Right now, the Canucks are just The Machine That Can't Lose in Regulation. Thankfully, they didn't need to the extra time last night to get it done. David Booth continues to roll, Byron Bitz is settling into his role nicely, and Jannik Hansen busted his slump with a beautiful game-winning goal. More on those storylines, and the rest of the day's links, right after we jump forward in time.
Vancouver Canucks News & Notes
Derek Jory's recap from last night. [Canucks]
In what's become a common theme of late, the Vancouver media analyzes a Canucks win by criticizing them for not doing it more convincingly. [The Province]
More notes from last night's win over the Avs. [Vancouver Sun]
The Rock gives his review of the game. [Legion of Blog]
Why Rick Nash is not a good fit for the Vancouver Canucks. [Canucks Army]
Remember January of 2009? The Canucks had just signed Mats Sundin, but was in the midst of a horrendous 8-game losing streak. Sounds a lot like the Chicago Blackhawks right now. [PITB]
Shane Doan would make a great Ray Bourque-like pickup at this year's deadline, maybe for the Canucks? [Legion of Blog]
After breaking his nose, Dale Weise will be sporting a visor the next time he suits up for the Canucks. [Vancouver Sun]
Can't wait for this week's Heart of a Canuck, featuring my favourite Canuck and noted Community Man, Dan Hamhuis.
Gerry Dee chats with Roberto Luongo. Always love these:
Because Luongo hasn't been getting near enough love for his stellar play since November, I customized my desktop last night:
Today in Canucks History
[Feb 16, 1971] Rosaire Paiement becomes first Canuck to earn five points in a game with three goals and two assists in a 5-4 victory over the defending Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins. Andre Boudrias becomes first Vancouver player to score 20 goals, followed by Paiement, who tallies his 20th later that same period.
[2004] Trevor Linden became the Canucks all-time leader in games played by playing in his 897th in a Canucks uniform. The record of 896 had been held by Stan Smyl since 1990-91. Linden finished the 2003-04 season having played in 919 games with Vancouver.
NHL News & Notes
Teemu Selanne scored the 656th goal of his career last night, tying Brenden Shanahan for 12th all-time:
Speaking of ageless NHL legends, Jaromir Jagr turned 40 yesterday. [NHL]
Brad Marchand threw another low hit last night and was given a major for clipping. The guy really is an idiot. [Puck Daddy]
A proposal to build a new arena in Seattle that could house an NHL team may be unveiled today. It still sounds like the primary target is an NBA franchise; the idea of an NHL team just feels to me like a throw-in at this point to pump up hype for the proposal. [PHT]
Jeremy Roenick thinks that the Chicago Blackhawks should trade Patrick Kane — the guy who scored the goal that won them the Cup — for goaltending help. Just a reminder that Roenick suffered at least 13 concussions in his career, so go easy on him on this one. [ESPN]
Bryan McCabe: "I'm done". In other words, unofficially retired. [Miami Herald]
Eliotte Friedman on the Rick Nash situation. [CBC]
Ryan Lambert with a scathing look at Steve Tambellini and the direction of the Oilers. [Backhand Shelf]
A lengthy look at how Tim Thomas' legacy in Boston is being affected by his actions (and inactions) over the past month. [Boston Globe]
A detailed breakdown of the wants and needs of the Atlantic Division teams heading into the trade deadline. [Hockey Prospectus]
Kris Letang is a freak in the gym. That's an 80lb weight between his legs.
Today in NHL History
[Feb 16, 1975] The Washington Capitals record their 1st NHL shutout, beating the Kansas City Scouts 3-0.