Sizing Up Vancouver's First Round Opponent
by Yankee Canuck on Apr 7, 2010 1:08 PM PDT
in NHL Playoffs
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PrintLocked into third and lovin' life (more or less), Vancouver has to play up the stretch against San Jose and Calgary before the real show begins.
We all know the score: the defense is hurt, we got some AHL replacements sprinkled in and Luongo continues to play with a giant question mark over his head. Not the best situation but those are the cards on the table. They've got two games to get back into the groove.
After the jump is a look at the five possible opponents (some a long shot) we may see next week, including series results, top scorers and overall save percentages. In truth there is a hell of a lot more numbers to dive into dicing up the first round, but we'll wait until we know who that is. For now, let's do a hockey drive-by.
Detroit Red Wings
Season Series: Detroit 3-1
VAN Top Scorers:
Ryan Kesler - 2G, 3A
Kevin Bieksa - 4A
Henrik Sedin - 2G, 5A
Roberto Luongo Season Series Save% - .910
DET Top Scorers:
Henrik Zetterberg - 2G, 2A
Pavel Datsyuk - 3G, 2A
Jason Williams - 2 G, 3A
Jimmy Howard Season Series Save% = .907
Los Angeles Kings
Season Series: VAN 3-1
VAN Top Scorers:
Ryan Kesler - 2G, 2A
Henrik Sedin - 1G, 2A
Kyle Wellwood - 3G, 1A
Roberto Luongo Season Series Save% = .884
LA Top Scorers:
Dustin Brown - 3G, 1A
Alexander Frolov - 2G, 1A
Jarret Stoll - 1G, 2A
Jonathan Quick Season Series Save% = .908
****************
Phoenix Coyotes
Season Series: Tied 2-2
VAN Top Scorers:
Mikael Samuelsson - 3G, 1A
Henrik Sedin - 1G, 4A
Alexandre Burrows - 3G
Roberto Luongo Season Series Save% = .966
PHO Top Scorers:
Ed Jovanovski - 1G, 1A
Lee Stempniak - 2G
Taylor Pyatt - 1G, 1A
Ilya Bryzgalov Season Series Save% = .880
Nashville Predators
Season Series: Tied 2-2
VAN Top Scorers:
Daniel Sedin - 2G, 3A
Henrik Sedin - 1G, 6A
Alexandre Burrows - 2G
Roberto Luongo Season Series Save% = .915
NSH Top Scorers:
Martin Erat - 3G, 2A
Steve Sullivan - 2A
David Legwand - 2A
Pekka Rinne Season Series Save% = .921
Colorado Avalanche
Season Series: VAN 4-2
VAN Top Scorers:
Mason Raymond - 2G, 5A
Henrik Sedin - 4G, 4A
Mikael Samuelsson - 4G, 3A
Roberto Luongo Season Series Save% = .902
COL Top Scorers:
Paul Stastny - 2G, 3A
Darcy Tucker - 2G
John-Michael Liles - 2G
Matt Duchene - 3G
Craig Anderson Season Series Save% = .880
****************
A few things that jump out at me:
- With the exception of the shutout, Vancouver has had Craig Anderson's number all year. In fact, his save % against Vancouver is the third lowest against all Western teams (his worst save % is against the Kings and the Ducks)
- If it makes Anderson feel any better, the Canucks also have likely Vezina candidate Bryzgalov's number as well; his save % against Vancouver is the lowest of all Western teams.
- Pekka Rinne's save % is high, but he's only played against Vancouver twice (Dan Ellis was in net for the other games).
- Vancouver and Colorado scored an awful lot of goals against each other. If they end up as the pairing, both teams will need to firm up badly.
- The Kings number is skewed because of the eight goal laughter that gave Luongo a .724%. If you ignore that game, he had a .965% in two games.
Overall this look pretty much confirms what I was already thinking: it would be just super to not see the Red Wings in the first round. On the one hand I recognize the idea that to be the best you got to beat the best but not only has Howard played well but so has Zetterberg and Datsyuk. And we're not even considering guys like Bertuzzi or better yet Holmstrom who, with a depleted defense, might as well move in with Luongo they're going to be in the crease so frequently. And obviously Detroit has been on a roll since the Olympics to the point where probably no one wants to face them. Again, not saying Vancouver couldn't beat them (it is the playoffs after all), but it's the least desirable path.
As for most desirable? I don't think there is one. Since I don't think Colorado will jump up to sixth, I'd flip a coin between Phoenix and LA, probably leaning more towards the Kings (the Coyotes would have to lose the rest of their games to fall back to sixth anyway). Each team is relatively inexperienced as groups heading into the playoffs and I'm not sold Quick can stop the Canucks offense, should they be in sync for four of seven games. Besides what better way for Luongo to exercise the demons of the eight goal slaughter than to go face them now? Bryzgalov isn't a guy you want to see either, but Luongo stacks up pretty well against their team and, in the back of your mind, wouldn't it be nice to cram a first round win down Mathieu Schneider's "time to retire" throat?
Either way, this isn't 2009. This won't be the upstart Blues the Canucks will be taking on. They'll be getting a tough team and it'll be a battle no matter what colors the opposition has.
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i think the easiest we could realistically hope for is LA. if colorado does actually climb to 6th, even better.
only team i’m worried about facing is the wings.
btw, the avs fans at MMH are scared of us.
Nucks Misconduct's Official Ambassador, Title Fuhrer, Troll Hunter, and Resident Trucker Mouth Puck Bunny.
GO CANUCKS GO!
oh, and another btw: why did you bother putting the yotes in that poll when they’re just 1 point away from clinching 4th?
Nucks Misconduct's Official Ambassador, Title Fuhrer, Troll Hunter, and Resident Trucker Mouth Puck Bunny.
GO CANUCKS GO!
You just answered it: they haven’t clinched it. You’ll note I said it was a long shot, but until they clinch they’re still a possibility.
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by Yankee Canuck on Apr 7, 2010 1:27 PM PDT up reply actions
they really want the sharks eh?
We have had their number this year. And in the past few games, where the Avs certainly didn’t play bad, they didn’t look comfortable playing with the lead at all. Considering Vancouver comes from behind all the time, it plays somewhat into our hands.
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by Yankee Canuck on Apr 7, 2010 1:26 PM PDT up reply actions
Tough Call
The Miracle Goalies in both Colorado and Los Angeles have finally had their meltdowns, and while I think the one goalie that could carry a team well beyond their expectations in the playoffs is with Phoenix, it looks like Bryzgalov is wearing down after the yeoman’s work he’s done this year.
I’d rather not face Nashville because any series against them is going to be one hell of a grind, but LA’s not far behind in that department in that department. I want a couple more weeks to get our full team back before facing either of those two or Detroit.
I suppose Colorado would be the funnest to watch, given the young adrenaline they have and the massive offence that would be on display. So I guess them, though I wouldn’t mind seeing Phoenix, either.
Honestly…I could care less.
I want Detroit, actually. I think beating them in the first round would power us through the next one. Sure, it would be tough…that’s why its the Stanley Cup.
I get all the numbers, and what you guys say about easier roads.
Just that I am not as scared of them, or really don’t think they are the world beaters everyone else does.
Honestly? All the bottom four teams should be scared of US!!!
"I’m not asking for first-line money or top six money," Burrows said. "I don’t think it changes anything. I still consider myself a checker. That’s what I think I am first. That’s how I want to be paid. "If I can generate offence once in a while, I think it’s a plus for the team." Alex Burrows...Mar/09
by vancitydan on Apr 7, 2010 1:43 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Agreed.
Except for the last part. Everyone should be scared.
Gripping the Stick Too Tight - Pointless rants about the game we love. Because its our game too.
by Nuuuuugs on Apr 7, 2010 2:19 PM PDT up reply actions 3 recs
The first round shouldn’t be a problem, as long as its not Detroit or Nashville.
The Dream is over, time to jump on the bandwagon, Lets Go SoundTigers! What is a SoundTiger anyway?
Raycroft announced as starter for tomorrow’s game in SJ. And Baumer will be in the lineup (I don’t know who’s out… please say Alberts)
which links to the canucks report.
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GO CANUCKS GO!
Just wondering...
Is Andrew Alberts the reason why the Hurricanes sucked this year? He is brutal.
Gripping the Stick Too Tight - Pointless rants about the game we love. Because its our game too.
I honestly think it’s the difference between the west and east that’s making him look terrible. I have no stats to back this up, I just think the West is quicker. He was on Carolina and Philly before that, not the quickest teams.
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by Yankee Canuck on Apr 7, 2010 3:34 PM PDT up reply actions
I agree. The west is ____er. (Insert any verb with a positive connotation)
by Beantown Canuck on Apr 7, 2010 3:42 PM PDT up reply actions
Much bester.
Personally I’m not the type to want the easy route through the playoffs. I want the most exciting matchup with a real rivalry involved, and as such I hope we play the Wings and destroy them. And we can, if our defense and goaltender come to play.
Give me a nice easy path and a Stanley Cup anytime. I’ll take it!
At some point I expect we’ll have to go thru one of SJ, Chi, Det, anyway.
The opposite of serious is not funny; the opposite of serious is unserious.
If this team has conclusively proven anything, it’s that back-to-back tough games = good, well-rested easy games = bad. Now this is a weird sentence, but they simply haven’t shown the drive necessary to win against lesser teams. I hope the playoffs are different, but there’s no reason to think they will.
Andrew Alberts
Was one of the Canes best d-men, and a plus player on a terrible team (which was particularly abysmal when he was there).
I think there is a difference between the East and West, and I think that’s contributed to his slow start. I do think that with a good training camp he can be back to being productive and I am still convinced that he is a great 5-6 d-man at a cap hit of 1.05 million for next year. This year seems to be a write off, but I’m not convinced he can’t be a useful part.
Knights, Canucks, Dolphins, Jays and Raptors all the way.
I agree, Jevant. Alberts has shown steady improvement here.
by Sean Zandberg on Apr 8, 2010 12:32 PM PDT up reply actions
Van vs LA will be so sweet...
that way I can go to Staples to see the two games here!
We are all Canucks.
a little OT but i just checked the cancuks website, they put up a video having all 7 different canuck hat tricks this year. which made me think, compared to other teams, where does this place the canucks? how many hat tricks have other teams scored??
I don’t know but I’m sure we have the most.
by Sean Zandberg on Apr 7, 2010 4:45 PM PDT up reply actions
well, here’s a list of them all…. give me a minute to count…..
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It’s the most in the league. They said that on the PPV broadcast the other day.
"We love them, We mourn for them, Unlucky boys of Red" - Morrissey
"Giggs gets past Viera, past Dixon, who comes back at him, it's a wonderful run from GIGGS!!!" - Martin Tyler
"He's got a man deep..wait, no that IS Mandeep!!" - Don Taylor
by Section 312 on Apr 7, 2010 4:57 PM PDT up reply actions
yep. Canucks lead with 7
6 – pittsburgh
4 – ottawa, florida, flames
3 – philly, sharks, NYI, canes, caps
2 – LA, habs, wild, preds, stars
1 -tampa, leafs, blues, wings, columbus, bruins, devils, yotes, avs, hawks, sabres
0 – oilers, ducks, thrashers
Nucks Misconduct's Official Ambassador, Title Fuhrer, Troll Hunter, and Resident Trucker Mouth Puck Bunny.
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The surprise
is that the Flames have 4. I never would have guessed that. Only Boston has scored fewer goals per game than the Flamers who are at 2.46….which means that the 4 times they had someone score a hat trick the guy who scored the 3 goals was single handledly a half goal above the Flamers per game average.
"We love them, We mourn for them, Unlucky boys of Red" - Morrissey
"Giggs gets past Viera, past Dixon, who comes back at him, it's a wonderful run from GIGGS!!!" - Martin Tyler
"He's got a man deep..wait, no that IS Mandeep!!" - Don Taylor
by Section 312 on Apr 7, 2010 5:28 PM PDT up reply actions
The best part is that 6 different players have had a hat trick and it’s Burrows with the deuce.
So don't get violent and don't get caught with your head down, the night she stole the moon.
by thelastjohnny on Apr 7, 2010 10:35 PM PDT up reply actions
Several peeps got points on the wizards list last night:
Me: 2 points
ShiftSC, GAAAH!, Chuckles Ca..SNAAAAKE, Beantown Canuck and Laharl all with one point
A very rare point for Beantown. Very excruciatingly rare.
by Beantown Canuck on Apr 7, 2010 6:10 PM PDT up reply actions
Fuck snakes
But I like points!
"But yeah…like CC…I harbour no ill will." - VancityDan
by Chuckles Canuckles on Apr 7, 2010 8:56 PM PDT up reply actions
Moose announce playoff schedule
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Brampton done
Hodg getting re-assigned?
Everybody knows
That the world is full of stupid people
Well I got the pistols so I'll keep the Pesos
Yeah that seems fair
Where else? I don’t see him, as a rookie w/ basically zero NHL games to his name, joining the Canucks for a playoff run.
The opposite of serious is not funny; the opposite of serious is unserious.
He is going to rest his broken foot and then report to Manitoba
by Sean Zandberg on Apr 8, 2010 12:32 PM PDT up reply actions
It’s not that I’m particularly worried about the Wings, but I’d really love to see them play Chicago for sheer entertainment value. That would be a fantastic series to watch.
For us, the post season really depends on Luongo, we live and die by his success or failure. Tomorrow night I think Raycroft will have a stellar performance adding more fuel to the fire.
Then again, our offense is miles ahead of where it was the last few years, so maybe even with an average Lu we can still outscore the other guys.
It’s worked for Detroit.
"This shootout is brought to you by CIALIS®"
Comment from Squire Barnes just now
Commenting on Luongo fishing for the puck in last nights game:
“He looks like a guy trying to pick up money in a windstorm”.
"This shootout is brought to you by CIALIS®"
Lu
to me looks like a guy trying not to lose, instead of trying to win.
Everybody knows
That the world is full of stupid people
Well I got the pistols so I'll keep the Pesos
Yeah that seems fair
Don’t really care who we meet, we can and will need to be able to beat them all at some point. The only advantage I see for any one particular team is LA for the easy travel to start. Maybe Phoenix a bit for the same reason.
At some point we will have to play either one or two of CHI/DET/SJ, and frankly I think the Canucks can beat any of them. The only team that actually concerns me at all is Chicago, and yet it’s the series I most want to see happen and even go 7.
"Hope you like pancakes, Norway..." Morgan Freeman
"you'll be playing in england the rest of your career" Sir Alex Burrows
The way I see it is it’ll be Detroit or Chicago in the 2nd round. So why not take on Detroit in the first round build the confidence to face Chicago in the second, it sounds like a good theory anyway.
That being said I don’t want to discount any of the other teams either. There are good arguments for taking on LA, COL or NASH. But I still think taking on Detroit will build some serious momentum or send them to the golf courses early. I believe the Canucks can beat any team they face in a best of 7.
Bring on the Wings.
No. You are cool.
I have been saying that its OK to take the mickey out of the “almighty Wings”.
But I can see it. Every one of these Goddamn Sportsnet/TSNer talking head guys keep saying every time they go a story how the “Top 4 teams are scared of the Wings…”
2nd overall in offense. Top 10 in most other categories… yet no respect.
I guess they have to show them first.
"I’m not asking for first-line money or top six money," Burrows said. "I don’t think it changes anything. I still consider myself a checker. That’s what I think I am first. That’s how I want to be paid. "If I can generate offence once in a while, I think it’s a plus for the team." Alex Burrows...Mar/09
oops...I should preview too...2nd overall...etc.
Of course I was talking about the team from the city of Vancouver, on the shores of the Pacific Ocean.
"I’m not asking for first-line money or top six money," Burrows said. "I don’t think it changes anything. I still consider myself a checker. That’s what I think I am first. That’s how I want to be paid. "If I can generate offence once in a while, I think it’s a plus for the team." Alex Burrows...Mar/09
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