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 love to also 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 4th edition of the Canucks Round Table feature on Nucksaid.
1)The Canucks are officially celebrating their 50th anniversary this season, which moment are you most looking forward to seeing celebrated?
Michael Coleman(@1MichaelColeman): All of them. It’s been a tough rebuild but we’ve slowly added the right pieces where I am finally comfortable having “expectations”. I feel we have upgraded every aspect of the game and the guys could really put something together if they gel and decide to play for one another. I feel like we have a chance to finally roll out three lines who can score and have pieces for a solid shut down line on the 4th.
(@tams3333): I am definitely most looking forward to Sedins’ retirement night!
Jenny Canuck(@getthepuckuout): It’s pretty hard to pick just ONE moment that I’m looking forward to. I am split between Burrows being inducted into the Ring of Honour or the Sedin jersey retirement night, but my heart’s leaning to the Dragon Slayer. Burrow’s grit and determination made him a fave for me. But ask me after the season ends, and my answer will be Pettersson leading us to the playoffs!
Eric Bailey(@EBailey16): The Sedin number retirement is the most exciting part. There have been many great players over the 50 years. Many players have wowed me with skill or determination but these two players were truly unique. I used to consider them each half a star until Henrik lead the league in points. Daniel repeating the feat, the next year, cemented that each was star player. The Canucks honour them this year and soon the league will too.
Brieann Knorr(@ItsBrieann): I’m very excited to see the Sedins jersey retirement! I think everyone is. It’s gonna be an emotional night as we honour the two greatest to play in a Canucks uniform. As well, I’m excited for Alex Burrows night! Can’t wait to see the Dragon Slayer get a place in Canucks history!
Suleiman Damji(@Suleiman Damji): I’m looking forward to the Sedins week, including their jersey retirement.
Marc Josef(@marc_josef): Watching Alex Burrows be inducted into the Ring of Honour. Burr is my all-time favourite Canuck. Played with his heart and soul for the city of Vancouver. 2011 playoffs…Dragon slaying goal is my all-time Canucks memory. Met him in person and he is a super nice, humble guy. I’ll be wearing my signed Burrows jersey that night!
Gabriella Smith(@wildestdreams_3): Definitely Sedin week. I also love that they’re honouring Bure, since he’s a big part of why I started following the Canucks in the first place!
Me(@nucksaid): Bo officially be awarded the captaincy(THAT WAS A MOMENT!). Pettersson, Boeser, Hughes & company continuing to grow together as a core. BURROWS night. SEDIN WEEK. Seeing a consistent swagger in the Canucks game play on a nightly basis, that could potentially get them back to the post-season.
2) The new season IS here, what are your expectations for the new season?
Michael Coleman(@1MichaelColeman): Anything less than the playoffs will be a bust. I anticipate winning at least one round in the post-season and having everyone whiplashed with “where did these guys come from?”
(@tams3333): I’m hoping fighting for a playoff spot, and clearing out some players to make space for the young guys.
Jenny Canuck(@getthepuckuout): The announcement of Bo Horvat as our next captain is something we’re all ready for. It symbolizes a new era for the Canucks and I couldn’t be more optimistic. Pettersson is elite and will grow even more. We have goal-tending, we have scoring, speed, attitude(Roussel and Ferland are two faves), and defence. We’ll just get better and better and better. I expect this to be the most exciting year since 2011 and don’t doubt it’ll be a great trip.
Eric Bailey(@EBailey16): I’ve watched videos, I’ve read articles that tell me the team is improved but not enough to make the playoffs. I am hoping for a playoff birth. While the season has started slow, I’m still optimistic, I’m expecting some overachieving – the playoffs.
Brieann Knorr(@ItsBrieann): I am expecting a better season than last year. I think playoffs are a big possibility with this team. I like the new additions to the blue line and Michael Ferland is gonna be a key piece for the grit and the goal scoring. I’m fairly optimistic that this season will be an exciting and a memorable one.
Suleiman Damji(@SuleimanDamji): The Canucks are going to have a great season this year and I could see them back in the playoffs.
Marc Josef(@marc_josef): I truly believe the Canucks will make the playoffs and end the 5-year drought. Pettersson hitting the 80 points mark. Boeser hitting 30 goals. Horvat taking the torch from Henrik as the Captain, officially ushering in the new era of Canucks hockey. Hughes showing us high end skating, intelligence and compete level on a nightly basis. Markstrom proving himself to be a Top 10 goalie in the NHL.
Gabriella Smith(@wildestdreams_3): I really thtink that the playoffs could happen this year. My current thoughts are that we make it to the first round, which would be a great experience to get our feet wet. I also look forward to seeing the young guys continue to grow! My expectation for myself are to go to at least 2 home and 1 away games, and watch as many as I can :).
Me(@nucksaid): My expectations for the season is the young players thriving together, the entire team finding a special chemistry together under the leadership of Bo. Pettersson finding yet another level as the season moves further along. Boeser hits 30 goals. Markstrom and Demko have a rock solid season together.
3) Pettersson lit up the league last season, what do you think he does this season to follow up his memorable rookie season?
Michael Coleman(@1MichaelColeman): He’s a smart player. Reminds me of H.Sedin. I anticipate a steady increase over the next couple of years. If Ferland can find a groove on this top line, it will create space and confidence like Boeser and Petey have never had before in a Vancouver Uniform.
(@tams3333): I think people are going to be all over Petey this season and he is going to learn to fight through it. I’d predict a 70 point range.
Jenny Canuck(@getthepuckuout): Pettersson is so driven that he will always push himself to improve no matter what. He’s not only going to light it up but will play a game that most won’t believe. His vision, his accuracy…we have an elite player that will make us contenders for years.
Eric Bailey(@EBailey16): I’m looking for Pettersson to continue. All the projections I read suggested 30+ goals and 70-80 points. That sounds good to me. The real achievement is doing this while teams are matching against him.
Brieann Knorr(@ItsBrieann): I think Pettersson will have a good season. I don’t want to place any expectations on him as he’s got a lot on his plate already.
Suleiman Damji(@SuleimanDamji): I think that Pettersson is going to have an even better year than he did last season.
Marc Josef(@marc_josef): 30 goals, 50 assists. Lead by example on a nightly basis with his compete level, tenacity and hunger to get better.
Gabriella Smith(@wildestdreams_3): I’m looking forward to seeing what he can with a (fingers crossed) healthy season, since he did have the knee injury and concussion last year. I think he’ll continue to have steady and solid production while dazzling us as only he can.
Me(@nucksaid): Pettersson is a special player. Every time I get the chance to see him play, his skill takes my breath away. It’s unbelievable what he can do at this early stage of his career. We’ve just begun to see what he can do, as he continues to push himself, I think we see him hit many milestones over the years as his career progresses. How lucky are we to get to witness it?
4)Quinn Hughes gave us a glimpse of what he could do in the final 5 games last season. Will he challenge his brother Jack for the Calder?
Michael Coleman(@1MichaelColeman): When Boeser had his first season, we were warned, “Don’t expect too much! He may not even make the team.” When Petey joined the team, we were told once again, “Don’t expect too much. He’ll be a winger at best but won’t see any real centre minutes for some time.” I am starting to think the experts are guessers. I, not unlike what I predicted with the other two mentioned on this one, expect Hughes to be a world class talent and turn heads right away. I also anticipate a rejuvenated Tanev who will play like we haven’t seen in some time.
(@tams3333): I think that Quinn will do well offensively but need some time to figure out how to be in the dirty areas defensively and it will be an adjustment. I think he will need some time and patience.
Jenny Canuck(@getthepuckuout): Hughes’ moves…that man has the fanciest feet. Man, can he skate! He might just challenge Jack as he’s got experience Jack doesn’t even though it is only a handful of games. I think he’ll have more confidence because of his teammates too. I think I’d even bet money on it.
Eric Bailey(@EBailey16): Quinn is getting his minutes and the points will come as the team starts scoring. He will do well and get hype. I expect him to be in the conversation but it is rare for defenders to win. His competition is really high, so I have my doubts about him winning. If he can just get nominated, that will be an amazing run of draft picks.
Brieann Knorr(@ItsBrieann): I honestly think so! I think that storyline will be amazing to follow. Even if he doesn’t win it, it would be nice to have a Canuck as a finalist for 3 years in a row.
Suleiman Damji(@SuleimanDamji): Yes, I could definitely see Quinn Hughes challenge his brother for the Calder trophy.
Marc Josef(@marc_josef): Yes, absolutely, Quinn should be in the conversation for the Calder by the end of the season. Defensemen are always at a disadvantage for winning this trophy compared to fowards/centres because goals are always valued higher than assists.
Gabriella Smith(@wildestdreams_3): I believe Quinn will definitely be in the running for the Calder. He’s so very talented, but I’ve also gotta think that there’s some element of brotherly rivalry and competition with Jack going on as well!
Me(@nucksaid): Quinn Hughes. Another special player. The kid CAN SKATE…his puck handling skills are fun to watch, he’s got incredible confidence, and how about that rocket of a shot from the point? WHAT A GOAL for his first ever in the league! I think it’ll be a fun back and forth to watch between him and Jack as well as the rest of this season’s rookie class. It’d be quite something to see a Canuck nominated for the third year in a row IF it happens!
5) Henrik and Daniel will further cement their place in Canucks history books, when they have their jerseys retired during Sedin week in February. What was/is your favourite Sedin memory? Why?
Michael Coleman(@1MichaelColeman): Their entire journey as Canucks. I’ve been a fan from day one. Their “dancer” commercial may stand out as my favourite moment however when the other NHLers ordered “twins”. LOL.
(@tams3333): The Viking clap was very special and their last home game. It could not have been any better.
Jenny Canuck(@getthepuckuout): Haha, my fave fun moment was Henrik Sedin and Dustin Brown getting tangled up, Brown’s face right at Henrik’s butt…it still makes immature me laugh! BUT my ultimate fave moment was the last game. I cried. The Sedins were ours for their entire career. They are gentlemen, kind and community driven. There is so much to love and respect about them, I picked the last game for all those Sedin things that happened during it. 22 and 33 could not have shown up more on the board or the clock. And the cycling for the overtime goal from Daniel…excuse me a minute…tearing up again.
Eric Bailey(@EBailey16): My favourite moment was the game when Henrik took the scoring title. An amazing touch/pass/redirect to Daniel who does an amazing between the legs shot! This accomplished something that no Canuck ever did before. This marked for the league that the twins were themselves, stars. This play is just a magical sequence for me.
Brieann Knorr(@ItsBrieann): My favourite moment is between two moments. The game when Hank sealed his Art Ross trophy and the Sedins final home game. Both stand out as amazing moments in their careers and highlights for the fans.
Suleiman Damji(@SuleimanDamji): My favourite Sedin moment was when Henrik reached the 1000 career points milestone.
Marc Josef(@marc_josef): Henrik Sedin’s quadruple OT goal against the Dallas Stars in the 2007 playoffs. I wanted to go to bed. lol
A very close second is Daniel Sedin’s OT winner against the Arizona Coyotes for their final Canucks home game because my family and I witnessed it live. I imagine that’s a pretty close feeling to winning the Stanley Cup based on the fan’s reactions of joy at Rogers Arena.
Gabriella Smith(@wildestdreams_3): I think it’s just the legacy that they have already, rather than one memory in particular. In my mind they’re still very much the heart and soul of the team and I’m glad that the jersey retirement is happening to be a tangible reminder of this.
Me(@nucksaid): OI VEY. How do I simply pick JUST one moment? The Sedins have defined SO many of my years as a fan but I’ll say a few. Henrik’s quadruple OT goal vs. Dallas in 2007. Daniel’s between the legs goal vs. Calgary that sealed Henrik’s Art Ross in 2010. Henrik Sedin penalty shot goal on MY birthday in 2013. Henrik scoring his 1000th career point vs. LU(that was all kinds of special to see LIVE). But perhaps my most favourite is torn between when I finally MET them AND when my sister and I had our seats upgraded for their FINAL home game and were able to witness that FINAL act of Sedinery from right behind the class. BEST seats I’ve ever had and a moment that I’ll remember every second of, for always. (***Their jersey retirement will definitely be added to this list when it happens).
6) Any bold predictions for this next season for the Canucks or the league in general?
Michael Coleman(@1MichaelColeman): Canucks win at least one round in the post-season, possibly two!.
(@tams3333): I think our boys will be a bubble team for the playoffs and once they have a taste, there will be no looking back.
Jenny Canuck(@getthepuckuout): Yes. We are going to gel and improve in leaps and bounds by Christmas and make it into the playoffs. We all know once that happens, ANYTHING can happen!
Eric Bailey(@EBailey16): My hopeful optimistic take that the Canucks will be a playoff team is as bold as I get. As I learn more about advanced stats and read different evaluations, I mostly stop expecting the unlikely things to happen, I understand better why my team struggles but I have learned to hope for a season of anomalies, to over achieve. I hope for a PDO that is unsustainable to last a season. #GLCPC #gocanucksgo
Brieann Knorr(@ItsBrieann): Canucks make the post-season.
Suleiman Damji(@SuleimanDamji): The Canucks make it back into the playoffs.
Marc Josef(@marc_josef): The Canucks will qualify for the playoffs and have TWO All-Stars(Pettersson and Boeser) be voted for the All-Star Game. General league prediction would be…the Maple Leafs missing the playoffs!
Gabriella Smith(@wildestdreams_3): I’m not that good with predictions to be honest! I’m definitely #teamplayoffs thougth, so I’m just going to say we can and hopefully will make it this year. AND it that happens, I predict a home game ticket purchase on my part ;).
Me(@nucksaid): The Canucks make the post-season along with another team or two that make a return to the post-season.
That’s it for this edition of the Canucks Round Table! If you’d like to take part next time or down the road as we work our way through the off season, 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.
nucksaid 