Category Archives: Hockey

Old news is still news right?

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Old news is still news right? That how it appears this NHL off-season. It has been very quiet in the hockey world as of late with the exception of the endless re-living of the Gretzky trade that happened 25 years ago.

Yes that trade was and still is a major deal but it happened 25 years ago. Yes it forever changed the game when the Oilers shocked the hockey world when they traded the BEST player of the game to the LA Kings. No player before or since has yet to tie or break Gretzky’s points records [2857 points -894 goals/1963 assists] and I’m not sure any player will ever break his points record. Gretzky was the greatest player to play the game that much is fact and will never be in dispute. I am simply tired of hearing every radio and sports channel re-play footage/interviews from “the trade” and a rehash of every repercussion that was a result of “the trade” as well as all the “what-ifs” had “the trade” never happened or happened with a different team. Enough is enough, let’s stop talking about the past and talk about the present!

You know its been a quiet off-season when the biggest news headlines for weeks at a time are things like: “30 teams in 30 days” or “10 questions that _______ will need to answer to be successful in 2013-2014” or “Will _____ help lead their team to playoff success?”

In Canuck related news, will the Canucks please, just announce the re-signing of CHRIS TANEV already?! This signing is taking forever!  Rumor has it, he has been getting interest from teams in the KHL and Switzerland while contract talks have been nearly non-existent. The longer it takes to officially sign Tanev, the more likely it is that another team will sign him to an offer sheet forcing the Canucks to match.  Last year Philadelphia forced Nashville’s hand with a 14-year offer sheet for Shea Weber that saw the Predators match the long-term offer. I am not comparing Weber to Tanev in any way other than to say that much like last year with Weber forcing Nashville’s hand, Tanev could force Vancouver’s hand if he signed an offer sheet.

Rumor also has it that the Canucks and Douglas Murray are in talks. We will have to wait and see how this plays out in reality.

When the Canucks return to the city for training camp and pre-season, all eyes will be on Roberto Luongo who will make the return that many did not expect. As I have said all along, I am LUONGO fan through and through, so I am very excited to see #1 return to my Canucks.

Perhaps we will see his sense humor much like this that he shared in his Canuck poetry:

and hopefully we will hear many #LUUUUUUUUUU cheers this season, following many saves much like these 5 sensational stops:

It has been very quiet in the hockey world as of late….almost a little too quiet news wise. The best the media has come up with is talking nonstop about a trade that happened 25 years ago and discussing as always the endless potential of rumors.

Can I say it again?..the off-season is dragging! Only 4 1/2 weeks until pre-season & less than 2 months until the regular season! #isitoctoberyet

Can hockey just come back please?!

As always, until next time, nuck said.

Sarah E.L.

Offseason goes on & on…

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It has been said that there are 4 seasons in an NHL year: pre-season, regular season, post-season, and the offseason. I always find that when the post-season draws to a close, that the offseason seems to drag on. Does the NHL offseason seem to dragging to you or is it just me slowly going crazy all by myself?

It is the offseason that goes on and on and on my friends. Some people start explaining what it is and still it goes on and on until slowly October catches us all by surprise as the anthems are sung and the puck is dropped.

On a happy note: The calendar has turned to August meaning that training camp is merely 6 weeks away edging us ever closer to the regular season. Before we know it the game that drives us crazy and begins endless debates between fans will return.

Simply put hockey fans, I miss watching my favourite sport. Soon October will be here and we will finally get to see how the re-alignment will look, be taken by surprise when the 2014 Winter Games begin and be captivated not by one but by SIX outdoor[stadium] games!

One last note: Congratulations to the Canucks first round draft picks: Bo Horvat and Hunter Shinkurak on signing their ETC’s [entry level contracts] this week, hopefully you will both get a chance to play with the team next year!

#isitOctoberyet #53days #55days2Canucksgame1

As always, until next time, nuck said.

Sarah E.L.

Daily Prompt: Canucks A to Z

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I’m a little late with this post but I liked the idea!

Create a short story, piece of memoir, or epic poem that is 26 sentences long, in which the first sentence begins with “A” and each sentence thereafter begins with the next letter of the alphabet. [not that this post is in any way epic or necessarily poetic but rather facts.]

Alex Burrows began his NHL career playing his way up through the minors, undrafted before he solidified his spot on the top line with the Sedin twins.

Bure known to many as the “Russian Rocket” for his knack  for speed and to score many timely goals will have his jersey #10 retired this upcoming season.

Chris Higgins after signing a 4-year extension will be looking to stay healthy through 82 games this season.

Daniel Sedin matched his brother YET again when his scored his 756th career point also in his 905th career game.

Edler will be forced to sit out the first two games of the 2014 Sochi Winter Games following his suspension from the 2013 World Cup before being eligible to play.

Forever Canucks: Luc Bourdon, Pavol Demitra, and Rick Rypien left this world too soon but they will never be forgotten.

Game 7 between the Canucks and the Chicago Blackhawks in 2011 was everything fans of the rivalry could hope for going all the way to OT ending only when BURROWS scored and the entire city cheered as the team finally eliminated the hawks.

Harold Snepsts a heart and soul player, he and his moustache were quick to becoming fan favourites during his playing time with the Canucks.

Ice will be taking over outdoors in the NHL this season as there will SIX outdoor [stadium] games kicking off with the Winter Classic in January.

Juice [aka Kevin Bieksa!] scored one of the biggest goals in recent franchise history with his double OT goal May 24, 2011 that sent the team to the 2011 Stanley Cup Final.

Kurtenbach served as the first official team captain when the Canucks joined the NHL in 1970 and was there in October 2010 to present Henrik Sedin as the current team captain.

Linden though he may be retired was and still is an incredible mentor to past and current Canuck players.

MacLean forever will be remembered by Canuck fans for making “the save” during the first overtime period of game 7 vs. Calgary in 1994.

Naslund, Morrison, and Bertuzzi formed what fans called the “West Coast Express” scoring many very exciting goals as the team’s top offensive line.

Olympic glory was more than just a possibility when Vancouver acted as host in 2010 with 7 Canucks participating and 3 returned from their quest with medals [Luongo -GOLD, Kesler-SILVER, and Salo-BRONZE].

President’s men in consecutive years [2011, 2012].

Quinn helped lead this team transitioning from former player to coach from 1991-1994 during which he earned a Jack Adams award [1992] and coached the team on their 1994 run to game 7 of the Stanley Cup final.

Ryan Kesler’s Selke play in 2011 reached a level dubbed as #beastmode and fans hope that he will find that level when the calendar flips to October 3rd.

Sedin and Sedin have an insane amount of on ice chemistry constantly creating plays with the puck when it looks impossible and often more very difficult to stop when on their game.

Torts having officially switched places with Vigneault will be looking to leave his mark on the team in a positive way that will hopefully lead to an extended playoff run.

Utica has been named as the new home for the Vancouver Canucks AHL affiliate which will be named the Comets.

Vintage will become more than the past when the Canucks host the Ottawa Senators in the 2014 Tim Horton’s Heritage Classic at BC Place Stadium March 2, 2014.

Wilkins will forever be remembered by Canucks fans for scoring the FIRST goal in franchise history!

X-factors throughout the line up are must for any team hoping for an extensive playoff run.

You, fans in the stands will all be chanting #LUUUUUUUUUUU when #1 returns to the net this season!

Zack Kassian will hopefully find his scoring groove in the upcoming 2013-2014 season.

There you have it…it may not be epic or poetic BUT it is all Canucks A-Z! Enjoy!

As always, until next time, nuck said.

Sarah E.L.

#10 to the Rafters!

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It’s about time! Last year he was formally inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. This year, Pavel Bure’s #10 is officially being retired by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2013-2014 season. His #10 will join Stan Smyl’s #12, Trevor Linden’s #16 and Markus Naslund’s #19 in the rafters at Rogers Arena. You can bet a ticket to the Pavel Bure’s jersey retirement game will be one of the hottest ticket games of the year.

Nicknamed the Russian Rocket, Pavel Bure was one of the most exciting players to ever play the game in a Vancouver Canucks uniform. Bure was electric every time he hit the ice scoring 437 goals and 342 assists [779 points!] in 702 games over the course of 13 seasons. Bure is the only Canuck to score 60 goals in a season not just once but TWICE in a row before the Maurice “Rocket” Richard trophy even existed [& would go on to WIN the Rocket trophy twice scoring 58 & 59 goals in later seasons]. When Bure’s name is mentioned in the same sentence as the Canucks it is hard to not mention him winning the Calder trophy as top rookie in 1992, his triple deke, and the incredible role he played on the 1994 playoff run, 1998 Nagano Olympics silver medal, and the magic he created on the ice every single shift.

As a Canuck, Pavel Bure played with heart and soul. Bure created plays with the puck and his speed every time he was on the ice whether it was setting up a play or scoring a highlight reel goal.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but how about also getting to watch that goal one more time for good measure? You’re welcome, enjoy!

It is a well deserved honour! Congratulations PAVEL BURE! #buremagic #RussianRocket #10totherafters

In other Canucks news,Mike Gillis met with the season ticket holders at the annual Canucks Summer Summit and addressed a few issues. He stated very emphatically that he is confident in Luongo returning to Vancouver stating “Roberto WILL be OUR starting goalie” and “we made the choice to go to Roberto”. Gillis also attempted to keep fans calm by saying that when the Sedins return from Sweden they will commence talks in regards to their next contract as he wants them to remain with the club long-term.  One last tidbit he shared was introducing Head Coach John Tortorella’s Assistant Coaches: Mike Sullivan and Glen Gulutzan.

It was announced today that the Canucks reached a 1-year deal[$750,000] with Dale Weise.

Congratulations must be given to Henrik Sedin, Daniel Sedin, Alex Edler, Roberto Luongo, Dan Hamhuis and Ryan Kesler who have all been invited to their respective Olympic consideration camps! Do you think they will all be named to their Olympic rosters? Can you feel the excitement mounting for the  2014 Sochi games?! Do you think anyone from the Canucks was missed that should have been considered for the training camps? Leave a comment below!

Congratulations once again to Pavel Bure, who will even more so, be forever a part of a Canucks history as his number is retired this year! Thanks for giving Canucks fans some exciting years!  #RussianRocket #foreveracanuck #heartofacanuck

As always, until next time, nuck said.

Sarah E.L.

Nucksaid One Year Later…

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I’m a few days late in posting this BUT here goes!

Hard to believe that ONE year has passed since I began this crazy blogging journey with you all! So how did this all come to be? Why start a blog? It all started because a friend suggested that it would be a good outlet for me to express and share my opinions regarding the team with others who enjoy the team and the sport. A blog allows me to say more than a Facebook status allows and to share my crazy hockey obsession with the world.

To me, hockey is more than just a game. Hockey tells a story of more than just one player or team and can capture the hearts of cities and countries alike. Sometimes it can be predictable and other times a player or team will take everyone by surprise. Each season brings new excitement, new predictions, new surprises [good and bad!], and the ever endless debates between fans and the media. Every season brings change and not one season is the same as the one that preceded it.

I look forward to every October as my favourite sport returns from hiatus and once again my craziness begins. I am one of those fans who yells at the TV when the game is on….cheering when things go well and booing when the other team scores or the ref makes a bad call…if you want to watch the game in peace do not watch the game with me. It is impossible for me to watch the game without getting excited or expressing my distaste at something either said by the commentator or a bad play in the game. The way I see it…how can one really enjoy the game OR any sport[or show] without expressing themselves as it happens?

Last season the league had a shortened season and THIS year the fans get not only a FULL season BUT 6 OUTDOOR games and the enjoyment of OLYMPIC hockey! People always ask me, don’t you ever get tired of watching hockey? Simply put, no. I get chills at the start of every new season as the calendar turns to October and this crazy season long journey begins!

Can the 2013-2014 season begin already?! Hockey needs to come back soon!

Can the 2013-2014 season begin already?! Hockey needs to come back soon! #70daysuntilhockey #OctoberFirst!

Thank-you to all of those who have followed this blog from the beginning and thank-you to all those who have joined along the way! I love sharing my scatter-brained thoughts & interacting with all of you! Here’s to many more!

One year later…wonder what my thoughts were from that first post? My style has not changed too much. Here’s a link to my first post:

https://nucksaid.wordpress.com/2012/07/18/hello-world/

One year later and I will continue to share my crazy hockey fan madness with all of you! Thanks again for joining me & my craziness!

As always, until next time, nuck said.

Sarah E.L.

This week in the NHL…

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Where will you be March 2, 2014 #CanuckNation? I know where I will be, watching our Vancouver Canucks take on the Ottawa Senators at B.C. Place Stadium!! Rumors became fact July 10th when it was OFFICIALLY announced that these two teams would be participating in the Stadium Series taking place throughout next season. The event will officially be titled “The 2014 Tim Horton’s Heritage Classic”. Interesting to think about heading into this game is the fact that while former Ottawa captain Daniel Alfredsson will not be participating in the Heritage Classic, as a current member of the Detroit Red Wings he will be participating in the WINTER CLASSIC vs. the Toronto Maple Leafs….oh the irony!

I’m curious to see what the jerseys for this event will look like…perhaps a throwback to their 1994 jerseys?[Am I the only who wants to see those make a comeback?!]

Here’s some highlights from a game a few years back featuring these two teams to keep you entertained while we wait for October & this Heritage Classic:

This off-season has seen more than one surprising announcement from the Canucks trading Cory Schneider to Daniel Alfredsson leaving the Ottawa Senators. This week has seen the New Jersey Devils return to spotlight as forward Ilya Kovalchuk announced July 10th that he is retiring from the NHL after 11 seasons. This announcement comes just 3 years into his 15-year $100 million contract that he signed when he decided to remain with the Devils organization permanently. Over his 11-year career Kovalchuk amassed 816 points in 816 games [417 goals, 399 assists] scoring 30+ goals 9 times playing the Atlanta Thrashers[now Winnipeg Jets] and the New Jersey Devils. This announcement seems to have been a shock to the New Jersey franchise who probably expected him to play at least 5 or 6 more years given that he is only 30. He played a huge part in helping the Devils on their Stanley Cup playoff run in 2012 in which they finished as the runners up to LA…he came VERY close. It leaves many to question what could have been as his play on the ice could be polarizing. It has been speculated that while he has retired from the NHL, it is highly possible he could join the KHL.

Is anyone else stumped how Boston & Pittsburgh keep signing multiple players to BIG money & LONG term contracts? The Bruins recently signed Rask to an 8-year contract [$56 million] after he more than earned his contract with the year he had. They also announced the extension of Patrice Bergeron to an 8-year extension [$6.5 million cap hit]. Add Iginla’s 1-year $6 million contract and that’s nearly $20 million just on THREE players. Look and Penguins who have many players on long-term deals that curiously seem to match their salary cap hit to their jersey numbers in many cases. How can they even have any cap space left?!

Oh hey speaking of Boston…did you hear everyone’s favourite Tea Party member Tim Thomas has come out of hiding to announce that he wants to hear offers from teams in an attempt to comeback to the NHL next season. Any takers?  Anyone? He’s known to be an incredible athlete when called upon, has won a few vezinas, a Conn Smythe, and a Stanley cup….BUT he has been known to also make controversial statements and decisions that cause social media to go crazy. Wherever Thomas ends up will be interesting mostly due to the fact that he spent last season suspended for not reporting to camp and opting to sit out the final year of his contract with Boston. While I have never been a fan of Thomas, I can appreciate that regardless of statements he has made…he has been known to be an incredible goal-tender and is capable to help any team win.

This off-season has been more than interesting to say the least and more surprises and expected announcements are sure to be coming. Some days it feels like the off-season will last forever and others it feels like October is right around the corner.Soon there will be official pre-season and regular season schedule released, so here’s to the summer that will end before we know it!

As always, until next time, nuck said.

Sarah E.L.

P.S. It looks like @strombone1 has returned to his humorous ways with twitter[if you don’t follow him yet, you should as he’s one of the best to follow!]…welcome back LOU!!

2013 Free Agency Frenzy…!

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Everyone’s favourite or least favourite day of the NHL off-season has arrived ladies and gentlemen: Free Agent Frenzy! If you are like me than you also have a love/hate relationship with the crazy part of the off-season when your favourite team/players makes moves that anger or excite you. Some teams made bigger moves while others went for the smaller moves.

Around the League Free Agency moves/trades:

In one of the most surprising moves of the day, Daniel Alfredsson chose to not re-sign with the Ottawa Senators but has indeed signed a 1-year contract [$5.5 million] with the Detroit Red Wings. Don’t forget with the re-alignment official at the start of next season, Detroit and Ottawa are now division rivals both on the Eastern side of the equation.

The Detroit Red Wings have also signed free agent Stephen Weiss to a 5-year contract [$24.5 million].

Former Detroit Red Wing, Valteri Filppula has agreed to a 5-year contract [$25 million] with Tampa Bay.

Following the loss of their longtime captain to Detroit, the Ottawa Senators acquired forward Bobby Ryan from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for forwards Jakob Silfverberg, Stefan Noesen and a 2014 first round draft pick.

Yesterday the Boston Bruins grabbed headlines with the trade of Tyler Seguin and Rich Peverley to the Dallas Stars. Today a few more fan favourite Bruins signed elsewhere when Nathan Horton agreed to a 7-year contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets and Andrew Ference agreed to a 4-year contract with the Edmonton Oilers.

Speaking of the Bruins grabbing headlines remember how it was initially reported that he chose Boston prior to the trade deadline? Well, this time he its true he has agreed to a 1-year contract with the Boston Bruins [$6 million]. It is safe to say I can longer root for you Iggy now that you have crossed over to the dark side!

Jason Labarbera signed a 1-year contract [$1 million] with the Edmonton Oilers.

Last year it was the Wild that made the biggest splash in the free agency pool with spending $198 million on 2 players. This year has been a much quieter start to the free agency bonanza for Minnesota. The Minnesota Wild traded forward Devin Setoguchi to the Winnipeg Jets for a 2014 2nd round draft pick. Everyone’s favourite pest, Matt Cooke has come to terms with the Minnesota Wild on a 3-year contract [$7.5 million].

Rob Scuderi has come to terms with the Pittsburgh Penguins on a 4-year contract [$13.5 million]. Scuderi won the Stanley Cup with the Penguins in 2009 and with the LA Kings in 2012.

The Dallas Stars have signed back-up goalie Dan Ellis to a 2-year contract [$1.8 million].

Stanley Cup champion goalie Ray Emery has signed a 1-year contract with the Philadelphia Flyers.

Goalie Nikolai Khabibulin is once again a Chicago Blackhawk after agreeing to a 1-year contract.

Former Philadelphia Flyer, Danny Briere agreed to a 2-year contract [$8 million] with the Montreal Canadiens.

The New Jersey Devils were busy during the first day of free agency signing Ryane Clowe to 5-year contract [$24.25 million] along with Michael Ryder  to a 2-year contract [$7 million]

Claude Giroux agreed to an 8-year contract extension with the Philadelphia Flyers.

Toronto made some bold moves following the buyout of Mikhael Gabrovski yesterday. The re-signed Bozak to a 5-year deal [$21 million] and signed a free agent David Clarkson to a 7-year deal [$36.75 million] that includes a limited to trade clause + a no move clause.

The Nashville Predators made a few splashes in the free agency pool to help fill some of the gaps that haunted them last year. Stanley Cup champion, Viktor Stalberg agreed to a 4-year contract [$12 million]. Former Minnesota Wild forward Matt Cullen and Nashville agreed to terms on a 2-year contract [$7 million]. The Predators also signed forward Matt Hendricks to a 4-year contract [$7.4 million] and forward Eric Nystrom to a 4-year contract [$10 million].

The New York Islanders re-signed Travis Harmonic to a 7-year contract [$27 million]. The Isles also re-signed Evgeni Nabokov to a 1-year contract [$3.25 million] following a solid year by the veteran goal-tender who helped New York get back into the playoffs for the first time in 7 years.

Canucks News:

The Canucks began their free agency course earlier this week when they bought out the remainder of Keith Ballard’s contract to free up cap space and allow him to become a free agent. As you know he was not unemployed for long as he was snapped up by the Minnesota Wild for a 2-year deal worth [$3 million]. Best of luck Ballard near your home town, you deserve a fresh start!

[***has yet to be officially announced]. Rumor has it that free agency has claimed Mason Raymond who reportedly was signed by the Calgary Flames to a 2-year deal. It would exciting for him to play in his home province in front of friends and family. I will miss saying things like #EVERYBODYLOVESRAYMOND every time he scores. I will not root for the Flames ever if this rumor comes to pass, but I do wish Mason the best of luck wherever he ends up.

Forward Maxim Lapierre has signed a 2-year contract[$2.2 million] with the St.Louis Blues. You will be missed by the fans! Best of luck in St.Louis Max!

Short-term Canuck Derek Roy has signed a 1-year contract[$4 million] also with the St.Louis Blues.

Vancouver signed defenceman Yannick Weber to a 1-year contract [$650K] along with forward Brad Richardson to a 2-year contract. Welcome to Canuck Nation, Weber & Richardson! Remember going into free agency the Canucks did not[& do not] have a lot of cap space to make a big splash.

Canuck nation is also waiting to hear confirmation of defenceman Chris Tanev being re-signed. Fingers crossed it is announced sooner rather than later and that the team is not forced to match some ridiculous offer sheet [mind you that is a real possibility!].

Day one of free agency has come and gone with its mark left on many teams. It is hardly the end of the free agency saga that will continue over the next few weeks. Along with more signings to come there will also inevitably be more trades announced. Prepare yourselves hockey fans, this is only the beginning!

As always, until next time, nuck said.

Sarah E.L.

Unofficially Official

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Unofficially official is how the media is calling it with their prediction of John Tortorella being named as the next Head Coach of the Vancouver Canucks officially at a press conference being held June 25th 1:00PM. I say let’s wait and see what happens with Torts at the helm before deciding it will be a disaster or success. You never know, Torts could take us all by surprise! Welcome to #CanuckNation TORTS! It’s bound to a be an interesting relationship between you and the fans, and you and the media. Next question…who will his assistants be?[I’d love to see someone like Linden fill such a role]

Look out Canucks fans, media days just got a WHOLE lot more colorful…it will be an interesting ride to say the least. Perhaps @stombone1 can save us all a seat at the press conference or in the very least provide us with an entertaining twitter commentary as always!

Rumors of the LA Kings trading Jonathan Bernier went from the rumor mill to FACT Sunday morning when it became official that the Kings had traded Bernier to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for goalie Ben Scrivens, forward Matt Frattin and a second round draft pick. Toronto’s GM Dave Nonis says that this is the beginning of the changes coming before July 5th. What does the acquiring of Bernier say about about James Reimer’s future with the Leafs will he be playing tandem or relegated to the role of backup? I feel bad for Reimer who all year had to prove himself to the Leafs and the league alike and still it seems as though it may not be enough.

The Phoenix Coyotes have called a press conference for June 28th to make some sort of announcement regarding their future. Will they be re-locating or staying in Glendale?

Speaking of continued NHL off-season movements have you heard that Philadelphia is just using one of their compliance buyouts on Ilya Bryzgalov but also using the 2nd one to buyout fan favourite in Philly: Danny Briere. I don’t know how realistic the possibility would be of Briere coming to Vancouver, but I think he’d look great on a line with Kesler and Higgins[or Schroeder]! Off-season changes are coming for many teams and will be happening more rapidly as the NHL draft and the JULY 5 free agency frenzy draw closer.

The drama of the off-season will only intensify as the Stanley Final draws to a close tonight. Chicago stunned Boston with two late goals 17 seconds apart to CLINCH the 2013 Stanley Cup. Congratulations to both teams for a heck of a series and congratulations to the Chicago Blackhawks who completed their storybook season with the best possible ending.

The off-season has arrived hockey fans and its about to get very interesting with the numerous possible compliance buyouts, trades, and re-signings that are coming. As one season ends, the build up for the next begins in the off-season. #isitOctoberyet

As always, until next time, nuck said.

Sarah E.L.

Call Me Maybe: AV to NY 4 Torts to VAN?!

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Do hear that ever growing loud buzzing noise? Those are the whispers regarding the newest potential Canucks head coach getting louder. First it was Dallas Eakins as the front runner until he struck Oil in Edmonton as a great fit for a young core team. Next in the front runner positions are John Stevens who is currently an assistant coach in LA, Lindy Ruff who was fired earlier in the year by Buffalo and former head coach of the NY Rangers the ever colorful John Tortorella.

The most interesting of the three candidates is perhaps John Tortorella not just because of his colorful way of dealing with the media but because former Canucks head coach Alain Vigneault has reportedly signed a 5-year contract with the New York Rangers [rumored to be worth $10 million].

Wouldn’t it be something if these two switch places? I know I am not the only one who would be slightly amused by role reversals. Both cities are hockey markets where the fans and media alike have expectations on the daily basis from both the coach and the team. It is not yet official as to who will be the next coach for the Canucks but the rumors regarding Torts to Vancouver are getting louder with each day that passes. Best of luck in New York AV!

What are your thoughts #CanuckNation about the possibility of Torts coming to the Canucks as head coach? He has Stanley Cup experience[Tampa Bay], and has worked in a hockey mad market[New York] and can more than handle whatever the media tries to throw at him. Perhaps he could be a the trigger to light a fire under this team or perhaps not. Imagine Torts addressing the media…can you picture it? I think he would have tone down his colorful commentary slightly but sometimes the media in this town are crazy and should be called on it.Maybe he will be the next head coach or maybe Gillis and company will go another direction [Stevens or Ruff or perhaps a former player will be added to the mix!]. All that being said the team will hopefully name a coach prior to the draft and free agency madness.

Any of you still watching the Stanley Cup Final? Its a hard match up for me to watch as a Canucks fan..but because I am a fan of the GAME itself I have watched. Currently 3 games done and Boston leads the series 2-1. The first two games both went to overtime [stretching over 10 periods of hockey!]. The third game has been the only one to end in regulation and Boston taking the series lead. Rask is a huge part of the reason why Boston has been so good this post-season and he proved that in game 3 posting his 3rd shutout in the last 7 games. Game 4 will be a series changer if Boston takes the 3-1 series lead OR if Chicago finds their scoring touch and returns to Chicago with a tied series. I will not pick a side in this series but it will be interesting to see how the rest of this series goes as a hockey fan.

In other NHL news, Logan Couture has inked a new 5-year contract worth $30 million [an annual cap hit of $6 million] and Pavel Datsyuk has signed a 3-year contract extension worth $22.5 million[an annual cap hit of $7.5 million]. Rumor has it that LA is preparing to trade back up goalie Jonathan Bernier with Toronto and Philadelphia emerging as the frontrunners in that race. For Philadelphia it would be great to give Bernier a chance as a starter and to push Steve Mason. For Toronto it simply raises more questions regarding their goal-tending situation as it seems no matter how good James Reimer plays it is never good enough. Then again, LA was supposedly going to trade Bernier last year.

The drama never seems to end in the hockey world. By next week’s end the Stanley Cup Final will be over and the draft about the start. Trades pace the NHL draft prior to the start of the craze that is free agency beginning July 5.

I will sign off today, asking you #CanuckNation: who do you think will be the next Canucks head coach? Drop a comment with your choice/reason regarding the coach you’d like to see behind the bench!

As always, until next time, nuck said.

Sarah E.L.

2013 SC Final has arrived…

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If you are a Canucks fan it will be hard to pick a side when the Stanley Cup Finals begin this week featuring the Chicago Blackhawks and the Boston Bruins. This is not my idea of a fun blog post BUT these two teams proved themselves to be the best in their respective conferences.

I am not a fan of either team but they both earned their way to the Stanley Cup Final fair and square. Chicago has set the standard all season long by being the best team in the league and playing some very impressive playoff hockey. Boston’s numbers were not quite as impressive as Chicago BUT they also played a high level of hockey all season.

Their numbers in the playoffs have been very similar with Chicago posting a 12-5 record in 17 games and Boston posting a 12-4 record in 16 games.

Round 1: Chicago vs. Minnesota. Result: Chicago defeated Minnesota in 5 games.

Boston vs. Toronto. Result: Boston defeated Toronto in 7 games.

Round 2: Chicago vs. Detroit. Result: Chicago defeated Detroit in 7 games.

Boston vs. New York Rangers. Result: Boston defeated New York in 5 games.

Round 3: Chicago vs. LA. Result: Chicago defeated LA in 5 games.

Boston vs. Pittsburgh. Result: Boston defeated Pittsburgh in a 4 game sweep.

Round 4: Chicago vs. Boston. Begins: Wednesday June 12th in Chicago.

An original six match up for the first time in many years is sure bring some great hockey moments to the game. What more can a hockey fan ask for than a show down between two teams that have not met in the finals since 1979?

I’m sure the series will feature some great moments for both teams but in the end the only thing that matters is who gets 4 wins to clinch their latest Stanley Cup. One of these two teams will walk away from this series victorious as the 2013 Stanley Cup Champion. Will I be rooting for either one of them in particular? Probably not, but I respect that their incredible depth and talent got them this far into the playoffs and this series will be a classic as is any original six match up.

I am not going to root one way or the other as for me it would be like picking the lesser of two evils and I’m not sure I can watch it to be honest. Whatever happens, it will be a great series for the fans of these two teams as well as fans of the game. Best of luck to the Chicago Blackhawks and the Boston Bruins as they approach this final round. The final always features two very talented teams and this year is no different. The end is just beginning and it will be interesting to see how these two teams will match up when the puck drops Wednesday.

Enjoy the finals for all those who will be watching, its going to be a great series even if some of us cannot join you!

As always, until next time, nuck said.

Sarah E.L.