Tag Archives: Sedins

Vancouver Canucks: Sedin Week Thoughts

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SEDIN WEEK IS HERE! It’s hard to put in words just how much this week means as a Canucks fan. It seems unbelievable in some ways that this week is already here as it’s been anticipated since they ever so quietly announced their decision to retire at the conclusion of the 2017-2018 season. It was never a question of whether their jerseys would be retired by the Vancouver Canucks, it was only a question of when it would take place. Henrik and Daniel defined nearly 20 years of the franchise, leaving behind an enduring legacy of what it means to be a Canuck on and off of the ice.

I’ve read a few places that there are some who don’t understand why the Canucks are going all out for two players who never won a cup for their team. If you’re not a Canucks fan, it’ll be hard for you to understand just how much they mean to this team, this city and the entire fan base. Retiring their jerseys isn’t about not winning a cup, it’s about the indelible mark that they’ve left on the team and the community they helped to build off of the ice.

From a very quiet start on the ice to their careers that saw them being questioned at every stumble to becoming franchise leaders on and off of the ice. The Sedins took every criticism from near and wide, they never let it shake them and never let it influence their off ice commitment to the community. Everyone had such high hopes for them when they were drafted by the Canucks, but I don’t think anyone could have ever imagined how massive a legacy their careers would leave on the franchise.

Their Canucks journey officially began when Brian Burke called their names on draft day in June 1999. The deals that Burke made to ensure he could draft the two brothers together forever changed the franchise. Brothers playing the league wasn’t unheard of and neither was two brothers playing together at certain points BUT two brothers playing their entire career together was something we’ve never seen.

It was a fun thought to think of them playing their entire careers together but hard to fathom it actually happening. AND THEN IT DID. Their careers saw SO many highlights that it’s hard to pin point just one favourite, so I’ll name some of my favourite Sedinery moments:

–Henrik scoring late in the 4th OT vs. Dallas in 2007 to help the Canucks win the opening game.

–The triplets being born when one fateful day, AV decided to throw Burrows on the Sedins wing. What magic we were witness to on a nightly basis as Burr was able to open up space for the twins in a way that no other line mate had previously.

–Daniel scoring that ridiculous in between the legs goal in 2010 during the final game of the regular season vs. Calgary that help seal Henrik winning the Art Ross and helped set a new franchise record for points in a season.

–Henrik scoring a penalty shot goal on my birthday in 2013 vs. Nashville.

–Henrik becoming the all-time leader in points for the Canucks vs. Dallas when he passed Markus Naslund’s previous record of 756 points.

–Daniel becoming the all-time leading goal scored for the Canucks vs. Boston when he passed Markus Naslund’s previous record of 346 goals.

–Witnessing Henrik scoring his 1000th career point on home ice assisted by his brother and scored on Luongo. What a moment!

–Daniel scoring his 1000th point vs. Nashville.

–Daniel scoring the OT game winning goal in their final game at Rogers arena. That is a moment that I’ll never forget, it was truly thunderous in the arena that night. That goal gave Daniel 86 game winning goals.

–Henrik and Daniel mentoring Bo in his first 4 seasons, paving the way for him to follow their legacy.

–Perhaps my most cherished Sedin memory is when my sister and I had the opportunity to meet them. A forever favourite moment that I’ll cherish always.

How lucky are we that as Canucks fans we witnessed something truly special?

Henrik: 1330 games played. 1070 points(240 goals, 830 assists).

Daniel: 1306 games played. 1041 points(393 goals, 648 assists).

To have one player reach 1000 points with a franchise is special, to have TWO do it within one calendar year is exceptional.

Even more exceptional than their on ice accomplishments is their off ice accomplishments with local charities, work within the community. They quietly led the way and inspired their teammates and future Canucks to follow in their footsteps.

On Wednesday, Henrik and Daniel will have their jerseys go up to the rafters and further cement their place in Canucks history. It will be a truly special moment for Vancouver fans, one that we will likely never forget.

As always, until next time, nuck said.

Sarah E.L.

Vancouver Canucks: ONE LAST TIME.

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Here we go…the end of an era has officially arrived. Are you ready, Canucks fans?

To be honest, I don’t think I ever quite prepared myself for this day to actually arrive. The Sedin era is officially coming to a close and while my heart is breaking more and more as that reality sets in, it’s also full of pride knowing what they have given to the game of hockey.

This week has one full of emotions all over the map. Elation from finally getting to meet two people who have defined what it meant to be a Canuck in every possible way. Shock in learning the news that they were leaving the game when the season comes to an end. A beyond grateful heart for the 18+ years that they’ve given everything they had to this city and this team.  Nostalgia for the ever countless moments of Sedinery that captured us all and changed the way many players played the game. Content in knowing that this decision was made on their own terms and not because an injury made the decision, the future will be theirs to decide.

In Vancouver, it’s the end of an incredible era that will long live on for the fans that watched the entirety of their careers and every player that they played with over those 18 years.

The announcement though not entirely unexpected still took Canucks nation by storm. The city at times has been critical of their two Swedish superstars but with just TWO last home games to witness Sedinery, the city stormed to make sure that the Sedins were given a proper send off.

The final game for the Sedins at Rogers Arena was perfection. Let me take a minute to describe to you the atmosphere which was all kinds of magic. My sister and I have partial season tickets, so we had our tickets to the final game long in advance before the retirement news broke. Our seats are in the upper bowl but with a great view of the ice and that was where we expected to witness this one last game of Sedinery instead we found out that we won the in arena seat upgrade to seats behind the glass! And can I just say, WHAT A VIEW for the end of what has been an epic chapter in Canucks history?! I will long remember every single sight and sound from that night.

Walking into the arena on Thursday, you could feel a different energy, one that was no longer battling tanking or not tanking but rather one that was completely centered on celebrating that Sedins and everything they have meant to this city. For 18+ years they have defined the heart of the team.

It was absolutely electric, almost a playoff like atmosphere and noise level in the arena from the warm ups all throughout the game. From the moment the puck dropped, every shift Henrik and Daniel were on the ice the cheers roared and the crowd was on their feet. (Myself, I’m fairly certain I was standing for pretty much the whole game.). I lost count of how many ovations we gave but it was quite a sight to take in with 18,000+ fans.

For one night, we came together, dropped our different views and simply said thank-you to two players who as great of hockey players they were, were even greater people. Every shift they were on the ice, the alternating cheers: “HENRIK! DANIEL! HALL OF FAME! GO SEDINS GO! ONE MORE YEAR!” reached a new decibel. It really was all kinds of magic to be a part of and to witness.

As has been the case many a time this season, the team fell behind by 2 goals heading into the 3rd period. On this night though, that didn’t seem to matter even a little. From the viking clap that led off the start of the final period you could feel something magic was still to come. You could feel the team wanting to complete the comeback and what a comeback it was. And those Sedin shifts in the third period? Oh yes the cheers got even louder hoping to see some Sedinery magic the Rogers Arena ice ONE LAST TIME.

Cue overtime for this fairy tale night. If you thought it was LOUD during the game, then the noise in the OT reached a whole new level. The crowd was on their feet anticipating. hoping for that magic to strike once more…and what a treat we all got to witness:

Rogers Arena was alive as the Sedins twin-tuition struck ONE LAST TIME. And it was all kinds of magic and picture perfect way for them to bid farewell to the rink they’ve called home since they made their NHL debut in 2000.

Full credit to the Canucks for this final mic’d up feature with both Henrik and Daniel that gives a small taste of how epic this night truly was:

As a Canucks fan, I feel beyond incredibly lucky have been able to witness countless memories of Sedin magic and their retirement probably won’t fully hit me until next season when they aren’t in the lineup for the season opener. It’s not often that fans have one, let alone two players play side by side for nearly two decades accumulating franchise records. They leave behind a legacy that will be hard to duplicate but be an incredible example of what it means to be professional both on and off of the ice.

Shortly after they announced their decision to retire, there was a resounding of praise and awe from coaches, teammates, fans, former teammates, and yes even opponents. Along with those comments of thanks came those critics claiming the twins never accomplished anything in the game since they had no Cup to their name. Yes, it’s true that they never won a cup BUT that one fact does not erase the accomplishments they DO have in the game: world junior medals, world championship, Olympic medals, Art Ross trophies, Hart & Linsday trophies. Maybe some will still say they aren’t true winners but Canucks fans know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the Sedins forever changed the game of hockey, and the game will never be the same without them.

Henrik and Daniel: Thank-you hardly seems enough, but it’s what we have to offer. Thank-you a million times for EVERYTHING. You defined the heart of the Canucks for 18 years and leave behind a legacy that many will try to emulate.

Next up? Jersey retirement AND HALL OF FAME!

As always, until next time, nuck said.

Sarah E.L.

The Sedins DESERVE Better.

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It is absolutely mind boggling that after more than ten years in the league, the Sedins STILL do not have the respect that they deserve from the NHL, their peers, the media or the fans. The twins are constantly breaking records, defying odds and acting as pillars in the community while never letting it show if or when the outside negativity bothers them in any way. That is until recently as they have started to stand up for themselves on the ice and show this league that they are NOT soft but fierce competitors with determination in their every stride.

Beyond the question of their toughness or their character, more recently the question has become is the league willing to protect it’s star players? The obvious answer should be yes, BUT sadly that is not always the case. This season alone has seen many players be on the receiving end of questionable elbows, knees, and hits from behind and many of those same hits go unpunished.

The latest hit in question came when Henrik Sedin was hit from behind by Grabvoski late in the first period versus the New York Islanders. Grabvoski was given a five minute major and kicked out of the game while Henrik did not return to the game. It has yet to be determined how long he will be out of the lineup. Time will tell if the NHL will add this play to their review file or whether it will even warrant a suspension as the department of player safety has yet to be consistent in their dispensing of discipline league wide.

If the player injured on the play in question was Toews, Crosby or Ovechkin, the league would not hesitate to review the play that injured a star player. So what will it take for the league to review a play that injured a Sedin? A shoulder injury as is rumoured to have sidelined Henrik or the next hit that could end his career? I guess we will find out in the next twenty-four hours or so how this situation unfolds.

As always, until next time, nuck said.

Sarah E.L.

UPDATE: It appears that the NHL has once again decided to look the other way with no supplementary discipline rather than to protect one it’s players. All I can say is that I hope that it does not take a player’s career being ended due to a bad hit before the league decides to actually protect it’s players every single day no matter which name is on their jersey.

This Year IS NOT Last Year

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From having a new head coach, another new system to learn, injuries piling up on the blueline and a tough schedule down the stretch, the comparisons to last year have NOT stopped. In case you missed it, THIS YEAR IS NOT LAST YEAR. Much like last season there are a lot of expectations for THIS team. Last season started with a lot of potential but somewhere around a mid January hallway tirade everything changed.

LAST SEASON: The Canucks were under the leadership of head coach John Tortorella and GM/President Mike Gillis.

THIS SEASON: The Canucks are under the leadership of rookie head coach Willie Desjardins, newly minted GM Jim Benning and President Trevor Linden.

LAST SEASON: After 56 games played the Canucks had amassed 63 points with a 27-20-9 record. They did NOT register their 30th win of the season until March 12th, and their 32nd did not come until March 19th.

THIS SEASON: After  56 games played the Canucks have amassed 67 points with a 32-21-3 record. They registered their 30th win of the season on February 11th, and their 32nd on February 16th.

LAST SEASON: The Sedins under Tortorella were not as predictable as everyone has come to expect over the years and BOTH missed extended periods due to injuries. Henrik amassed 50 points (11 goals, 39 assists) in 70 games played. Daniel amassed just 47 points (16 goals, 31 assists) in 73 games played. Questions were raised if they would be able to find their way back to playing the way they did before or if their best days were behind them.

THIS SEASON: The Sedins under Desjardins have shown us that they are not done yet making many mind dazzling SEDINERY plays whether playing with Radim Vrbata or yes that ever familiar winger, Alex Burrows. Through 56 games, they have nearly matched their points totals from last year; Henrik has amassed 48 points (10 goals, 38 assists) points and counting while Daniel has amassed 47 points (13 goals, 34 assists). Yes they are not quite on a point-per-game pace BUT they are beginning to resemble their steady reliable play that Canucks fans have been lucky enough to watch develop over the last 15 years.

LAST SEASON: The injury bug came in waves for Alex Burrows and limited his playing to just 49 games and 15 points(5 goals, 10 assists). The ever tenacious player was unable to gain ANY sort of rhythm between injuries and Torts never understanding his role.

THIS SEASON: Alex Burrows told Desjardins before the season even began that as long he was able to play, he did not care which line he was used on but that he would play wherever called upon. Burrows has been successful in each situation that Desjardins has used him from the first line to the fourth line, to the penalty kill to the power-play. Through 51 games Burrows has amassed 25 points (12 goals, 13 assists). Burrows is having fun again playing the game he loves while consistently contributing, a trend that he will look to continue down the stretch as the Canucks make a playoff push.

LAST SEASON: Not ONE player registered a hat trick.

THIS SEASON: Two players have registered a hat trick through 56 games. Jannik Hansen scored his first career NHL hat trick on November 23, 2014 versus the Chicago Blackhawks. Shawn Matthias scored his first career NHL hat trick on February 13, 2015 versus the Boston Bruins. Both hat tricks were scored in front of the home crowd making hats rain down on the ice of Rogers Arena.

LAST SEASON: The goalie drama of will they or won’t they trade Roberto Luongo came to an end. Luongo was eventually traded back to Florida leaving the Canucks with no veteran presence in net. Eddie Lack was forced to take on the veteran load the rest of the way. It was hardly an ideal situation but in typical Eddie Lack fashion, he was the epitome of professional all the way to the end.

THIS SEASON: Ryan Miller was brought it in as veteran presence and surprised more than a few people with his solid play in net while registering 6 shutouts through 42 starts (26-15-1). Millsy has brought in some much needed stability for the Canucks on the back end and been a pillar for Eddie Lack as they share the load this season. Lack and Miller have formed a great repertoire so far this season and hopefully they can continue to build on that down the stretch.

And yes it is true that there are  a few echoes that sound nearly identical from last season:

LAST SEASON: The injury bug followed that hallway tirade took endless casualties until the final game of the season.

THIS SEASON: The injury bug has come to the blueline once more this year, but unlike LAST season, the team IS finding ways to play as a TEAM despite the injuries. The multiple injuries to the defensive core has forced the Canucks to rely upon younger players and prospects stepping up to fill in. (Ronalds Kenins anyone?!)

#17 once again LEADS the team in goals scored.                                                      

LAST SEASON: Ryan Kesler (25 goals in 77 games played).

THIS SEASON: Radim Vrbata (21 goals and counting in 53 games played).

LAST SEASON: Henrik Sedin played his 1000th game (March 12, 2014).

THIS SEASON: Daniel Sedin played his 1000th game (November 23, 2014).

And yes much like last year, there are many questions still remaining:

Will the Canucks find a second gear in the final 26 games? Will the Canucks have more than one 20+ goal scorer by season’s end? Will the Canucks stand pat at the trade deadline or will they be deal makers to find that last puzzle piece to help them down the stretch? Will the Canucks make the playoffs?

No, THIS year is NOT LAST year but the questions will continue to be debated as the season winds down but until all is said and done, we will not have a definitive answer. There is still a lot of hockey left to be played between now and April, but how the Canucks play between now and then is up to them. Will they make the playoffs? They certainly have the potential to do so but it won’t be an easy task as the Western Conference playoff race is a tight one and will probably go down to the wire.

The Canucks have 26 games left to prove just how far they have come from last year beginning with their 5-game Eastern Conference road trip (New York, New Jersey, Long Island, Boston and Buffalo) that will be a great challenge as they look to pick some important points.

As always, until next time, nuck said.

Sarah E. L.

2013-2014 Season Debrief

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It has been a few weeks since my last post but I’m back with a glimpse of what this last year held for the Vancouver Canucks. The 2013-2014 season is now wrapped for the Canucks and it featured a little of bit of everything from the good

to the bad. It will be an off-season full of questions, answers, changes and preparations for the new season around the corner. Today, we will debrief by taking a closer look at the bad and the good that made up the Canucks 2013-2014 season.

First let’s look at the not so good and follow it up with all of the good that did happen despite the final outcome.

The BAD:

November saw inconsistency that was not solved until December only to be broken apart by January with an unnatural influx of injuries.

The Canucks iron man, Henrik Sedin was injured not once BUT twice which delayed his 1000th game from being played prior to the Olympics in early February to March 12th vs Winnipeg. Have I mentioned that out of the probable injuries….NO ONE expected Henrik to be on that miss extended time list once let alone twice.

Andrew Alberts suffered a concussion late December in a game vs. Calgary where he was hit from behind into the boards. He never returned to the lineup and as of the end of the season was still suffering concussion symptoms. The league NEVER reviewed the hit or awarded any discipline for the hit that sideline Alberts for the season and the foreseeable future.

Mike Santorelli suffered a season ending should injury that took him out of the line up in January ending his Cinderella heroics for the home team.

Daniel Sedin was sidelined due to injuries more than once this year which only added to the team’s scoring woes in the second half of the year.

Alex Burrows suffered from multiple injuries(a broken foot, broken jaw, the list goes on!) that were only added to the frustration of not scoring goals.

Torts stormed the Calgary Flames dressing room following a first period brawl between the two teams. While I loved his intent to defend his players, he should not have gone anywhere near the visitor’s dressing room. The result was Torts being suspended for 6 games.

Zack Kassian struggled early in the year which was not helped by an 8-game suspension.

The Canucks lost the Heritage Classic. As a result of the controversial choice to start Eddie Lack over the Canucks franchise leading goalie Roberto Luongo were forced to hear the fans chant WE WANT LU! for a good 2-3 solid minutes midway through the game.

Following yet another season where things started off well but evolved to Luongo being relegated to the role of back up….finally saw the Canucks make the deal that could never be made. March 4, 2014 Roberto Luongo was traded to the Florida Panthers. Best of luck in Florida LU!

The panic that ensued on social media when a VANCOUVER reporter sent out a tweet that the Canucks had traded Ryan Kesler….(which thank goodness was shortly proven as false!)

Missing the playoffs for the first time since 2008.

Following a disappointing year, Mike Gillis was relieved of both his General Manager and President duties. (Gillis worked with the Canucks since the end of the 2007-2008 season & NOT everything he did was terrible.)

In their final game of the season on home ice Daniel Sedin was hit from behind into the end boards by the Calgary Flames forward Paul Byron. Daniel Sedin collapsed, laid very still and was unable get up off the ice…cuing medical trainers and paramedics to bring a stretcher. Daniel was taken off the ice on a stretcher and straight to the hospital. Byron received a 5 minute penalty on the play which was deemed as ENOUGH discipline by the league. A very scary moment for Daniel, the team, and the fans and while it was later revealed that he would be okay…I’m sorry BUT ANY hit that SENDS A PLAYER off the ice on a stretcher and to the hospital SHOULD deem more than a quick review with NO supplemental discipline. Perhaps if it had been Crosby or Toews that had been taken off the ice on a stretcher, the league would have taken the incident more seriously. The NAME of a player and the LOGO of the team they play for SHOULD NOT matter when it comes to moments like that one…EVERY player should be held accountable. (*I apologize for the mild rant…but that HIT & its zero concern by the NHL really severely bothered me…)

The GOOD:

The Canucks had their best October in years including a 7-game road trip that saw them post a 5-1-1 record.

The announcement of the the Sedins re-signing with the Canucks for 4 more years. SO GLAD that the Sedins will be back in blue and green for four more years! No one set of brothers has quite displayed their quiet yet commanding professionalism both on and off the ice.

Pavel Bure’s #10 was FINALLY lifted to the rafters as his jersey was officially retired by the Vancouver Canucks on November 2, 2013. The team also beat the Maple Leafs 4-0 on home ice on the banner night, making the evening a WIN-WIN.

BC born and raised Mike Santorelli became an unexpected hero for the home fans as he seemed to always find a way to make the play that made a difference. Santo showed versatility by being useful no matter where he played in the line up and scoring many a clutch goal. Santo was on a roll as the NHL’s best steal prior to his injury with his low cap hit & absolute limitless work ethic.

December was a month when the team could do almost no wrong. They picked up points in all but one game. My FAVOURITE moment during December was the game versus the Bruins…the team was absolutely determined and took over the game after a timely time out by Torts early in the game.

Daniel Sedin and Alex Edler brought home silver medals from the Sochi 2014 Olympic games. Dan Hamhuis and Roberto Luongo brought home gold medals from the Sochi 2014 Olympic games.

The Canucks participated in their very first outdoor game experience when they hosted the Ottawa Senators at BC Place as part of the Stadium Series in the 2014 Tim Horton’s Heritage Classic.

Henrik Sedin played in his 1000th game both of his career and in a Canuck uniform. (March 12, 2014)

The 2014 Canucks for Kids Fund Telethon held on March 19th, raised over $500,000 to help kids in BC!

Shawn Matthias was acquired in the Roberto Luongo deal with the Florida Panthers. He showed some amazing skill and potential in the final stretch. He will be one to watch if he stays with the team next season!

Alex Burrows may not have found the back of the net as much as he would have liked (he did eventually break through with a few beauties!) but his game still had a lot of positives…he was purposeful in most areas of the ice and a large part of the team’s first half amazing PK unit!

Ryan Kesler score 20+ goals for the 6th time in his career.

Ryan Kesler setting the record straight that he didn’t ask for a trade and that he hopes to stay with the Canucks for the entirety of this career.

Zack Kassian became a beast hitting his groove in final part of the season despite the final outcome. He will be fun to watch next season!

Following the news of Mike Gillis being let go, the rumor mills were spinning that Trevor Linden was returning to the Canucks. Rumor became FACT on April 9, 2014. Trevor Linden returned to the team that drafted him and where he played 16 of 19 seasons when the Canucks named him, the new President of Hockey Operations.

The Canucks are not partaking in the post season but hey there is a silver lining in getting a top 10 draft pick! The Canucks will draft 6th overall in the 2014 NHL draft in June.

In CONCLUSION: So ends the tale that was the 2013-2014 Vancouver Canucks season. Yes, it was not perfect in any way shape or form and yes the end was disappointing but there is plenty to be excited about for the team’s future despite what most of the local media might say. The Canucks prospect pool with the likes of Frankie Corrado, Brendan Gaunce, Hunter Shinkaruk, Bo Horvat, Dane Fox, etc. is a very exciting group of players nearly ready to make their mark on the NHL.

The first half of the season expectations were very high and then came the injury brigade that took the team by storm. I cannot recall ANY season where a team was so overtaken by injuries throughout the year…it felt absolutely absurd at times. Sure nearly everything that could go wrong did and everyday felt like there was yet another injury or incident that affected the roster…but sometimes that is just how it goes. There will be bad seasons for every team just like every team will have great seasons, but not one season will ever be exactly the same.

Every season is an 82-game journey full of ups and downs, twists and bends…and sometimes if you’re lucky that journey extends into the post season but if it does not extend that does not change the thrill of the journey…it may be disappointing but it does not change my loyalty.

I would have loved to see my Canucks in the madness that is 2014 playoffs but I understand why that did not happen and I know that there is work to be done before the puck drops on the 2014-2015 season. Still even so I am optimistic for the off-season and upcoming season and mark my words they will make the post-season next year! (I know not everyone will agree that statement…but hey that’s okay, we don’t have to always agree. Let’s wait and see what happens come next April!)

OH and ONE LAST note before moving on…Eddie Lack never asked for the cards he was dealt. He never came in with the intent to steal Luongo’s spot and send him packing. Roberto Luongo was and is a player that Lack idolizes and was an incredible example of what being a professional both on and off the ice should look like. Goalies never get the credit or the respect they deserve in the NHL, particularly from the fans…especially when a season does not go according to plan. Vancouver fans have been very hard on their goalies…LOVING them when all goes well and absolutely tearing them down when things are wrong. Let me remind you, that while goalies will steal games for their teams…they do need a little help in the scoring department to win games as well. Lack had the weight of an entire city thrust upon his shoulders when Luongo was traded. It could not have been easy to see his mentor leave and suddenly all the pressure was on him. I remind that you LU advised us(the city) to take care of Eddie during his tenure! He deserves a chance to prove himself and wouldn’t it be something to see this city show their support for their goalie from the very beginning? Eddie Lack is a star in the making and will make his mark yet on this team…all we need to do moving forward is support him and allow him the chance.

Looking ahead there will be questions that will need addressing during the off-season and come October.

QUESTIONS:

Who will be the Canucks select with their 6th overall draft pick? Draisaitl? Ehlers? Nylander? Virtanen? Ritchie?

Will the team be able find a way to come together as a cohesive unit for the 2014-2015 season?

Will Torts return as coach for a second season or will he be let go as the team brings in a new voice? (Honestly I don’t quite think it fair to judge Torts one year where nearly everything that could go wrong did….I’d like to see him have a second chance to prove what he can do when he has a nearly 100% healthy roster!)

Will Trevor Linden be able to find a way to bring the team together with the right combination of current players, new players, coaching staff? Can he complete the puzzle?

Who will be named as the Canucks new General Manager? (Lots of names being thrown around from current assistant GM Gilman, to Benning to former players. Linden said there WILL be a GM in place prior to the draft at the end of June.)

What moves will be made in the 2014 off-season that will impact the team in the new season?

What will the final roster look like at the start of the 2014-2015 NHL season?

The above questions are merely just a few of MANY questions that I have seen and heard since the season came to a close. It will be a long off-season for the team, but it will also be an opportunity for them to comeback EVEN stronger and MORE determined come September. None of them were happy with the ending and all of them expressed a desire to come back and prove that sentiment when they return for the new season.

Are you ready for a wild ride Canuck nation? It is not going to be a quiet summer by any means as the team looks to find the missing piece(s) of the puzzle prior to the puck drop on the 2014-2015 season..

In the mean time are you all enjoying the madness that has been the 2014 NHL playoffs so far?

As always, until next time, nuck said.

Sarah E.L.

 

October Blues…says WHO?!

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The month of October and the Canucks usually do not go together or at least that’s story for the last 7 seasons or so. Octobers have statistically not been kind to the Canucks.

Cue the hiring of head coach John Tortorella and everyone arriving at their own ideas of how this will go[many thought automatic disaster]. The schedule was released and featured a league high 9 games on the road including a LONG 7-game road trip in the middle of the month. It seemed that the month was doomed before the first puck dropped.

Based on history being against the Canucks, the injury bug and the road heavy schedule, most people did not have high expectations for the start of the season and many stated that they would be happy to just survive October with a 0.500 level.

Torts made it clear from Day ONE that he hates losing and wanted to instill the will to win to all of the players. Torts changed the mindset that a lousy October is acceptable or expected but rather that you should put your best effort forward and not listen to the naysayers.

Torts asked for the star players to step up and step up they did. Here;s a list of accomplishments that do not usually come in October but this team accumulated this year:

-The Sedins combined for 33 points: Henrik amassed 18 points [3 goals, 15 assists] + Daniel with 15 points [6 goals, 9 assists]

-The 7-game road trip that scared fans saw the team pick up 11/14 points and post a 5-1-1 record.

-The road trip saw the re-emergence of  Ryan Kesler’s #beastmode who picked up 9 points on the road (he now has 11 points [8 goals, 3 assists]).

-Luongo posted his FIRST shutout of the season (63rd of his NHL career)

-Torts plays everyone on the PK and expects everyone to block shots. Did I also mention that Torts has split the Sedins up more than once and nearly every time it yields results.

– #BeastMododo was formed: Kesler + the Sedins

-The unexpected signings of Mike “SANTA” Santorelli and Brad Richardson have looked very good representing the Canucks scoring some clutch goals.

-Kesler was shifted from his usual position at centre to wing & has thrived.

Here’s a glance at October 2013 where your Vancouver Canucks posted an impressive 9-5-1 record:

What month is that you say? Yes it's true, October came & went with NO October blues.

What month is that you say? Yes it’s true, October came & went with NO October blues.

Was it perfect? No…but it was a much better October than everybody predicted them to be. Here’s to the Canucks having a November to remember as we shift to the second month of the season. An area that needs massive improvement as the calendar flips to November is the power play. Perhaps when the power plays starts clicking we will get to see more goals like this one:

The game-winning goal from Daniel Sedin vs. the Capitals was a product of some incredible #sedinery cycling. [*the video hardly does justice to this beauty of a goal]:

ONE LAST THOUGHT: 33 combined points in 15 games…CAN we re-sign the SEDINS already?!

As always, until next time, nuck said.

Sarah E.L.

Why SO serious[again!]? & NHLPA says YES to RA!

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Is that panic I hear? Why yes, yes I think it is. It is hardly time to panic just yet. Yes, it is nearly the halfway mark of the season for every team but it is certainly not time to panic by any means. Yes the Canucks have gone 1-1-2 in their first 4 games of March [which means yes they have lost 3, but they have picked up points in 3 of those 4 games]. The Canucks still have 25 games left to play and personally, I think the best is yet to come!

Henrik and Daniel have returned to their point per game status quo [remember how 8 games in people were asking what happened to the twins?! well they certainly are back on track aren’t they?]. The biggest blow to the Canucks so far this season was the loss of Ryan Kesler to a broken foot and Manny Malhotra being shut down for the year. In Kesler’s absence Jannik Hansen and Mason Raymond have stepped up their respective games with providing secondary scoring. Both have found ways to score and make some great defensive plays. Raymond has looked very good since being moved to centre but just needs a little work in the face off circle. It is nice to see that there are players in the line up able to put up goals on a more regular basis which takes the pressure off of the twins. The forwards combined through 23 games have put up 119 points[46 goals, 73 assists].

If Alberts is going to stay in the line up could he please not take terrible penalties or can we just put Ballard back in?! The defense definitely needs some work with Kevin Bieksa still out of the line up. Hopefully Juice[Bieksa] is back in the line up soon to give the Canucks a little more dependability defensively as they have lapsed slightly defensively in his 5 game absence. The defense has been solid at least offensively this season putting up 42 points[15 goals, 27 assists] combined in the first 23 games, that an average of 1.8 points per game[not bad hey?]. The Canucks will need to tighten up defensively as the stretch drive to the playoffs is right around the corner.

Goal-tending controversy smontroversy! Take a chill pill people. You all lobbied for Schneider[6-4-3] to get the starting position and lobbied to send Lou[5-2-3] packing. How quick all the band-wagoners are to jump back on the #LUUUUUU train every time Schneids struggles. I do think that while Cory has earned the chance to prove himself, he has struggled to find any kind of consistency in this shortened season. Maybe he will find his bearings, maybe not, in the mean time can we please give LOU the chance that he more than deserves after everything this city of finicky fans have put him through? Here’s #Looking2LOUKID! I like BOTH goalies and think both are capable of helping the Canucks towards their end goal for the season, but Luongo has more than paid his dues with his never wavering patience this season and he too has earned his chance to play.

Major news from around the NHL rink this last week was that the NHLPA finally gave approval of the re-alignment going into next season[2013-2014]. That is a HUGE boost moving forward with the re-alignment, and next it must be approved by the owners and the Board of Governors before it can be official. The re-alignment should it be approved by all parties will change and re-ignite rivalries new and old. It will be interesting to see how the NHL will address the playoff format with uneven conferences next year. Gone will be the 6 division/2 conference set up that is currently in place and in its place will be a 4 conference system. New details are sure to be released the closer to reality this becomes.  Let’s hope that they have better names for the conferences than Conference A. B, C & D.

Sad news in the NHL as hockey anthem writer #Stompin Tom Connors passed away. He was responsible for writing the hockey anthem “the Hockey Song”: the good old hockey game is the best game you can name & the best game you can name is the good old hockey game…” Oh how I miss that song on Hockey Night in Canada[I think that CBC should make that the theme song!]

In other news, the Chicago Blackhawks FINALLY lost a game in regulation. It only took 25 games! As much as I cannot stand Chicago, that was sincerely an impressive run of 24 games[21-0-3] before their defeat in Colorado last night. Congratulations on achieving a record that will be extremely hard for any other team to match. Congratulations also to the Avalanche for being the team to break the streak! [P.S. I think Colorado is greatly benefiting from Ryan O’Reilly being back in the line-up as they have greatly improved offensively since getting him back last week!].

Now that the O’Reilly drama is settled with Colorado there is room for other signings. The biggest re-signing so far this season was announced just yesterday by Anaheim. The Ducks have re-signed Ryan Getzlaf to an 8-year $66 million extension[that’s an average of $8.25 million per year]. The question is now that they have invested the big money into Getzlaf’s contract, can they afford to keep Corey Perry who is also in line for a raise from his last contract. If they cannot afford to sign Perry the rumors are already swirling that they may move him the trade deadline[unlikely as that would greatly anger their fans] or he will test the waters of free agency in the off-season.

Did you hear the Pronger news? He addressed the media for the first time on his post-concussion status. He may not be near playing condition, but he stated emphatically that he is NOT ready to hang up the skates just yet. That does not mean he will or will not play again, it just means he is still hanging on to a sliver of hope, and who can blame the guy for wanting to hold out for one more chance. Best of luck Pronger whatever your future may hold, you’ve had a heck a career!

#MarchMadness has only just begun and the best of the season is yet to come! Are you ready?

23 games down for the Canucks, 25 more to go. #GoCanucksGo Best of luck in the final 25 boys! I look forward to seeing the boys live at Rogers when they return home this week to play Nashville on Thursday[3/14]!

As always, until next time, nuck said.

Sarah E.L.

Kesler’s return delayed…Doan’s heart in Phoenix, but where will he play next season?

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Bad news bears. In the latest #Canuck news, it looks like Ryan Kesler will not be returning in early October…but rather early-mid December. I was hoping to see #17 lace up the skates for October…but as I mentioned before, I would much rather have Kesler return 100% recovered and fully ready to unleash his #beastmode for the rest of the year +playoffs(into JUNE..*fingers crossed*) and that means later than we all hoped. This latest update explains the pursuit of both (top 6 forward)Doan and (3rd line centre)Arnott as the Canucks are in need of both type of players to bolster the line-up without Kesler. Mind you a young Evander Kane would look great in the lineup too…with his skill-set, he could fill in the gaps with Kesler out and solidify that 3rd line. When one of a team’s best players is out of the the lineup for an extended period, it means that another player has to step up, with Kesler out of the lineup to start the year, that is exactly what it means. When Daniel Sedin missed 18 games in the start of the  2009-2010 season it was his brother who stepped up to lead this team(a year before he was named team captain!) with 18 points in that stretch, proving that he can play without his brother…he eventually went on to win the Art Ross trophy that year. When a player goes down, it gives the rest of the team the opportunity to step up and rise above the adversity. It will be interesting to see who takes that role with Kesler out of the lineup for a bit. I think it better that Kesler acts with precaution, coming back a little later than we all had hoped but fully capable of encompassing that #beastmode we all love to watch!

At this moment Doan’s heart is Phoenix but he has officially stated that he will do what is best for him…even that means leaving the Coyotes franchise. So, once again we are left with the “I need more time to make this decision” announcement. It sounds as though Doan is divided, he may be on his way out of Phoenix but he also could remain loyal to the Coyotes. He has been visiting with other teams as he processes what is right for his future( a list that includes: New York, Philadelphia, Montreal, and Vancouver). Until the hockey world hears his official decision…all eyes around the NHL will remain on him, or until another dramatic move is made.

In other news all of us fans are still waiting to hear any  official word of agreement on the new CBA[Collective Bargaining Agreement] between the NHL & the NHLPA…because if you are like me…a year of no hockey(aka a lockout year) is absolutely unacceptable. The NHLPA has been reviewing the latest proposal by Bettman[Do Not get me started on Bettman!] and the NHL executives…but no word on its been seen as accepted or not. Keep your fingers crossed that both sides find a #winning agreement for both sides before mid-September so that we get hockey starting October 11th and not a year later!!

Until next time, nuck said.

Sarah E.L.

Crazy Contracts

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Well with this latest long-term deal that Weber is about to sign officially(whether with Philly or Nashville) it highlights even brighter that craziness that is these long term contracts. The last few years have brought about many of these long-term deals -Kovalchuk w/ New Jersey, Ehrhoff w/ Buffalo, Crosby w/ Pittsburgh, Quick w/ LA, Staal w/ Carolina, Suter & Parise w/ Minnesota & of course the potential Weber deal to name a few, all ranging from 10-14 years in length. These are becoming a frightening trend amongst big names & tend to be heavily front-loaded…Crosby, Suter, & Parise all will make upwards of $12 million next year whereas Weber will make $14 million….a hefty price tag for all teams involved. It blows my mind to think that Weber will not only be the highest paid defenseman in the league, but the highest paid player in the league period. Which when you compare these mega salaries to the Sedins who seem even more like a bargain @ $6.1 million per year. In the last 3 years, the Sedins combined have won 2 Art Ross trophies, 1 Hart trophy, & 1 Ted Lindsay trophy. It makes me appreciate them both even more every time another outrageous contract is revealed & if there ever was any doubt that they were not interested in where the most money will be offered but rather the team’s desire to win, that doubt should no longer exist. Crazy contracts seem to be the norm as there are more signed each year, & each year a new extreme reached such as with Weber. I’m sorry but $14 million for a defenseman?! Yes he’s one of the top defensemen in the league BUT that is more than ANY other player in ANY position! I think $14 million is too hefty a price tag for any player to demand from their team especially in this salary cap era. I think it an extreme for Weber to insure that he gets his way….and I’m sorry BUT $14 million still just boggles my mind!! I guess the absurdness of its length & worth will continue to shock until the next crazy contract comes to light(*pending the conditions of the new CBA when both sides finally reach an agreement).

Nuck said. Sarah E.L.

I must also mention that my prayers & thoughts go the families &friends of the victims of the Aurora,Colorado shooting. I cannot even fathom what that community & the families are facing right now, but I do know that the power of prayer is stronger than even we can realize.