Bleacher Report - Articles by Larry Johnson

Who Should Be the Canucks Sixth Defenseman, S. O'Brien Or M. Schneider?

Larry Johnson — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:39:49 -0500

Written by: Larry "The IceMan" Johnson

I am puzzled by the fact that Shane O’Brien has been sat out for seven straight games, at the time of this writing. We all know that Mathieu Schneider was brought in to quarterback the power play and not for his defensive play nor toughness.

Sure Schneider has four points on two goals (one power play) and two assists but he is also a minus two , while O’Brien is a plus three with no points. Let’s not forget that O’Brien does not play on the power play and was also providing steady play from his position, before Schneider was inserted into the lineup

Also, O’Brien was brought onto the Nucks to provide tough defensive play and there was no offensive expectation.

Hey Mr. Vigneault, how come the two are not rotated, depending on the style of play they face from the opposition?

Schneider is one dimensional, which is his point shot and his first pass out of the Canucks zone, and the first pass is no better than O’Brien’s. Schneider’s quickness is not what it used to be, but then again he’s 40 years of age. The slimmed down O’Brien did not appear any slower to me.

Schneider’s slowness seems to be evident in the back to back games, where he is even more prone to giveaways.

Speaking of the giveaways/takeaways ratio, it is pretty close with Schneider at six and five and O’Brien at seven and four. The hits department is very one sided, with O’Brien at 26 and Schneider at eight.

The physical side was never Schneider’s forte and at 5’11" and 192 lbs, is really undersized to handle the likes of the bigger teams forwards, like the Sharks or Blackhawks. Wait till he meets up with Philadelphia!

So Coach, why wasn’t O’Brien playing against the Sharks the other night?

The surprising play of Christian Ehrhoff has made him the number one power play guy that the Canucks were looking for, and with Alex Edler, Kevin Bieksa and Sami Salo, is there really a need for Schneider except as a seventh defenseman?

In closing, does it make sense for the Canucks to keep Mathieu Schneider and his $2.75 million dollar cap hit, as a specialist?

The Image of a Fan, Through the Eyes of One

Larry Johnson — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 16:52:19 -0500

Written by: Larry “The IceMan” Johnson

So what is it about a fan that brings him or her together, on a united front, with a common purpose?

What does it really look like and how does it feel?

There seems to be no age qualifier, as you will see from infants to great grandparents, which transcends generations.

They seem to speak in a tongue that is recognized by all in attendance, one that is known as “sports”.

They’re all knowledgeable, with some like an encyclopedia, with facts and figures that fly out of their mouths as fast as a computer.

They like to dress up the same and don garments that are similar, with their favourite jerseys and hats or better yet, paint their faces with a number of scenes and colours.

How come when they get together with complete strangers, they converse with them, like they’ve know them for years?

Before the end of the game they’re high-fiving and clinking glasses together like they’ve just found their lost members of their family or they’ve just won the lotto. By the way, what was that guy’s name again in case I run into him next time?

How does all that energy in your favourite drinking establishment or home arena get so charged? Is it like lighting crackling on a still, dry summer night?

The teams have expressed it as a “buzz” in the crowd and for some unknown reason; it becomes a “special night”, one that you can refer to in a New York minute.

Even the team feels it and it’s been called “the extra player”, depending on which sport you’re watching.

This energy, that is so enormous, seems to be able to be transferred from the arena, from your home, in a pub, gathered together in a huge wave within the province or state and transferred down a line, as an electric bolt, that charges the team, too greater heights.

It can happen at any time. At the beginning, middle, or end of the season and most definitely all through the playoffs.

The roar from the conversations going on is about a constant 100 decibel reading and when the home team scores, it’s like you’re standing beside a jet at the airport waiting to take off, it’s that deafening.

There’s people jumping up and down, back slapping, hugging, pounding the bar, clapping and oh yes, “how about another round”!

The bigger the game, the more intense it gets.

The nervousness is very evident and in full bloom. There are people chewing on their swizzle stick, walking back and forth like they’re in the maternity ward, eyes fixated on the action, while some are covering their eyes. “I can’t watch” they say. Hey, isn’t that why we came?

For that short time you’re commonality is one. It’s like you’ve joined this march and everyone is in sync. You sense, that with all this positive thought in one place, how can we lose?

Ah ha, but the other side can be downright dark. The collective feeling when the home team loses is like the air being sucked out of the whole place. There’s the cursing and wringing of hands, blank looks, some tears actually shed. The silence is eerie.

You’d swear you’re at a wake, and the world has come to an end.

Going home is a silent ride and the replay of the game in your mind never seems to turn off, but the reality is that game has come to an end.

So we deal with it and know that the sun is going to rise the next day and that you’ll be back, because when you put it into perspective, who didn’t enjoy themselves!

But the most important part...is that it felt so good to be a part of it all, and one big raucos family.

Until we meet again,

The fan.

A Canuck Ponder: Will They Make the Playoffs?

Larry Johnson — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:08:54 -0500

Hey, you know, it’s never too early to be thinking about the playoffs in light of where the Nucks are at this point of the season, which is close to a quarter of the way through.

They currently sit at 11th with 24 points, having played anywhere from one to three games more than most of the teams in their conference.

So, how many points will it take this year to reach the playoffs? Last season it took 91, the year before that it was 91, and three seasons ago, 95. Let’s work with an average number of 92.

With 59 games left, that means they’re going to have to play at a click close to .580 to gather the 68 points still needed, just to make the playoffs. Is that realistic in this very competitive Western Conference?

Furthermore, do they have the horses to do it? Case in point, Chicago Blackhawks came into GM Place the other night on a back-to-back and beat the Canucks 1-0. How can you play a team on a back-to-back and not take the body to them in order to wear them down?

Chicago actually outhit the Nucks, 15-11. Just who was the tired team here? How can a well-rested (three games in eight days) Canuck team with all but one player (Pavol Demitra) out of the lineup only muster 11 hits and no goals? I’m not going to get into the physicality of this team, as I’ve beat this to death before.

I have had several commentators mention on a number of occasions the lack of talent, once you get past the Sedins.

But are the forwards as bad as last year? To date this season, the top three lines have collectively scored 46 goals. Last season, they scored 56 goals with a healthy Daniel Sedin.

He does have a point there; otherwise if there was enough talent, they wouldn’t have missed Daniel this much.

What is even more glaring is the poor support from the back end, as in: Show me some goals!

Christian Ehrhoff leads all defensemen with five goals, followed by Willie Mitchell with two, Mathieu Schneider with two, Kevin Bieksa with one, and Sami Salo, Alex Edler, Shane O’Brien, and Aaron Rome with none.

Ten goals from the defense and half of those from one player is not good enough.

Special teams—will the penalty kill be the Achilles heel for the Nucks this year? They currently sit at 24th, which is even worse than the 16th they finished last season. You had better score a lot of goals with a ranking like that, and that’s not happening.

The power play has made a remarkable improvement over last year and currently is ranked at fourth. That will win you a lot of games on most nights if your offensive totals are strong; otherwise it’s a moot point.

This team needs another strong line, and I’m talking about the third line now. When was the last time you could say that about a Canuck team?

Steve Bernier is quietly putting up some decent numbers with his seven goals, but they still need another winger and a centre man who can consistently produce.

Kyle Wellwood’s days look numbered, and Jannik Hansen is yet to prove that he can put up much in the way of points, let alone goals.

So, I guess the best that could happen for a third line would be if Michael Grabner could return and continue on his scoring pace, along with Bernier, and the Canucks would find a centre man who could work with them.

As I've mentioned previously, I think they have one already in Ryan Johnson, with Rick Rypien centering Tanner Glass and Jannik Hansen.

Will the Canucks make the playoffs? We will all know by the time the Olympics start.

Vancouver Canucks: So who becomes the Sedins Line Mate?

Larry Johnson — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:53:46 -0500

As I donned my coach’s hat last night and started to think of the return of Daniel Sedin to the lineup on Sunday, I began to contemplate, "who is best suited to play on that line?" There are certainly no shortage of players that have earned that right, like Mikael Samuelsson and Mason Raymond.

Samuelsson is second in goals on the Canucks with nine (18 pts) and Raymond is third with eight (14 pts). Both have been playing at the top of their game and each provides a different aspect to it.

Raymond’s going to add a bit more speed than Samuelsson, and Mikael is better at digging the puck out the corner, stronger in front of the net with his size, and you know when he gets in position he’s going to be shooting.

Now this brings up some more food for thought, such as who and what do the other duals look like?

It has been mentioned many times by Coach Alain Vigneault that he feels lines are made up of a strong dual, which he likes to keep together. The third player, he feels, is interchangeable.

Ryan Kesler, as you have seen, is versatile enough to play centre or wing, but for now he looks like the second line centre. Either Raymond or Samuelsson on one wing and Alex Burrows or Steve Bernier on the other. What a luxury to finally be able to make that decision.

Burrows has not been having the same type of year as last season, but is it realistic to think that he would? Even with his play of late, he still would be my choice with Kesler.

Remember how well they played together last season before Burrows went up to play with the Sedins? If they could get back to that magic, what a second line that would be, with say Raymond!

Kyle Wellwood, although he earned an assist last night—his second point of the season—is walking on thin ice, no pun intended. With Ryan Johnson playing so well, do you move him up to third line centre and Wellwod down to the fourth?

Another player that has caught my eye is Jannik Hansen, who has scored three points in the three games he has played since returning from the hand injury. Doesn’t he deserve a shot on the third line?

This is the best that I’ve seen him play since that early spurt last season.

He’s skating really well, making good decisions with the puck, and as witnessed last night, is playing with confidence and battling hard for the puck. Hansen really looks like he should replace Bernier, thus knocking him down to the fourth line.

The fourth line has been a force lately with the insertion of Tanner Glass, playing alongside Rick Rypien and Johnson. With this line, the also-versatile Rypien can play centre or wing in case Johnson is moved up to replace Wellwood if the coach decides he should sit. Such a move, my friends, is a distinct possibility.

With Rypien, Bernier and Glass, you would still have a formidable fourth line to contend with. Tanner Glass has played so well that he has moved Darcy Hordichuk out of the lineup for now.

For any of the new readers, I mentioned Glass back in a preseason article (Three Best Pre Season Surprises) as someone that I thought might bump Hordichuk out of that fourth line role.

Although Glass is not a heavyweight, he has proven he can take care of himself. In addition, he appears to be faster than Hordichuk, thus able to finish his checks, get into the corners to dig out the puck, and create chaos in front of the net. Tanner also seems to have struck up some chemistry with Johnson.

Decisions, decisions, decisions. Now you fans can get a picture on Sunday—against a tough Chicago team—of what this Nucks team might have looked like, and why I was all jacked up about them in the preseason.

To the commentator that mentioned about the Canucks lack of scoring and talent, let’s see how they do in the next five to six games with a lineup that is just about completely healthy.

What Should the NHL Do About Players Fighting with Visors?

Larry Johnson — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:26:28 -0500

This question has irked me for a number of seasons, so I throw it out to you Bleacher Report readers. What should the NHL do?

There are many players out there that are involved, but I will just name a few and I’m sure you can add names to the list. I’m talking about, in no particular order, guys like the Flames' Dion Phaneuf, the Wild’s Cal Clutterbuck and the Avs' Cody McLeod.

These players are all physical and bang with the best. But when challenged, they are fighting on many occasions, guys without visors.

Now I don’t begrudge them their right to protect their face with a visor, but when it comes to a scrap, how likely are they going to take a shot that’s not bouncing off of it?

So the guy fighting without the visor is at a distinct disadvantage, never mind the possibility of breaking some bones in his hand, as was the case with Canucks Jannik Hansen (missed 19 games), who bust his on Gilbert Brule’s visor.

Yes, Hansen wears a visor, too, but he took off his helmet. More about that later. Read on.

The other night Colorado’s McLeod (visor) took on not only a smaller player in Rick Rypien but also one that doesn’t wear a visor. Rypien has already been out of the lineup a number of times with hand injuries from fighting, so being aware of that, he had to try and land upper cuts.

As it was, Rypien had to absorb a few shots himself until he landed a few in some unprotected areas of Mcleod.

Clutterbuck, a league-leader in hits, against Shane O’Brien (no visor). Dion Phaneuf against former Av Ian Laperriere (no visor). This list goes on and on.

To me it’s cowardly to hide behind the visor when you know that your style of play is bound to instigate fights.

If you have ever attended a game in the WHL, OHL or QMHL, you will find that the junior players have more honor and respect “the code” by taking of their helmets whenever possible, before they participate in the fist-a-cuffs.

The NHL is not about to ban fighting, so isn’t it about time they brought in a penalty for fighting with a visor on? Another thought, which I saw on Hockey Night in Canada, is a visor that pops off with a push of a release button.

Why not make those mandatory on all helmets that have visors?

In summation, if these types of physical players wearing visors answer the bell, then be prepared to drop the helmet along with the gloves.

The Canuck Report After 20 Games

Larry Johnson — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:00:21 -0500

So here we are at the twenty game mark and it’s time for some beefs, bouquets, surprises, and disappointments.

Let’s start out with the surprises .

Injuries and the amount of them after just 20 games into the season—must be some kind of a record.

No less than 10 players have been out of the lineup for extended periods of time. Through all this the Canucks have been able to post a 10-10 record, which is tied for seventh spot in the Western Conference.

Take a look around the league and tell me where say, the Flames would be without Jarome Iginla and Miikka Kiprusoff or the Penquins, without Sidney Crosby and Marc-Andre Fleury.

Coach Vigneault has done a remarkable job in juggling the bodies he does have, getting the team to play that shut down style of hockey, which has allowed them to stay in the hunt with the rest of the pack.

Another surprise is the remarkable play of Andrew Raycroft. In filling in for Roberto Luongo, Raycroft has posted a four and two record, a GAA of 2.18 and a save percentage of .916.

Sure he has been pulled in a couple of games, but in all fairness to him, the team in front of him stunk up the joint.

Although not a surprise, because I had already made that suggestion before he actually played as a forward, I thought Kevin Bieksa played pretty decently up front. I still feel he would make a better forward and it would not be the first time that has happened, if you think back to Scott Walker.

Cory Schneider, what a pleasant surprise and did he ever play well against Dallas. If he gets the opportunity again and follows up with another one of those exclamation marks, maybe the Canucks will have a blue chip prospect after all.

Michael Grabner before he went down, looked like he had found his NHL scoring touch and was here to stay. Who knows what the lineup will look like when he returns, but if he can get back to his pre-injury play, someone's going to be on the outside looking in.

You hear that Mr. Wellwood.

Willie Mitchell with two goals topping Sami Salo and Alex Edler, both with ZERO goals!

Biggest surprise

The Canucks with all the injuries being able to play at a .500 level followed closely by Andrew Raycroft.

Disappointments

I’m not going to repeat what I wrote about in my last article “Vancouver Canucks: Two Pieces of the Puzzle,”but instead, comment on what I’m waiting to see, as in waiting to see what the team will look like with a healthy lineup.

You really can’t judge this team until that happens, and I’m sure at some point in the season that will materialize.

Henrik Sedin, without his twin brother Daniel, sure does look lost out there. He’s not the only one that misses Daniel, speak to Alex Burrows about that also, but this is about Henrik.

To his credit though, he still is churning out the point a game average and leads the Canucks in scoring.

That said, too many nights you barely notice him.

Biggest disappoint

No it’s not Alex Edler, but instead a player that I thought would remember the agitating style that got him to the NHL, Alex Burrows.

Rumours have it that he’s playing with an injury but because of the numbers, he’s toughing it out. If so, he gets a mulligan.

Beefs

With the team so badly beat up, I think I’ll pass on it this time.

Bouquets

Who would have ever though that Christian Ehrhoff would be the top defenseman, not only in points but overall play? That was a shrewd move by GM Mike Gillis, when the thinking was, what are they going to do with eight Dmen?

Ehrhoff has brought mobility to the back end, a presence on the power play and has taken care of his defensive responsibilities with a plus-six rating.

What a quick turnaround. After being on my disappointment list after the ten game mark, Mason Raymond goes out and posts six goals in the next 10 games.

Not only is Raymond playing with new found confidence but he looks on line for his breakout year. With the already “speed to burn” quickness, you now add in some scoring touch, and you get a player who looks dangerous every time he touches the puck.

Without a doubt, Ryan Kesler has been the best Canuck to date this year. He’s currently second in team scoring, brings it every night, at both ends, leads by example, plays with passion (you hear that Alex) and is my choice for a Frank Selke candidate.

He just keeps elevating his game and if you thought he had a good season last year, well this year should top that.

Right now he is the heart that pumps the Canucks fragile body.

So with the positive view that the Nucks will get back most of the injured players in the next 10 games, I look forward and visualize what the real team will look like.

Now that looks promising!

Vancouver Canucks: Two Pieces of the Puzzle

Larry Johnson — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:45:46 -0500

As if Coach Vigneault did not have enough problems with the constant string of injuries, he must now be scratching his head about a couple of players that are under achieving. Just what exactly has happened, to these two promsing guys he thought were going to get better? Is this the same Kyle Wellwood Coach commented on in preseason, about looking faster and sharper? What about Alex Edler, who was suppose to eat up the minutes by his mentor, Mattias Ohlund?

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Do the Vancouver Canucks Really Need a Broken Peter Forsberg?

Larry Johnson — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:50:27 -0500

The Sunday Province newspaper headline read “A Healthy Forsberg would be a Force.”

Haven’t we gone down this road before in one Mats Sundin? What’s with this management anyways?

An out of shape, never could get into shape, slow footed, Mats Sundin gets courted in July, finally signs in December, and spends the rest of the year and playoffs helping the Canucks...how?

Now GM Mike Gillis and the powers that be are interested in Peter Forsberg, who has had more operations than Sami Salo. Just how long, if he can ever get back up to speed, no pun intended, would he remain healthy before that ankle or foot gives way or something else on that beat up frame breaks down?

So what has “Peter the Great” done lately? Well at the Karjala Cup tournament in Sweden, he had little impact, one point in three games. In the last two seasons with MoDo, of the Swedish Elite League, he played in just SIX games.

Prior to that he played in NINE games with the Colorado Avalanche in 2007-'08.

EIGHTEEN games in two-plus years and he’s going to get up to speed in today’s blinding pace? Let’s see, he says he’s not ready now.

So does that mean he’ll be ready by Christmas, or maybe later? Are the Canucks supposed to start making allowances within their cap space and contemplate which players will be placed on waivers?

Where are the Canucks supposed to find cap room without lopping off two or three players, and how is that going to impact the team? Never mind about that, how much do you think it’s going to cost the team if Sundin got close to $10 million?

I’m not suggesting anywhere near that figure, but $2-3 million for the remainder of the season would not be a stretch.

Does anyone remember what Gillis told Sundin when he, too, was uncommitted about rejoining the Canucks? He said if Sundin is not there by the time training camp starts, then the Canucks would move on.

Taking on players in the middle of the season sets a bad precedent, not only for the Canucks, but for the league as a whole.

Let Forsberg try out for someone else. We have enough injured players without adding any more.

Thoughts Percolating on the Current Status of the Vancouver Canucks

Larry Johnson — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:52:36 -0400

Well, thank you very much Andrew Raycroft. After writing a glowing report of his play yesterday, he goes out and allows four goals on 22 shots against the Anaheim Ducks.

All the attributes that I commented on turned sideways, as he had trouble in all the areas.

Sure the Canucks played poorly in all departments, but the soft goals deflate an already depleted lineup. Enough said about that, as you were all witnesses.

Cory Schneider did not fare any better, allowing three goals in 20 minutes of play. Just what has happened to this once-promising goaltender? His NHL stats are downright troubling.

Last season he finished with a GAA of 3.38, a Sv% of .877 in eight games played. This year in the 20 minutes, well if you allow three goals in 20 minutes it’s not going to help the average (GAA 9.00; Sv% .750)

Is Cory going to be another of these AHL players who shine in that league but cannot make the transition to the NHL? He is now in his third season and is under contract for another season before he becomes an RFA.

At what point does Canuck management decide if he’s going to be a player? They will either have to trade him or let him walk once his contract is up.

The Nucks are back to that unlucky number seven figure in the injury department. With that, Coach Vigneault has resorted to playing the excess of defensemen, to replace the injured forwards, of which there were six at the time of this writing.

Doesn’t make for an offensive juggernaut when you have players like Mathieu Schneider (-3 last night) and Aaron Rome (even) patrolling the wings. Rome has actually done a commendable defensive job playing up front.

One D man that I think would make a better winger is Kevin Bieska. On defense (-3 last night), he seems to have trouble with his reads, puts himself out of position trying to make the big hits and turns over the puck way to often in all the zones.

I think he has the tools to be a tough third line player and with his feistiness, make life miserable for the opposing defense, while being able to contribute on the offensive. Coach Vigneault are you listening?

I mean he’s definitely tougher than a Steve Bernier, better skater, would relish the idea of being the hit-ter instead of the hit-tee, and looks to have better hands.

This is not to suggest getting rid of Bernier, but this team could use some girt and bad attitude on the third line. Heck, it could use it on lines one through three.

With the Western Conference-leading Colorado Avalanche coming to town (pinch me, I must be having a 2003 flashback) on Sunday, the Nucks better be ready or you’re going to see another seven goals posted for the visitors.

Picked by many to finish at the bottom, the Avs have posted a 10-2-2 record and have always given the Canucks problems both home and away.

This game will have to be a tight, shut down, and trap like if you will, type of game, if the Nucks are to be successful.

Otherwise, the Avs offense will simply overwhelm them.

And Another One Bites The Dust: Canucks Lose Alex Bolduc

Larry Johnson — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:46:19 -0400

Last night saw the Canucks win 2-1 in a shootout over the Los Angeles Kings but lose another player, as Alex Bolduc left the game with a shoulder injury.

Is this just the weirdest string of injuries you have ever seen? I mean if someone were to sneeze, he would probably bust a rib.

With the latest injury, another Manitoba Moose has been called up (is there anyone left), one that many Vancouver Giants of the WHL will know, in Mario Bliznak. I followed him for most of his playing days while with the Giants.

He was not spectacular, but if it’s one thing that is constant with a Giants-coached Don Hay’s player is that they are schooled in the defensive side of the game. Bliznak is no exception and has been in that role ever since he has been with the Moose, playing on the third and fourth lines.

Look for him to continue on in that role while with the Canucks.

If Kyle Wellwood can pull the skate on over that broken toe, he should be back in the lineup either tonight or the next game. Ryan Johnson's status still remains “undisclosed”, and Daniel Sedin’s four weeks will be reached on November 7th, which was the earliest he might return.

With the Nucks players dropping like dominos, that can’t come quick enough.

The Canucks keep sliding in the NHL goals for and are presently at 18^th . This team is starting to look like the offensively challenged group of 2006/07, which doesn’t make sense, because the talent is much greater.

Last night’s game against the Kings was a flashback to those tight defensive games that many fans called “a trapping style”. Me, I like to view it has some intelligent coaching by Alain Vigneault. You coach with the talent you are presented with.

Andrew Raycroft's play just continues on like it has been since training camp, preseason and the few games he has played in this year. Consistent, as in consistently good. If ever there was a time for that to continue, it’s now while Roberto Luongo is out.

Although Raycroft has only played in three games, he sports a 1.03 GAA and a .958 Sv%.

Canucks goalie coach, Ian Clark, has done some marvelous work with everyone he has worked with, never mind Louie. Think back to last year and how he improved Jason LaBarbera’s game and now Raycroft.

Raycroft looks calm, wastes very little energy in his movements because he is positionally sound, controls his rebounds and covers the net well for a smaller man.

I see a much different goaltender than when he played with the Boston Bruins, Maple Leafs, and Colorado. Focus on him next time you watch a game and see what I mean.

Clark is like a master auto body repairman, sculpting pieces out of twisted metal, into sleek looking works of art. Raycroft looks like one of those re-creations.

Look for that continuation in Clark’s student to continue tonight against the Anaheim Ducks.

Now if he can only get some scoring support.

The Canucks Defense: Where Eight Is Enough

Larry Johnson — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:38:17 -0400

With the oft injured Sami Salo expected to return to the lineup tonight, that now leaves a log jam at the defense position or in other words “Eight is enough”.

This year it looks like a dozen will not be enough, what with all the injuries, but there is only room for six to play. So what do you do with the other two, and who might they be?

Aaron Rome would be one of the logical choices but the other player is not so clear. Alex Edler, to put it politely, has been struggling, and leads the team in the +/- department, at minus eight. Not exactly a stat you want to be leading in, no matter what position you play.

Edler is not a rookie either, as this is his third season, but do you risk crashing his confidence by sitting him out for a few games or worse yet, rotating him in and out of the lineup?

Although Mathieu Schneider has just returned from his injury and played just his second game, he looks like he will help this already effective power play. Doesn’t hurt either that his first goal on Tuesday night against the Detroit Red Wings, was on a power play opportunity.

So, does Schneider become a platoon power play quarterback?

Will the cap space dictate who plays?

My latest search at nhlnumbers.com shows the Canucks with $4.3M of LTIR (Long Term Injury Reserve) Replacement. So as long as Pavol Demitra and others occupy those figures, the cap space should be OK and not affect the defensive group.

Problem will be, if and when Demitra returns.

When Salo returns he knocks a lot of players down the ranking ladder, as in who will be in the number five through eight positions.

In no particular order, if Christian Ehrhoff, Willie Mitchell and Sami Salo are to be the Nucks top three defensemen, who is four through six? Is it Alex Edler, Kevin Bieksa and Shane O’Brien?

In my humble opinion, I don’t think Edler deserves a four through six spot and if the Canucks management stays true to their word of icing the “best” team possible, then O’Brien, Bieksa and Schneider should represent those positions.

Yes Shane O’Brien. He has quietly gone about playing a steady, stay at home, physical, defensive game, with plus-three rating. Not bad for one that does not see power play time.

Kevin Bieksa, what an animal the Nucks would have, if you could take his passion and mentality and place it in Edler’s body. We would not be talking about Edler’s problem, instead we would be comparing him to a Chris Pronger type player.

So, however this plays out, what a great dilemma to be in. I bet a great number of other NHL teams would trade places in a New York minute.

Then again there’s always a possibility of a trade!

Canucks Roberto Luongo Joins the Injury List

Larry Johnson — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:58:40 -0400

I just received an email from my Vancouver Canucks E-news, that Roberto Luongo is sidelined with a hairline fracture to his rib. Cory Schneider has been called up from the Manitoba Moose to make the trip to California with the Nucks.

The loss last night was once again extremely costly, with not just the injury to Louie but also Ryan Johnson, who left the ice on a stretcher. That now brings the ever expanding total to eight in the first month.

Not sure which incident caused the injury, all I know is that I have seen a lot of teams running over Bobby Lou without having to answer to anyone.

Detroit (Tomas Holmstrom) and Toronto (Jason Blake) have had players in the crease knocking him down, wacking him with a stick to the back of the head and crashing him into his goal post. I think the latter was the one that caused the rib injury in the Detroit game.

It's about time the NHL started to protect all the goal tenders from this disregard for the masked ones. Either that or you'll start to see some on ice brawls.

With all the call ups to the Nucks, the team is starting to resemble the Manitoba Moose.

We should see Andrew Raycroft in the net tomorrow against the Los Angeles Kings and the team had better pull up its collective socks, and produce a stronger effort.

The last two games against Toronto and Detroit has masked an obvious problem in defensive coverage and assignments. If not for Luongo's stellar play, this team would have been staring at two consecutive losses.

I'll speak more about the defense and the forth coming over-crowding, in my next article.

The Vancouver Canucks As They Hit The 1/8th Mile Post

Larry Johnson — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 19:24:24 -0400

Like a marathon horse race, that's how I view a hockey season. So with that I present for you, my call.

Last season I started a segment which I thought I would continue this year. So here we are at the 10-game mark and it’s time to reflect on the surprises, disappointments, needs, beefs, and bouquets of the Vancouver Canucks.

Surprises

The Canucks getting off to such a bad start after that promising preseason. Never would have imagined, after observing training camp and the undefeated preseason, that this team would struggle to get to .500.

But is it really? Take a look at last season (five wins and five losses) and the previous season to that, (four wins and six losses) after the first 10 games.

It all ties in with Roberto Luongo’s historically slow starts, since joining the Canucks.

The steady play of Shane O’Brien. Nothing fancy, takes his man out and good first passes out of the zone, has moved him up to the number five spot, for now, on the defense.

Injuries, so early in the season, has seen Daniel Sedin (first extended time since joining the Nucks), Sami Salo (no big surprise), Pavol Demitra (actually from last season), out indefinitely, Matthew Schneider, (recovering from off season shoulder surgery) expected to play today, and Rick Rypien, out with a groin injury.

Stop already the training staff is running out of room.

Biggest and most pleasant surprises to date – Mikael Samuelsson’s five goals and four assists . Didn’t know much about this player before he came to Vancouver, but he has proven that he can score and 30 goals are not out of reason.

Christian Ehrhoff’s two goals and six assists. Continuing at this rate, he could surpass the career high 42 points he finished with last year, while with the San Jose Sharks.

Michael Grabner been able to score at the NHL level and not only that, go to the dirty areas instead of being a perimeter player. One goal, three assists in five games.

This is his opportunity to stick with the club, no matter what happens to Demitra, if he keeps playing like that!.

Disappointments

Mason Raymond, until last night had only one goal and enough chances to have a half a dozen. This is the year he has to put up 20 or end up out of the organization.

Kyle Wellwood NO GOALS and one assist. What has happened to Wellwood? I mean this guy has the talent to put up more points than this.

If this continues to the 15 game mark, look for him to be benched or worse yet, placed again on waivers.

Poor play of Alex Edler, leading the team with a -6 rating. Here’s the guy that was suppose to take up the minutes from the departed Mattias Ohlund. So much promise with the big frame and shot, yet he continues to play with that stick check mentality, instead of using that 6’3, 215 lb. body to finish his checks.

He is being beaten far too regularly on the rushes and from players coming out of the corners.

The penalty kill is ranked at 18^th , two spots worse than it finished last year. This really has to improve with the long road trips that will happen this season.

The 10^th spot in the Western Conference and the distance the Calgary Flames are putting between them.

Kevin Bieska’s play, it’s no wonder he has fallen to the number six spot on defense. Was it not last year when Bieska was a top four defenseman, playing with Willie Mitchell?

Did you notice that experiment lasted all of one and half periods after Sami Salo’s injury? Bieska’s $3.75 million cap hit is way too much to pay for a number six defenseman.

Biggest disappointment: Alex Edler, followed by Raymond and Wellwood.

Needs

More scoring, as the Nucks are 16^th in the NHL with 2.80 goals for. The third and fourth lines need to start contributing, because during the periods when the first line goes cold, it will not be pretty.

This team needs to establish scoring that comes from more than one line.

As I wrote in my previous article, maybe GM Mike Gillis needs to look outside for some offensive help.

Beefs

last in the Western Conference hits department. Wrote about that already a couple of articles ago.

Bouquets

The power play, fourth in the NHL at 27.7 percent. Quick puck movement is really noticeable this year and the Nucks are looking like the Detroit Red Wings of last season (finished first).

This will take them a long way if they can get the penalty kill up into the top 10.

Vancouver Canucks' Pavol Demitra Out Indefinitely

Larry Johnson — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 21:11:22 -0400

It’s been reported today by TEAM 1040 in Vancouver, that Vancouver Canucks Pavol Demitra, who had his shoulder scoped earlier this week, will be out indefinitely.

Does this now bring up a need for GM Mike Gillis to look at the trade route, for that top six forward?

The better question might be, from which team, and who might that be?

With the possible four million dollar cap space that Demitra takes up, it opens up the door for a positive addition that could help this team right away,what with the injury to Daniel Sedin, who is still about a month away from returning.

You can speculate all you want by looking at the teams up against the cap space, but would you want Philadelphia’s Daniel Briere’s $6.5M hit or Washington’s Michael Nylander’s $4.8M? Nylander by the way, is currently on a conditioning assignment with the Caps AHL team.

Maybe it’s promoting from within the system like Sergei Shirokov, currently with the Nucks farm team Manitoba Moose. Shirokov just happens to be leading the Moose with three goals and six assists in eight games played.

Will Michael Grabner, who had his best NHL game against the Chicago Blackhawks, with his first goal, five shots and three hits, be able to fill that vacant spot? Because now he has a tremendous opportunity.

Speaking of the Blackhawks, they are really up against the cap space ($0.835M) but I don’t see this conference opponent willing to make that trade with the Canucks.

The Nucks are not exactly lighting the scoreboard up these days, so what type of player will they be on the lookout for?

We shall see, after the game tomorrow night, against the winless Toronto Maple Leafs.

Are The Canucks Physical Enough?

Larry Johnson — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:40:21 -0400

I have written about this on numerous occasions and some of the readers have gotten this confused with the fighting side, which is not the subject, so pay attention.

To prove my suspicions, I used the “Hits” stats from Sporting News.com. I took the top eight players of each team and divided by the number of games played, to find the average and my ranking key.

Whether you agree with it or not, and call it what you want (toughness, grit, hits, physical play), it’s still part of the game (not fighting) and in many cases, e.g. (Calgary Flames vs Canucks, Games One and Six), it sets the tempo for the game.

Can the opposition that is on the receiving end push back when the intensity reaches its peak? Will the “will to compete” at the opposition's level be put forth?

Many have pooh-poohed this idea, citing the example of the Detroit Red Wings and how they went on to win the Stanley Cup with few, if any, tough guys. Surprise, surprise, but the Red Wings are second in the Western Conference in the hits department.

Another thing here is that the Canucks are not the Red Wings, nor did they have the talent at defense or forward, so please, this doesn’t fly. Also, the Wings had the best power play, which tends to remind the opposition just how many liberties they can take.

This was one of the areas that I wrote about after the Canucks' final loss to the Chicago Blackhawks (seventh), and named the number of players that they (Hawks) had on their roster, so there is no need to repeat that. The Canucks have a good, tough fourth line— big deal, so does everyone else.

What they are missing is enough toughness, grit, physical play, hits throughout the rest of the lines.

Nevermind what the line combinations are now, Kyle Wellwood (15th), Mason Raymond (fifth) or Steve Bernier (second), are not going to be in opponents' faces, nor cause the opposition to worry about them, when they are on the ice. So if you’re going to be going in and banging bodies, you’d better be ready when the opposition takes you to task, otherwise, you lose the edge you’re trying to establish.

The Sedins (19th and 23rd) are talented, but that’s not their game, nor should it be. Alex Burrows is an agitator but I wouldn’t place him in the “tough” category (11th in hits on the team). A better candidate for the Twins would be Mikkel Samuelsson, who likes to play the North American style and is big enough to do it.

Ryan Kesler can also be an agitator (12th in hits on the team), but he is like Burrows, and Michael Grabner (17th) is not even close to being physical, nevermind how many games he's played.

The opposition has known this for several years and this year it was very noticeable in both of the games vs. the Flames, and also in the game against Colorado (13th in the conference). Speaking of the Colorado game, no emotion came into it until the game was over, with Willie Mitchell (fourth) and Kevin Bieska (seventh) stirring it up. A little late to make the point.

People may think that the hits are overrated, not important, whatever, but pounding on players throughout a game wears them down and— this is a big AND— it gives superiority to the hitter, not the hittee, within the mental aspect of the game.

You think it was a coincidence that the Canucks could not beat San Jose (fourth in the conference) for two years? Do you understand now why ever team that plays the Nucks, fires out of the gate and takes the physical play to them?

No one is intimidated in hockey, that’s a given, but it does set the tone for who is going to be first to the puck, the compete level and the push back, when the pressure is applied.

For those of you that are interested, the No. 1 physical team in the Western Conference is the St. Louis Blues, the runaway leader at 19, followed by:

Detroit Red Wings, 15.85; Dallas Stars, 15.37; San Jose Sharks, 15.33; Edmonton Oilers, 15.12; Nashville Predators, 14.57; Chicago Blackhawks, 14.5; Los Angeles Kings, 14.33; Columbus Blue Jackets, 13.5; Calgary Flames, 13.34; Anaheim Ducks, 13.28; Phoenix Coyotes, 12.85; Colorado Avalanche, 12.8; Minnesota Wild, 12.57; and LAST but not least, your Vancouver Canucks, 11.75.

I’ll repeat again for those that have missed the point over the last two years and counting: “THE CANUCKS ARE TOO SOFT”!

The Eastern Conference (the more physical of the two) is as follows:

Carolina Hurricanes, 19; New York Rangers, 18.88; Pittsburgh Penguins, 18; Florida Panthers, 18; Ottawa Senators, 17.57; Toronto Maple Leafs, 16.42; New York Islanders, 16; Boston Bruins, 14.14; Washington Capitals, 13.25; Tampa Bay Lightning, 12.42; Philadelphia Flyers, 12.33; Buffalo Sabres, 11.83; Montreal Canadiens, 11.4; Atlanta Thrashers, 10.6; and last in the NHL, New Jersey Devils, 9.85.

No Panic in Canuckland

Larry Johnson — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 22:16:43 -0400

So what’s all the fuss? Injuries are part of game, that’s why you cultivate your farm team.

Canucks GM Mike Gillis has done a good job of trying to re-stock a depleted farm system, and we all know injuries are going to occur in a season. But so many, so early, it did catch me by surprise but I’m sure Vancouver’s management has been planning all summer for the inevitable.

No I’m not talking about Sami Salo, poor guy, he’s like that cartoon character in L’l Abner, Joe Btfsplk, "the world's worst jinx" that’s a yearly thing you can set your calendar too. What I’m referring to is the condensed schedule this year due to the Olympics, which see the Nucks on a nine game road trip before and six games after.

Like the longest road trip in NHL history!

That’s where the injuries will take its toll and like I said before the season, the team would need at a minimum, nine defensemen, with the seven through nine been able to fill the five or six spot. The forwards you need at least an extra line, with guys been in and out through the year.

What the injuries also cause is cap room problems, but that’s why each team has that capologist, but that’s for another day.

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Will the Vancouver Canucks survive the loss of Daniel Sedin?

Larry Johnson — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 22:15:05 -0400

Do the Vancouver Canucks have enough depth to cover the loss of Daniel Sedin, their leading goal scorer, for the past three seasons, for the next 14 games?

As most people know, the Sedins have been consistent point a game players and if you extrapolate Daniel's points/goals over the period of time that he will be out, that works out to 14 points, of which five to six of those are goals.

The one thing the Canucks do not have in their system is a stable of NHL-caliber goal scorers. They have an abundance of defensemen, but that’s it, and no one on the horizon.

So where is the deficiency going to come from?

Brother Henrik Sedin and Alex Burrows currently lead the team in goals with three a piece. Mikael Samuelsson, Ryan Kesler, and that goal-scoring phenomenon, Willie Mitchell, each have two. Mason Raymond, Steve Bernier, Kevin Bieska, and Christian Ehrhoff each have one.

Kyle Wellwood doesn’t even have A POINT—what’s with that?

Just how long of a rope are they going to give this guy if he isn’t producing? I would say his chances will fade about the time that Pavol Demitra comes back.

What a third line for the Canucks: Wellwood, Tanner Glass, and Guillaume Desbiens. Now that’s going to produce a plethora of goals. Coach Vigneault would be better off elevating the fourth line.

Puzzling move from the Canucks to bring up Guillaume Desbiens from the Manitoba Moose. This guy has NO goals and NO points in three games, while Michael Grabner has THREE goals (and one assist) in four games. Go chew on that for a moment.

By the way, in case you were wondering, Sergei Shirokov has one goal and two assists in two games.

Does anyone think that Steve Bernier on the first line is going to replace Daniel? Come on now, maybe Samuelsson but not “Hands of Stone” Bernier! Then Vancouver is back to a one line team again, unless the Kesler’s line can keep producing, and I mean not just Kesler!

That’s my coach’s cap, and I’m sticking to it.

A Whole Lotta Firsts for the Vancouver Canucks

Larry Johnson — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:31:34 -0400

Now the collective province of British Columbia can exhale, as the Nucks broke out of that losing slump with a number of firsts. Let’s see what that looks like and why. The big one was of course, that first win for the club, jumping all over the Montreal Canadiens, who had played the night before. That doesn’t discredit the effort that the Canucks had to put forth, as a number of times last year, oppositions came a knocking, having to play the back end of a back to back and still beat the Canucks (Boston for one last year). The success of the Canucks has always been their defensive scheme, which was established in the first year that both Coach Alain Vigneault and Roberto Luongo arrived. We all know looking back, that this was a necessity, with the offensively challenged lineup, but it produced a divisional championship that year. Many have voiced their opinion on the so called “trap”, so I will not beat a dead horse again. That defensive scheme has never gone-away, it’s just that with the current version, there is a more talented group to provide the offensive side. When this team plays their game, and it’s not the run and gun that the fans would like, they give themselves an opportunity to win on most nights, and that was the key against the Habs, a first.

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Canucks Roberto Luongo, NOT Mr. October!

Larry Johnson — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 01:42:45 -0400

So if this guy is under .500 for October (17-18-1) since he joined the Canucks, this year, when the points mean more than ever, why not play Andrew Raycroft at least once a week? He sure could not be any worse than the current play of Luongo.

Let’s see, last night 4 goals on 12 shots. Colorado game, three goals on 27 shots and Calgary, 5 goals on 23 shots. That works out to a .820 save percentage, a 4.55 GAA, and a three game losing streak to start the season.

Luongo has been a slow starter since he arrived in Vancouver, not sure why, it is what it is. What have I noticed in the past four seasons? That he is getting beaten early in the game, usually within the first six shots and then it seems to go downhill from there.

It seems when Luongo gets a lot of shots early and makes the saves, it allows him to get into the game and he gets stronger. Maybe that's just the way it is, maybe it's his goaltending DNA, because it was like that on most nights when he played for the Florida Panthers.

Whatever the case may be, these possible six points, even this early in the season, may be the difference between making the playoffs and not, never mind winning the division. Before you fans go planning the parade route, remember that this team will have 14 straight road games leading up to, and after the Olympics. We will not know until then how much of a cushion they may have to build up before this monster takes place, but a good start was imperative.

I didn’t see this coming after attending training camp and salivating over the depth. With the promising undefeated preseason, the team looked solid right from the back end to the front. But here we are again with a one line team, no secondary scoring, no one looking like they can step forward, and a goalie who wishes he could skip October.

Back to Lunongo—this was the first time in recent memory that Coach Alain Vigneault has given the hook to Roberto so early in a game, so early in the season, and the home opener to boot. Can’t say that you can blame him when your goaltender is struggling so badly. To put your club behind every game by three to four goals and expect them to come back is like raising the Titanic.

Raycroft came in and was pitching a shut-out until Mikael Samuelsson took that penalty. The resulting power play goal put the game out of reach, but otherwise, Raycroft looked a whole lot sharper than Louie.

So what to do? You have to play Luongo to try and get him up to speed, but you surely cannot afford to get on an early season losing streak.

Somewhere in this, the coach has to allow Raycroft to steady the ship until November when Luongo can get on that All Star form that makes everyone forget October.

I still think playing Raycroft once a week would accomplish that and isn’t that why he was brought in?

Canucks vs Flames: The Tale of Two Games

Larry Johnson — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 17:42:28 -0400

No mystery here, I mean opening night at the Saddledome, the crowd chanting like it was a Stanley Cup final, and the Flames playing in the first period like they believed it was. The problem was, someone forgot to tell the Nucks the game had started. Talk about been schooled in all departments...the Canucks gave up two power play goals within the first seven minutes. Hey, it was so one-sided the Nucks best scoring chance didn't take place until seven minutes into the game, by yes, you guessed him, “Hands of Stone”, Steve Bernier.

Poor Ryan Johnson gets rocked by Eric Nystrom, Daniel Sedin by Dion Phaneuf, the intensity was ultra high and the Canucks just could not match it nor did few try. For those readers out there that have debated with me about toughness and it not being important in the game, take note, not one player tried to stir things up to change the momentum.

What can I say, the Nucks were in a benevolent mood doing all the receiving and this was still the first period. Wake up I said, I must be dreaming. Am I still watching game six against Chicago?

Best Canuck in the first period, Mason Raymond, flying and putting that extra weight (now up to 187) to good use, delivering some timely hits. At least one Nuck was trying to match the Flames deliverance.

Let me comment briefly on Phaneuf, a “rock n sock ’em” hitter, that at times delivers cheap shots, doesn’t answer the bell when challenged, and hides behind a visor. The hit on Daniel, if you watch it closely, was with an elbow to the head, no penalty. I thought the league was serious about taking shots to the head out of the game. When Kevin Bieska went to Daniel’s defense to take Phaneuf on, what does he do? He runs.

So what happened to the Roberto Luongo that looked to get off to a fast start? Three goals on seven shots, all to the blocker side? If not for the shot over the net by the Calgary player (missed his number) it would have been 4-0, because he had Louie down and out counting ice chips.

Second period—new game. As I’ve mentioned many times, hockey is like three games (periods) within a game. So when Bieska scored the first Canucks power play and cut the lead to 3-1, you knew there was enough time to get back into this contest. Well maybe not yet, as Brandon Prust makes it 4-1 and this looked like the start of a blowout. Which Nucks team was going to show up?

I was thinking to myself, that if the Canucks were going to get back into the game, they would have to score another goal before the end of the second, because Mikka Kiprusoff was not going to give up three goals in the third, not with that Calgary defense in front of him

The best Canuck on the ice in the second period, Mikael Samuelsson, who unloaded from every angle and when you do that, good things happen. His reward, a second power play goal tip in and lo and behold, its 4-2 going into the third.

Well the Canucks came out in the third and totally dominated, bombing Kiprusoff with 21 shots, which was a complete reversal of the first period and the only thing that held the Flames in the game was “The Kipper”. It was “game on” after Alex Burrows scored in the first minute of the third to make it 4-3, but try as they might, and at one point out-shooting the Flames 17-1, the Nucks couldn’t get that tying goal. Makes sense to me, the Nucks only won, one of the three periods. Not quite enough there boys.

My “Turning Point of the Game” was on the Nucks last power play. There were some great chances, Sergei Shirokov at the side of the net, Sameulsson also, but they just could not penetrate Kiprusoff’s armour.

When you look at the shots on goal for the game (42-23) and the scoring opportunities the Nucks had, this game was really lost in the first period. Honestly, Kiprusoff out dueled Luongo to secure the win. Louie was great in the third but I know one thing, on another night, with that type of third period effort, for the whole game, Calgary goes down in flames.

Were the Flames the better team? Maybe for the first 27 minutes but after that it was all Canucks.

So as the boys head out for a nooner in Colorado, we can all hope they’ve got that rotten period out of their system. That would be nice but we all know it’s a long season, and there will be a few more along the way.

Honourable mention, Sergei Shirokov, like this little water bug, bouncing off players 50 lbs heavier, was hitting (I counted four) anything that moved, looks even faster (a “Quarter Rocket”—number 25 in your program) then I remembered him in camp. Not bad for a first game, making plays at both ends of the ice, and if that puck doesn’t bounce over his stick, would’ve had the tying goal in the third period.

Vancouver Canucks: Three Best Preseason Surprises

Larry Johnson — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:48:54 -0400

There’s always a dark horse that comes galloping to the forefront and this time his name was Sergei Shirokov.

Right from training camp he stood out from the rest of the prospects, but when I thought he might get lost in the main camp, he instead continued on making himself noticeable. Even during the drills he was scoring or setting up his line mates. The talent was obvious and you could see that he had a legitimate shot at making the club.

Tom Larscheid, colour man for the TEAM 1040 radio broadcasts, compared him to Pavel Bure, but I wouldn’t go that far. Shirokov has good acceleration, but Bure was truly explosive and aptly nick named “The Russian Rocket” by Larschied. What Shirokov has, is the ability to pick up the open man on the ice, crisp on the tape passes, always seems to find the vacant spot, has gifted hands, and this talented Russian can motor.

Although he only played four games, before he injured a knee against the Sharks (game three), he led the Canucks in pre season scoring (2G, 5A) with seven points, not too shabby for a rookie. With the reported injury to Jannik Hansen (broke his hand in the Gilbert Brule fight), it looks like Shirokov will be in the starting lineup come Thursday. Just who he will line up with is still conjecture but my thought would be, Kesler and Samuelsson.

Tanner Glass, who is your prototype grit player, was a pickup from the Florida Panthers. He played 46 games for the Panthers, but was mainly with the AHL Rochester Americans. Tanner was not really on my radar screen after breaking the prospect’s nor main camp.

Besides the couple of scraps he got into, what caught my eye was the second Sharks game where he scored. That night he played on a line with Steve Bernier, which really seemed to bring out the best in both, and that was one of the better lines for the Canucks. Glass played in six games, so obviously the coaching staff was taking a long hard look at a player that would have to win a spot on the fourth line.

The player I think he could replace would be Rick Rypien, but with Rypien being a coach favourite, I don’t think that will happen. Best bet would be for him to be sent down to Manitoba and be the first call up if Rypien got injured, which from past seasons, may not be a long wait.

The Canucks record in preseason did catch me by surprise due to the fact that preseason is all about evaluating your prospects and experimenting with line combinations. Not only did few regular lines ever play together, fewer also were tandems, except for the Twins.

The last four games against the opposition saw the Sharks, Ducks, Flames, and Oilers ice pretty close to their starting lineups, while the Canucks at best went with only two set regular lines.

The result was: two shoot-out wins, one over time win, and one over time loss. This really speaks volumes about some of the depth the Canucks have had in putting together such an impressive record. Surely is a good way to start the regular season this Thursday.

What I see in all this, from training camp to where we are now, is a team that seems really focused, confident in whoever is playing together, Roberto Luongo zeroed in, and already seems ahead of his normally slow starts, a faster more explosive team, and with Shirokov, three lines that can score

I would expect the starting line up to look like this: Twins with Alex Burrows; second line I already mentioned earlier; Kyle Wellwood, Mason Raymond, Steve Bernier and the fourth line of Ryan Johnson, Darcy Hordichuk and Rick Rypien.

Now the long journey begins for the toughest trophy to win, in all of sports.

Canucks-Ducks Preseason: No "Quit" in Vancouver's Vocabulary

Larry Johnson — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:05:07 -0400

The only thing standing between this first preseason loss and been blown out was Andrew Raycroft, who was outstanding in the second period when the Ducks outshot the 'Nucks 15-6, with the combined two period totals registering 24-11.

Cory Perry’s tip-in goal as he went to the net hard and was not picked up by the defense surely could not be placed on Raycroft, as he was in position but had no help. Raycroft was turning back the Ducks as they seem to come in waves, with grade "A" chances by Andrew Ebbett, Brendan Mikkelson, and Petteri Nokelainen, just to name a few. It was like the whole Anaheim team was taking turns doing practice drills on the Canuck goalie.

Anaheim’s Ryan Whitney’s slap shot from the point gave the Ducks a 2-0 lead and made it look like the night—and, along with it, the unbeaten streak for the Canucks—was over. But if it’s one thing this team is building on, which will carry into the start of the regular season next Thursday in Calgary, it’s that "no quit" mentality.

Well that’s exactly what took place, as a Matt Pope wrist shot cut the Ducks' lead in half, and then Shane O’Brien’s point shot with 54 seconds left in regulation tied it up. So for the third game in a row, the fans were treated to another overtime game—this time with a different ending.

Teemu Selanne, with his patented wrist shot from a sharp angle, beat Raycroft as he went down to block the shot, and Selanne put it over him into the top shelf.

That’s a decent record, 6-0-1, with which to be going into the final two games of the preseason, with games in Calgary on Saturday, which you can see on TSN, and Edmonton on Sunday (Canucks.com). Louie will start on Saturday and Cory Schneider on Sunday, with Schneider looking to be heading to Manitoba after Raycroft's fine play last night and in the previous games.

As Raycroft told the Vancouver Sun after the game, “Other than that last goal...overall my body of work I think I accomplished what I wanted to do coming in here.” I would say his play has earned him that backup spot, which this year with the Olympics, may end up being some 15-20 games.

As I mentioned as early as training camp, the players that were cut (Oberg, Walsky, Ellington, Labrie, Ramsey, and MacHesney) and assigned to Manitoba, along with Sauve being sent back to his junior team (Saint John), does not come as any big surprise. That fact that Petrovicky and Scatchard ran into injury problems when they needed playing time pretty well sealed their fate also, as they were released.

Cody Hodgson’s struggles, which I wrote about in my last article, seems to be the continuing affects of that back injury, along with some nerve damage, that limited him in training camp, and he may be placed on the IR for the start of the season. Coach Alain Vigneault suggested that Hodgson will likely play in both weekend games. My question here would be "Why are they playing him with that type of injury when it has not fully healed?"

As this all shakes out, it leaves Shirokov, who is supposed to start skating today and is slated to play on the weekend and Hansen, as the two left who will most likely stay with the 'Nucks. That would leave them as the 12th and 13th players, respectfully, to be rotated in the early part of the season, until some of the players come off the IR list.

Look for the next two games to have some set lines that will be playing in Calgary next Thursday, as this looks like a season with great optimism and expectations.

Vancouver Canucks in Another OT Win

Larry Johnson — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 19:27:37 -0400

So what if it doesn’t count in the standings, it’s a hot topic at the water cooler these days, as the Canucks beat the Sharks 4-3 in overtime last night to stretch their unbeaten streak to six games.

The lineups had to be re-gigged last night as Dave Scatchard pulled himself after the warm up with what was described as a “tweaked groin”. So that leaves the possible two spots down to just four players, with Jannik Hansen being the most noticeable with his play as Hodgson continues to struggle.

Hodgson who was supposed to have played with Kesler and Burrows, ended up with Kesler and Raymond.

Cody did not have a good game last night, with an ill advised pass up the middle in his zone picked off, and on another play, he was taken off the puck by Sharks Setoguchi along the boards, way too easy. He was laboring to keep up with his line and coach “V” finally sat him down for most of the third period.

This guy is a long way from solidifying a spot.

The 'Nucks had a quick start again and within the first seven minutes had a 6-1 shot advantage, but neither team could score.

Sharks' Benn Ferriero, who was the most dangerous of his group, opened the scoring in the second on a rebound. San Jose would go ahead 2-0 as the period was winding down on a nice play from the left point by Kent Huskins, picking up his blocked shot from Burrows and walking in and firing it high underneath the crossbar on Luongo.

Canucks looked flat, which was probably attributable to the absence of any set lines that regularly play together. Then again, it could be the six games in 10 days that caught up.

Mason Raymond finally got the 'Nucks on the board at 7:22 of the third, with snap shot from the side of net, as he was the benefactor of some great hustle by Hansen.

Just when the home boys were starting to create some momentum, Oberg draws a penalty, and this turned out to be the “turning point of the game.”

Louie rose to the occasion denying Malhotra from in close to keep the Sharks from adding to their total, which turned out to be a huge save, as the Canucks killed off the penalty.

The crowd came alive as the chant “Go Canucks Go” picked up in the volume level. Could they come back again? That question would be answered by a face-off won by Burrows, which went back to Edler who faked a slap shot, then wristed it towards a crowded goal crease.

The puck, like a guided missile, seemed to find its path into the back of the net and this game was all tied up.

Seconds later, 42 to be exact, Bernier intercepts the puck off Sharks Huskins, who in turn feeds a back pass to Glass, and from the left face-off circle, he snaps a quick shot over Nabokov to give the 'Nucks a lead for the first time in the game.

Bernier and Glass seemed to have some good chemistry and played a spirited pressure game, with Glass making a case for some more playing time.

Just when you thought they would pull it out, a Bieksa penalty changed the picture.

San Jose’s Rob Blake, from the left boards just inside the blue line, made an outstanding play with a one timer that got by Luongo, and tied it up.

So off we go to overtime once again.

The Sharks had the better of the chances, particularly Marleau all alone in front, as the defenders were intent on the play behind the net, only to have Louie rob him. Bobby Lou came up big again on another save off Pavelski, as the tables turned yet again.

The Canucks' power-play would be getting its chance with a little over a minute left to play, to try and settle this once and for all.

Nabokov took care of that with a pad save with 18 seconds remaining, so we headed to the shoot-out.

Sharks Pavelski scored and then Edler, with a great move ties it up. Is this thing ever going to end?

Mason Raymond made sure of that as he came in at full speed, pulled a spin-a-rama, and deposited it past Nabokov to seal the deal, and keep the unbeaten record intact.

Interesting footnote: Mike Brophy of Sportnet.ca, in his “Top 50 NHL Players”, had Roberto Luongo at No. 4, just behind Crosby, Ovechkin, and Malkin.

Whatya think about that sports fans?

Canucks Still Undefeated In Preseason, But Just Barely

Larry Johnson — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 19:38:56 -0400

Interesting line combinations last night for the game against the Flames. The Twins with Burrows, Wellwood between Parrish and Raymond, Hodgson, Bernier, Garbner, and Rypien centering Glass and Labrie. As coach Vigneault said, "All the prospects would get an opportunity to play some of the five games in the next seven nights," as the clock ticks down to crunch time.

It is unfortunate for the few who have picked up injuries (Shirokov, knee—out till Fri and Petrovicky, knee also) as the time for cuts will probably happen by the time Shirokov gets back—which means he would start in Manitoba. This guy was leading the group to occupy that elusive spot, but now Hansen, Hodgson, Grabner, Scatchard, and Parrish are left to battle it out. Things sure change in a hurry, and we will know for sure by Friday, after the 17 cuts are made.

The one change that has yet to occur for the Canucks is that they are still unbeaten, although they were .2 of a second away from that taking place.

The game started out well for the 'Nucks, who looked like they would run away with it, as they built up a 3-0 lead on goals from Wellwood (penalty shot), Daniel Sedin, and Mason Raymond by 2:25 of the second period.

Calgary must have changed into another uniform because half way through the second, they went on to score the next four goals to take the lead by 12:51 of the third.

This was no ordinary preseason game; these two rivals played more like it was a regular season game with lots of intensity, great plays, and solid hits. The 'Nucks were even able to apply pressure to tie it up.

On the Flames penalty at 15:07, the Canuck power play kept the puck in the offensive zone for the whole two minutes, with Grabner having the best chance but shooting over the net. Never mind that Grabner has not scored in preseason, this guy is having trouble hitting the net and looks destined to play in Manitoba this year.

It looked like the game was going to be tied when Raymond poked in the goal, but to no avail because it was disallowed. Sure do like how Raymond is going to the net this year, which is how he scored the third goal—by utilizing that blazing speed.

With the Canuck goalie pulled, Daniel Sedin with his second of the night, patiently out-waited a sliding Cory Sarich in front and deposited the puck between McElhinney’s legs, to tie it up and send it to OT.

Nothing got solved in overtime, although Henrik Sedin clanked one off the post during a Flames' penalty. The power play yielded no scores, but sure looked good in the process. Kyle Wellwood continues his stellar play and was one of the better players on the ice last night. As I’ve said many times, this guy has “magic hands.”

The shootout saw Hodgson and Flames Dawes score and set the table for the eventual winner by Daniel Sedin (first star), with a wrist shot over the glove hand of McElhinney.

Cory Schneider did not have good game, and right now, it’s looking like Raycroft’s backup role to lose. Four goals on 17 shots is not going to impress the coach.

Can you feel it?

I’m talking about the anticipation, the buzz, and the excitement that is building with anticipation in this city! Whoa Nelly, that sure did not feel like a preseason game nor sound like it in GM Place!

Let’s get this season going already!

Get With The Program!

Larry Johnson — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 16:33:49 -0400

Yes that’s you Canuck ownership and management. Guess what, there is interest in the preseason games and surely you can afford to spend some of the profit you are making off us fans, on at least some live or even delayed, internet streaming of the games. I mean, if that’s would you advertise on your site, then provide it, but don’t say “it’s not available in your area”.

Is this another in a long list of Shaw Cable technical blunders, if that's your provider? Who does your marketing anyways?

This is what makes the NHL so “Mickey Mouse” at times, trying to make like the NFL, but dropping the ball on further exposure to its product. So what if the Canucks “Livewire” looks herkey jerkey, its better than trying to visualize something off a radio broadcast. I thought in this era we had progressed further than this. Give me a break!

It would have been great to watch the Canucks destroy San Jose, a team that it took two seasons to beat (last season), even if it is preseason. Sergei Shirokov, who I have followed since training camp has now two goals and added two assists last night, leads the Canucks in scoring and Cody Hodgson with his first goal, has a huge amount of fan interest this year. So show us, that's what helps drive sales!

The Sedins (seven points) obviously sparkled last night and Dave Scatchard (a goal), who is a long shot to make the team, well guess what Nucks management, we want to see it, not read about it. I mean the papers do not even have the box scores of the game, how pathetic is that!

I can see that Cody Hodgson went off at 7:16 of the second (game misconduct), the same time that Shark’s tough guy Jody Shelley went off with a game misconduct. Does that mean Hodgson got into a fight with Shelley, which I doubt?

Andrew Raycroft played the whole 60 minutes and stopped 27-of-29 shots, I don’t know about you, but I’m interested. There were three fighting majors, so mothers and kids cover your ears, I would have liked to see Nuck’s Labrie and Desbien's effort, which is still part of the game, as they try and earn that tough guy spot and maybe replace Darcy Hordichuk.

In conclusion, I’m P.0.’d, so how about treating us fans like the paying customers and supporters we are of this Nucks team, and “show us our team!”

Breaking Canucks Camp: Points of Interest

Larry Johnson — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:57:14 -0400

Well, four days flyby when you’re having fun, but it’s time to get on with the preseason and find out who might make this pretty talented bunch of Nucks.

The 20 players who resembled the starting team from last year hit the ice this morning at 8:00AM. I bet a lot of the players have not had to get up this early, since their minor hockey league days. This had a lot to do with a golf tournament they had to rush off to after practice and this group only included one prospect, Eric Walsky. He was filling in for Rick Rypien, whose eye was closed from the fight last night against Islanders Jeremy Reich.

The goalies were Luongo and Raycroft and even in practice Louie competes hard making sure nothing goes in on any of the drills.

In Christian Ehrhoff, I think the Canucks have found that mobile defenseman they were looking for and the faithful will be very pleased at what they see. He has great wheels, turns exceptionally well, gets back into the corners quickly, and has that quick first pass out of the zone, right on the tape of the forward's stick. He cut off Hansen in full flight, so that says something about his foot speed.

There was an actual scrimmage with high tempo skating, guys getting taken out along the boards and lots of compete for the puck. Obviously no one is going to be laying hits on their teammates, but it was a spirited whites verses blues. This was played in game like situations, with line changes been made during the play and even included the pulling of the blues goaltender, which was Louie.

When Kyle Wellwood scored in the empty net, Bobby Lou slammed his stick on top the board by the bench, this guy does not like to lose even in practice. As it was, the game ended in a tie when Yannik Hansen scored.

Steve Bernier, with the shedding of those fifteen pounds looks faster and Mason Raymond, well—he was flying and going to the net. In years past, he would try and beat you wide; maybe maturity has arrived and this is the year he breaks out. Aaron Rome, who was one of the eight defensemen dressed, is surprisingly fast also; too bad there's no room.

The forward lines looked like this: the Sedin twins with Burrows; Kesler between Samuelsson and Hansen; Johnson centering Hordichuk and Walsky (expect Rypien there); and Welllwood flanked by Bernier and Raymond. Absent of course is Pavol Demitra (still rehabbing), who would go on the IR when the season starts with some cap space provided until he returns.

Defensively, Erhoff/O’Brien, Mitchell/Bieksa, Edler/Salo and Lukowich/Rome. Matthew Schneider has not been at training camp and is still recovering from the shoulder surgery, nor was Lawrence Nycholat. I would expect Schneider to be in O’Brien’s spot, who would then be the seventh D. Since more cap space is needed, look for Lukowich and Rome to be placed on waivers. If these guys clear, then Manitoba will have some added help at that position.

There were a number of cuts (Toigo, Anthony, Collins, Gendur, Rai, Tochkin and Clark) to the prospects group, with the remaining 21 hitting the ice next, as Cory Schneider and Daren MacHesney tended goal. Cody Hodgson was participating in the scrimmages, but unless he dazzles management in the preseason games, I like Shirokov to take a run at Demitra’s spot.

I have now seen Sergei on four different occasions and although training camp and scrimmages do not tell the whole story, his talent is quite obvious. If he can continue to improve in the preseason (two goals already), management is going to have a pleasant decision to make.

I have read and heard conflicting information about Demitra’s contract, to wit, it is a no trade and also, that it is not. If it were to be the latter, this would sure open up some of the $4M in cap space and from what I have witnessed with Shirokov, the Nucks would not miss a beat with him in that spot. My only concern would be his weight, which is listed at 165 lbs. The other scenario would be Shirokov beating out Hansen for a spot, as Shirokov looks to have more upside then Hansen.

With Hodgson, it’s too bad that nineteen-year-olds cannot be sent down to the minors, in this case Manitoba, because I think this is where he should start. With that said, the Nucks would still be allowed to play him in nine regular season games before making a decision, if, and that’s a big IF, he makes the team.

Petrovicky, Parrish and Scatchard, unfortunately are caught in the numbers game , if management is still intent on Hodgson making the team.

In conclusion, the Nucks have a good young core of defensemen in their system: Evan Oberg, Taylor Ellington, Nathan McIver, Travis Ramsey, Yann Sauve, Kevin Connauton and Michael Funk. This bodes well for the depth and continued strength in that position.

Canucks Shirokov Shines In Hockeyville, Canada

Larry Johnson — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 22:08:23 -0400

That’s Hockeyville, as in Terrace, BC, where a full house (1,000) of eager and boisterous fans (mostly kids), got to see some of their Canuck heroes play a pre-season game against the NY Islanders last night.

There was not a whole lot to write about as far as the game goes since only a few regulars on either team were on the ice. Did I mention that Mitchell and Bieksa were there, but did not suit up? Instead, they did a lot of PR work by signing autographs for all that could find something to pass to them.

Maybe my counting was off, but I did not see the required eight Canuck NHL players on the ice. I saw only Wellwood, O’Brien, Lukowich, Raycroft, Hansen, and Rypien, but maybe Mitchell and Bieksa count as they were in attendance.

The amount of prospects and minor leaguers will probably be the norm for the next three to four games. After that, the “A” team and its lines will begin forming to gain continuity heading into the opening game of the season against the Flames.

Until then, it is what you see. There are players trying to impress, win a spot, dropping the gloves to scrap. They are doing pretty much anything to catch management’s attention.

There were plenty of fights last night, as “The Ripper” Rick Rypien went a couple of rounds, and Petrovicky took on Mark Streit.

Sergei Shirokov continues to improve, and display those quick hands as he scored the only two Canuck goals. The first came off a rebound and the second was very similar. He kicked the puck onto his stick and flipped it over the Isles goalie to score what would be the winning goal. He showcased his sweet hands.

Raycroft looked solid in net, very efficient in his movements, square to shooters, and allowed the only Islander goal. Cory Schneider took over half way through the game and pitched a shutout. He also looked sharp and this looks like a real interesting contest for the backup position

Neither Hansen nor Grabner have yet to impress me. Yes I understand training camp is mostly about drills and controlled scrimmages, but even in those nothing stands out, not like Shirokov has.

By the way, what’s with this long preseason (nine games) besides the money grab? Five games would be more than enough to see who is going to make the club. Rarely are more than a couple of spots up for grabs anyways. The other problem is that it adds to an already long season of 82 games, playoffs and this year the Olympics for some.

It also opens up the door for injuries to key players. I think it’s time for the NHLPA to make it part of the next CBA, in limiting the preseason to five games.

Back to training camp tomorrow. Is this weird or what? One day of training camp and pre-season is underway, than back to training camp until Wednesday. Then it's on to California for games against Anaheim and San Jose.

Crowded at Canucks Camp

Larry Johnson — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 18:55:45 -0400

So, here we are at Day One of training camp at the new Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre (which seats 7,200 and will be one of the ice hockey venues for the Olympics in 2010).

It looked pretty empty with the sparse crowd of loyal Canucks fans that came out to watch and, of course, get as many autographs as possible.

With 55 players attending camp (19 defensemen, 31 forwards and 5 goalies), they were split into two groups with different time slots today, so I was able to attend both.

Group One was comprised of a lot of the Vancouver prospects mixed in with a few veterans. The goalies were Cory Schneider and Andrew Raycroft. Group Two was the "A" bunch: Luongo, the Sedins, Kesler, Burrows, Salo, Edler, etc.

You can’t read too much into the line combinations we saw, as players who usually play together on the same lines are not always together in the same groups. That goes for the defense also.

Willie Mitchell and Kevin Bieksa teamed up together, Sami Salo and Alex Edler, the Sedins with Mikael Samuelsson as well, but that was about it on this day.

There are a number of players that were invited to camp, like Mark Parrish (via Dallas), Ron Petrovicky (Riga - KHL), Dave Scatchard (who did not play in the NHL last year and previous in the AHL and Phoenix), Tanner Glass (Florida) and Marco Rosa (Houston-AHL).

The only spots I see available are Pavol Demitra’s (out with an injured shoulder until Oct.) and maybe one or two on the fourth line. Coach Mike Gillis has said all along, that he will let the players decide who will be staying.

You can pretty well pencil in Bieksa, Edler, Mitchell, Salo, Ehrhoff, and Schneider (missing today) on defense. Left to battle it out for the seventh and eighth spot will be O’Brien, Lukowich, Nycholat, Rome, and McIver.

The Sedins, Samuelsson, Kesler, Burrows, Bernier (let the records show, a slimmed down version), Wellwood (not Well-fed this year), Raymond, Johnson, Hordichuk and Rypien will be the forwards.

There are a number of players that could push for Demitra’s spot, while maybe getting even more time than Demitra did last year. They are Scatchard, Parrish, Petrovicky, Hansen, Grabner, P.C. Labrie, Desbiens, Bolduc, and Shirokov. Different players in this group have the ability—either the size, grit, speed or scoring ability—to push out anyone on the fourth line.

From the prospects camp and including today, Shirokov has been making things happen and catching eyes with his talent.

I did not mention Cody Hodgson, because he was a no show today.

With nine pre-season games to filter out the starting lineup and with only eight NHL players needing to be in a preseason game, there will be plenty of opportunity for some of these players to sort this out.

The sorting will start as soon as Monday in Terrace, British Columbia, with a game against the NY Islanders.

In the end, the players destined to head back to their junior teams, the Nucks farm teams or released will likely be as follows: Defensemen—Sauve, Connauton, Ellington, Baumgartner, Ramsey, Oberg, Toigo, and Funk. Forwards—Anthony, Bliznak, Collins, Gendur, Glass, Rai, Rosa, Tochkin, Walsky and goaltenders, Clark and MacHesney.

I will report again on the last day of camp, as some cuts will have been made and more to follow before the pre-season starts.

Day Two at The Canucks Prospect Camp

Larry Johnson — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 19:26:37 -0400

I thought I would use this picture of Sergei Shirokov, who might be the first call up to the Canucks from the Manitoba Moose, out of this group of prospects.

Well with school starting and a regular work day for most, the stands at Father Bauer Arena at UBC were only about 20 percent full. One section full of elementary kids must have got the day off, either that or it’s a new class assignment, as the teacher brought the students to watch the Nucks Prospects.

It was 11:10, when the players led by the coaches hit the ice to resume their workout, with Manitoba Moose’s Scott Arniel, which I failed to mention yesterday as having been there, taking charge of the drills.

I parked myself on the other side of the ice this time, where the players enter and exit to the dressing room, in case I saw an opening to speak with any of the players or coaches. I was hoping there would be an intra-squad scrimmage today but was told “no” when I questioned one of the trainers, so on to drills we go.

As I settled in, the coldness of the arena brought back memories of the many days and nights, either sitting in the stands or behind the bench coaching, and was glad that I remembered to dress accordingly, as some of the fans were shivering in their short pants and flimsy jackets. It might be the tail end of summer outside, but it’s definitely hockey weather inside

There were a few new drills today, such as the dump and chase, where the puck is shot into the corner, the D-man goes back to retrieve while been hounded by a checker and tries to move the puck out to a forward. The other was a five on three, in the half ice, which was the closest to a game situation we would see.

The forward lines that were together yesterday were kept intact today and although they may not be household names to most, this was some of them, which I suspect will be kept together for the two prospect games in Edmonton.

Prab Rai, centering Sergei Shirokov and Steven Anthony (St. John—QMJHL). Dusty Collins (Manitoba), between Eric Walsky (Manitoba) and Dan Gendur. Gendur, who played the bulk of his season with the Canucks, ECHL Victoria Salmon Kings, and was also with the Moose at the start of the season. I’ll tell you more about him later. There were a number of defensive parings but the tandem of Yann Sauve and Evan Oberg caught my eye.

The Rai line looked good again today and Shirokov, who I was waiting to show me something, delayed his debut until later. Although hockey and drills are a universal language, it must be difficult for Shirokov to figure out what the coaches are explaining to the players, when your English is pretty limited.

At times I thought he was going on instinct during the drills, but he showed he has great wheels, nice passing touch and has that Russia creativeness with and without the puck, as he scored a goal and was in on another during the three on two’s.

Mario Bliznak (Manitoba) centered Pierre-Cedric Labrie (Manitoba), and Matthew Ford (Lake Erie-AHL). Labrie, at 6’2", 212, is a load to handle when he goes to the net, has soft hands and is surprisingly fast for a big man.

I thought Cody Hodgson was moving better today, as his strides had more zip to them and his movement looser.

Dan Gendur was on the receiving end of a Sauve hit, as the body contact picked up on day two during the drills. Sauve’s uses his size with meaning and was much more noticeable today, had a number of take outs along the boards and in the corners. D-men, Taylor Ellington (Manitoba), and Mitch McColm (Tri-City-WHL) also got into the act as the boy’s raised the intensity level.

That Gendur is not big at 5’11”, 190, but he is a feisty piece of work and can motor. You can see that he is trying to get the coaches attention, and along with that, had a few of the D-men riled up.

As the players exited to their dressing room for the 15 minute break, while the Zamboni man did his thing, Cody Hodgson was swarmed by the fans. Once again he patiently signed autographs, and had his picture taken with the kids of all ages for the next 10 minutes, as he was the only player the fans were interested in. As I moved in a little closer to listen to the inter-action, it was very evident how congenial and accessible this guy is.

Just before he went back in I asked him if he feels he would be ready to go at the main camp and he said “he did.” I mentioned that I thought his back looked a little looser today and he concurred. He said “that the doctors here are really tremendous.” With that he was off to get his five minutes of rest. Not even at the main camp and already the feature attraction, I’m liking this young man already.

At 12:50 the camp finished, as they now pack up to head to Edmonton. For the majority of the Major Jr. players that are still eligible, they will go back to their teams, which will include Yann Sauve, with the exception of Hodgson. The Moose players will be reporting to Manitoba, to work on that next step and the few tryouts who did not make it, will be pondering their future in hockey.

GM Mike Gillis and the Canucks management are slowly assembling the foundation, which makes the present and future bright, for the Nucks faithful.

I will attempt to report from the main camp next week, starting Sunday the 13th.

Reporting Live From Canucks Prospect Camp

Larry Johnson — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 20:17:16 -0400

The Father David Bauer arena at UBC was standing room only, as the more than 900 Canuck fans and media attended day one of the Canuck prospects training camp workout. For the majority of them, the one Canuck that they came to see was Cody Hodgson, who was among the 13 forwards, seven defensemen and three goalies.

Forwards Mario Bliznak, Pierre-Cedric Labrie, Dusty Collins, Dan Gendur and Eric Walsky played with the Manitoba Moose last year, for most or part of the season. The rest are from Major Jr. Hockey leagues, AHL or in the case of Sergei Shirokov, the Russian CSKA.

The defense was a mixture of Major Jr., College and one player, Taylor Ellington, had one game at the end of his WHL Everett season with the Moose.

The three goaltenders, Morgan Clark, Bobby Nadeau and James Ried, were all from Major Jr. Leagues.

Missing were Cory Schneider and Michael Grabner, who will be attending the main camp and first round pick Jordan Schroeder, who will return to the University of Minnesota. Schroder wouldn’t have been able to participate due to NCAA rules. Anton Rodin will also miss the camp due to his Swedish Elite League Club commitments.

Canuck coaches Rick Bowness and Ian Clark, and assistant Moose coach, Keith McCambridge, ran the variety of drills, as the players worked to showcase their talent. The drills were your normal 2-on-1s, 3-on-2s, puck possession, out passes from the defense, and some showdowns with the goaltenders.

With the ice being split in half to run the drills with the 23 players, I decided to concentrate on a handful, which was Labrie, Bliznak, Shirokov, Hodgson, Ellington, Oberg and Sauve. Day one of the camp was a controlled no-hitting type of affair with all eyes of the Canuck faithful on Cody Hodgson, to see how he would perform.

I could tell by his skating that he was not going all out, which comes as no surprise due to that lingering back injury and he was kept out of any drills that contact or semi contact were involved. He did participate in the one player back-check, a few 3-on-2s, before they sent the players to the dressing room to flood the ice.

As Hodgson exited he stopped to sign autographs for the young fans and stayed until all were done. Talk about approachable; he handled that well.

The players returned after a 15 minute break with some more drills. On the 3-on-2s, Bliznak and Labrie scored, as did Prab Rai, a local kid from Surrey, with some nice passing from Sergei Shirokov and Steven Anthony.

When Hodgson’s line of Joe Pleckaitis (Saginaw Spirit, OHL) and Justin Taylor (London Knights, OHL) scored, a huge cheer erupted as the kid they came to see did not disappoint. Hodgson has that knack of finding the open ice, and displayed his puck handling abilities and passing on that goal.

Even with his bad back and limited drill time, Hodgson was the best forward out there. I thought Prab Rai was also very noticeble, has really good speed and scoring touch and Evan Oberg, with his anticipation, good one time passes out of the zone and positional play, was the top D.

As the players were leaving the ice, I asked GM Mike Gillis if Hodgson would be playing in either of the games in Edmonton (Wed. against the University of Alberta or Thurs against the Oilers Prospects) and he said “no, due to his back injury”.

I will be reporting tomorrow after day two here in Vancouver.