Canucks Round Table (Vol.2)

Welcome to the latest edition of the official Nucksaid: Canucks Round Table! As you know, if you’ve followed my blog for awhile, one of my absolute favourite things is to connect with fellow hockey fans and to share our stories together. This new series will be bringing Canucks fans together from near and far to discuss all things Canucks as the season progresses. There’s a lot to be said about the team, personally, I like to hear other fans perspectives, it helps me to see the team and the game in new ways.

Hopefully you enjoy the ride with all of us!

Shall we begin? Without further ado, I present to you the 2nd edition of the Canucks Round Table feature on Nucksaid.

1) There’s no denying that’s incredibly fun to see players develop chemistry playing together over time through their careers. That said, did you think that we would see such an immediate chemistry develop between Elias Pettersson and Brock Boeser?

Marc Josef(@marc_josef): Yes, absolutely! Talented players just find a way to bring the best out of their teammates and we are truly blessed to have two very talented, hardworking players that are still in the growth stage of their careers. They seem to be developing a great friendship off of the ice as well so that will only translate well on the ice for the rest of their Canucks careers.

Brieann Knorr(@BrieannKnorr): To be honest, I didn’t! I was thinking that it was gonna take a couple months or this season, but I’m SO happy about it! I’m excited to see more bank passes and unreal setups in the future.

Josh Shettell(@shettell09): Pettersson has just wowed Canucks fans everywhere. It seems that his talent just keeps us on the edge of our seats every game. The chemistry between them is like two peas in a pod on the ice and off. Usually new talent is moved around trying to find that fit, but Green hit the jackpot with these two together, definitely a surprise to me.

(@deku_pete): No, mostly because of how well they played together last year, that I thought Boeser and Bo Ho would stay together for longer and that they’d find options for Pettersson. Been a helluva nice surprise though!

Suleiman Damji(@SuleimanDamji): Yes, I did think Boeser and Pettersson would make great chemistry together, both of them have been great together!

Michael Coleman(@1MichaelColeman): Absolutely. I have watched Pettersson for a few years now and had zero doubt coming into the season as to his ability to be a play making centre on a top line. Much like Henrik Sedin developed into a few years into his career. And Brock was clearly a top line sniper after only a few games last season. While the dynamic is different from Henrik and Daniel in terms of their play was truly symbiotic, these latest two superstars have the potential to be the greatest two Canucks to ever put on the jersey! (And I believe Horvat is a considerabler step above what Kesler was in his prime. With Quinn Hughes possibly coming in as our best dman ever and solid options in net for years to come, we may have the core pieces to the cup we’ve always wanted!).

Eric Bailey(@EBailey16): I did not expect to see Brock play with Petey. I had him and Horvat glued together and never remotely considered them being a line. From what I’ve seen, Travis Green doesn’t really believe in lines but he does seem to prefer Brock and Petey together(as we all do, now). The only problem created with those two together is it shows our lack of depth.

Jenny Canuck(@getthepuckuout): I had no expectations as I knew Pettersson would be good, BUT C’MON! The Alien is really out of this world! I love the chemistry that he has with Boeser, and almost more so with Goldy. (I like Goldy and want him to stay a Canuck). I hope the times he’s on Pettersson’s line has and will help his game enough. Honestly, who doesn’t Pettersson have chemistry with? I gotta say, I think the biggest chemistry he has is with the fans!<3

(@tams3333): I did not, to be honest. Generally, I am of the opinion that players that play a similar style have more chemistry and I liked that chemistry of Brock and Bo. Brock has an elite shot and his offensive positioning is stellar but I see Petey as a much better skater and he is so uniquely creative that I thought the Canucks may have trouble finding truly matched line mates to bring out the full potential of the damage Petey can do.

(@Grampahockey1): No, I didn’t see the chemistry between the two but I don’t think anyone did. I knew we were getting a very good player in Elias, but not what he is becoming. I don’t think we have seen the best between Brock and Elias yet by far. Just wait until Dahlen joins the pair, it’s going to be exciting.

Paul Banwait(@PaulBanwait1): I knew that Elias Pettersson would be a top prospect for the Canucks, but I never thought he would have immediate chemistry with Brock, and I didn’t think that Elias would be the best player on the team at age 19/20 as a rookie. And just remember that it’s just a start, as the years go by, they will continue to build chemistry and develop as the core. As long as contract issues don’t get in the way, they will have elite level success together. Plus, just wait until Quinn Hughes arrives. He’s going to get these guys the puck and quarterback the power play.

Artisia Wong(@artisia_wong): No! In the beginning of the season, I had no idea how their chemistry would be. Just so glad that it’s working out the way it is.

Clay Imoo(@CanuckClay): No, I didn’t anticipate the instant chemistry between Boeser and Pettersson. I think all Canucks fans were hoping for it, but even at the start of the season, we didn’t know if Boeser would play with Horvat(who he had success with last season) or Pettersson. I think it speaks to how talented each of them are. They’ve been able to learn each other’s games very quickly, and we see them getting better and better together. When I went to a Canucks practice last week, I noticed how much they were goofing around with each other during drills. And they seem to spend a lot of time together away from the rink as well. One funny story from All-Star Weekend in San Jose: Upper Deck had Pettersson in to sign some hockey cards. When Pettersson asked what type of “tagline” he should include, the Upper Deck employees almost convinced him to write out “Better Than Brock!”, in the end Pettersson decided not to, haha.

Me(@nucksaid): Did I expect it? No. Did I hope to see it? Yes, and even so, their chemistry has exceeded everything I could’ve imagined. Every time they’re on the ice together, there always seems to be a highlight. The way they’ve been able to read each other, communicating on the ice has been something really special to witness this season.

2) Any predictions for the final stretch of the season?

Marc Josef(@marc_josef): Making the playoffs and slotted in the 2nd wild card spot.

Brieann Knorr(@BrieannKnorr): Playoffs! When the season started, I “was told” by the media and some fans that this team wasn’t going to be good and that the postseason was just a dream. Now seeing this team fight for a playoff spot, I am wanting it to happen so bad! Even if they didn’t, it’s nice to see this team can compete with the top teams.

Josh Shettell(@shettell09): I predict that if the Canucks stay and get healthy, they sneak into the playoffs by a couple of points. However the season ends, it’s been exciting win or lose.

(@deku_pete): If I had to put money on it, I’d say that we’re going to scrape into the playoffs, mostly on the backs of Pettersson and the stellar play from Marky(Dec.-now), where he has really made a case to not rush Demko, but the injury to Edler has made me worry about that, but of course mostly I just hope he fully recovers as that was terrifying.

Suleiman Damji(@SuleimanDamji):  I think that the Canucks will push hard to make the final wild card spot and hopefully get in!

Michael Coleman(@1MichaelColeman): I believe we will unfortunately miss the playoffs yet again, BUT I believe this is the last time in a long time, if the off-season is properly managed. I am confident in our goal-tending and believe we have some of the D and F required to compete but we are missing two or three crucial pieces that could sincerely ramp our timeline on this rebuild. One more legit sniper in the top six to play with Elias and Brock…is it Dahlen? One more to play with Sven and Bo…is it Goldy or Jake? And then we need one more top end d man on the back end. With Edler/Tanev as the 3/4 and Stecher/Hutton as 5/6, I believe Hughes can pair up with a proper 1/2 defenseman and give us a chance to compete in the post-season.

Eric Bailey(@EBailey16): I might lose my #GLCPC membership for this but I expect that we will see a slide soon(or we are into it right now) where we fall out of the playoff race. It’s been a fun ride and there is a little bit of hope still in me but Bo looks off, Boeser is on and off. And we just lack the depth we need to really push this year. I’m going to enjoy the games and the try in these guys but I don’t see it lasting right now.

Jenny Canuck(@getthepuckuout): The injury plague continues. However, if Stecher, Hutton continue their strong play, and Markstrom keeps being as good as he has, the much needed defense and goal-tending might be enough. It’s so important during playoffs and we could make it to at least round 1 of the playoffs. Pettersson, Boeser, Horvat, Beagle…can I use the *heart* symbol again? Would that be too much?

(@tams3333): I think with major injuries our boys may struggle to make the playoffs but are going to be absolutely fired up to take a large step forward next season. I cannot wait to see Quinn Hughes but regardless if he joins the team, he’ll have a learning curve. I think we will be picking top 8 in the draft.

(@Grampahockey1): I like the fact that we are close to the playoffs. It’s good to have everyone engages and working hard, good for the young players. I think as time goes on, we will fall out of a playoff spot but as long as we don’t suffer anymore injuries, we will be close.

Paul Banwait(@PaulBanwait1): The opportunity is there to make the playoffs, and a lot of teams are struggling in the West. No matter what happens, this year has been such a great building block for the Canucks. They will all learn so much from this year and they will be stronger for it in years to come. They are still playing meaningful games, they are learning what it takes to win, and how to pay the price for success in the NHL. First you learn to play, then you learn to score, now they’re learning to win. Winning is the hardest, that’s why it gets so much respect. Winning is what you look at when you’re finished your career and see what’s really accomplished. My prediction is they will find a way to make the playoffs. The Canucks have a good young team, but they have players who have won at different levels.

Artisia Wong(@artisia_wong): I hope we can make it to the playoffs. If not, they had a better run than anyone expected them to have. They will come out better next season!

Clay Imoo(@CanuckClay): Unfortunately, I think this latest run of injuries will ultimately cost the Canucks a playoff spot. You simply can’t make up for long-term losses of quality players like Tanev, Virtanen, Baertschi and Sutter. I predict that the Canucks will finish 10th in the Western Conference, although I’d be elated if they fought their way into the playoffs.

Me(@nucksaid): I’d be ecstatic if they made the playoffs this season to give players like Boeser and Pettersson a chance to experience that post-season rush. Realistically, I think they’ll definitely compete the rest of the way for the wildcard, whether they make it to the post-season or not, this season has still been a win. This year for the first time in a long time, the Canucks are competitive being driven by a young core. The recent injuries may factor into how they finish the year, but that won’t undo the success they’ve had this season, it will only motivate them further for next season and beyond.

3) What is your BEST all-time hockey memory that you either witness in person OR simply watched in absolute awe?

Marc Josef(@marc_josef): Definitely the Sedin twins’ final home game with Daniel getting the OT winner versus the Arizona Coyotes!

Brieann Knorr(@BrieannKnorr): I have two moments! First, the Sedins last home game. You couldn’t have written a better script. It was everything that I wanted it to be and so much more. It was one of those moments that I will never forget. Second, the Golden Goal. I remember being curled up in a ball on my couch, watching the overtime between my fingers, and screaming when that puck went in!

Josh Shettell(@shettell09): Living in Edmonton, sheltered from Canucks games BUT every time, they are here, I’m always there cheering them on. My best moment was being at the Sedins final game in Edmonton. The cheers from both sides of fans was something special to witness.

(@deku_pete): There’s a few moments that I’m in awe of, most recently, I went to the 2nd last home game of the Sedins career, the Tuesday. Before that I went to the playoffs vs Calgary, the game we won here; before that was in house to see Bo Ho score his first ever goal. And of course, there was the dragon slaying goal. Of courwse, the first ever thing that I remember at all in my life is my dad screaming “Go Canuckleheads!” during the ’94 playoffs!

Suleiman Damji(@SuleimanDamji): I think it would have to be Pettersson’s first career hat trick and Marky’s recent play, he’s been great this season.

Michael Coleman(@1MichaelColeman): Winning the first games in the final round of the 2011 playoffs. I was stunned. I was convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt, with needing to only win 2 of the next 5, that we were going to finally raise Stanley’s coveted Cup as last. (Coincidentally, this was quickly followed by my worst memory– losing in game 7–again).

Eric Bailey(@EBailey16): I scored my on and only goal on Feb.2, 1988. The 11th goal of a meaningless game in a midget hockey game. I still get messages about it, it is called Eric Bailey day now for my friends.

My favourite NHL memory has to be attending the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals game 2 with my little boy. We flew from Kenora, Ontario to Vancouver earlier in the morning. Walked around downtown. Bought him a jersey to wear. He even made a sign.

We watched the game. Saw Manny return to the lineup. And went crazy with Burr’s overtime winner. Then my son and I headed back to to the airport where we slept on benches overnight and flew home the next morning. We left Vancouver thinking 2011 was the year of destiny. What a crazy trip. What a crazy year.

Jenny Canuck(@getthepuckuout): I have a few, how lucky am I? Pettersson’s first goal, Sedin’s last game, and the last two games of the Stanley Cup run in 2011. Over time, it’s really narrowed down to game 5 of the 2011 playoff run. It was more exciting than anything else I’ve experienced. The energy was crazy lilt, the sound was so loud, you couldn’t take it all in. I’d relive that game in a heartbeat. I’m sure this will be replaced as my fave until Pettersson and these young guns bring us the cup!

(@tams3333): SO many. I’ll share a couple. One was watching Burrows slay the dragon in a pub in NY. We were so excited, I flipped out! There were Chicago fans in the pub and that made it more sweet! Another favourite memory was, I loved Jim Sandluk. When I was a kid, I picked the number 33 because I loved him so much. One time, I was at the coliseum and I believe it was a practice day and the worker let me come under near the dressing rooms and Jim was there with half his gear on, and had to come out and say hi to me! Another was pitching to Gino Odjick in my baseball league. The first hit, he hit it a mile but foul ball! I eventually struck him out and he was so kind, he signed the ball for me. I have endless hockey stories! I’ll tell you my saddest memory. I worked security at the airport when Trevor Linden first got traded. Me and some other workers told him we were sad to see him go and he stopped for a bit before going through U.S. customs. He cried and said he didn’t want to leave. My heart broke for him and I will always love him as a Canuck. He’s a legend and it’s amazing that he still cares so much after how he was treated with giving up his Captaincy and getting traded.

(@Grampahockey1): My best memory is sitting in the stands watching Pavel Bure playing. He was so eclectic every time he touched the puck, the crowd would be on the edge of their seats, ready to explode.

Paul Banwait(@PaulBanwait1): I was at Trevor Linden’s final game. It was such an amazing atmosphere. As he was skating around the ice, waving and acknowledging the fans, many people in the crowd were crying. I met so many fans that night who were sharing stories about Trevor’s community work, times were he had taken the time to give a kid a special moment at the hospital, and what a quality person he is. It was such an incredible night. Trevor’s leadership and value to the province was fare more significant than anything within the game of hockey. I think so many fans had seen Trevor grow up in Vancouver since he was an 18-year old kid and this was the night where his playing career came to an end.

Artisia Wong(@artisia_wong): Game 7. Overtime. Alex Burrows, dragon slaying goal.

Clay Imoo(@CanuckClay): I have 2 favourite all-time hockey memories. One of them was the game 7 overtime victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. The way the entire series went was nuts. And the sold-out crowd sat in stunned silence in the intermission between the third period and overtime. We were all so scared! My other favourite memory was being at Rogers Arena for the Sedins’ final home game of their careers. Prior to the game, my son Sean and I got to go down to the tunnel and fist-bump the Canucks players as they made their way to the ice. And to see Daniel score the game-winning goal assisted by Henrik was absolutely magical.

Me(@nucksaid): I have a few. First: game seven, overtime, Alex Burrows, DRAGON SLAYED, need I say more? It’s been a tradition of mine to go the Canucks game on/closest to my birthday. In 2013, the Canucks played on my birthday, they won the game but the highlight was seeing Henrik Sedin score a beauty on a penalty shot. Being in the arena to to see Henrik score his 1000th NHL point on home ice vs. Luongo was a moment I’ll never forget. Most recently however was being in house to see the Sedins final home game. My sister and I had seats behind the glass, the arena was thunderous with #HallOfFame and #ThankYouSedin cheers. I was on my feet for the entire game, and jumped pretty high when Daniel scored that OT goal assisted by Henrik right in front of us. It was a perfect storybook ending that you couldn’t have written any better if you tried.

4) The 2019 NHL Draft is taking place in Rogers Arena, will you be attending to see all the draft craziness unfold in person?

Marc Josef(@marc_josef): Yes! It will be a great experience for all Vancouver hockey fans.

Brieann Knorr(@BrieannKnorr): YES! I’m ready to be a part of the craziness!

Josh Shettell(@shettell09): I would love to see how everything pans out.

(@deku_pete): I wish, but unfortunately, I don’t think so, barring some unforeseen windfall.

Suleiman Damji(@SuleimanDamji): Would like to attend the Draft this year and see all of the craziness unfold and so much more.

Michael Coleman(@1MichaelColeman): No. I believe an event like this is best seen from home where you can get the added coverage of what’s going on behind the scenes.

Eric Bailey(@EBailey16): I live in Saskatchewan, so I don’t see myself attending the draft. I might listen or watch somewhere if I can but I’m unlikely to attend.

Jenny Canuck(@getthepuckuout): Oh yeah. I’m going. I hope I get a pair of tickets for it as part of my season ticket membership but will buy tickets if I don’t. (@Canucks –do full season ticket members get tickets?) I’d like to watch the young draftees faces when they get picked, their families being caught up in the emotion – I’m sure that emotion, it will be palatable live – to see which GM’s are talking to who…

(@tams3333): If I can, absolutely!

(@Grampahockey1): I will definitely be there. I was there the first time and will definitely be there this time. We have for the first time in our history, the best scouting staff. Should be fun.

Paul Banwait(@PaulBanwait1): Yes, I think it would be great to go to the draft. Over the last few years when the Canucks were not winning, I would need to keep my interest in hockey by following the draft prospects. It’s been interesting to see who’s available, what teams are picking up and then making predictions to see who goes where. Then after that, following their early careers. The draft will be fun. I’ll try to get tickets.

Artisia Wong(@artisia_wong): Nope. Not really into watching the NHL Draft.

Clay Imoo(@CanuckClay): Yes, I am planning to attend the 2019 NHL Draft in person. I believe that as a season-ticket member, I may get first dibs at tickets but I’m not sure. Regardless, I plan on going as a birthday gift to myself; my birthday is on June 22(the 2nd day of the draft)

Me(@nucksaid): YES. I’m definitely planning on being there and seeing all of the behind the scenes madness that is the draft. And who knows, you may just see me post a few updates and more on the blog when the draft happens…stay tuned!

5) Who is your all-time favourite Canucks player? Who is your current favourite Canucks player?

Marc Josef(@marc_josef): All-time favourite Canucks Player: Alex “Dragon Slayer” Burrows. Current favourite Canucks Player: Elias “Dekey Pete” Pettersson.

Brieann Knorr(@BrieannKnorr): All-time favourite Canucks is actually 2. When I first started watching hockey, it was Markus Naslung. Then in 2007, it became Henrik Sedin, he had been my favourite until his retirement. These days, it’s Brock Boeser(Petey is a close second).

Josh Shettell(@shettell09): All time favourite Canuck, the Russian rocket! Current favourite player is Brock Boeser, but “Petey” is creeping up with him.

(@deku_pete): For me, it’s gotta be Cliff Ronning for all time, though Henrik and Daniel both have spots at the top of my list as well, as does Burr. Current favourite is Pettzky, but I have a ton of time for Boeser, BoHo, Roussel and Hutton too.

Suleiman Damji(@SuleimanDamji): Favourite current player is Pettersson. Past favourite was the Sedin twins.

Michael Coleman(@1MichaelColeman): Henrik Sedin. Henrik Sedin.

Eric Bailey(@EBailey16): My all-time favourite player is Trevor Linden. Bure was a close second tied with the twins. I was already a Canucks fan before he joined the team but they drafted him the same year I turned 18. He wore my hockey number(16), played for my team. Played wind and centre like myself. And to top it all off, his birthday is only a few days before mine. I lived my NHL dream vicariously through him. Nothing will take that away from me. My favourite current player is shifting around at this point. The big three are tops for me. I enjoy some of the other good stories like Hutton, Stecher, or even Roussel. I love to watch Petey’s skill and creativity, Bo’s drive is so incredible and I think Brock’s “nice guy” character(even though some stories have been told) is totally underrated. I like those three best at this point.

Jenny Canuck(@getthepuckuout): I gotta go with Pettersson. I had been reading about him before the draft. I was surprised and happy that we got him, and he has exceeded any and all expectations. We’ve all gushed about him. His slapshot. His playmaking. What I like most about him is how he uses his intuition physically; meaning he sees a spot to squeeze into or a way to get around a defenseman…his spatial knowledge of where he is on the ice, how to get around obstacles, how to create plays in the time and space that he has. Literally our of this world!

(@tams3333): All-time, that is too hard! It’s more like by generation, like I love Toni Tanti, Stan Smyl, Pavel Bure, Trevor Linden, Jovo, Bertuzzi, the Sedins, Bo Horvat. All the guys who love being in our city and are proud to be life long Canucks, who make sacrifices to win. Guys who are generous with fans.

(@Grampahockey1): Has to be Orland Kurtenbach, our first Captain, a hard nosed leader who almost took us to the playoffs in our first year, until a Toronto Maple Leaf(Bobby Bond) took him out with a dirty check. My current favourite has to be Petty, we have never had a game changer like him. Game winners overtime and shootout goals, he puts the team on his back, just about every night.

Paul Banwait(@PaulBanwait1): My favourite player was Trevor Linden, and my favourite current player is Pettersson.

Artisia Wong(@artisia_wong): All-time would have to be Markus Naslund. Current would have to be Brock Boeser.

Clay Imoo(@CanuckClay): My all-time favourite Canucks player is Roberto Luongo. He played his heart out for us and led us to a memorable Stanley Cup Final. He back-stopped Team Canada to a gold medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics. And he thanked us on Twitter for doing our farewell song to him when he got traded, haha. He wasn’t afraid to show his emotions or express his feelings; it made him seem human(along with being a professional athlete). He was a class act here and has continued to be one in Florida. Linden and the Sedins are also favourites of mine. Currently, my favourite player is Bo Horvat. I’ve liked him ever since we drafted him, and my son Sean son caddied for him back in September 2015 at the Jake Milford golf tournament. I’ve met Bo a few times since then and we’ve even chuckled about the 53 Horvat Magic song that we did for him. He’s a strong leader both on and off the ice and he’ll likely be the next captain. He may not be as naturally talented as Pettersson and Boeser, but he complements them very well. Speaking of Pettersson and Boeser, they are my favourite players behind Horvat…along with Jake Virtanen.

Me(@nucksaid): All-time for me, is tough but I’ll say Luongo, Burrows and the Sedins. Luongo and Burrows pure determination with their heart & soul dedication to the game every single time they play(ed), always made them stand out for me. Luongo never got the credit he deserved, but always remained a class act. Burrows while a pest to his opponents, persevered through all the critics, and scored many a memorable goal. The Sedins gave everything to this team and this city for their entire careers, and Canucks fans were incredibly lucky to witness every moment of their legacy. Current is Bo Horvat who I’ve been rooting for since his draft in 2013. He’s set a precedent for the team, stepping up, following in the Sedins footsteps on and off of the ice. (Brock and Petey are right up there on the current list!).

6) A lot of former players go into broadcasting after their on ice careers come to a close. Which former Canuck(s) would you like to see make a guest appearance or two on a hockey panel/guest commentary role for a Canucks game?

Marc Josef(@marc_josef): Kevin Bieksa, Alex Burrows and Ryan Kesler. (All at once!)

Brieann Knorr(@BrieannKnorr): After the All-Star game, I want to see Bieksa do some more commentary. I also want to see the Sedins!

Josh Shettell(@shettell09): After his short stint at the All-Star game, I would love to see Kevin Bieksa make a run at it. The man speaks his mind and is honest, which a lot of people would respect.

(@deku_pete): Other than the obvious answers of Burrows and Bieksa? I think the Sedins could be really good with their levelheadedness and insight, also Derek Dorsett would be great. And, hmm…maybe Lapierre? Hasn’t he done it before?

Suleiman Damji(@SuleimanDamji): Would love to see Boeser or Petty!

Michael Coleman(@1MichaelColeman): Kevin Bieksa, without question.

Eric Bailey(@EBailey16): The more I think and think through the many players who have come and gone, many are doing it already. Two guys that I’d like to hear from and watch them have fun and bring their knowledge to the TV are: Cory Schneider and Eddie Lack. Neither are even retired yet but I think from past interviews that they’d have good insight and information to share, and they can both be characters when give the chance.

Jenny Canuck(@getthepuckuout): Bieksa. We’ve all known that he’s meant for broadcasting to be his second career. His comfort in front of the camera, his humour, his digs…we never stopped loving Bieksa and this would bring him back to us.

(@tams3333): For sure, Kevin Bieksa, Tiger Williams, Craig Coxe, Derek Dorsett, Harold Snepts, Todd Bertuzzi, Jason King.

(@Grampahockey1): It has to be Kevin Bieksa, always like him as a guest being interviewed.

Paul Banwait(@PaulBanwait1): I think Roberto Luongo would make a great TV commentator. Goalies always seem to do well analyzing the game and giving their points of view. Roberto has shown that he’s funny, witty, smart and he’s performed at a high level. His personality changed after leaving Vancouver. It would be cool to hear his perspective on games.

Artisia Wong(@artisia_wong): Kevin Bieksa.

Clay Imoo(@CanuckClay): Two former Canucks players who I think would do a great job as broadcasters or analysts are Roberto Luongo and Alex Burrows. Luongo has a playful side to him and I could see him being a relaxed and relatable colour guy. As for Burrows, his intelligence and knowledge of the game is well-documented, and he seems like he’d be a natural coach and/or colour guy. He can also be sarcastic and witty at times.

Me(@nucksaid): Kevin Bieksa, is always a great interview with great insight; I think that would translate perfectly to doing commentary/hockey panel. Derek Dorsett could also be a good fit in this type of role. Other former Canucks that I’d like to hear on the commentary/hockey panel include Alex Burrows, Roberto Luongo, the Sedins, Mattias Ohlund and Markus Naslund.

That’s it for this edition of the Canucks Round Table! If you’d like to take part next time or down the road, OR if you have a question that you’d like included in the NEXT round table; find me on twitter(@nucksaid) or send me an e-mail(nucksaid@gmail.com). Special THANK-YOU to each and every person that took the time to be a part of this Round Table! [And if you’re not already following this group on twitter, please find their twitter handles above!]

As always, until next time nuck said.

Sarah E.L.

Vancouver Canucks: An Ode to Elias #MVPetey

There’s no denying that, this season, Elias Pettersson has completely changed the story when it comes to the Vancouver Canucks. And as the season has continued, social media has exploded with every Pettersson highlight as he edges closer to tying/passing the Canucks rookie scoring record set by Pavel Bure.

So without further ado, this post is for Petey!

Elias,

What can I say to possibly properly convey just what you have done and meant to the Canucks this season?

What a season it has been for Canucks fans to see you elevate the game to an entirely  new level. The critics voiced their concern from the moment you were drafted and you seemed to tune it all out having a record setting season in Sweden last year. We had heard all about your incredible season last year but we still had no idea what to expect when you joined the Canucks full time.

Sure, we had high hopes and perhaps that was unfair to you as you hadn’t even had a chance to play a game at Rogers Arena yet. No one was sure if the hype of last season could possibly live up to reality and yet it has. It’s been even more than we could’ve possibly imagined.

From that very first shift, to that incredible shot, to that first goal on home ice that brought the crowd off our feet and the cheers raining down to your incredible consistency as the season has progressed. It’s been absolutely unreal. in the best way possible.

This season was supposed to be a disaster on every level but your confidence has completely changed the narrative. Your confidence raises your teammates confidence. Maybe not every night is perfect, but it’s always a battle and you never give up, always giving the team a chance to stay in a game or maybe even steal the game.

On behalf of Canucks nation, thank-you hardly seems enough for igniting new life into a new young Canucks core. You’ve changed the negative narrative into one that is full of hope for the future and whispers of #MVPetey growing ever louder as the season continues.

Here’s to a heck of a final stretch for you and the rest of the team! This is only the beginning and I can’t wait to see the rest of your career unfold!

Sarah.E.L.