanders after their Cup years, was hanging on to the old guard for too long.
I've seen enough to know that I've seen too much.
The biggest downfall for the Islanders after their Cup years, was hanging on to the old guard for too long.
Really? Who are you referring to? What players?
by Sean Zandberg on Sep 27, 2009 5:06 PM PDT up reply actions
I’m not sure which part of this roster you don’t like. Guys like Bossy, Trottier weren’t even 30 years old in 1984-85. Potvin, Gillies were just turning 30. What happened to Billy Smith that year?
Their time came and went. I wouldn’t think a roster overhaul was necessary. Or am I misunderstanding your point?
by Sean Zandberg on Sep 27, 2009 10:44 PM PDT up reply actions
I think as the years went by, Torrey was a little slow in replacing older players with younger ones. I shouldn’t have said the whole roster. That’s my perception of the Islander’s situation, anyway. It’s just sad that a team like that has fallen on such hard times.
I've seen enough to know that I've seen too much.
The downfall of the Islanders
was the Edmonton Oilers.
And lack of motivation after 5 finals and 4 Cups.
At least in those years.
In more recent years their downfall was named Mike Milbury, and the mess since him…
Luongo deserves some blame. The rest goes to the whole team, which disappeared around him
That was my thoughts too.
by Sean Zandberg on Sep 27, 2009 5:05 PM PDT up reply actions
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