Canucks - Oilers Preview
by Sean Zandberg on Jan 20, 2010 10:00 AM PST
in Game Preview
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CANUCKS (28-18-2) AT OILERS (16-27-5)
GAME TIME: 7:00 PST
TV: Sportsnet Pacific
SEASON SERIES: Canucks 3-1-0
LAST MEETING: December 26: Canucks 4 Oilers 1
THE ENEMY: The Copper And Blue
UPDATE (1:33): Devan Dubnyk will play in goal for the Coilers tonight. He has an 0-4 record in his young NHL career.
UPDATE: (1:14 PM): So Steve Bernier draws back into the lineup tonight and will play on the Kesler-Raymond line. Samuelsson drops to line 3 with Demitra and Glass, with Wellwood scratched. So that would make line 4 consist of Rypien-Hansen-Hordichuk as Ryan Johnson is not ready to play yet. AV mentioned that he wants more balance in his lines. On Wellwood, he said he likes Woody's ability on faceoffs, but not his general play 5 on 5.
Why the hell does Bernier get that kind of a promotion? He has gone 8 straight games without a point and has 3 goals and 2 assists in his last 20 games. I'm sure they are trying to get Stevie going...but then by god he had better show me something tonight that doesn't involve missing passes or the net in general. Line 2 was working fine the way it was. Bah!
************************
The last time the Edmonton Oilers won a hockey game was December 30, a 3-1 win over the Leafs. They have only won once since December 12, a whopping 15 losses in their last 16 games. After a 6-0 defeat to the Avalanche in Colorado on Monday and deemed the worst loss of the season, the Oilers returned home and were treated to one of the biggest bag skates in recent Oilers memory. Assistant Coach Tom Renney started sounding like his old self when he coached the hapless Canucks from 1996-98. He called the bag skate a "cleaning of the pipes."
More after the jump..
Renney said: "You're getting rid of it all with hard work and gutting it out and sweating and getting mad and all that kind of stuff, just purge yourself of whatever happened last night in Colorado and get on with the next team which is the Vancouver Canucks and that's what we're going to focus on." Yeah dude, that is so deep. Here, let me have a pull.
The Oilers will most likely be without Steve Staios, who whacked his head on the ice the other night, according to Pat Quinn.
The Canucks will not have Willie Mitchell in the lineup due to an ailing back. Mitchell stayed home and did not make the trip to Edmonton. The last time Mitchell missed a significant amount of time due to an injury was back in January 2008 with a .....back injury. Not saying he's a chronic (yet), because these are the only 2 times he's had a back injury in his NHL career that I am aware of. The recent ailment comes from hits by Derek Boogaard and Evgeni Malkin.
Check out the Oilers' injury list here. If that doesn't attribute a little to their woes then what does.
I guess that means that Aaron Rome will suit up in Mitchell's stead, that is, if he can now tell what day of the week it is after getting pummeled by Taylor Pyatt back on January 7. He participated in practice on Tuesday. Rome has averaged about 13:00 of ice time per game for the Canucks this season. Who knows how much ice time Alain Vigneault will give him now. Mitchell is averaging over 23:00 per game this season, so some of these D-men are going to see increased roles, and don't forget, the Canucks play Thursday night as well against Dallas. Losing Willie sucks. Period.
No word yet on the status' of Ryan Johnson and Steve Bernier. Those 2 plus Mitchell are day-to-day. We'll keep you updated. Or maybe you'll keep us updated! Hey whatever works. We are a community here after all. Up front though, it is roster spot battle time, and Mikael Samuelsson said it best (once again): "That's what it's about," Samuelsson said. "Guys are going to feel a little pressure and it's great, I think. You get pissed off if you're not in the lineup and that's how it should be." Well said, Sammy.
We will need to see a better game from Brad Lukowich. He looked to be struggling out there in his own zone against the Penguins, especially earlier in the game. Luko finished a -1 in a 6-2 win. Huh. Dammit Luko get your sh*t together! You're supposed to be my hero!
Personally, I don't care that Edmonton has lost so many games. It doesn't give me a cocky feeling about our chances against them tonight. I want to see the Canucks put these guys away like they did to Pittsburgh. There are no excuses. Vancouver is a much better team than Edmonton and need to play that way. As you can tell, I still don't trust them to be able to put away a lowly team. I still need more convincing. A quick 2 goal lead against a fragile Oilers team is in order.
Iain MacIntyre reports that Roberto Luongo will start against the Oilers and the Stars. Some suggest he'll play every game right up until the Olympic Break, given the importance of all these games in such a tight race in the West. I'm not sure if that is the case. That will depend on how Luongo and crew do up to that point.
Losses by the Predators, Coyotes, Kings, Flames and Red Wings in their last games give the Canucks a chance to stay very close to the 3rd, 4th and 5th seeds and put more of a gap between themselves and 9th place Detroit, who trail the Canucks by 2 points. (Again. Damned broken record). It's almost enough to make your hair turn grey at times. Colorado currently leads the Northwest Division by 4 points. Bugger.
Despite that, the Oilers are 2 points away from toppling Carolina as the worst team in the NHL. As canucklehead 666 pointed out on Monday (via James Mirtle), the Oilers would have to achieve about a 29-6-0 record to make the playoffs from this point. Yeah, they are already looking at draft picks in Oiler Nation. C'mon Tambellini, you wanna tank it for the rest of the season, admit it. Tell your guys to suck! We need points!
Jeff Deslauriers was left in goal for all 6 Avalanche goals on Monday. Maybe Devan Dubnyk gets the start against the Canucks? His stats are here.
Deslauriers' game-by-game stats here.
Roberto Luongo's game-by-game stats here. Lou, you are better than that! Andrew Raycroft's stats here.
Time to improve on that 9-11-1 road record, as the road trip from hell looms. Vancouver is 3-1-1 in their last 5 games away from GM Place.
Ready to move on from the Burrows saga? I am. Alain Vigneault is, but not without some parting words. Ironically, Darren Dreger tweeted last night that Gary Bettman will be in Edmonton all day today and then in Calgary all day Thursday.
COMPARATIVE STATS
GOALS PER GAME: Canucks 4th, Oilers 22nd
LEAST GOALS AGAINST PER GAME: Canucks 6th, Oilers 28th.
5 ON 5: Canucks 4th, Oilers 27th. The Canucks are as good as the Sharks in this category.
POWER PLAY: Canucks 4th, Oilers 14th
PENALTY KILL: Canucks 14th, Oilers 29th
SHOTS PER GAME: Canucks 16th, Oilers 26th
LEAST SHOTS AGAINST PER GAME: Canucks 7th, Oilers 24th
WINNING % WHEN SCORING FIRST: Canucks 9th, Oilers 25th
WINNING % WHEN LEADING AFTER 1: Canucks 4th, Oilers 19th. Check out the Preds and Coyotes in that stat category. Wow. The Devils have not lost a game this year when leading after 1 period. Amazing.
WINNING % WHEN LEADING AFTER 2: Canucks 2nd, Oilers 26th
FACEOFFS: Canucks 7th, Oilers 28th
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Do you think the plan to play Luongo in every game right up until the Olympics is based on info the Canucks have received from Stevie Y and his crew? Maybe Luongo isn’t going to be on the ice for the Olympics? He’s the number 3? Or maybe he is penciled in as the number 2 but the Canucks don’t think Brodeur will give up his number 1 job?
by Section 312 on Jan 20, 2010 10:06 AM PST reply actions
I think it might have to do with Luongo not playing a ton come February, but I absolutely reject the suggestions he is the #3 goalie, given MAF’s play this season. Lu will get at least one game, more should Brodeur falter. Let us not forget Luongo wasn’t the only goalie with recent monumental playoff collapses…
http://waachcast.blogspot.com/ < WAACHCast Blog
by canucklehead666 on Jan 20, 2010 10:52 AM PST up reply actions
I don’t forget anything…except usually where my keys are. I am just curious why Luongo wouldn’t get a night off as part of a back to back. I am not saying I think he should be the #3 or whatever else just curious if that might be the reason for his full work load.
by Section 312 on Jan 20, 2010 11:01 AM PST up reply actions
I too thought that Raycroft should have gotten the start…
http://waachcast.blogspot.com/ < WAACHCast Blog
by canucklehead666 on Jan 20, 2010 11:18 AM PST up reply actions
Maybe Luongo says he feels great and wants the starts and since every game is so important they said OK let him play. I would like to see him get more rest so here’s ready for playoffs but I guess you have to make the playoffs first.
by Section 312 on Jan 20, 2010 11:26 AM PST up reply actions
Like Mr McIntyre pointed out in that same article…its more the norm that goalies like Lunquist, Luongo, and other A list goaltenders play 70 or more.
I am OK with it. AV is right in the story too. He plays better when he plays a LOT.
And, no way is he thought of as the #3 for Canada…c’mon bud!
MAF has sucked, Luongo was not the only superstar goaltender to have a bad last game in the playoffs last year. Whether he plays a little or a lot in the Olympic break, I have no doubt he relishes the idea of getting on the ice. From all reports, he is always first on the ice, and last off. He seems to like it, all the work.
Nothing wrong with that!
"Insult is the price of clarity"
His repeated use of this sentence suggests he thinks it’s more pithy, profound and powerful than it actually is. I’m not sure exactly what it means: "I’m being insulted because I was clear"? "I appeared to be insulting Burrows but actually I was just being clear"?
Greek to me. He may as well have said "Turnips are the price of sincerity." Or "Vaseline is the price of getting *****ed."
"narwal"
When did I ever say Luongo was the #3? I just asked a question. My stance on Luongo has not changed since the start of the year bud! I don’t think he should be or will be the #3 I was just asking a question.
And to be honest I don’t care how much other goalies play. Especially Eastern goalies who sleep in their own beds after most games. I also don’t care that Luongo plays better when he plays a lot. And I don’t even really care how Luongo says he is feeling. I still think he needs a game off now and then.
by Section 312 on Jan 20, 2010 12:09 PM PST up reply actions
Brilliant with the Photoshop!
Only one inaccuracy: in reality, the Oilers don’t appear to have anything even remotely resembling a paddle.
"He'll play, you know he'll play. He'll play on crutches if he has to... and he'll play at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night! This game is over!"
ZING!
and on that note
4-3 Canucks
Burr FTW
http://waachcast.blogspot.com/ < WAACHCast Blog
by canucklehead666 on Jan 20, 2010 10:53 AM PST up reply actions
Will the Oilers ever win again?
They’ve lost 15 of 16 since they were 15-17 on the season, and on a 5 game win streak.
That team has completely capsized.
by FloridaownsFSU on Jan 20, 2010 11:21 AM PST reply actions
Wellwood Benched...
http://waachcast.blogspot.com/ < WAACHCast Blog
by canucklehead666 on Jan 20, 2010 11:31 AM PST reply actions
"Wellwood Benched..."
Now THAT is a reason to plan a parade.
by Section 312 on Jan 20, 2010 11:41 AM PST up reply actions
Weird decisions in my book. So the lines are looking as thus, I think?
Sedinx2-Burr
Raymond-Keslord-BERNIER!?!?!?
Hansen-Demo-Sammy
Glass-RyJo?-Ryp?
That seems to be my best guess.
by Beantown Canuck on Jan 20, 2010 11:41 AM PST up reply actions
Weird? The guy is a POS who can’t play hockey at an NHL level. It’s the perfect decision. Now if only Grabs could come and take Bernier out of the line up I would be dancing a jig….on top of a flag pole.
by Section 312 on Jan 20, 2010 11:45 AM PST up reply actions
All the Bernier bashing around here lately is starting to bug me. The guy is having a really good season…I think alot of you are suffering from MovieReview-itus. You know…when you read so many reviews that a movie is awesome and then your expectations get so out of whack that when you actually see the movie yer like “meh…that was ok but way over rated”. That happened to me for the Hangover, btw.
Anyways yeah…we all expected Bernier to have Kesler’s last season this season cuz everyone said he would…yet all he’s doing is having Bernier’s season. Which really isn’t that bad…it’s better than Berniers last season. He is a young guy, and he is still a third line guy. A third line scorer, but a third line guy nonetheless. I see him becoming Vancouver’s new whipping boy (and this city always needs to have one on the canucks) but I also still see him becoming a very good second line guy in the future. At this point, Bernier is a huge victim of high expectations. And I’m sorry, but Hansen is not a better player than Bernier. He most likely will be, but he’s not yet.
by GAHHHHH! on Jan 20, 2010 11:55 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
rec'd!
I too think that its not fair to have Bernier as our whipping boy…
Oh, and with the focus back on hockey, the Canucks prove a point tonight.
6-2, with Demo getting the GWG…
"Insult is the price of clarity"
His repeated use of this sentence suggests he thinks it’s more pithy, profound and powerful than it actually is. I’m not sure exactly what it means: "I’m being insulted because I was clear"? "I appeared to be insulting Burrows but actually I was just being clear"?
Greek to me. He may as well have said "Turnips are the price of sincerity." Or "Vaseline is the price of getting *****ed."
"narwal"
That happened to me for the Hangover,
Me too actually.
Bernier is a fail! I will not back down from this stance! Not until he gets his ass going. We are paying him to score more than what he has so far. His soft hands as advertised are nowhere to be seen!
by Sean Zandberg on Jan 20, 2010 12:54 PM PST up reply actions
The Hangover was a quality movie but there were really only 5 or 6 really funny parts and then the pics in the credits. I don’t think it was as consistently funny as Old School which is Todd Phillips’ best movie so far.
by Section 312 on Jan 20, 2010 12:57 PM PST up reply actions
I am not sure you can call Bernier young when he is in his mid 20s and has as many games under his belt as he does. In his last 5 games he has a grand total of ZERO points, is a minus 1 and has 5 shots in that stretch. Yeah your right, that isn’t too bad at all for a guy who makes 2 million. I am not suffering from anything other than having to watch this plug continue to do nothing. He is having a good season based on Bernier’s standards? Sorry but I think he should be compared to the standards of other 2 million dollar a year players. Now Burrows isn’t a great example but maybe he is since he makes similar numbers and took advantage of his shot on the top line.
By the way Bernier’s last goal came on December 22nd. His last assist you ask? December 10th. He has had 3 goals since scoring 3 in 2 games back on November 14th and 20th. So since the 20th of November he has 3 goals and 4 assists in 23 games. Should I go on?
You can tell he sucks by watching him and it has nothing to do with what some people thought he would do coming into the season. In fact, I believe I said numerous times at the start of the season that his production would level off to roughly where it was last year and you all had a go at me for it. yoata too if I remember correctly.
by Section 312 on Jan 20, 2010 12:17 PM PST up reply actions
Bernier is still relatively young. At 24 years, he’s the same age as Mason Raymond, who had his head on a pike before the season even began for being a disappointment who’d never score more than 15 goals as a career 3rd liner.
I believe it was also around this age that the Sedins had so many questions floating around them. Can they play without each other? Can they show up for the playoffs? Are they really top scorers in the league? Are they legit top 6 players?
I’m not defending Bernier’s play – beyond a couple solid checks and some good work behind the net, he’s been ineffective all around. But giving him the benefit of the doubt, Wellwood and Glass aren’t linemates who will bring you up to your full potential, and his numbers will climb once he is paired with more offensively competent line mates.
You have to earn ice time in this league. You have to earn the right to play with players who are good offensively. He hasn’t earned that right and has never looked comfortable when playing with those types of players anyway. He played with the Sedins and sucked.
And Raymond always had and has more upside than Bernier regardless of what I thought of Raymond or still think. He has more upside.
by Section 312 on Jan 20, 2010 1:56 PM PST up reply actions
If Grabs comes back, I bet you Hansen takes a seat. They’ve invested too much in Bernier at the moment and AV and Hansen (to me) don’t quite see eye to eye.
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
by Yankee Canuck on Jan 20, 2010 12:31 PM PST up reply actions
I have no problem with this. If Kes and Ray can get Bernier going and Demo and Sammy find chemistry on the third line, well son of bitch, we have three scoring lines.
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
by Yankee Canuck on Jan 20, 2010 12:30 PM PST up reply actions
Uhhhh shit… I’ve been wrestling with this for 3 days, but I just don’t think the Oilers lose streak can continue forever. This isn’t a ‘bottom dwellers vs canucks’ thing, it’s a pure statistical thought. Mitchell out means our defense relies on Salo and Edler being 100% for 25-30 minutes each…and neither of them have shown the ability to do that for a while now. Good, but with mental breakdowns at bad times both. Luongo’s going to have to be world class for us to win this game, and so I’m going to do something I’ve never done this season: pick the opposition for the win. 3-2 Edmonton with Moreau for the gwg. Of course my prediction accuracy has been completely underwhelming thus far, so nobody worry. I feel dirty.
Man I hope I’m wrong and the captain scores a shutout for us…
I think your too focused on our D and not focused enough on hoe piss poor Edmonton are. They couldn’t score against AHL D men right now and they are letting in goals at a break neck pace. There is no way they have the horses to stop our top two lines.
by Section 312 on Jan 20, 2010 11:50 AM PST up reply actions
Yeah, I do know that they’re kinda sucking sour wind as a team of late…but as they say at the poker table “even a blind squirrel finds the odd nut”. I just don’t believe that there won’t be a point where someone’s penny drops and they have a great game, dragging other members of the team with them. The Oilers sucking streak has to end at some point, and it won’t make any kind of sense when it does…they’ll just have a good game where all the planets align for them, and it may turn into a gasp TWO GAME WINNING STREAK or something. Obviously I expect to be wrong with my prediction as I have virtually every game this season, but I’m just saying, those hapless oilers will win a game at some point soon.
Good for you, GAHHH. I almost did the same thing but couldn’t bring myself to it. Mitchell’s loss will be more impactful than people think. Just my opinion.
by Sean Zandberg on Jan 20, 2010 12:56 PM PST up reply actions
S word
"I was thinking it would be cool to see a game on the road. I have been looking all over this atlas but I don't see Vancouver anywhere. What state is this sh*t in!?"
- Dallas Stars Forum
I have a fan over at the Oilers blog...
he called me “apoplectic”… what a dear :)
http://www.fanfeedr.com/nhl/2010/01/20/on-alexandre-burrows-and-stephane-auger
sighs
why do so many seemingly smart people NOT get what this is about? And by the way, the Burrows=Avery bullshit needs to stop. It’s a pathetic and dishonest comparison, being pushed by eastern media types and fans of certain western canadian hockey teams.
http://waachcast.blogspot.com/ < WAACHCast Blog
by canucklehead666 on Jan 20, 2010 11:54 AM PST reply actions
10 Michael Cammalleri MTL L 50 22 18 40
11 Henrik Sedin VAN C 48 21 46 67
12 Jarome Iginla CGY R 50 21 22 43
13 Dustin Penner EDM R 48 21 20 41
14 Alexandre Burrows VAN L 48 21 18 39
15 Patrick Kane CHI R 50 20 36 56
16 Nicklas Backstrom WSH C 49 20 35 55
17 Zach Parise NJD L 47 20 27 47
18 Loui Eriksson DAL L 49 20 27 47
19 Alexander Semin WSH L 40 20 24 44
20 Ryan Malone TBL L 49 20 19 39
21 Corey Perry ANA R 50 19 29 48
I like this comparison better…10-21 of the top goal scorers in the league. Eriksson is the only comparable player in the NHL to him in terms of production and goals. How often is Loui the 1st guy out on a PK?
That has pissed me off too …666, Avery wishes he could be as good as Burr….he has 5 goals and 19 points. He sure doesn’t deserve the comparison to an exciting young player like the one we have on the Canucks…
"Insult is the price of clarity"
His repeated use of this sentence suggests he thinks it’s more pithy, profound and powerful than it actually is. I’m not sure exactly what it means: "I’m being insulted because I was clear"? "I appeared to be insulting Burrows but actually I was just being clear"?
Greek to me. He may as well have said "Turnips are the price of sincerity." Or "Vaseline is the price of getting *****ed."
"narwal"
Also lost in this is that Burrows has been called twice for diving and once by Auger himself. Facts can be annoying like that.
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
by Yankee Canuck on Jan 20, 2010 12:40 PM PST up reply actions
nice to see some of our boys over there setting him straight on some of his MacLeanism’s…
http://waachcast.blogspot.com/ < WAACHCast Blog
by canucklehead666 on Jan 20, 2010 12:42 PM PST up reply actions
You guys are smart enough to know that being called for diving isn’t the only way to decide who is a diver and who isn’t.
by Section 312 on Jan 20, 2010 12:44 PM PST up reply actions
Yeah, he’s probably done it a few times more than he’s been called for.
by thelastjohnny on Jan 20, 2010 12:50 PM PST up reply actions
sure, just like I know a number of players who dive aren’t called divers because they score a lot and stuff…
http://waachcast.blogspot.com/ < WAACHCast Blog
by canucklehead666 on Jan 20, 2010 12:56 PM PST up reply actions
Like who?
And if that logic held water Burrows wouldn’t be called a diver either. He scores lots and stuff….
by Section 312 on Jan 20, 2010 12:58 PM PST up reply actions
I gotta say, I don’t think Burr had a big reputation as a diver prior to this incident. His reputation was more of a pest and an agitator. Always chirping and shoving and whatnot, but not fighting. I really don’t remember him being viewed as among the elite divers of the league, I didn’t think any more of him on that front than any average player.
by Beantown Canuck on Jan 20, 2010 1:00 PM PST up reply actions
I agree. I think people call him a diver when they really mean that he embellishes. To me there is a big difference and as I have said Burr is an embellisher not a diver.
by Section 312 on Jan 20, 2010 1:01 PM PST up reply actions
absolutely agreed
http://waachcast.blogspot.com/ < WAACHCast Blog
by canucklehead666 on Jan 20, 2010 1:14 PM PST up reply actions
and there ya go… double standards ftw
http://waachcast.blogspot.com/ < WAACHCast Blog
by canucklehead666 on Jan 20, 2010 1:13 PM PST up reply actions
Mario Lemeiux had some epic dives in his day. To a lesser extent (but a more whiny to the ref extent), Gretzky as well. Ribeiro is practically a soccer player on skates. Hell, even Kesler doesn’t seem to have this same ‘diver’ tag as Burrows and he dives like it’s going out of style.
Lemieux
Mario Lepuke was a diving jackass. Check out this clip here from Game 1 of the 1992 Finals(about 1:00 left in the 3rd). The Pens won the ensuing faceoff, Larry Murphy put a point shot through that Belfour stopped. Unfortunately the rebound went right to….Mario the Dive-nificent and the Hawks lost game 1. Look at those Pens fans rejoicing. Yeah your stupid hero just dove! Still angers me to this day. Fucking Lemieux.
by Sean Zandberg on Jan 20, 2010 2:30 PM PST up reply actions
He was also a very very very very very very very very good player.
by Beantown Canuck on Jan 20, 2010 2:41 PM PST up reply actions
Hell yeah he was, but he should have done without the extra-curricular garbage. Then at least I’d respect him.
by Sean Zandberg on Jan 20, 2010 2:50 PM PST up reply actions
And being called for slashing isn’t the only way to decide who is a slasher or not. And being called for goaltender interference isn’t the only way to decide who is a goaltender interferer or not. I’m not sure if any of this is saying much. If diving is an infraction that refs can call at their discretion, as with all infractions, one would tend to think that players who get called for it more than others are players who commit it more than others. There’s little other way to explain it as far as I can tell.
by Beantown Canuck on Jan 20, 2010 12:58 PM PST up reply actions
What about goalies who slash players in front? it is very rarely if ever called. Who does it the most? Just the goalie who gets called for it the most? Or are we as fans smarter than that?
by Section 312 on Jan 20, 2010 12:59 PM PST up reply actions
just getting sick of the “burrows is a dirty player” meme…
http://waachcast.blogspot.com/ < WAACHCast Blog
by canucklehead666 on Jan 20, 2010 12:16 PM PST reply actions
I would say he is an obnoxious player. By hockey lingo, a pest. Like I said, he chirps and shoves and whines and that sort of stuff (while never fighting – if he fought than he would be considered ‘tough’ by hockey lingo). But he doesn’t make dirty hits, he doesn’t slash, he doesn’t throw elbows, at least not any more than the average player. He isn’t a dirty player, he’s the defintion of a pest. Phaneuf and Pronger are dirty.
by Beantown Canuck on Jan 20, 2010 1:05 PM PST up reply actions
I think the guy from Copper and Blue should come over and defend his comments lol
http://waachcast.blogspot.com/ < WAACHCast Blog
by canucklehead666 on Jan 20, 2010 1:15 PM PST up reply actions
Which guy from Copper & Blue? We not groupthinkers over there.
Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
by Bruce McCurdy on Jan 20, 2010 3:26 PM PST up reply actions
Well, if you were groupthinkers, this is what you should be groupthinking this season:
“Aww shit.”
by Beantown Canuck on Jan 20, 2010 3:27 PM PST up reply actions
Yeah, we pretty much agree on that part. But if you read the comments on the Burrows piece you will find a range of opinions among the site’s writers. The guy with the strongest opinion on the matter wrote the article, but that’s often the way it goes.
Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
by Bruce McCurdy on Jan 20, 2010 3:33 PM PST up reply actions
I appreciated reading the post and the comments. I always enjoy hearing both sides to every story.
by Sean Zandberg on Jan 20, 2010 3:56 PM PST up reply actions
that would have been Derek I believe… and I think the issues I had with his article were addressed by others in the comments section.
http://waachcast.blogspot.com/ < WAACHCast Blog
by canucklehead666 on Jan 20, 2010 4:13 PM PST up reply actions
Can anyone tell me why they’re saying on twitter that the third line is going to be Samuelson, Demitra, and Glass? That seems like quite the mismatched line.
Glass? That just seems strange to me.
by Beantown Canuck on Jan 20, 2010 12:23 PM PST up reply actions
I would rather see Sammy with Kes and Raymond. Demo, Bernier and Glass looks a bit better to me.
by Section 312 on Jan 20, 2010 12:24 PM PST up reply actions
Why the hell is AV changing Line 2 when it’s working just fine?
by Sean Zandberg on Jan 20, 2010 12:59 PM PST up reply actions
Who knows? I hate guys who are playing like shit getting promoted. Sends the wrong message. “Hey if I float around and do nothing to help my team I can play with Kesler too.”
by Section 312 on Jan 20, 2010 1:00 PM PST up reply actions
from my viewpoint berniers had some good games where he’s banging around a lot. his biggest deficit in my opinion is the hands of stone. it’s puzzling that AV would promote someone with zero finish to the 2nd line when the standings are so tight. to be fair i guess he’s trying to figure out where to incorporate demitra, but a lot of us armchair coaches think we could of picked better combinations lol.
Why not put Demo with Kesler and Raymond? They may be trying to ease him back in but isn’t that where he fits best in the long run?
by Section 312 on Jan 20, 2010 1:18 PM PST up reply actions
Maybe they’re trying to get Bernier to put a few points up so they can trade him! Wooo!
by Sean Zandberg on Jan 20, 2010 1:25 PM PST up reply actions
I’m guessing they want to slot Bernier in for some reason or another, and with Demo on line 2 and wellwood out, there’s no line 3 centre. Demo can play centre. Sammy and Bernier no. And it looks like Ryp is centring line 4 I guess.
by Beantown Canuck on Jan 20, 2010 1:27 PM PST up reply actions
There is only one flaw with that plan. Bernier. He is the flaw.
by Section 312 on Jan 20, 2010 1:27 PM PST up reply actions
I’m with you on this one. I would keep Bernier out and Welly in until the current lineup fails (or other injury).
by Beantown Canuck on Jan 20, 2010 1:28 PM PST up reply actions
I mean I would rather see guys like Grabner and Hansen, even Shirokov, in there than either Wellwood and Bernier if the more veteran guys aren’t performing. And they aren’t. Give youth a chance. Once the money has been committed it shouldn’t factor into the decision. Just ice the best team possible.
by Section 312 on Jan 20, 2010 1:32 PM PST up reply actions
Yeah I agree, although I haven’t heard any rumblings anywhere that Shiro deserves another shot yet. But Hansen and Grabner I agree on for now.
by Beantown Canuck on Jan 20, 2010 1:55 PM PST up reply actions
He looked pretty good in that AHL All Star game. Not that that is an indication he should be called up. Just an observation.
by Section 312 on Jan 20, 2010 1:58 PM PST up reply actions
I keep hearing his defensive game is lacking. I don’t see him getting called up again.
by Sean Zandberg on Jan 20, 2010 2:31 PM PST up reply actions
He has a whole half a year to improve. If he does, and he decides he still wants to be in North America, then he should have a fair shot at training camp next year.
by Beantown Canuck on Jan 20, 2010 2:42 PM PST up reply actions
I mean if they have the feeling he doesn’t want to be in North America they should move him but I don’t think anyone has heard that he is unhappy have they? I think a guy can learn D in the bigs if given the right role. Depending of course on just how much learning needs to happen.
I like him. I think his game is well suited to the NHL game and offensively he could be a good compliment to someone like Hodgson who likes to pass the puck. Hopefully he develops his D game in Manitoba like Grabner seemed to do and he will be an impact player for us sooner rather than later.
by Section 312 on Jan 20, 2010 2:54 PM PST up reply actions
Dumb question: who’s Dank? Does he play on a line with Daniel and Hank?
Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
by Bruce McCurdy on Jan 20, 2010 3:28 PM PST up reply actions
Dank is what we call Daniel. Dank & Hank. Some of us are now calling Burrows ‘Bank’
by Beantown Canuck on Jan 20, 2010 3:29 PM PST up reply actions
How about “Skank” Burrows?
Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
by Bruce McCurdy on Jan 20, 2010 3:34 PM PST up reply actions
How’s that Horcoff guy doing for you? Earning his salary? Burrows makes $2mill a year.
by Beantown Canuck on Jan 20, 2010 3:58 PM PST up reply actions
haha! Skank…what Canuck could be skank? Too bad we don’t have Martin Skoula just for that reason.
by Sean Zandberg on Jan 20, 2010 3:58 PM PST up reply actions
3-2 oilers penner gwg
i don’t like the lack of mitchell on the blueline, the presence of bernier on the 2nd line, and just the fact that nobody will be playing with their usual linemates except the sedins. add in the fact the oilers are desperate and we tend to play down to our opponents, and hey, i hope i am pleasantly surprised! go canucks
Yeah, from now on I make my predictions later in the day. ;)
by Sean Zandberg on Jan 20, 2010 1:26 PM PST up reply actions
I thought the same thing when I saw Dubnyk. I thought to myself I bet those guys who went against the Nucks are wishing they could change their picks.
by Section 312 on Jan 20, 2010 2:22 PM PST up reply actions
Just to show all y’all… Canucks win 5-1, the holy Bernier with the GWG.
(And for the record, I’ve yet to pick the GWG scorer correctly… so that trend looks to continue)
by Beantown Canuck on Jan 20, 2010 1:18 PM PST reply actions
You may as well pick Darcy Rota for the GWG. He has a better chance of popping one in tonight than Bernier does.
by Section 312 on Jan 20, 2010 1:19 PM PST up reply actions
haha! Well I hope Beantown is right regardless, and gets this one right.
by Sean Zandberg on Jan 20, 2010 1:27 PM PST up reply actions
I actually like to say things like “Darcy Rota has a better chance” as much to tempt fate as anything. I would gladly look like an idiot if Bernier scores 3 tonight. Of course, there is a better chance that I score 3 times tonight with Keira Knightley.
by Section 312 on Jan 20, 2010 1:29 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
LOL! That bone rack? haha. She’d probably break something
by Sean Zandberg on Jan 20, 2010 1:30 PM PST up reply actions
That would be some bragging rights eh? “I was getting it on with Keira last night, she broke 3 ribs.”
by Section 312 on Jan 20, 2010 1:33 PM PST up reply actions
I still think she is hot. Always have. She would look better if she put on some weight. But she was so hot in that first Pirates movie.
by Section 312 on Jan 20, 2010 2:06 PM PST up reply actions
Agreed. You heathens leave skin and bones alone!
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
by Yankee Canuck on Jan 20, 2010 2:15 PM PST up reply actions
Actually, she's been taking testosterone shots lately...
by Sean Zandberg on Jan 20, 2010 2:37 PM PST up reply actions
You enjoyed making that one I bet, eh Zandberg?
by Beantown Canuck on Jan 20, 2010 2:43 PM PST up reply actions
So gross. I might never look at her the same again. And I am not counting on sprouting wood any time soon either.
by Section 312 on Jan 20, 2010 2:55 PM PST up reply actions
You’re getting better.
"I was thinking it would be cool to see a game on the road. I have been looking all over this atlas but I don't see Vancouver anywhere. What state is this sh*t in!?"
- Dallas Stars Forum
I didn’t make that. If my name isn’t on it, I probably didn’t do it.
by Sean Zandberg on Jan 20, 2010 2:52 PM PST up reply actions
that woke eightyseven up didn’t it? She likes Keira’s mid riff
by Sean Zandberg on Jan 20, 2010 2:53 PM PST up reply actions
Those traps are disgusting.
"I was thinking it would be cool to see a game on the road. I have been looking all over this atlas but I don't see Vancouver anywhere. What state is this sh*t in!?"
- Dallas Stars Forum
Love traps. Sign of a real man! Dumbbell shrugs are cool.
by Sean Zandberg on Jan 20, 2010 2:57 PM PST up reply actions
I wonder what this Keira’s voice would sound like though.
It’d be like the opposite of Barrymore’s brother in 50 First Dates.
"I was thinking it would be cool to see a game on the road. I have been looking all over this atlas but I don't see Vancouver anywhere. What state is this sh*t in!?"
- Dallas Stars Forum
Here, a friend sent me this today. Somehow it seems to fit:
“Apple announced today that it has developed a breast implant that can store and play music. The iTit will cost from $499 to $699, depending on cup and speaker size. This is considered a major social breakthrough, because women are always complaining about men staring at their breasts and not listening to them.”
The opposite of serious is not funny; the opposite of serious is unserious.
by casual on Jan 20, 2010 2:57 PM PST up reply actions 2 recs
That
Deserves a rec.
"I was thinking it would be cool to see a game on the road. I have been looking all over this atlas but I don't see Vancouver anywhere. What state is this sh*t in!?"
- Dallas Stars Forum
Is it bad joke time?
The RCMP is cracking down on speeders heading into
Edmonton .
For the first offense, they give you two Edmonton Oiler tickets.
If you get stopped a second time, they make you use them.
by Section 312 on Jan 20, 2010 3:02 PM PST up reply actions
Q: What’s is the differance between Pamela Anderson and the Edmonton goal?
A: Pam’s only got two tits in front of her
by Section 312 on Jan 20, 2010 3:03 PM PST up reply actions
Q: What do Oilers Fans and sperm have in common?
A: One in 2,000,000 has a chance of becoming a human being.
by Section 312 on Jan 20, 2010 3:04 PM PST up reply actions
How many Oiler fans to change a lightbulb?
18000
1 to change the bulb, and 17999 to bitch about how great the old bulb used to be.
by kesrows on Jan 20, 2010 5:35 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Not quite
We either gloat about how great the old bulb used to be, or we bitch about how dim the new bulb is.
Believe me, we gloaters are much easier to get along with. :)
Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
by Bruce McCurdy on Jan 20, 2010 5:41 PM PST up reply actions
rec'd
LOL rec’d!!
"Insult is the price of clarity"
His repeated use of this sentence suggests he thinks it’s more pithy, profound and powerful than it actually is. I’m not sure exactly what it means: "I’m being insulted because I was clear"? "I appeared to be insulting Burrows but actually I was just being clear"?
Greek to me. He may as well have said "Turnips are the price of sincerity." Or "Vaseline is the price of getting *****ed."
"narwal"
Newsflash: Thieves broke into the home of an Edmonton fan and stole two books. “The thing that upsets me”, he said “is that I hadn’t finished colouring them in yet!”
by Section 312 on Jan 20, 2010 3:05 PM PST up reply actions
I’d rec them all, but I’m too lazy.
"I was thinking it would be cool to see a game on the road. I have been looking all over this atlas but I don't see Vancouver anywhere. What state is this sh*t in!?"
- Dallas Stars Forum
5 Cups baby
Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
by Bruce McCurdy on Jan 20, 2010 3:30 PM PST up reply actions
Maybe the lamest comeback in sports history. I love how it only comes out when other teams make fun of you guys. Do you often write on your blog things like, “well we have lost 15 of the last 16 but don’t worry 5 cups baby!!” You are trying to win more cups right? Or happy to rest on your laurels? What have you done for me lately?
by Section 312 on Jan 20, 2010 3:33 PM PST up reply actions
You think that comeback is lame? Read the jokes above it.
Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
by Bruce McCurdy on Jan 20, 2010 3:34 PM PST up reply actions
Yeah. I put them there. Under the headline of, wait for it…..
Is it bad joke time?
Kind of hard to beak me about the jokes being bad now eh? :)
by Section 312 on Jan 20, 2010 3:36 PM PST up reply actions
Lame comeback time
5 Cups baby
Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
by Bruce McCurdy on Jan 20, 2010 3:37 PM PST up reply actions
:D
Just having a little fun, son. These days it serves Oilers fan well to have our fun before the game actually starts.
Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
by Bruce McCurdy on Jan 20, 2010 3:45 PM PST up reply actions
You know what you need to do? Call up Dean Arsene. Problems solved.
by Section 312 on Jan 20, 2010 3:47 PM PST up reply actions
Thank you Bruce for confirming why I don’t feel at all bad for the Oiler’s losing skid. ;)
by Sean Zandberg on Jan 20, 2010 4:03 PM PST up reply actions
Man, I hate to give anyone the second worst of all hockey insults, but you REALLY sound like a leafs fan when u say that…
(worst insult would be to call you a flames fan…)
You talkin’ to me, or Villain85?
I’m just surprised by how sensitive those nerves are out on the West Coast, even all these years later.
Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
by Bruce McCurdy on Jan 20, 2010 5:29 PM PST up reply actions
I just came back from Copper and Blue and I have to admit, that’s a pretty scathing take on the Burrows/Auger situation. Narrowminded, 1-sided and MacLeanism at its best, but scathing none the less.
But after looking into some Oiler stats, I think I know where the hate is coming from.
If you check out their top 6 scorers, you might be dumbfounded to see that Ales Hemsky is still there. Wow. How many points does he have? A whopping 22. How long has he been on the shelf? About 2 months.
Now that’s scoring depth for ya eh?
It sure doesn’t break my heart seeing that.
by Sean Zandberg on Jan 20, 2010 2:38 PM PST up reply actions
It breaks mine since I had Hemsky in my pool. Now trade Souray to a contender already you damn Coilers!!!!!!!!
by Section 312 on Jan 20, 2010 2:40 PM PST up reply actions
Poor Oilers fans. Poor poor Oilers fans.
by Beantown Canuck on Jan 20, 2010 2:44 PM PST up reply actions
It’s been a tough season, for sure. Gallows humour is a must.
Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
by Bruce McCurdy on Jan 20, 2010 3:36 PM PST up reply actions
Taylor Hall will help you sleep at night though? Or Cam Fowler?
by Section 312 on Jan 20, 2010 3:36 PM PST up reply actions
I keep hearing a rumour that Oilers’ “braintrust” has a hard-on for Jesse Niinimaki’s cousin Jarno.
Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
by Bruce McCurdy on Jan 20, 2010 3:38 PM PST up reply actions
There is clearly a joke here I am missing?
by Section 312 on Jan 20, 2010 3:41 PM PST up reply actions
Yeah, that’s an example of gallows humour. We’re learning that the lower we can crush our hopes the more realistic they become.
Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
by Bruce McCurdy on Jan 20, 2010 3:43 PM PST up reply actions
He’s 29 years old, so Oilers could probably trade down and get him, say, 10th overall.
Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
by Bruce McCurdy on Jan 20, 2010 3:48 PM PST up reply actions
In all honesty, losing the goaltender and leading scorer for the season is pretty much a death sentence for any team, let alone a team battling in the West.
That and Souray, Visnovski and Grebeshkov have been rotating in and out of the lineup with injury all year.
On the bright side, the draft selection should be very high in Oiltown, and Penner is actually putting up good numbers this year. :D
6 - 3 Nucks
Kesler with GWG
"I was thinking it would be cool to see a game on the road. I have been looking all over this atlas but I don't see Vancouver anywhere. What state is this sh*t in!?"
- Dallas Stars Forum
Wish I could find the video clip of Pocklington getting tooed out of the river boat. Would make a brilliant addition to the pic.
Rypien v. Stortini is EXACTLY what I'm looking for tonight
Aside from which, Canucks, 4-1, freaking Bernier redemption tour starts with a GWG.
"What is Jumanji?" --Jason Owens
Bernier’s best year in junior he had 101 points in Moncton. The two seasons after that his production went down both years. His best year in pro hockey was his rookie year in the NHL when he was close to a point a game. Since then he has played over 70 games twice and scored 32 points both of those years.
Am I missing something on Bernier? I watch a lot of Canucks games, are you guys seeing something I am not with this guy? I don’t get why anyone is sticking up for him. The way he has played, considering the money he is making, I would have thought there would be a witch hunt on the guy trying to tar and feather him on the way out of town. Yet it seems a lot of you want to give him more and more rope and think he is just around the corner from turning his career around. I just don’t see it. I hope I am wrong, as it seems I was on Raymond, but I just don’t see why anyone is sticking up for this guy.
by Section 312 on Jan 20, 2010 3:44 PM PST reply actions
He’s second on the Canucks with 77 hits. Big mofo too. Always seems to play well in Edmonton. I’d much rather be facing Wellwood, thanks all the same.
Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
by Bruce McCurdy on Jan 20, 2010 3:49 PM PST up reply actions
The hits thing though, I mean, you can get that from a guys making league minimum. And with 7 points in his last 20 games you might get more offense from the league minimum guy too.
by Section 312 on Jan 20, 2010 3:54 PM PST up reply actions
Well Zack Stortini makes just above the league minimum — $700K — and he will deliver the hits but not that kind of points. He’s got 7 points all year, let alone the last 20 games. J-F Jacques makes similiar money, leads the team in hits, and has 8 points all year.
Ethan Moreau OTOH, makes the same money as Bernier, ranks down the charts in hits, and he too has 8 points all year. I’d trade our $2 MM cap hit for yours in a heartbeat, let’s put it that way. I’ll even throw in Nilsson for Burrows and make it 2-for-2. Four guys making $2.0 MM, and the Canucks likely have the two best.
Let’s put it this way: I’ll trade you the Oilers’ cap problems for Vancouver’s.
If Bernier’s contract is your biggest issue, you guys should be counting your blessings rather than dissing Bernier. From where I sit a banger that can get you 30 points is not a bad guy to have around. A break-even depth player who brings a physical dimension is an asset. A 24-year-old such player with 300 games of NHL experience, much more so. A guy who brings all of that for less than a cap team’s mean salary ($~2.5 MM) is not that bad of a bargain.
Unless you want to trade him for Ethan Rifles?
Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
by Bruce McCurdy on Jan 20, 2010 4:43 PM PST up reply actions
But Bernier isn’t a banger. I mean he hits apparently although I don’t see it that often. People are talking about him on these boards like he is about to become one of the best power forwards in the league. A banger who gets 30 points a year is fine. For a little less than 2 million per but whatever. But don’t talk about the guy like he is the next Cam Neely.
by Section 312 on Jan 20, 2010 4:46 PM PST up reply actions
If I compared him to Cam Neely I must have missed it. :) But there’s about four levels underneath Cam Neely that can still be considered useful hockey players. If you focus on their flaws they will drive you nuts, and if you zero in on the good things they do bring you’ll like ‘em fine. Every hockey fan has their favourites and unfavourites, and it’s pretty clear who isn’t popular in Section 312.
I say if a third-line break-even guy with 18 goals is what he is, accept him for that, welcome those contributions even as you wish they were more. To this fan of an opposing team, he looks kinda valuable. We got about six fucking Kyle Wellwoods and no Steve Berniers, is our problem.
Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
by Bruce McCurdy on Jan 20, 2010 4:52 PM PST up reply actions
Oh no I wasn’t talking about you. I was just commenting on how my fellow Canucks fans keep talking about Bernier as having a power forward dwelling inside him who could be a “force”.
I wish we had no Berniers and no Wellwood’s. But then I also wish we didn’t have Demitra either. Maybe I am overly critical of our players.
by Section 312 on Jan 20, 2010 5:01 PM PST up reply actions
No, you aren’t. I wish we didn’t have those 3 either. Wellwood though…damn, I had higher expectations for him. He’s a smart player, unlike Bernier. Just isn’t getting the job done on the scoresheet.
by Sean Zandberg on Jan 20, 2010 5:29 PM PST up reply actions
The thing about Bernier is that is that he does everything at least fine, and many things quite well. Except for one thing. Finishing. His hands are mush. It’s been said time and time again. If he could somehow turn his completion rate up like Raymond was able to this season (the last few weeks excluded), he’d be legit. And he’s not a liability in any other way, really. He’s a competent guy who drives us bonkers as to why he can’t make that next leap. Compare to Shirokov, who you say we should give a shot too (and I think maybe some day but not yet), whose hands turned to stone despite his pre-season prowess. He has many other flaws – read defensive liability. So if Shiro aint scoring, he’s useless. If Bernier aint scoring, at least he’s defensively competent and can be a physical force. That’s why they keep giving him chance after chance. At some point his chances will run out, because those other things he does we can get cheaper from other players (Tanner Glass). Quite frankly I wouldn’t be putting him in now either, but this is how I can see others explaining it.
by Beantown Canuck on Jan 20, 2010 3:55 PM PST up reply actions
Honestly, I’m not Bernier’s biggest fan, but I always like it when any player with potential is given a chance to shine. Admittedly, he’s done nothing outside of a few sweet hits to earn that chance, but sometimes you just gotta throw a player into the fire and see how they do.
When Daniel went down, Grabner got that exact chance. After so many lackluster training camps and what seemed to be a failure to bring his game to the NHL level, he was slotted in the top 6. He performed well and I would like to see him back up (to hell with Wellwood).
The same could be said for other players. Could you imagine if Stamkos was still running with 5mins a night under Melrose? Or if Setoguchi was never given his chance with the Sharks last year? Neither of those guys really earned a shot with strong play, but rather, their strong play developed from receiving the opportunity.
Bernier is no Stamkos or Setoguchi of course, but I don’t think he’s realized his potential. Maybe slotting him in the top 6 tonight might wake up that dominating power forward that’s dwelling inside of him.
This is where I think you are wrong. There isn’t a good player dwelling inside Bernier. You admit he has hands of mush yet claim there is a dominant power forward waiting to come out? That doesn’t scan with me. Bertuzzi always had sick hands, Penner has great hands, so those guys you expected, or were waiting for them, to develop. You can’t teach hands.
by Section 312 on Jan 20, 2010 4:03 PM PST up reply actions
But like I say I hope I am wrong and you are right.
by Section 312 on Jan 20, 2010 4:04 PM PST up reply actions
I’m willing to think (in all cruelty) that Bernier isn’t smart enough to figure it out.
by Sean Zandberg on Jan 20, 2010 4:06 PM PST up reply actions
I suppose the disconnect here is where the bar is set for ‘good player’. I don’t expect Bernier to be a top 6 player, or to score 30 goals. I’d like to see him reach his potential when it comes to his size and skating.
He doesn’t have finish, but at the same time, I don’t think that’s his role. I’d rather see him play closer to a Milan Lucic type of player. A guy who hits hard, works hard and takes pucks to the net. If he can use his size effectively, and cause a ruckus in the opposing zone, I don’t see why he can’t be a good 3rd line, 2-way forward who can put up 20 goals.
As for his hands, no disagreement there.
I’d like to see him on a bus to the airport.
I would love a Milan Lucic type player too. But I don’t think there is any way Bernier has the abilities to do what Lucic does.
by Section 312 on Jan 20, 2010 4:23 PM PST up reply actions
Bernier has put up some points this year but he has done it inconsistently and mostly when it doesn’t matter. A game that sticks out to me is early in the season against Colorado, Canucks up like 5-2 over the Avs in the 3rd and he scores two goals. His point totals since December have been laughable, especially with the Canucks needing secondary scoring. Also, he always seems to get like one good chance every game because of his size but never buries anything.
I would expect some line juggling tonight unless these combinations come out clicking. I still don’t know why Tanner Glass is on the third line. To me he’s a good guy to have on the fourth line but i would rather have a guy like Hansen playing with the skill of Sammy and Demitra.
By the way…I’m saying 5-0 Canucks, Burrows with the GWer
If you’re gonna give Bernier a chance at all, when better than tonite against the struggling-est team in the league at present? AS for moving him to the 2nd line … worked for Grabner. And Sundin before him (zap, Sean!). Playing alongside Kesler seems to make everyone else better, so why not Bernier too?
The opposite of serious is not funny; the opposite of serious is unserious.
So does Bernier, and if he ever polishes up that last skill, currently the fatal flaw in his game … otherwise known as “finishing”… he’ll be a force.
The opposite of serious is not funny; the opposite of serious is unserious.
This will be my last post on Bernier so as not to offend anyone for repeating myself. He doesn’t have it and never will IMHO. I don’t see much talent. Decent skater and a big guy but neither of those are a real talent. Doesn’t intimidate anyone, doesn’t fight, doesn’t set other up doesn’t make his line mates better, doesn’t finish even the most basic scoring chances. That’s my take. But like I say I hope I am wrong.
by Section 312 on Jan 20, 2010 4:26 PM PST up reply actions
casual casual casual. How dare ye suggest Kesler made Sundin better?
Anyway, I think Bernier has been given a chance on every line with this team. Hell, he absolutely blew a chance to be the 3rd Sedin, which is why we got him in the first place.
Fail
Fail
Fail.
by Sean Zandberg on Jan 20, 2010 4:46 PM PST up reply actions
The Corsi Returns!
Again, Johnson is THE MAN. Blocks shots, wins face-offs, skates well. Hell, he even has armored skates now.
What?
The Canucks tend to use the Sedins in the offensive zone and their pluggers in the defensive zone.
That is from the Copper and Blue game preview. I mean it’s hockey right? Guys play at both ends of the ice depending on where the puck is? It’s not baseball.
by Section 312 on Jan 20, 2010 4:40 PM PST up reply actions
He may be hinting at zone starts: offensive zone starts are all Sedins but if VAN is pinned in their end, they send out the fourth line. That would explain the Cori numbers for Johnson, Ryp and Hordichuk.
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
by Yankee Canuck on Jan 20, 2010 4:42 PM PST up reply actions
Well I am not sure I have noticed a concerted effort from the Nucks to do that but I mean obviously you want to get the Sedins out in the offensive zone. Is that worth a whole line in the pre-game write up? It kind of goes without saying doesn’t it?
by Section 312 on Jan 20, 2010 4:48 PM PST up reply actions
Maybe it was just poorly worded or I don’t get it. Those are two likely options. Just thought it sounded weird on first read.
by Section 312 on Jan 20, 2010 4:49 PM PST up reply actions
I wondered about that too, but finally concluded he musta meant “faceoffs;” i.e. that a d-zone faceoff is less likely to be handled by the Sedins. Never noticed that, myself, but I’ll watch for it tonite … if the Oilers ever get outta their zone, that is :)
The opposite of serious is not funny; the opposite of serious is unserious.
That Corsi number is a ridiculous stat. The 4th liners or 3rd liners on some teams are more likely to be out in a shut down role. So obviously they would concede more shots than they take. Otherwise they would be better players and wouldn’t be on the 4th line. I am a baseball guy and love advanced metrics like UZR and WAR and all the new numbers but they have to make sense. CORSI doesn’t.
by Section 312 on Jan 20, 2010 4:45 PM PST up reply actions
I think the adjusted Corsi is a lot better stat to look at (this is what started NM’s original problem last summer with the Ryan Johnson stuff) but I’m a fan of anything that offers a different perspective. It doesn’t tell the whole story, but it can offer some insights.
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
by Yankee Canuck on Jan 20, 2010 5:05 PM PST up reply actions
It doesn’t tell the whole story, but it can offer some insights.
That sums up my feelings as well. I’m not one to worship at the Church of Corsi, but it does provide a different and valuable statistical overview of the game, especially of territorial play. It is IMO warped by the tendencies of some teams/coaches, e.g. Toronto will always look better by Corsi than they will in the standings, and after a few years one can’t help but conclude there’s more to that than unluck.
Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
by Bruce McCurdy on Jan 20, 2010 5:38 PM PST up reply actions
Bruce, I call it the “baseballifacation” of hockey.
Yours mine and our favorite sport has always been about will and the team that can impose it.
The NHL is littered with talent that didn’t work out, talent with a game all one sided ( all O’ and no D’ ), and players that were, for whatever reason, picked in the 7th, or even now extinct 8th round, but made the Show and starred in it.
For me, it has been “fuck Corsi” ever since reading a Mirttle article where he had Ryan Johnson as the worst player in the league based on it.
Yes, there are things about the “numbers” that can pick out certain things. But RJ is the kind of player that does all the little things…wins a big faceoff, blocks a big shot…comes back to become a +50% F/O guy in the playoffs while doing it with a finger that looked like a corkscrew…
Things like that!
;-)
"Insult is the price of clarity"
His repeated use of this sentence suggests he thinks it’s more pithy, profound and powerful than it actually is. I’m not sure exactly what it means: "I’m being insulted because I was clear"? "I appeared to be insulting Burrows but actually I was just being clear"?
Greek to me. He may as well have said "Turnips are the price of sincerity." Or "Vaseline is the price of getting *****ed."
"narwal"
Bruce, I call it the "baseballifacation" of hockey.
That’s a fair statement. By no means is that all a bad thing either, but one has to constantly bear in mind that hockey is not so easily quantized as baseball.
There’s also such a thing as placing too much stock in a statistic. In baseball they’ve gone so far as to list team offence by batting average as opposed to the rather obvious metric of Runs scored. I would suggest that Corsi and GF/GA have a crudely similar relationship; the one can certainly contribute to the other, but there are other factors. And when it comes to the ultimate measuring stick, games won and lost are measured in goals, not shot attempts.
Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
by Bruce McCurdy on Jan 20, 2010 6:16 PM PST up reply actions
Anyone know where i can have a gander at the malkin on mitchell hit? Want to check it out but can’t find it anywhere.
Buddy at at work described it to me as “Malkin boarded Mitchell from behind”
I had no idea it was a pay-per-view game.
I knew it…there had to be something behind that. My apologies.
by Sean Zandberg on Jan 20, 2010 5:48 PM PST up reply actions
Uh oh...
from twitter
sportsnetmurph
Rypien has the stomach flu, wellwood will now take his spot on 4th line. Would have gone with johnson but didnt get him off LTI fast enough
http://waachcast.blogspot.com/ < WAACHCast Blog
by canucklehead666 on Jan 20, 2010 5:00 PM PST reply actions
Does that mean Wellwood’s going to drop the gloves? I’d pay big money to see that
by AdelaideNuck on Jan 20, 2010 5:02 PM PST up reply actions
Random photo time
I want one.
"I was thinking it would be cool to see a game on the road. I have been looking all over this atlas but I don't see Vancouver anywhere. What state is this sh*t in!?"
- Dallas Stars Forum
Who knows.
At least my feet will be warm.
"I was thinking it would be cool to see a game on the road. I have been looking all over this atlas but I don't see Vancouver anywhere. What state is this sh*t in!?"
- Dallas Stars Forum
lol @ the mental image of wellwood wailing the crap out of stortini…
ok, back to seriousness… maybe this works out for wellwood’s favour, he gets a chance to make a case for himself…again
http://waachcast.blogspot.com/ < WAACHCast Blog
by canucklehead666 on Jan 20, 2010 5:04 PM PST reply actions
I think Lowetide’s a great blog to begin with, but I love how he starts out tonight’s post:
My Dad always had a way with a phrase. One of my favorites was “piss-cutter” which meant the subject (or object) being discussed was outstanding in their field. “That new drill I made is a real piss-cutter” he’d say, although no one in his house knew what the hell he was talking about (my Dad had maybe 50 homemade tools; he was a product of his time and never threw anything out. String, old rusty nails, whatever he kept it). My Dad was a real piss-cutter too, by the way.
Daniel and Henrik are real piss-cutters. I sometimes wonder if they should get some kind of penalty for being twins. You know, a minor penalty to begin each game. I know it’s ridiculous, but so is their freaky second-sense about where the other one is going to be and their incredible ability to make those butter passes to each other. I wish they were Oilers.
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
Man…reading the comments on there…those arctic monkeys hate us! Not just the team, but us! And frankly, I’ve been to enough games with the drunk doucebag behind me to kind of agree. Are we becoming the new Toronto fans? shudder. I truly think the only recourse is to bomb the shit out of Surrey and save our reputation…
bahahahaha!
Official Ambassador for Nucks Misconduct.
"If Chuck Norris was up against 7 Rangers, he'd call Ryan Kesler."
GO CANUCKS GO!
“Four of us wolves, running around the desert together, in Las Vegas, looking for strippers and cocaine.”
Poutine & Meatballs
Alan: It’s where I keep all my things. Get a lot of compliments on this. Plus it’s not a purse, it’s called a satchel. Indiana Jones wears one.
Phil: So does Joy Behar.
"I was thinking it would be cool to see a game on the road. I have been looking all over this atlas but I don't see Vancouver anywhere. What state is this sh*t in!?"
- Dallas Stars Forum
I have an issue with Canucks fans myself
Three reasons:
1) 1982: A bad experience I had with a boorish “Canucks fan” sitting right behind me the one time I had the pleasure of attending a game in your fair city.
2) 2004: The fawning public forgiveness of Todd Bertuzzi after he embarrassed himself, his team, and our game with a premeditated criminal act.
3) Ongoing: Too many attendees at GM Place would rather chant about how the other team sucks than root for their own team. The MSG of Canada.
Sorry folks, that’s how it is. I am sympathetic with the viewpoints of individual ’Nucks fans, like my pal Temujin, but as a group they have rubbed me the wrong way for a long time.
Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
by Bruce McCurdy on Jan 20, 2010 5:58 PM PST up reply actions
In regards to #3, that is about what I have noticed too. Sadly.
Bertuzzi is a twit. Not all Canucks fans support his act. But Moore was a jackass too.
1982..unfortunate you had that experience.
by Sean Zandberg on Jan 20, 2010 6:04 PM PST up reply actions
http://puckcentral.blogspot.com/2010/01/video-cam-janssen-runs-over-carey-price.html
http://waachcast.blogspot.com/ < WAACHCast Blog
by canucklehead666 on Jan 20, 2010 5:28 PM PST reply actions
nah… he was playing the puck… I do think he deserves two minutes for being an idiot… janssen leaving his feet probably saved him from getting hit worse
http://waachcast.blogspot.com/ < WAACHCast Blog
by canucklehead666 on Jan 20, 2010 5:36 PM PST up reply actions
i’m not an expert on hockey, but the goalie that far out he’s fair game in my opinion, and Janssen seemed to limit the damage as well as he could, i don’t see why he even gets called there. Go Cam, screw you you pansy price
by AdelaideNuck on Jan 20, 2010 5:44 PM PST up reply actions
SPEAR!!!! haha
Goalies think they can roam wherever they feel like it? Yeah I don’t think so.
by Sean Zandberg on Jan 20, 2010 5:35 PM PST up reply actions
something might be brewing......
a tweet tracing back to a Habs writer for LaPresse in Montreal is saying that our gm, assistant gm and two scouts are in montreal watching the blues-habs game……
Official Ambassador for Nucks Misconduct.
"If Chuck Norris was up against 7 Rangers, he'd call Ryan Kesler."
GO CANUCKS GO!
people are speculating kariya and sydor
sydor addresses a need we have… hell they both do in a way. sydor has cup rings and is still solid after all these years
kariya has played ok this year and it would be cool to see him in a canucks uni…
http://waachcast.blogspot.com/ < WAACHCast Blog
by canucklehead666 on Jan 20, 2010 5:38 PM PST reply actions
Just when it starts to look like maybe Brodeur is human, he posts another shutout. 2-0 inc. a very late empty netter. That’s 5 shutouts in his last 14 GP.
Any Canuck fans holding out hope for Luongo to play much in the Olympics? He’s been playing pretty well, but I don’t see him having seized the Team Canada #1 job away from MB30.
Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
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