Official Canucks 2011-2012 Thread

[Kloubek]

I want to preface this by asking for respect in this thread. This means two things:
1) No talk about the riot. There are a couple of threads for you to voice such opinions.
2) No anti-Canuck people in here to derail the thread. Most Canuck fans have been good about not being total douches in the Flames thread and I request the same respect returned.

This will be a long post. If you don't want to read it, then don't.

Last season was certainly one to remember. Or maybe one to forget. The Canucks were strong enough to get to the final, but showed up intermittently. Part of our inability to win the cup was due to injury, but it also showed some weaknesses in our lineups.

The difficulty, as I see it, is that Boston is a pretty hard, physical team. Do you tailor next year's team to a team better to compete against Boston (ie: tougher), or better to play against most other NHL teams (ie: more skill).

And really, I think the answer is that Gillis has to do both. We might very well face Boston again in the finals next year. And even if we faced another team, a tougher team is always a good thing. Then, of course, there is the matter of a bunch of good teams to make it through to get to the finals in the first place.

Keep the Core

The majority of the required core is still locked up:
The Sedins, Kesler, Burrows, Edler, Malhotra, Hamhuis, Luongo.

There are also other prominent players locked up which I believe to be potential question marks which I will discuss later:
Hodgson, Samuelsson, Raymond, Ballard, Schneider.

Resigning

There are, however, also players who are up for contract renewal:

Ehrhoff: Had a great regular reason, but didn't have the best playoffs in the world. At -13, he was the worst on the team in that regard. With this said, it was revealled he did have a bum shoulder which may require surgery. I think the Canucks should attempt to re-sign him. Having had the best year of his career, and at only 28, he is going to be worth a fair amount on the free market though and I don't think the Canucks would be willing to sign him unless he takes a discount. He made 3.4 million this past year and is obviously due for a raise. I think a salary of 4.5 million would be good for both parties - even though I realize he could probably get 5 or more on the open market.

Maxim Lapierre:
New to the team, I think he did his job very well. People hate to play against him, and he *can* be a little cheap at times. But he plays hard and really scored some clutch goals for us in the playoffs. He made 900k last year and being that he was bounced around and he probably wants to stay with a cup contender, a tiny increase to an even 1 million should be sufficient to keep him here.

Jannik Hansen:
Here's a guy that we really want to keep. I have a very difficult time figuring how much he should be paid. Blessed with good speed and a great work ethic, he is someone we should not let walk - and is clearly worth more than the 825k he was paid last year. But how much more remains to be seen. I'd like to see a contract around 1.2 million if he would be willing to take it.

Chris Higgins:
Actually played ok for us during the playoffs. I wouldn't mind seeing him back, but not sure how much he will want. He actually took a step back in pay at 1.6 million last year. I think we could snag him for under 2m.... maybe even at the same 1.6m.

Raffi Torres: Resign him. Yes, he makes some stupid plays sometimes but he *can* score, has scored in the past, and generated great energy for the 3rd line. I think he could be resigned for 1m again, and I'd drop him to the 4th line.

Kevin Bieksa: Like many Canucks fans, I've flip flopped on Bieksa more than any other player. I loved him initially, then he started sucking really bad. But then he retooled his game and was perhaps our best d-man in the playoffs. There are indications he is happy to stay without a huge raise. 4.25m maybe?

Sami Salo: Have heard nothing as to whether he intends to play again this season, but says he likes it here. Oft injured, his value is way less than the 3.5m he made recently. When healthy, he is still a very good d-man. And yes, he is injured a lot and *is* slowing down, but still has a good shot and would be a great addition for the right price. I'm slotting him in at 1.5m. I still think he can make more elsewhere.

Andrew Alberts: Had an off and on season. Maybe more off than anything, but was much better than when first aquired. Big guy with some good hitting ability, but really not the smartest player. Could be useful as a 6th d-man, but depends on how much he wants. I'd keep him around at 1m, but nothing more than that. Not factored into my lineups below.

Tanner Glass: I liked Tanner in the season at times, but he really didn't come to play in the playoffs. At 525k he comes cheap and could be resigned as a reserve winger only. I did not factor him into my team lineups either.

Jeff Tambellini: Could also be resigned as a reserve winger. Would be a shame to completely kick him to the curb given his speed and the thought that he just might break out one year.

The Question Marks

I think the core of the team is just fine as is. We just need to change up a few of the pieces to compliment the ones we have.

Let's talk first about the five players that *are* under contract, which I think we should look at potentially moving:
Hodgson, Samuelsson, Raymond, Ballard, Schneider

Hodgson: This guy is really slow to develop. And even if he did become the player we wanted, he is more of a 2nd line player rather than a physical 4th line player. We already have Henrik, Kesler, and Malhotra on the top 3 lines so there is really no place for Hodgson - even if he did meet his potential. As such, I think he should be used as trade bait.

Samuelsson: Canuck fans really don't seem to like this guy. I actually do. Is he good enough for a 2nd line role? Well, with 50 points in only 72 games, I think so. He did make some bad plays sometimes and went cold for stretches, but can still contribute. I could see him staying or going.

Raymond: I really do like this kid and he has amazing speed, but he simply isn't strong enough to keep puck posession while entering the zone. I think another team would be willing to give him a shot. Like Grabner, he might be "the one that got away" but if the return is right....

Ballard: Never really fit in, gets paid a lot, and was misused and abused by management. He is a work in progress which might not end up working out - so the consideration of moving him must be explored. The question is: Is he really worth much to another team with a 4.2m salary? Is that too big a question mark to get a reasonable return?

Schneider: I love this kid. And honestly, if there was a way to offload Luongo to another team and make him our #1 (and save a ton in the process), I would. But the fact is that Luongo is our #1, and either we keep Schneider as a backup, or trade him off to be #1 elsewhere. I think the latter is a much better option. I think the league has now seen what this kid can do, and I think he will get us a reasonable return.

What we need:

Only one thing, actually. I think we need a big player to play with the Sedins. One who both has skill, but can also protect them from getting manhandled like in the Boston series. I think Kesler needs at least one better winger. And we need to maintain the best d (on paper anyway) in the league.

The first two can be solved by bringing in one player. A player like Backes, Doan, Byfuglien, Stewart, Clowe, maybe Hartnell. A player like this could play on both the top or 2nd line. If he gels with the Sedins, then you drop Burrows down to the 2nd to play with Kesler. (They've already proven Chemistry). And if not, Burrows is ok on the 1st, but you don't get the "protection" that would be useful on the 1st. (Although that is better than putting a tough player with the Sedins who can't score or make plays)

With the cap going up, I think we will have the room to add a player of the calibre I'm hoping for.

My proposed movement

Trade Schneider, Raymond, Cody Hodgson and a conditional pick in 2013 to Phoenix for Doan and Labarbera. (Condition based on whether Doan resigns after next year). We give up a lot, but Doan is a talented Canadian player with size, and is used to playing in BC with Kamloops in Jr. hockey. I think he would work well with the Sedins, at a reasonable cap hit.

Re-sign Higgins, Hansen, Torres, Lapierre, Bieksa, Ehrhoff, Salo.

Bring in either Montador or Babchuk from the free agent pool for 1.5-2.5m. (Unsure how much Babchuk would sign for). Perhaps Eric Boulton for the 4th line - a big tough guy with limited offensive upside.

Final Lineups

Here's what I would like to see:

FORWARDS
Sedin ($6.1m) / Sedin ($6.1m) / Doan (4.55$m)
Samuelsson ($2.5m) / Kesler ($5m) / Burrows ($2m)
Higgins ($1.6m) / Malhotra ($2.5m) / Hansen ($1.2m)
Torres ($1m) / Lapierre ($1m) / Oreskovich ($.6m)
Eric Boulton (UFA) ($0.650m) or Tambellini ($0.500m)

DEFENSEMEN
Dan Hamhuis ($4.5m) / Kevin Bieksa ($4.25m)
Alexander Edler ($3.250m) / Christian Ehrhoff ($4.5m)
Montador/Babchuk (1.5-2.5m) / Sami Salo ($1.5m)
Aaron Rome ($0.750m) / Chris Tanev ($0.900m)

GOALTENDERS
Roberto Luongo ($5.333m) / Labarbara (UFA) ($1.200m)

Total Salary: About 63-64m.

All four forward lines are better than last year. Sedins get a better and tougher winger. Kesler gets to play with Burrows again. Higgins provides the 3rd line with more scoring. Torres improves the 4th line. Defense doesn't change much, except for the rarely used Ballard leaving. Tanev should be good for a 6th/7th role next year. Goaltending stays about the same - paying slightly more for Labarbara (who is a pretty good backup) in favour of getting a return for Schneider.

[rumeo]

Sorry Kloubek I disagree with your trade ideas. Doan is awesome and a hard worker but he's old and we'd be giving up too much for him. At least get some first rounders back. What if Hodgson learns to play wing?

I disagree with trading Raymond, yes he had an off year but he is adding muscle and that speed he has makes his line so much better. Plus I love when he plays in Calgary and spanks the Flames.

I like our lines the way they were, let's try and keep them the same with the exception of one player....


Roberto Lebrongo. Fuck him and his shitty ass inconsistent goaltending. Let's try and trade him or put him on the waiver wire. Has Pekka Rinne been resigned or is he still RFA? Sign him!

[kenny]

Does Vancouver really need to make any big changes? They had a pretty impressive regular season so they have the right mix of players.

Hand the C off to someone that can provide leadership. Henrik is talented, but it was obvious he didn't have what it takes when his team needed him most. Had he just dropped the gloves and fought just once in game 7, it might've provided the spark the Canucks needed to get back into the game and we wouldn't be here talking about juggling the lines around.

We see it all the time when Jarome drops the gloves, it pumps the team up. Too bad the Flames don't have enough offensive firepower tho =/

[SOAB]

Seriously, i hate the guy but Kesler deserves to wear the C. he is a much better leader than either of the sisters.

[Freeskier]

Disagree totally rumeo. Raymond is not as good as this last year would make him seem, Luongo is waaaaay to expensive to move, and something needs to change.

[SilverRex]

Originally posted by kenny
Does Vancouver really need to make any big changes? They had a pretty impressive regular season so they have the right mix of players.

Hand the C off to someone that can provide leadership. Henrik is talented, but it was obvious he didn't have what it takes when his team needed him most. Had he just dropped the gloves and fought just once in game 7, it might've provided the spark the Canucks needed to get back into the game and we wouldn't be here talking about juggling the lines around.

We see it all the time when Jarome drops the gloves, it pumps the team up. Too bad the Flames don't have enough offensive firepower tho =/

history shows the chance of winning the cup increases greatly by having a Canadian captain

[Kloubek]

Rumeo:

You are entitled to your opinion for sure, but I am entitled to retort...

Doan is getting older, yes. But with 60 points in 72 games last season, he is showing no signs of slowing down. Plus, he did that playing with linemates less talented than the Sedins. I think he would be a point-a-game player with them.

What if Hodgson learns to play wing? Well, he has been used as a centre and still hasn't put his game together. What makes you think that he would even a) be tried on wing, and b) develop any better in that position? As highly touted as Hodgson was, he has failed to impress anyone yet, and his development has not gone as planned.

Raymond has amazing speed - but besides lack of finish, he just doesn't have the size required to do anything with it. He gets crunched at the blueline over and over again. How he has managed not to have serious injury prior to this final, I'm not sure. And how you think he improves that line, I'm not sure how you come to that conclusion either.

I do agree that Luongo was/is inconsistent, but he is signed long term without any "outs" for another couple of years if I remember correctly. Good or bad, he is our goalie going forward.

[D'z Nutz]

Luongo's contract has a couple outs at specific points of the contract. Five years in he can ask for a trade and 7 years in the Canucks can trade him, although I don't see why a trade couldn't happen anytime during the contract if both sides agreed it was time to move on.

[Kloubek]

Well I'm sure both sides could waive their obligations. But how do you approach your #1 goalie and ask him to leave. If he refuses, now he doesn't feel wanted and I can't imagine that would help his performance any.

Besides that, it produces a horrible PR situation. You just signed him to a long term contract, now you want him to leave. It would make management look horrible.

No, Luongo is the goalie going forward. It isn't that he can't be spectacular.... he just needs to improve his consistency.

[max_boost]

Originally posted by SOAB
Seriously, i hate the guy but Kesler deserves to wear the C. he is a much better leader than either of the sisters. :werd:

Captain leads by example. They don't flop or back down from scraps.

[Quizzes]

Giving Kesler the captaincy should be a no-brainer as he had a breakout year and showed a lot of maturity.

The question becomes... Will Henrik give away his captaincy or will that be stripped from him? If stripped, would it hurt his feelings, and subsequently Daniel's?

[Kloubek]

These guys are professionals. I'm sure if it was stripped it would totally suck. But I'm pretty sure Henrik is enough of a team player that he would do whatever it takes to win next year. And if the team (AV really) feels that Kesler should be the one to have it, he will.

Certainly he is a great candidate.

The more I think about it, the more I see how it is entirely feasible to obtain a power forward (as it is in today's NHL) for the top line. That would be wicked.

[Quizzes]

Originally posted by Kloubek
Kevin Bieksa: Like many Canucks fans, I've flip flopped on Bieksa more than any other player. I loved him initially, then he started sucking really bad. But then he retooled his game and was perhaps our best d-man in the playoffs. There are indications he is happy to stay without a huge raise. 4.25m maybe?

Kevin Bieksa signs for 4.6M for 5 years with a NTC. :drool:

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=370169



Defenceman Kevin Bieksa has agreed to terms on a new five-year, $23 million contract with the Vancouver Canucks.

The deal will pay the blueliner $4.6 million per season, and also includes a no-trade clause.

Bieksa was eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on Friday. He just completed a three-year, $11.25 million contract with Vancouver.

The 30-year-old Bieksa has spent all six of NHL seasons with the Canucks since entering the league in 2005-06.

He had six goals and 16 points in 66 games for the Canucks this season and worked his way from prime trade candidate last off-season to being one of Vancouver's top defenceman. Bieksa added five goals and five assists in 25 playoff games during Vancouver's run to the Stanley Cup Final.

Bieksa has 34 goals and 113 assists in 347 career NHL games.

The native of Grimsby, Ontario was Vancouver's fifth-round pick in the 2001 Draft.

[Kloubek]

Slightly more than I was hoping for, but not unreasonable considering what he probably could have got on the open market.

Now we wait and see which Kevin Bieksa will show up next season. :) I actually think he'll be just fine....

[SilverGS]

Not bad. Was expecting higher than 5. Decent value contract if he continues his play from this year.

[Kloubek]

Salo re-signed for 2m/yr, 1 year.

Higgins re-signed for 1.9m/yr, 2 years.

Lapierre re-signed for 1m/yr, 2 years.

So far, Gillis is doing exactly what I expected/wanted. Now to see if he bolsters us with a top six forward.

Edit: ...except now. Marco Sturm signs with Vancouver. 1 year deal, 2.25m. Not happy with this signing at all.

[Tram Common]

I'm still upset over Christian Ehrhoff leaving the roster... le sigh.

[Kloubek]

This thready might as well be revived now that we are into the season.

Slow start - but not much slower than last year... where the Canucks ended up with the best record, best goals for, best goals against. #1 or nearly #1 in pretty much every typical stat category. With that in mind, I am not concerned.

Just had two big wins... an offensive explosion against the Caps, and a blowout win against the Flames. Hopefully the corner has been turned!

[dharminder]

Great game by the Canucks showing there dominance over the Flames.

[max_boost]

Bump for Nuck fans.

Just wondering if there's a situation going on with your goalies? Which one are you going to keep? There must be some firm talking going on between management. That is all. :goflames:

[rumeo]

Originally posted by max_boost
Bump for Nuck fans.

Just wondering if there's a situation going on with your goalies? Which one are you going to keep? There must be some firm talking going on between management. That is all. :goflames:

Schneider will re-sign for $1-2 mill. Gillis loves his 1-1A goalie tandem way too much.

[Freeskier]

I'd say Schneids will be gone. They pay Luongo too much, and he's not good trade bait at the moment. Schneider is worth a lot more in a potential trade. As streaky as Luongo is, he's still a really good goaltender who could definitely carry them to another deep playoff run if the team plays well.

[C_Dave45]

Hey there's a Canucks thread!! Sweet. Maybe I can talk some hockey now.









...nah.

[PartyintheKorea]

i agree luongo's contract isn't as horrible as bryzgalov's or lundquist's but gillis needs to be thinking 'blockbuster' to get rid of luongo. the luongo/schneider combo has been way too foolproof to break up, it only fires up luongo when schneider has a good game (or stretch of games as we've seen). either luongo goes or neither goes unless you're getting an absolute steal by trading schneider.

gillis did the right thing bringing in booth and he is capable of turning into a ryan smyth kinda guy crashing the net and fighting for rebounds. kesler can work the boards like he's used to and higgins can be all over the ice with booth there. if theres anything the canucks need its a go-to scorer to play with the sedins, although its unlikely to happen. another top 6 d-man would be nice.

[max_boost]

Originally posted by C_Dave45
Hey there's a Canucks thread!! Sweet. Maybe I can talk some hockey now.









...nah.

Yea bro, you better stick to something you are good at.....like tile work.

:goflames: :goflames: :goflames:

:D

[C_Dave45]

Originally posted by max_boost


Yea bro, you better stick to something you are good at.....like tile work.

:goflames: :goflames: :goflames:

:D

Hahahaha...yeah. silly tileman...what do I know about hockey? After all, I'm a Canucks fan. So, nothing.

Back to my tile and poker tables.

[heinz256]

Just heard Schneider could ask for upwards of 4mil as an RFA next year. What will they do?

[Kavy]

Originally posted by rumeo


Schneider will re-sign for $1-2 mill.

No way does he take a penny under 4 mil.

[Canucks3322]

Fyi...we got Eddie Lack who is following in Schneider's footsteps as Ahl top goalie...so one of them is ok to go and we'd be "fine" as long as the offence shows up consistently in the playoffs....we still dont have a lock on that x-factor player for the playoffs yet :( a brian marchand or a bufuglien type

Ps...kloublek, I told you the "ginger" was the real deal

[PartyintheKorea]

schneider for nash doesn't sound impossible anyore. not a straight up 1 for 1 but it could work. jackets need a new goalie and we need a go-to top 6 winger.

[Freeskier]

Nash is the Blue Jackets franchise player. Not gonna happen.

[max_boost]

Originally posted by Freeskier
Nash is the Blue Jackets franchise player. Not gonna happen. Unless you want to trade Kesler and Schneider lol

[Freeskier]

Yeah with a second player like that it could maybe happen. But I dont think CBJ would go for it if it was schneids and anyone less that a top line forward. I don't even think Burrows would be enough.

[SOAB]

i think you're over-valueing Burrows. he'd be a nobody without the sisters to play with. just ask Anson Carter.

[Kloubek]

Originally posted by Canucks3322
Ps...kloublek, I told you the "ginger" was the real deal

I never said he wasn't. But I wasn't really sold on him until recently.

To think he will be signed for 1-2 mil is ridiculous. But I don't think he'd get 4 either... at least not from the Canucks. I can see him being offered 2.5-3 million for a couple of years. At that point he should be considered an elite goalie and will make way more after that.

I have been advocating on the Canucks site that it makes no sense to have a 1a and 2a tandem. To me, it makes far more sense to trade one of them and then get a player in return who could help our club every single night rather than sitting on the bench.

Further to this, I think Hodgson should be moved. As a natural centre, he's not developed enough for the top 2 lines, and not gritty/strong enough for the bottom two.

Add in maybe Raymond (who is back in the lineup tonight. Good for him!) and perhaps unload Ballard somewhere, and the Canucks have real trade bait to get what they feel they need.

[C_Dave45]

The NHL is just getting ridiculous with their "hit to the head" rule. It's turning into a Senior Men's Non-Contact hockey league.
I'm sorry, but Foligno's hit on Kessler tonight was a perfectly legal body check. Elbows down, didn't head hunt (Kessler saw the hit coming and tried to "duck" under it) and he got caught. Beauty hard hit. That wouldn't have even made Don Cherry's "hardest hits" tape 5 years ago. Now he gets a game and possibly a suspension???

Even Sutton's hit on Alexei Ponikarovsky....he comes around the bords with his head down, looking at the puck. Whatever happened to the phrase "KEEP YOUR HEAD UP"?? And ESPECIALLY where you know someone is going to be coming at you. Geeze. Just as dumb as Lindros when he comes up the middle with his head down, and he knows Stevens is on the ice.

NHL is getting to be a joke.

[rumeo]

^^ The big deal is how high his feet left the ground.


Canucks are ripping it, I love it

[SilverGS]

Originally posted by C_Dave45
The NHL is just getting ridiculous with their "hit to the head" rule. It's turning into a Senior Men's Non-Contact hockey league.
I'm sorry, but Foligno's hit on Kessler tonight was a perfectly legal body check. Elbows down, didn't head hunt (Kessler saw the hit coming and tried to "duck" under it) and he got caught. Beauty hard hit. That wouldn't have even made Don Cherry's "hardest hits" tape 5 years ago. Now he gets a game and possibly a suspension???

Even Sutton's hit on Alexei Ponikarovsky....he comes around the bords with his head down, looking at the puck. Whatever happened to the phrase "KEEP YOUR HEAD UP"?? And ESPECIALLY where you know someone is going to be coming at you. Geeze. Just as dumb as Lindros when he comes up the middle with his head down, and he knows Stevens is on the ice.

NHL is getting to be a joke.

Completely agree on Foligno's hit on Kesler. Didn't like Kesler clutching his face after when nothing even touched it and even his statements afterwards but that's Kesler I guess.

Sutton is a repeat offender and left his feet and did get Ponikarovsky's head against the glass. First offence probably only a couple games but since this is already Sutton's second time in the first half of the season they threw the book at him.

[Kloubek]

I dunno if I agree with you Dave. They aren't trying to take hitting out of the game; they are just trying to limit concussions and take serious head injuries out.

Did Kesler put himself in a questionable position? Certainly. Could Foligno have completely stopped the check? Probably not - nor should he be expected to.

But I disagree he didn't put his arms into Kesler's head. Look at the clip:

http://www.sportsnet.ca/video/36673752001/40310152001/Foligno-vs-Kesler

I do think he could have redirected himself differently. But at the end of the day we're talking second guessing someone's actions after sitting here and assessing it. Folingo had to make that choice instantly. That, combined with the fact it doesn't look like he intended to injure means I do not think a suspension should be considered. But I do think the penalty was well warranted. It isn't really unlike getting a penalty if the stick comes up and hits someone in the face by accident. You need to be in control of your stick, and need to be in control of your body as well.

But onto other things: I'm stoked the Canucks have managed to finally find their game. They now have one of the best (if not THE best) goal differential, and their pp is waaaayyyy beyond the 2nd place team. Things are starting to click.

[C_Dave45]

Great game tonight. Got robbed on that 2nd "no-goal". Gustavson sure sold that one. In the end it didn't matter though, but what a fast game. Very entertaining.

I'm LOVING NHL Centre Ice package!!!! And having the Gateway for recording is awesome!!

[BlackRadon]

what ever happen to the "green men"? they we fucking funny as hell.

Good game tho, centre ice is awesome indeed!!:thumbsup:

[C_Dave45]

Originally posted by BlackRadon
what ever happen to the "green men"? they we fucking funny as hell.

Good game tho, centre ice is awesome indeed!!:thumbsup:
Yeah those guys were great. I was thinking about them the other day. Have to do some digging.

[Kloubek]

They were at a game I watched about a month ago. I don't think they are attending every single game anymore.

[Kloubek]

First place baby!

http://tsn.ca/nhl/standings/

If we didn't have such a questionable start to the season, this would have happened long ago...

[C_Dave45]

Didn't get to catch the game last night. Saw the highlights though. Every team must just roll their eyes when they get a penalty. It's almost a given a goal will be scored. It's sick watching the twins on a PP.
Of course no one would want such pussies on their team...and they're so goofy looking.. :rofl:
Kessler still amazes me with his intensity. How he plays both ends like that..wow.

[Freeskier]

Kes puts that team on his back every game. I didn't used to like him that much but last years playoff run put me on the Kesler bandwagon. He's always the hardest playing guy on the ice.

[Kloubek]

Kesler is crazy good. He might not be as flashy as the Sedins, but he has a huge heart and amazing 2-way play. When he was signed to his 5m contract I thought it was a little high, but I think it ended up being very reasonable considering everything he brings to the table.

Canucks update as of January 5th:

Position in league: 1st
Goals for: 1st
Goals against: 8th
PP: 1st
PK: 6th
Faceoffs: 5th

These stats aren't quite as good as the team was at by the end of the year last year, but still pretty damn good.

I predict that we will continue to be near the top in goals for - especially when Booth returns. I predict we will improve our goals against and pk to be near the very top by the end of the season; I think they are lower right now due to the poor play of the team at the start of the season.

Go Canucks!

[adamc]

Bruins Canucks rematch this year

[max_boost]

Originally posted by adamc
Bruins Canucks rematch this year

You didn't finish your post?

And the Bruins win again! haha

[Kloubek]

The way the Bruins are steamrolling the East these days, it would be tough not to pick them as the favourite. After last night's trouncing of the Flames, they are 1st in the league in goals, and by far fewest scored against.

Considering those stats, it is hard to believe the Rangers are actually ahead of them in the standings.

Rangers Boston Vancouver
GF: 113 138 134
GA: 81 69 99

[dharminder]

Tomorrow rematch of SCF is going to be scary. They destroyed the flames and night before that the Devils. Watching the game I will say the Bruins are a very solid team. Vancouver has there work cut out for them. I just hope they don’t get destroyed

[rumeo]

4 power play goals and some sick goal tending from Schneider!

[Canucks3322]

I'm not nerdy enough to post this properly...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbBwUef9ekc&feature=player_embedded

Wow, Marchard, you may be Canadian but you are a piece of shit, period.

[drtoohotty1]

KbBwUef9ekc

[adamc]

Great highlight video and a great game

[C_Dave45]

Christ what a game! Had to PVR it as I was working. Just finished. Good old time hockey. Except for the little piece of shit dirty prick Marchand. And they call Lapiere dirty??

Also lost all respect for Lucic. Was my favorite player at one time.

[Kloubek]

Originally posted by max_boost
And the Bruins win again! haha

...or not.

Was a crazy game. People are calling for the league to look at three plays by Boston in this game. The only one I think is worthy of a look is the play against Salo. At first I thought it was just a lower than usual hit, but Marchand clearly dropped, and bent down with the intention for Salo to go tumbling over him.

Poor Salo... always getting hurt. He was actually somewhat resillient this season, but not much you can do against cheap shots.

[Porsche_55]

^ :clap:

[Porsche_55]

Originally posted by adamc
Bruins Canucks rematch this year

Detroit will put up a big fight. But ya rematch sounds about right. No one else in the east can match them.

Detroit going back to the Eastern Conf. next year is going to really help even things.

[rumeo]

Originally posted by Porsche_55


Detroit will put up a big fight. But ya rematch sounds about right. No one else in the east can match them.

Detroit going back to the Eastern Conf. next year is going to really help even things.

Detroit is not going to the East next year, staying the same.

Detroit and Chicago are always a tough match in the playoffs.

[Porsche_55]

^ I herd roumors of this.

[C_Dave45]

BTT (see what I did there?) :rofl:


http://i42.tinypic.com/imjps1.jpg

[max_boost]

Yo Canuck fan, we would have given you Tim Jackman for Cody Hodgson. What up there? The kid wanted out or what?

[Tram Common]

Originally posted by max_boost
Yo Canuck fan, we would have given you Tim Jackman for Cody Hodgson. What up there? The kid wanted out or what?

Poor trade on our behalf... 1st round pick our organization worked very hard on only to trade away for less than desireable players as soon as he was starting to really produce and mesh with the rest of the team...

... fucking idiotic if you ask me.

Canucks management is still stuck on this belief that we need more grit and aggression... I don't buy it.

We just raded away the potential rookie of the year... :banghead:

[C_Dave45]

I dunno. I mean, I loved watching Hodgson play. Seemed to gel good. But he was only playing around 10 minutes per game. Also, Canucks really don't have any grit or size. Look how guys like Thornton pushed his weight around, and no one to speak of to push back.
Kassian is a 6'3, 220 pounder with an attitude as well. Let's not forget he's no slouch. He went in the 1st round and playing decent in the minors.
Along with that we get another good sized D-man, and lets face it, we weren't too deep in the defense department when a couple of inuries crept up. (ie; Salo and others during playoffs).
Hodgson is great, but I don't think the trade was a bad one.

The scouts that report on these players have seen them play hundreds of times. They know their personality, their strengths. All we know is who we see playing on HNIC. As well, all we are are amateurs sitting on a couch.

Besides the fact that management has currently put together a team that is where they are today. I think they're doing a pretty good job.

The flames on the other hand..... :rofl:



NfuU_bay0kE

[Kloubek]

So - there you have if folks. Regular season is over, and 2nd President's Trophy in a row!

Let's hope the end result in the playoffs is one game better than last year.

For the record, here is how the Canucks finished in stats. (And the stats are not as impressive as last year):

P%: 1st
Goals per game: 5th
Goals Against: 4th
PP: 4th
PK: 6th
Faceoffs: 3rd

Good luck boys - make me proud! (Because, of course, they're Beyond members and are gonna read this...)

[C_Dave45]

Wow. Two years in a row. Tough accomplishment. Will be exciting playoffs to say the least. I honestly don't think they'll do it, only because so much depends on the hockey gods. It's like a good poker player. To win a tournament you need some luck. Same with the Stanley Cup playoffs. A series/game is often decided by one or two bounces.

But it sure is nice watching your team in the playoffs!!

[Kloubek]

I think they have as strong a chance as any - but you're right... the odds are against them. But then - the odds are against every team, and *someone* ends up winning it.

I think Vancouver is a more rounded team, but not as explosive as last year. I think they are built to last better in the playoffs, but aren't so much "shock and awe" as what carried them to game 7 last year. Maybe that means less chance of a crash and burn like last year as well. Will be interesting to see how they perform.

I also think that there are more strong teams this year. Both the West and East have 3 or 4 teams I could see contend for the cup. Last year, each side had maybe a couple.

I'm stoked!

[adamc]

SO HOMESICK TODAY

Been in Indonesia for the last 2 months, just catching up on our team's progress, sitting here in Bali watching highlights on youtube LOL.

Ice is for drinks here, and that's about it.


Anyway, hope to be able to watch these games at whatever fucked up hour they're on. Drink a good Canadian beer for me while you watch!

:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

[max_boost]

I hate the Canucks but what can I say, two straight President's Trophy so gotta respect that. Arguably 3 of the top fowards in the game plus the best backup lol Fuckers!

I hope Dutter gets you guys again like in 04.

GO KINGS GO!

[C_Dave45]

Originally posted by max_boost
I hate the Canucks but what can I say, two straight President's Trophy so gotta respect that. Arguably 3 of the top fowards in the game plus the best backup lol Fuckers!

I hope Dutter gets you guys again like in 04.

GO KINGS GO!

LOL...you wouldn't be alone: http://www.calgarysun.com/2012/04/10/everyone-loves-to-hate-the-canucks
Funny article.

I remember back in the 70's with Kearns, Kurtenback, Boudrias, etc everyone just felt sorry for 'em.

Then the 80's, no one paid any attention to them. 82 was a fluke. Didn't face an over .500 team until the Islanders and went out 4 straight.

90's most liked 'em with players like Linden, McLean, Courtnall, Ronning. The 94 was a legit chance. One goal-post away!!!! (Good try, Lafayette)

And finishing top spot over 82 games two years in a row is an amazing feat. Sure it's not the cup. But obviously they're not there by chance. Will they ever win one? Who knows. But I'm enjoying the ride.

But now everybody hates 'em....make that HATES them!! lol.

Oh well...I've been a follower of them since they first played at the Coliseum. Grew up 5 blocks from home ice and played with and coached by many members.

I'll die a Canucks fan. I'd rather them be hated and be where they are now, than loved or pitied by everyone like in the old days.

[max_boost]

Haha yea your assessment of them is bang on for sure lol

You look at the history between them, 89/94/04/08 when the Flames smoked them 7-1 in the final game of the year or 09 when we coughed up a 13pt lead for the division and ended up facing the Blackhawks :bangshead:, as a fan you remember that shit so vividly lol

Yep. Go Kings Go! LOL

A nyone
B ut
C anucks

:goflames:

[Kloubek]

Even the 94 run was a bit of a fluke, imo. They had a good team, but were lucky to make it to the finals.

Last year our team was excellent, but obviously undersized and lacked grit compared to their competition. (Not unlike the year prior)

On paper, I think this is the best team we've ever had. But key players need to step it up in these playoffs... especially on the 2nd line and in goal.

[Freeskier]

Originally posted by C_Dave45


LOL...you wouldn't be alone: http://www.calgarysun.com/2012/04/10/everyone-loves-to-hate-the-canucks
Funny article.


I liked that article. My main hatred of the canucks has been from 5 years living on the coast as a flames fan. I've become so used to chirping my buddies and cheering against them so much that it's a habit now. Now that I've been away from Vic/Van for a few months I'm way less against them.

[max_boost]

1-0 Kings

Even the fatty got the gwg lol

Go King Dutter Go!

[HyperZell]

I love the Kings so much right now. They tweeted "To everyone in Canada outside of BC, you're welcome." after the game. So awesome.

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2012/04/12/los_angeles_kings_tweet_vancouver_canucks_fans/

[600cc's]

training

[cam_wmh]

This was compiled from the first 3 games of the Kings series. No, not his career. 3 games :)
If the Flames employed a player like this I'd write, the coach, GM, President, owners and media.
LOL he's an internet meme now too.

Enjoy.

http://i.imgur.com/8oy95.gif
http://i.imgur.com/tZrXf.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/Hjvoi.gif
http://i.imgur.com/GterT.gif
http://i763.photobucket.com/albums/xx274/bc-chris/calgary%20puck/dbag.png
http://i.imgur.com/NzQhv.gif
http://i44.tinypic.com/1583wqb.gif
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/535471_274852082606748_244528182305805_608372_1792447446_n.jpg

http://gifsoup.com/view3/3609360/dive-o.gif
http://i.imgur.com/lGO4a.gif

http://i.imgur.com/tPH0k.gif
http://i39.tinypic.com/34fz7yh.gif
http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/8944/dion.gif

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/3530/gaborik1.gif

http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/4118/keslerboatjumpsmall.gif
http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/2858/divingkeslerducksinwind.gif
http://i39.tinypic.com/34fz7yh.gif

[Kloubek]

^ hahahaa!!! Some of those are so funny.

Yes, Kesler is quite the diver sometimes. I understand the desire to draw a penalty - but some of his antics are pretty frustrating to watch... even for this Vancouver fan.

HUGE game tonight. For anyone who is watching it: Keep in mind it starts early today.

[C_Dave45]

Originally posted by Kloubek
^ hahahaa!!! Some of those are so funny.

Yes, Kesler is quite the diver sometimes. I understand the desire to draw a penalty - but some of his antics are pretty frustrating to watch... even for this Vancouver fan.

HUGE game tonight. For anyone who is watching it: Keep in mind it starts early today.
Early? Isn't puck drop at 8:10?

[rumeo]

6 pm

[C_Dave45]

Omg, thank you! took a quick look on the NHL site and was thinking local time, not EST.

[Kloubek]

Didn't miss much. :)

It was an entertaining game. The better team won the series.

Interested to see what happens in the offseason with our goaltending. And for gods sake Gillis - get us a star d-man.

[Type_S1]

choke like usual. canucks blow. :burnout:

[C_Dave45]

I'd rather they have lost tonight, than fluke out a win just to put us on hope for another game. Kinda like Flames ALMOST making the playoffs...for the last month of the season lol.
Meh...after 40 years, it gets easier.

[C_Dave45]

Originally posted by Type_S1
choke like usual. canucks blow. :burnout:
Yeah..I'm jealous of Flames fans. I wish I was a Flames fan. Failing to even make playoffs with their walk-on-water hall-of famer all star for 3 years in a row...only going past round 2 once in 23 years..
why then of course there's no way you CAN choke....if you're a dismal failure. :rofl:

[Type_S1]

Originally posted by C_Dave45

Yeah..I'm jealous of Flames fans. I wish I was a Flames fan. Failing to even make playoffs with their walk-on-water hall-of famer all star for 3 years in a row...only going past round 2 once in 23 years..
why then of course there's no way you CAN choke....if you're a dismal failure. :rofl:

...They won the cup in 89 and went to the finals in 2004...your math is off sir.

Atleast they have a cup...keep watching a team of babies who won't ever get one. :rolleyes:

The flames will have a second cup before the canucks ever have one.

:closed: :closed: :closed: :closed: :closed: :closed: :closed: :closed: Go make your new "official 2012-2013 gayboy thread"

[01RedDX]

.

[Lex350]

ya but they've won a cup. Something you can't say. With the talent level there....that is failure!

[My_name_is_Rob]

Originally posted by C_Dave45

then of course there's no way you CAN choke....if you're a dismal failure. :rofl:

:thumbsup: priceless!!! :rofl:

[01RedDX]

.

[Sugarphreak]

...

[95teetee]

c'mon guys, we have to quit using that one Stanley Cup over Canucks fans. Look at the talent they have now- they're like a big ocean liner sailing over everything that gets in their way.



http://i40.tinypic.com/kbduza.jpg

[01RedDX]

.

[Kloubek]

Originally posted by rotten42
ya but they've won a cup.!

I am so sick of hearing this as a "defense" from the fans of crappy teams. How much enjoyment do you truly get out of knowing that they won the cup when you were a child? I mean... really, truly and honestly? I'm going to go ahead and venture to guess almost zero excitement by this point.

What IS exciting, however, is a team that can generally compete at a high level NOW. I watched a very enjoyable regular season. You didn't. I watched some playoff hockey. You didn't. And while I am *very* disappointed that we didn't get further in the playoffs, I'd far sooner be a team that is expected to compete but has never won a cup rather than a team that is useless to watch and won a cup when I used to take regular dumps in diapers.

[Type_S1]

Originally posted by Kloubek


I watched some playoff hockey. You didn't.

Holy shit...I must be getting some super-cable. I didn't know that tv-providers shut fans of teams off from all hockey then their "team" is out.

I am one lucky man because I have been able to watch every game...in HD too! Crazy shit.

[01RedDX]

.

[C_Dave45]

OH I forgot!!! You won a cup!!!! OMG!!!!
HEY EVERYONE!!! DID YOU HEAR? CALGARY WON A CUP!! OMG THEY'RE THE BEST TEAM IN THE WORLD!! NO TEAM CAN EVER HOLD A CANDLE TO THEM.
I'm such a failure...my team hasn't won a cup. Oh how I wish I was a lofty Flame fan. I would know so much more about the game. I would be such a cooler person. I wouldn't know how to make a Molotov cocktail....sigh...I'm so sad I can't be a Flame fan. They're such a good hockey team....sigh...oh well.

[Sugarphreak]

...

[Type_S1]

Hey just think...if you add your 15 wins from last year plus the great 1 from this year...you have enough games to win a cup. :poosie: