Luongo vs. the world.

The sky is falling in the city of Vancouver, and spring has barely sprung. Following with the seasons, the Vancouver Canucks have taken only a few strides out of the starting gate but have had a tough start to the Stanley Cup Finals, dropping their Game One matchup against the Kings for the first time since  2007 against the Anaheim Ducks.

The ghosts of playoff past came back to haunt the Canucks in Game One, allowing the Kings to capitalize on a number of old tricks to take the first game of the series, cutting down home ice advantage in the process. Mike Richards and the Kings took advantage of Vancouver’s suspect special teams play on Wednesday, converting a pair of power play goals to quiet the home crowd after Alex Burrows gave fans something to cheer about with an early lead.

Darryl Sutter’s Kings played to the importance of the power play during Game One, keeping the trash-talking to a minimum and keeping out of the scrums in an attempt to avoid trading power plays with the Canucks. As it turns out, the Kings may as well trade special teams chances all series, the Canucks can’t seem to keep it running hot during the post-season.

While the narrative was blown well out of proportion last June, the big bad Bruins did manage to bully the Canucks effectively during last year’s Cup finals, taking advantage of Vancouver’s toothless power play on the way to victory. A year later the Canucks appear to be falling into the same old patterns after a putrid power play shifted around the ice on Monday, obviously missing a key piece to the puzzle. With or without Daniel Sedin, the Canucks must find a way to get their power play clicking to keep the Kings honest. Calls may be hard to come by  for the Canucks after Ryan Kesler did his best to validate Vancouver’s not-so-tough reputation during Game One.

Vancouver's reputation is slightly suspect.

Via /R/Hockey, Vancouver’s reputation on the ice is slightly suspect.

The home team was distracted by post-whistle antics, trash-talking and other forms of “gamesmanship” during Game One, but can expect different treatment from the referees tonight after it was clear the Canucks were doing their best to earn the extra call on Wednesday.

Vigneault on 0-for-5 pp: “I’d be kidding if I say we don’t need the power play. You need it to make sure the other team stays honest.”

— Ben Kuzma (@benkuzma) April 12, 2012

While the power play is an integral component of any team’s offensive production, during past playoff rounds the Canucks have struggled to keep consistent on the man advantage, forced instead to grind out scoring chances 5-on-5. With Daniel Sedin expected out of the lineup again tonight against the Kings, Vancouver’s skaters must focus on winning the team game at even strength in order to dictate the types of power plays awarded. After finishing the regular season with the 4^th best even-strength goal differential with 1.19 goals for/against, the Canucks must simplify their game against the Kings who held actually allowed more goals than they scored at even-strength throughout the regular season.

As you may remember, the Canucks and Kings have been down this road before. The series between Los Angeles and Vancouver only two years ago featured a potent Kings power play that carried the team to a 2-1 series lead before the Canucks responded to turn the series around at even strength. After three games the Kings held a 7-2 advantage in power play goals, relying on Michal Handzus and a different version of Drew Doughty to generate scoring opportunities. Just as the Canucks awoke from their special teams slumber and began to focus on a more sustainable game plan two years ago against the Kings, the home team must focus on winning the 5-on-5 matchup tonight after having the game taken to them in their own barn  to open the series.

Canucks Against the World

Roberto Luongo was Vancouver’s best player during Game One, and should share his playoff mindset with his teammates after the Canucks skaters had a tough time in front of the under-appreciated one. Luongo was been dragged through the mud in Vancouver, but brought his A-game on Wednesday, keeping the Canucks in a contest they showed little reason to compete in.

After allowing the Kings to dominate Rogers Arena on Wednesday, the Canucks must embrace an us-against-the-world mentality on the ice tonight in Vancouver. Taking the team’s reputation for theatrics into account, the Canucks shouldn’t expect any soft calls against their opposition during Game Two. If anything Kesler and the Canucks will pay for their previous transgressions tonight as the power play drought touches down in Vancouver.

Off the ice, the playoff atmosphere across Canada has overcome hockey fans, portraying the Canucks as villains from Vancouver during this year’s race for the Cup. Canada’s national pastime has transformed into the four-round-hate, focussing a season’s worth of animosity towards the Canucks and their fans. Byron Bitz didn’t do much to help his team’s image on Wednesday after hitting Kyle Clifford with a hard check to the head which earned a two-game suspension from Brendan Shanahan. A chorus of Boos certainly didn’t help the reputation of Rogers Arena, either.

Despite what was a dangerous and obviously illegal check to the head from the fourth liner, the Canucks must continue to force a physical game as embodied by Bitz, David Booth and other big hitters in Game One. For right or for wrong, Brendan Shanahan and the NHL’s disciplinary committee have made it quite clear that suspensions will not step up to the intensity of playoff hockey, and frankly the Canucks need to take advantage of the system they’re forced to play under.

You don’t have to call Daniel Sedin’s father to know it is much better to be the hammer, rather than the nail, in a league without legitimate supplementary discipline.

In other words, World Wrestling Federation garage league rules now apply.

Eastern Conference

(8) Ottawa Senators vs. (1) New York Rangers

Cohen– Rangers win in 7 . X-Factor –> Brandon Dubinsky

Muscat– Rangers win in 6. X-Factor –> Ryan Callahan

Philp– Rangers win in 5 . X-Factor –> Henrik Lundqvist/Rangers’ Physicality

Woodward– Rangers win in 7. X-Factor –> Chris Phillips/Filip Kuba

(7) Washington Capitals vs. (2) Boston Bruins

Cohen– Bruins win in 6. X-Factor –> Nicklas Backstrom

Muscat– Bruins win in 4. X-Factor –> Brad Marchand

Philp– Capitals win in 7. X-Factor –> Alexander Ovechkin

Woodward– Bruins win in 6. X-Factor –> Boston’s Power-Play

(6) New Jersey Devils vs. (3) Florida Panthers

Cohen– Devils win in 6. X-Factor –> David Clarkson

Muscat– Devils win in 5. X-Factor –> David Clarkson

Philp– Devils win in 6. X-Factor –> A Healthy Martin Brodeur

Woodward– Devils win in 6. X-Factor –> Florida’s Secondary Scoring

(5) Philadelphia Flyers vs. (4) Pittsburgh Penguins

Cohen–  Penguins win in 7. X-Factor –> Ilya Bryzgalov

Muscat– Penguins win in 6. X-Factor –> Marc-Andre Fleury

Philp– Penguins win in 5. X-Factor –> Pittsburgh’s Depth/Matt Cooke

Woodward– Flyers win in 7. X-Factor –> Ilya Bryzgalov

Western Conference

(8) Los Angeles Kings vs. (1) Vancouver Canucks

Cohen–  Canucks win in 6. X-Factor –> Jonathan Quick

Muscat– Kings win in 7. X-Factor –> Jonathan Quick

Philp– Kings win in 7. X-Factor –> Jonathan Quick

Woodward– Kings win in 7. X-Factor –> Jonathan Quick

(7) San Jose Sharks vs. (2) St. Louis Blues

Cohen– Blues win in 6. X-Factor –> Andy McDonald

Muscat– Blues win in 5. X-Factor –> Alex Pietrangelo

Philp– Sharks win in 6. X-Factor –> Joe Thornton Exorcising Playoff Demons

Woodward– Blues win in 5. X-Factor –> Antti Niemi

(6) Chicago Blackhawks vs. (3) Phoenix Coyotes

Cohen– Blackhawks win in 6. X-Factor –> Keith Yandle

Muscat– Coyotes win in 6. X-Factor –> Mike Smith

Philp– Coyotes win in 6. X-Factor –> Mike Smith/Phoenix Defense

Woodward– Coyotes win in 7. X-Factor –> Corey Crawford

(5) Detroit Red Wings vs. (4) Nashville Predators

Cohen– Predators win in 6. X-Factor –> Alexander Radulov

Muscat– Red Wings win in 7. X-Factor –> Pavel Datsyuk

Philp– Red Wings win in 6. X-Factor –> Detroit’s Special Teams

Woodward– Predators win in 7. X-Factor –> Detroit’s Second Line

Stanley Cup Finals

Cohen– Penguins Over Predators

Muscat– Red Wings Over Penguins

Philp– Red Wings Over Penguins

Woodward– Rangers Over Predators

Meanwhile, Duncan Keith will sit out five regular season games as punishment for his hit on Sedin, setting back the Blackhawks during the last few games of a furious playoff push. The loss of a former Norris Trophy winner will undoubtedly set back the Blackhawks over their final few regular season contests, but will five games honestly deter other players from taking a similar course of action in the future?

As in every controversial case, the answer comes down to perception. So let’s take a step back from the hockey hotbed of Vancouver where tempers flare, and focus on the league-wide precedent set with the hit and subsequent suspension.

Due to Brendan Shanahan’s suspension Duncan Keith will miss five games against the Predators (loss), Devils, Blues, Predators and Wild. As of Sunday night’s loss to the Predators, the Blackhawks currently sit six points ahead of a three-way log jam at eighth in the Western Conference. From a Chicago perspective the suspension probably did enough to deter the team from further acts of thuggery, but what about the rest of the league?

Is a five game suspension going to deter the next potential heavy hitter from crushing the cranium of some poor bastard that didn’t see it coming? Don’t bet on it. Despite the potential playoff relevance, a five game suspension to Duncan Keith is the equivalent to a week-long school suspension assessed to the class clown. Due to his most recent transgression, Keith may as well have received an award for knocking out an opposing star player, drastically improving his team’s playoff chances in the process.

#2:”Going to use it as best I can to get as much rest, eat properly, get lots of sleep and be working out, hopefully use it to my advantage.

— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiHawks) March 24, 2012

I’m guessing positive re-enforcement wasn’t exactly what Sheriff Shanahan was going for. Thanks to an embarrassingly weak decision from the league, players across the NHL have been given the green light to take matters into their own hands this late in the season as long as they have enough regular season games banked for the Shanaban.

In fact the last player to embrace this brash philosophy of physical play was Vancouver’s own Raffi Torres, who targeted the head of Jordan Eberle with a vicious shoulder last April with only two games remaining in the regular season. As you can see below, Torres clearly approached Eberle with the intent to hit a player carrying the puck, but does so with blatant disregard for Eberle’s safety or the legality of the check.

Click here to view the embedded video.

While Torres didn’t lift his feet on the hit, it was clearly a predatory attempt on another player. The fact Torres kept his arms tucked in and feet on the ice while throwing a devastating headshot is likely what kept his suspension to only four games.

Hard to blame the hitter when the victim is caught reaching for a puck with his head down, too.Canucks fans should know exactly what I’m talking about.

Had the Edmonton Oilers been in contention for a playoff spot last season, I’d bet Raffi Torres’ suspension would have doubled in order to counter-balance the loss of a star player.

Yet one year later, another late-season headshot has claimed a superstar in the NHL, all at the cost of five regular season games. This comes several days after Sidney Crosby made his second comeback of the season recovering from a concussion carried over from last year.

As Greg Wyshynski pointed out in a review of the political powers at work in the case of Duncan Keith and Daniel Sedin, NHL referees continue to miss crucial calls on the ice. Sedin’s early high hit on Keith went unnoticed by officials, leaving Keith to take matters into his own hands only minutes later.  When on-ice officials had an obvious call to make, they embarrassed themselves again, giving Keith only two minutes for an elbowing minor when even the maddest men on Madison would have had the guts to give out a major.

This follows a disturbing trend taking over the NHL, in which on-ice officials miss a call leaving league discipline to attempt to smooth over the situation. From former NHL on-ice official Kerry Fraser, via TSN:

“In too many situations witnessed this season, the officials have either missed the mark altogether or came up short by at least three minutes plus a game misconduct.  The judgment of the referees needs to be collectively and immediately retooled by NHL V.P. of Officiating, Terry Gregson, to conform to a higher standard that is currently being maintained by the Player Safety Committee.”

Colour me confused as to what Colin Campbell’s replacement was tasked to do in his first year on the job besides collectively and immediately retooling the league disciplinary system.

As Kerry Fraser alluded to, the NHL must begin to embrace a much higher standard towards head shots and other dangerous plays in today’s game. If the league is to limit the amount of concussions and other head trauma in hockey the first step is to establish penalties that truly deter further inappropriate action. Given the precedent set with four games given to Raffi Torres last year, there’s simply no way Duncan Keith even bothered to consider the consequences.

And if he did, I’m sure a mini-vacation was all that came to mind when contemplating the consequences of a predatory elbow to the head. Keith makes just under six million dollars a year with the Blackhawks and has a Stanley Cup ring to his name, do you think a few bucks and handful of regular season games lost are really going to get to him?

Not a chance, Principle Shanahan. Across the NHL hundreds of class clowns are taking notes, anticipating another open-season on hockey players during the final twenty games of the year.

Just this season Sabres Head Coach Lindy Ruff declared goaltenders “fair game” for the opposition after prized possession Ryan Miller was ran hard by the Boston Bruins’ Milan Lucic. Again, on-ice officials blew the call, assessing Lucic a two-minute minor for charging a goaltender which resulted in a concussion.

After the incident, players around the rest of the league took notice, exploiting the ambiguous definition of goaltender interference to new lengths.

The long-run result across the NHL left skaters parading through the goal crease at every opportunity, leaving officials lost in the fray of feet cruising through blue paint. All of a sudden good goals were called off and those allowed created a farce of interference calls as a whole.

The Sabres themselves especially took notice, fiercely defending their backup goaltender in the event any opponent dared to drive towards the Buffalo crease. All of a sudden the Buffalo’s net was a much safer place, no thanks to league action. The Sabres simply adopted a strategy out of the Boston Bruins playbook, embracing their own brand of vigilante justice after league intervention proved pointless.

While the big, bad, Bruins have always embraced a reputation as a tough team, not since devastating concussions suffered by teammates Patrice Bergeron and Marc Savard in recent years did the team finally start to embrace their inner bully once again. Savard eventually lost his career due to a string of concussions, the final blow a devastating elbow that resulted in no additional discipline at all from the NHL.

Marc Savard - Concussion victim.

Even readers who have suffered a concussion of their own recently should begin to see the pattern emerging.

The NHL eventually found their sweet spot suspending Matt Cooke, but it took a pair of bodies carried off the ice before the NHL grew the balls to ban him for 10 games. So what will it cost for concussions to be taken seriously in today’s NHL? A career lost? A season lost?

The answer remains uncertain after another whiff by Brendan Shanahan and league officials, but one hit at a time teams are learning to protect themselves from each other. An eye for an eye makes the world go blind, but what good are eyes if you’re confined to the dark walls of the quiet room?

As it stands today in the wake of Duncan Keith’s five-game ban, Brendan Shanahan must drastically re-think his approach to deterrence in today’s NHL. The precedents set in his first year as chief disciplinarian have done nothing but drive owners to desperately seek protection for their players, and tracking down Sean William Scott is no easy task. Without suspensions to keep players safe, only aggression and retaliation appears to give teams the security they need heading into a long playoff push.

The garage league is back, and with Matt Cooke in the good graces of the hockey gods it’s about time league owners like Mario Lemieux stood up once again and protected the people they employ before another body ends up motionless at center ice.

For instant stats, links, news and notes from around the NHL follow @HockeyIndie on Twitter or to keep up to date specifically with all things Canucks follow The Flying V on Twitter @FlyingVHockey.

Roberto Luongo: Starter or backup?

Alain Vigneault is expected to start Cory Schneider for the second straight game tonight in Minnesota, giving Roberto Luongo a rest to begin Vancouver’s last road trip of the regular season. Traditionally a little time off this late in the season would be great for a goaltender who has been relied on so much so far this season, but one can’t help but wonder if Alain Vigneault is hiding his starter from the ghosts of the Xcel Energy Center tonight in Minnesota.

The last time Schneider received back-to-back starts for the Canucks was in late November, after the backup shut out the Phoenix Coyotes only to turn around and beat the San Jose Sharks the next night. So why now, why on game 70 against one of the worst teams in the league?

Because Luongo falls apart in the land of a thousand lakes.

Over the last five years Vancouver’s franchise goaltender has only one game worth remembering from the Xcel Energy Center. Luongo allowed six goals against during his last start in Minnesota a season ago, and has been sheltered from the Xcel Center ever since.

A year previous to his late-October collapse, Luongo allowed ten goals over two games in Minnesota during the 2009-10 season, posting an aggregate .804 save percentage and 6.17 goals-against average.

In fact, the last solid game Luongo started in Minnesota occurred almost three years ago in a late-March game against the Wild. Luongo allowed one goal on 34 shots that night, keeping the ghosts of the Xcel Energy Center at bay in a pre-playoff matchup.

Yet tonight in Minnesota the same scenario offers itself to the Canucks, and Alain Vigneault has once again elected to start his backup against the Wild. Isn’t it about time the franchise’s starting goaltender faces his fears and starts a game against the notoriously talented Wild?

Considering Schneider is likely a summer away from finding himself another home, Vigneault’s choice to sit his starter appears short-sighted. Luongo’s body could surely use the rest heading into another grueling post-season, but what happens to the Canucks next time he absolutely has to strap on the pads in Minnesota, or any other hostile arena?

Imagine for a second that Cory Schneider moves on from Vancouver this summer, and a year from now the Canucks finish the regular season atop the Western Conference, matched up against the Wild who have managed to sneak into the 8^th spot.

What then? What of the Canucks outside the comfortable confines of Rogers Arena? Does Luongo lose all confidence and implode like he did in Boston just last Spring?

The Canucks cannot expect to win a Stanley Cup without the confidence of their starting goaltender night-in and night-out, wherever the game is played. While Alain Vigneault has become a master of optimization with the Canucks, two points tonight in Minnesota is a minuscule reward compared to the long-run implications of Roberto Luongo’s lost confidence.

Win or lose tonight in Minnesota Alain Vigneault has missed another opportunity to give his starting goaltender a vote of confidence heading into a crucial playoff run, one that will land squarely on the shoulders of Roberto Luongo come April.

In fairness to the league, Shanahan and the player safety department have done an excellent job in improving the league’s discipline system from the shambles it was left in after the departure of Colin Campbell. However, this decision is simply one that is indefensible.

Despite Marchand’s well-deserved reputation as an agitator and fire-starter who tends to consistently walk the thin line between what’s right and what’s acceptable in the game, the depth of this punishment far exceeds the impact of the crime.  The B’s 5’8″ second line winger had twice previously faced supplementary discipline. The first came in the form of a two game ban after delivering an elbow to the skull of Blue Jacket’s forward R.J. Umberger last March. The second came with a $2, 500 fine for slew-footing Penguins’ blueliner Matt Niskanen in November of this season.

In this situation, the real problem is that in a league overwhelmed by concussions, it is next to impossible to support a decision to suspend a player who was simply attempting to avoid taking a head-on collision. In addition, as Shanahan pointed out, the Canucks’ revelation of Salo allegedly suffering a concussion from the collision only makes a mockery of the discipline system as a whole. The result of an incident should have no relation to the severity of the punishment. Especially in a league that saw Matt Cooke end Marc Savard’s career and not even get a slap on the wrist for his troubles.

All this without mentioning the incredible inconsistency in the system, that spans back to last year’s Stanley Cup Finals. First, in game one ‘Nucks’ defenseman Dan Hamhuis low-bridged Milan Lucic along the boards as no. 17 carried the puck up ice. Also, in an eerily similar play Mason Raymond up-ended an oncoming Marchand during game five of the Final. In both scenarios, the Vancouver player walked away scotch-free without even a phone call from the league. GM Peter Chiarelli echoed his frustration with the league’s inconsistency in a statement shortly after the announcement of the suspension.

“It is frustrating that there are clear comparable situations that have not been penalized or sanctioned in the past.” – Peter Chiarelli

In any case, the moral of this story is that the NHL has yet to figure out a correct way to handle disciplinary situations. The league’s decision to suspend Calgary Flames’ forward Rene Bourque — who was suspended only 16 days earlier — for five games after his brutal hit to the head of Nicklas Backstrom was once thought of has an acceptable ruling. However, the Marchand incident pales in comparison to what happened between Bourque and Backstrom, yet they were both given the same punishment. In a sense, the league is sending the message that it’s equally acceptable to target an opponent’s head as it is to avoid a hit to defend yourself.  Now that is simply incomprehensible and indefensible.

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It was at the 18:47 mark of the second frame that Canucks’ defenseman Sami Salo took a run at agitating Bruins’ forward Brad Marchand. Vancouver’s veteran Finnish defenseman took a five step run at Marchand from the blueline in an attempt to keep the play in the Boston zone. On instinct, the 5’8″ Marchand ducked the hit, and subsequently flipped Salo over his back. Unfortunately for Salo, it appeared as if he was injured on the play, as he immediately left the ice and did not return for the balance of the game. The hit can be viewed in the video below.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Using the only natural advantage he has, no. 63 reaped the benefits of his small stature by avoiding what could have been a lethal hit from Salo. If you take a closer look at the replay, it’s clear that Salo had picked up steam in charging from the blueline and was leading with his elbow as he approached Marchand. Instinctively, Marchand went low to the ice to avoid taking a hit up high. In any case, it’s impossible to argument with a player taking action to protect himself from injury.  The travesty here is that the Bruins’ winger was not only issued a five minute major for “clipping”, he was also stuck with a game misconduct, resulting in ejection from the game.The fact is, Salo paid the price, in the form of his own concussion, for taking a run at a player he didn’t think would be craft enough to avoid the hit.

What’s worse? The Canucks’ scored their final two goals, including the game winner, during the ensuing five minute power-play.

Throughout the length of his young career, the B’s sophomore winger has been known to “toe the line” of getting under his opponent’s skin and taking things too far. However, head coach Claude Julien seemed to have no issues with the way no. 63 handled himself during the incident in question.

“I always told my players that they need to protect themselves” said Boston bench boss Claude Julien of Marchand’s alleged “clipping” attempt against Salo. Julien went on to point out how he would expect the league to be accommodating of players attempting to avoid being added to the seemingly never-ending list of players sidelined with concussions.

“The last thing I want my players to do is get hit and then end up with a concussion, and they have to protect themselves. Whether it’s the right way or the wrong way, it’ll depend on how the league looks at it. I’d rather have a guy take a two-minute penalty than turn his back to the play, stand up straight, and then get his face knocked into the glass and be out for maybe the rest of the year with a concussion, or maybe end his career like (Marc) Savard. So I think we have to really look at those kinds of things. In my opinion, if guys start protecting themselves the way Marchand did, maybe guys will stop taking runs at other guys because that’s the consequences you end up paying for taking runs at guys, too.” – Claude Julien

In this case, the B’s fifth year head coach is 110% correct. Faced with a decision to take a hit up high, or protect yourself in any way you can, the choice seems fairly obvious to any coherent individual. Especially in a league that has been absolutely decimated by concussions and head injuries.

Furthermore, early whispers from downstairs at TD Garden yesterday said that they may already be expecting NHL Discipline czar Brendan Shanahan to suspend Marchand for the incident.

Now, as news breaks this afternoon, no. 63 will indeed face a disciplinary hearing with Shanahan on Monday afternoon via conference call.

In this situation, I see no way anyone can justify any sort of suspension for Marchand, who was simply trying to protect himself from injury and what looked to be a run at the head by Sami Salo. In many ways, the hit also resembled Dan Hamhuis’ hit on Milan Lucic during last year’s Cup Finals, that rendered no supplementary discipline whatsoever for the Vancouver blueliner.

The bottom line is this: How can a league that consistently preaches the importance of limiting concussions penalize or even suspend a player who takes action to prevent it from happening to himself?

Answer? Amidst rampant talks of how to eliminate the impact of concussions in the sport, a suspension for Marchand would simply reek of hypocrisy and do nothing but damage the credibility of a league still trying to repair it’s (sometimes unfair) image of violence and hostility.

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In a game with such an abnormal amount of calls, including an early first period scenario that saw nine penalties assessed at the same time, it was difficult for the game to form any ebb and flow, or sustain any extended periods of 5-on-5 play. Included in the aforementioned first period scrum, was a since-rescinded game misconduct given to Bruins’ winger Milan Lucic. The penalty was assigned after the officials believed that the B’s hulking winger had illegally left his team’s bench to come to the defense of teammate Shawn Thornton, who was being mugged old-school prison style by six Canuck players. In fairness to the officials, during the heat of the moment, it can be tremendously difficult to make the proper determination, as to if Lucic had indeed left the bench, or not. Bruins’ head coach Claude Julien echoed these sentiments after Saturday’s contest.

“I’m not blaming (the referees) – they’re in the middle of a scrum there – but Looch was on the ice already. It wasn’t an illegal change; he didn’t come off the bench. There are no issues there in my mind; it’s clear.” – Claude Julien

Despite the overwhelmingly absurd number of penalty calls on Saturday afternoon, it was the special teams units of the Bruins that ultimately cost them the game. Albeit on eleven chances, the Black and Gold allowed their Western Conference rivals to put four power-play goals past Tim Thomas during Saturday’s action. The four tallies would be all the Canucks could muster, but was indeed enough for the victory.

“They were making plays, but not necessarily totally by their movement. Like the first goal was a funny bounce, those happen. Especially on good teams with good power plays. Other ones they were utilizing the screen real well.” – Tim Thomas

On the other end of that spectrum, the Boston power-play posted a less-than-motivating 0-7 spot during Saturday’s game, and were completely shut-down by the Vancouver penalty-killers. Credit where credit is due, as the Canuck PKers did an excellent job in keeping the Bruins’ offense to the outside of the proverbial “box”.

Scoring first was Ryan Kesler, who corralled a rebound towards the tail end of a 5-on-3 advantage and fired it past Thomas at the 5:41 mark of the first frame.

“We’ve faced adversity before and normally we try to kill those and unfortunately today we didn’t, we didn’t kill it, but hopefully we improve for the next game.” – Daniel Paille

Not to be outdone, the B’s bounced back just over nine minutes later, when Brad Marchand beat Schneider with a back-hander after a pretty little feed from fellow sophomore Tyler Seguin Boston would take their first and only lead of the day, when Rich Peverley took advantage of an Alexander Edler turnover and beat Schneider with a glove side wrister.

From that point on, the Canucks would dominate most of the action, pinning the B’s in their own zone for a good portion of the remainder of the game. To end the second frame, Vancouver would use tallies from Alex Burrows and Henrik Sedin to grab a 3-2 lead heading into the final twenty.

Arguably the best player on the ice for either team, Canucks’ rookie Cody Hodgson would register his tenth of the season with a blistering slapshot that managed to get past the reigning Vezina trophy winner, and into the Boston net. The B’s would add one more as David Krejci was able to tap home a Joe Corvo rebound on the back-hand only 0:42 seconds later, but were unable to muster up enough to get a tying goal, throughout the remainder of the period, as the Canucks held on for a 4-3 victory.

From The Room:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Cory Schneider (Vancouver)

Click here to view the embedded video.

Paille

Click here to view the embedded video.

Henrik Sedin (Vancouver)

Click here to view the embedded video.

Kelly

Click here to view the embedded video.

Thomas

KEY STATS

Goals–                       VAN (4)                   BOS (3)

Shots–                       VAN (36)                 BOS (39)

Power-Play–           VAN (4-11)                BOS (0-7)

Penalty-Kill–           VAN (7-7)                    BOS (7-11)

• Ben’s Three Stars– ….. 3.) Nathan Horton ….. 2.) Cody Hodgson   ….. 1.) Cory Schneider

What’s Next?

The B’s will continue their four-game home-stand on Tuesday when they host Dustin Byfuglien and the Winnipeg Jets at TD Garden. The Canucks will head south for a set of games in Florida, with a showdown with the Lightning slated for Monday and a face-off against the Panthers on Tuesday.

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However, something happened on the way to making the NHL more palatable to the masses. You might have noticed that your favorite player or players have been missing in action quite a bit this season.As of Thursday, 51 NHL players have been lost to concussions this season. On that list is the player many believe is the league’s best, Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Crosby has played in just eight NHL games since suffering a concussion on Jan. 5, 2011.

That list has become a gargantuan story this season, much to the alarm of the league and teams, who have in the past attempted to minimize what independent medical experts have been citing for years: hockey has a concussion epidemic on its hands.

< READ MORE ON CBS New York >

Other pieces on CBS by BD:

HOW PLAYERS, NOT THE ISLES COACH WILL WALK PLANK THIS SEASON

PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE? TELL THAT TO NY ISLANDERS FANS! 

The Vancouver Canucks struggled early against the Montreal Canadiens to begin their five-game Eastern road trip, but bounced back to sweep all three Canadian teams during that stretch. After crossing the Hundredth Meridian from Vancouver to Montreal in one trip, the Canucks can blame a slow start on travel, but couldn’t come up with a victory south of the 49^th parallel.

While many Canucks fans were eager to write off the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Carolina Hurricanes as competent competition, both basement dwellers were quick to debunk the American myth that southern, small market teams can’t keep up with the Canucks.

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The Canucks iced two of their worst games of the season against their southern opponents last week, letting down both Roberto Luongo and Cory Schneider who seemed to be the only Canucks who didn’t forget their focus in an Ottawa airport.

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Back on Canadian soil, the Canucks rallied on the road in game 32 against the Maple Leafs, winning their Fifty Mission Cap in Toronto with just over half a season remaining. The win ensured the Canucks came home above .500 on the road trip after a complete collapse in Carolina in Columbus. While Alain Vigneault would probably like to bring his team back in shackles or hang them out in the December sun, it’s better to exonerate and forget about a roller-coaster road trip.

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The Canucks may have earned early exoneration for a rough road trip, but the CBC faces a tough decision regarding a man more than familiar with the term. After watching Don Cherry in back-to-back appearances on Hockey Night in Canada featuring the Canucks, I begin to wonder if the beauty has the wherewithal to return for another season on CBC.

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Bolland’s Bold Words

As Vancouver struggled through their road trip out East, notorious Canuck killer David Bolland was writing a new chapter to the rivalry between the Canucks and Blackhawks while on Chicago radio.

Bolland referred to Daniel and Henrik Sedin as “sisters” while on WGN radio in Chicago, which happened to be taped in front of a live studio audience. You see, Bolland and Blackhawks fans believe that the lowly Canucks have been Lionized by hockey media. “I don’t think we’d let them on our team,” Bolland said of the two world-class talents.

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The center’s controversial comments couldn’t have come at a worse time given the long wait for the next matchup between the Canucks and Blackhawks. The two teams will renew their rivalry on January 31^st and have both been playing solid hockey so far this season, so why would Bolland take a shot at the enemy?

Because like many other NHLers, Bolland is just a big kid. He was simply playing to the juvenile crowd, and worked it in to look like that: child’s play. The Sedins of all people won’t be insulted by the same lame and lazy insults that drove them to superstardom, especially when followed by respectful comments back in the realm of real sports media.

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Cory Schneider made the most of his time as the starting goaltender in front of Roberto Luongo however during this week’s wild 6-5 loss to the Nashville Predators the backupcollapsed and lost the position just as quickly as he had earned it.

After Schneider allowed three goals on five shots against the Predators on Tuesday, Head Coach Alain Vigneault jumped at the chance to shoot Roberto Luongo back into the spotlight, replacing Schneider with sweet Lu to start the second the second period.

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Like a bat out of hell Luongo came screeching back, only to blow a two goal lead allowing Nashville to come back for a 6-5 victory. Despite the poor performance from Vancouver’s goaltenders in a crazy contest against the Predators, the Canucks continue to cruise playing solid hockey lately.

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Two out of three ain’t bad for the Canucks this week considering how close the Thursday’s game against the Predators turned out to be. Both wins versus the Blue Jackets and Flames were convincing victories and there simply aren’t many nights either one of Vancouver’s goaltenders will allow five goals in one game.

Now that Luongo has settled in as the (acting) starter once again, heaven can wait for Schneider as he rightfully returns to his spot behind the Olympic Gold Medal winner. After witnessing the Boston Bruins ride veteran Tim Thomas and young prospect as their goaltending duo all the way to the Stanley Cup, the Canucks are likely to do the same with their talented tandem.

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While Cory Schneider experience paradise by the dashboard light in his first big run as Vancouver’s starting goaltender, his showcase had to come to an end at some point. No one expected the Predators to pounce on the Canucks quite like they did Thursday, but the premature end to Schneider’s reign in the crease should remind fans that anything can happen in today’s NHL.

Most Canucks fans also expected Mason Raymond to start Thursday’s game against the Predators but were stunned after a rare mistake from Vancouver’s management delayed the speedy winger’s start by a few days.

Raymond was left all revved up with no place to go on Thursday after Canucks management failed to file the appropriate paperwork in time for the game against Nashville. Instead, Aaron Volpatti played what could turn out to be his last game of the season, scoring a goal in his final opportunity before a nagging shoulder would sideline the Revelstoke native.

Vancouver’s fourth line will take on a new identity now that Volpatti’s season has most likely come to an end. With the return of Raymond, Manny Malhotra will be bumped to the final line of forwards alongside Dale Weise and Maxim Lapierre.

For Crying Out Loud

Just when it seem the supposed controversy in the Canucks’ crease had been settled, Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun has run rumours of Roberto Luongo’s availability up the flagpole just to see who will stop and stare.

From Garrioch:

“The talk among league executives is the Canucks have dangled Luongo in trade circles, but haven’t been able to find anybody interested in his $5.3-million cap hit and contract that runs through the 2021-22 season. Schneider will be shipped at some point.”

Considering the contradictory close in which he admits Schneider is likely to be trade sometime soon, I reason to believe Garrioch is actually trolling Canucks fans. The paragraph containing the above quote is titled “Rumours Du Jour” perfectly mimicking Calgary Flames General Manager Jay Feaster’s rant from earlier this week regarding Jarome Iginla trade rumours.

“I guess one of the questions I have – where do these things start? Legitimate sources? Or is it a blogger in the basement in his underwear that says, ‘This is the rumour du jour’? Then you guys feel the need to come and track it down.”

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Jay Feaster, you took the words right out of my mouth.

Where is Garrioch getting this insight? Is publishing the rumour simply a ploy for attention, or did he just need something to fill the space of a blurb reserved for the rumour of the day?

While these questions will likely remain un-answered, the thought of Garrioch in his underwear will haunt Canucks fans longer than any of these silly rumours ever will.

I’ll use the top seven defensemen of each team as a reference and will take the financial numbers from CapGeek.com. Players that are injured are included in the calculation.

1. Philadelphia Flyers – $24,33 millions 25 games 15 wins 7 losses 3 OTL 33 points (5th EC)
Kimmo Timonen – $6,333,333
Chris Pronger – $4,921,429
Andrej Meszaros – $4,000,000
Matt Carle – $3,437,500
Braydon Coburn – $3,200,000
Matt Walker – $1,700,000
Andreas Lilja – $737,500

2. Los Angeles Kings – $22.56 millions 26 games 13 wins 9 losses 4 OTL 30 points (7th WC)
Drew Doughty – $7,000,000
Jack Johnson – $4,357,143
Willie Mitchell – $3,500,000
Rob Scuderi – $3,400,000
Matt Greene – $2,950,000
Alec Martinez – $737,500
Davis Drewiske – $616,667

3. Winnipeg Jets – $22.30 millions 26 games 11 wins 11 losses 4 OTL 26 points (11th EC)
Dustin Byfuglien – $5,200,000
Ron Hainsey – $4,500,000
Tobias Enstrom – $3,750,000
Johnny Oduya – $3,500,000
Zach Bogosian – $2,500,000
Mark Stuart – $1,700,000
Randy Jones – $1,150,000

4. Toronto Maple Leafs – $22.04 millions 26 games 14 wins 10 losses 2 OTL 30 points (6th EC)
Dion Phaneuf – $6,500,000
Mike Komisarek – $4,500,000
John-Michael Liles – $4,200,000
Luke Scheen – $3,600,000
Carl Gunnarsson – $1,325,000
Jake Gardiner – $1,116,667
Cody Franson – $800,000

5. Phoenix Coyotes – $21.48 millions 25 games 13 wins 9 losses 3 OTL 29 points (9th WC)
Keith Yandle – $5,250,000
Michal Rozsival – $5,000,000
Rotislav Klesla – $2,975,000
Derek Morris – $2,750,000
Adrian Aucoin – $2,000,000
Kurt Sauer – $1,750,000
Oliver Ekman-Larsson – $1,750,000

6. Detroit Red Wings – $20.96 millions 25 games 16 wins 8 losses 1 OTL 33 points (4th WC)
Nicklas Lidstrom – $6,200,000
Brad Stuart – $3,750,000
Jonathan Ericsson – $3,250,000
Niklas Kronwall – $3,000,000
Ian White – $2,875,000
Mike Commodore – $1,000,000
Jakub Kindl – $883,333

7. Vancouver Canucks – $20.53 millions 26 games 15 wins 10 losses 1 OTL 31 points (5th WC)
Kevin Bieksa – $4,600,000
Dan Hamhuis – $4,500,000
Keith Ballard – $4,200,000
Alexander Edler – $3,250,000
Sami Salo – $2,000,000
Andrew Alberts – $1,225,000
Aaron Rome – $750,000

8. Chicago Blackhawks – $20.31 millions 27 games 16 wins 8 losses 3 OTL 35 points (2nd WC)
Brent Seabrook – $5,800,000
Duncan Keith – $5,538,462
Niklas Hjalmarsson – $3,500,000
Steve Montador – $2,750,000
Nick Leddy – $1,116,666
Sean O’Donnell – $850,000
Sami Lepisto – $750,000

9. Calgary Flames – $19.75 millions 26 games 11 wins 13 losses 2 OTL 24 points (13th WC)
Jay Bouwmeester – $6,680,000
Mark Giordano – $4,020,000
Cory Sarich – $3,600,000
Anton Babchuk – $2,500,000
Chris Butler – $1,250,000
Scott Hannan – $1,000,000
Derek Smith – $700,000

10. Washington Capitals – $19.07 millions 25 games 13 wins 11 losses 1 OTL 27 points (8th EC)
Mike Green – $5,250,000
Dennis Wideman – $3,935,500
Roman Hamrlik – $3,500,000
Jeff Schultz – $2,750,000
John Erskine – $1,500,000
Karl Alzner – $1,285,000
John Carlson – $845,833

10. San Jose Sharks – $19.07 millions 23 games 14 wins 8 losses 1 OTL 29 points (8th WC)
Dan Boyle – $6,666,667
Brent Burns – $3,550,000
Marc-Edouard Vlasic – $3,100,000
Douglas Murray – $2,500,000
Jason Demers – $1,250,000
Jim Vandermeer – $1,000,000
Colin White – $1,000,000

In comparison, the league-leading Minnesota Wild with 37 points, are spending only $12.36 millions on their defensive brigade.

As you can see, there is no guaranteed success if you spend a lot of money on your defensive brigade, as only the Chicago Blackhawks are leading their division amongst the teams that spend the most money on their blue line.

2010-11 rankings
1. Philadelphia Flyers – $24,89M
2. Toronto Maple Leafs – $24.28M
3. Vancouver Canucks – $23.35M
4. Detroit Red Wings – $21.83M
5. Calgary Flames – $21.59M
6. Chicago Blackhawks – $21.29M
7. Atlanta Thrashers (Winnipeg Jets) – $21.06M
8. Montreal Canadiens – $20.25M
9. Pittsburgh Penguins – $19.11M
10. Boston Bruins – $18.58M

———-
Fred is a freelance sports write and translator, as well as a featured Montreal Canadiens blogger on http://hockeyindependent.com/blog/ and a baseball columnist on http://www.dobberbaseball.com/. Fred also joined HabsAddict.com in time for the 2011-12 season.

Follow Fred on Facebook and Twitter

Northwest Noise is a weekly feature covering the past week in Vancouver Canucks news, offering you a soundtrack to their season every Monday as the team marches to the beat of its own drum throughout the regular season. 

The focus is on Cory Schneider in the Canucks crease.

Over twenty games into the regular season the competition in the Canucks’ crease continues as Cory Schneider keeps in rhythm during his time under the Vancouver spotlight. Schneider has shined during Roberto Luongo’s absence from the lineup out due to injury but now that the normal number one is back and ready for action it appears the beat goes on for the blue-eyed backup.

After comparing Roberto Luongo to the man behind blue eyes earlier in the season, it seems the parallel has come to life as Luongo literally finds himself sitting behind Schneider for the time being in Vancouver. While Schneider will start Tuesday’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Head Coach Alain Vigneault was honest with his priorities when it comes to the two talented goaltenders.

“Obviously Roberto is our number one goaltender, before he got hurt he was starting to find his game. We put Cory in and he wasn’t very good against Chicago but after that he was the best player on the ice against Ottawa, shutout, shutout, and then the performance he had last night, he’s played well and he’s going to play tomorrow,” Vigneault told the media Monday.

As Vigneault mentioned, Schneider’s shutout streak is one of the main reasons the backup has continued to receive the start lately. However, what Vigneault doesn’t mention is that the skaters in front of Schneider have been playing their best hockey of the season during the duo of donuts.

Not only have Vancouver’s skaters been playing some of their best hockey of the season in front of Schneider, but the Canucks have also faced some of their worst competition over his past few starts. Before Schneider’s stellar solo performance on the San Jose stage, the backup had yet backstop a win against top NHL competition. Of the Senators, Coyotes and Avalanche, only the Phoenix Coyotes are currently in playoff position.

Manny Malhotra’s opening goal in Saturday’s game against the Sharks marked the tenth unanswered even-strength goal from Vancouver’s vicious attack during Schneider’s time in the spotlight. The backup may have suffered from a lack of scoring support in earlier starts during the season, however in his recent stretch has thrived behind a hard-working corps of Canucks skaters.

The competition in the Canucks crease may have the potential to create controversy among fans; however the drive for both goaltenders to push each other has become the backbone of Vancouver’s success. As hockey fans have seen in Boston over the past few seasons, backup goaltenders are capable of becoming rock stars in the eyes of management and media, but can’t always be counted on to carry the ball.

Just as all the members of The Who were necessary to fill the sound of Behind Blue Eyes and other songs of my (dad’s) generation, Cory Schneider is only a piece of Vigneault’s Vancouver orchestra.  Pete Townshend may have come up with the concept of the deaf dumb and blind boy that shot The Who to stardom, but it took Roger Daltrey to become to voice of Tommy to fully realize the album’s potential. In the Canucks’ crease, pressure provided by Cory Schneider may be necessary to make the most of Luongo’s talent.

“The Who was built on competition, but the competition was horrendous on and off the stage.” – Roger Daltrey

After overcoming tension with backup goaltender Tuukka Rask, veteran Tim Thomas backed the Bruins to win the Stanley Cup in a Conn Smythe winning performance. Following fisticuffs between Townshend and Daltrey in the early days of The Who, it would take a collaboration of their two talents to create the timeless classic that is Tommy.

While Roberto Luongo is saying all the right things heading into Schneider’s sixth straight start against the Blue Jackets, the time spent behind blue eyes on the Canucks bench is sure to light a fire under the consummate competitor.  “Schneids has been playing unreal the last couple weeks and the guys been working hard for two years and never said a word so he deserves every minute he’s getting right now,” Luongo told the media Monday.

“Winning games is what’s important and I’m going to be ready when it’s my turn to go.”

The overture continues Tuesday with Schneider to start again against Columbus, but will Luongo’s time away from the big stage provide the miracle cure Canucks fans are hoping for when he returns?

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For instant stats, links, news, notes and all the Canucks hockey you can handle, follow The Flying V on Twitter @FlyingVHockey or keep up to date with the Kevin Vanstone and his musical tastes on Twitter @FlyingVLyf.

GOON:

In our support of the lack of hockey movies, comes this info from the movie company to us.

“We have a great throwback hockey movie coming out and we would love to get your support. Its violent and insanely funny.”

Starring Seann William Scott, Jay Baruchel, Alison Pill and Liev Schreiber
Written by Jay Baruchel, Evan Goldberg (SUPERBAD and  PINEAPPLE EXPRESS)

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Synopsis
Labelled an outcast by his brainy family, a bouncer overcomes long odds to lead a team of underperforming misfits to semi-pro hockey glory, beating the crap out of everything that stands in his way.

The film opens on VOD on 2/24 and In Theatres 3/30

Based from the book “Goon: The True Story of an Unlikely Journey into Minor League Hockey”

www.goonthemovie.com

Official Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/GoonFilm

Some more on the movie comes from Slash Film

I never said the Canucks have a good taste in music.

Meet The Band

Only a few short months ago the Vancouver Canucks had two chances to clinch the Stanley Cup versus the Boston Bruins. After failing to win the much-cherished chalice the Canucks return to NHL action with a target on their backs but no rings on their fingers. Instead, Tyler Seguin, Brad Marchand and the rest of the Boston Bruins now own stones Flava Flav would be envious of.

Months later, a new season and a new slogan have moved to spin the riots and their aftermath in a positive direction, but the damage for the most part cannot be undone. Like it or not, Canucks fans are now the poster-boys (and girls) of a black mark on the city of Vancouver and its’ sports fans.

On the ice front-man Henrik Sedin and twin brother Daniel are in charge of leading the team to play-on following the devastating loss last spring. Behind the twins, former captain Roberto Luongo returns once again to silence the critics who aggressively panned his latest body of work.

After diving, biting, blowing it and burning it down the Canucks and their much-hated fans are Back in Black in 2012.

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Will the twins’ return to the ice go as smoothly as brothers Angus and Malcolm Young’s return to rock?

Up front, on lead guitar – The Forwards

 Daniel Sedin – Henrik Sedin – Alex Burrows

Henrik and Daniel Sedin return to the Canucks top line in 2012 alongside long-time partner in crime Alex Burrows who has adapted his play to coincide with the connected twins. Vancouver’s top line was the driving force behind the NHL’s top scoring offense last season and will be looked upon more than ever for point production this year with Ryan Kesler out of the lineup to start the season. The absence of Kesler and winger Mason Raymond has left a degree of unpredictability on the second line, leaving the responsibility to plug the net fully with the Sedins. After experiencing the worst of the Bruins’ harsh defensive system Henrik, his brother and his hungry linemate should be prepared for a demanding start to the season.

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Glory, glory hallellu / Glory for Twins One and Two / But that glory’s been denied / by Lucic and Thomas eyes/

Marco Sturm – (Cody Hodgson) – Mikael Samuelsson

Injured: Mason Raymond – Ryan Kesler

You didn’t hear it, you didn’t see it, and you never heard it, not a word of it. The Canucks have put a disappointing Stanley Cup loss behind them and begin a new season with younger players pushing the team in the right direction. A majority of the Canucks starting second line in Ryan Kesler and Mason Raymond will start the season out due to injury; however depth at winger and the addition of veteran Marco Sturm leaves the Canucks in good standing to start the year. Cody Hodgson appears to have put years of developmental struggles behind him and has impressed in training camp following a summer of off-season workouts with fitness guru Gary Roberts. Without number 17 and 21 to start the season fans have no reason to be over optimistic; however Hodgson has a golden opportunity to make 21 a good year starting the season on Vancouver’s second line.

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Can Cody Hodgson elevate his play to ensure he and the Canucks see the year in together?

Chris Higgins – Manny Malhotra – Jannik Hansen

Fresh off a stellar 2011 campaign with the Canucks Chris Higgins, Jannik Hansen and Manny Malhotra return to the lineup to wreak havoc on opposing forwards as the Canucks third line checking unit. The Triple-H line begins the season with a 100% healthy Malhotra who has been working throughout the off-season to fully recover from a career-threatening eye injury that cost him most of the 2011 playoffs. Chris Higgins returns to the lineup following an impressive playoff performance that earned him a new two-year contract with the Canucks to being the season. Familiar face Jannik Hansen also returns for only his second full season with the Canucks after tallying a career high 29 points over 82 games last year. While the hard hitting of Raffi Torres will be missed, the third line has surely been upgraded over the summer.

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Manny Malhotra and the Canucks have paid their heavy debts and now know the pain of losing the Stanley Cup; will the Triple-H line will have a chance to play the game for keeps once again?

Aaron Volpatti – Maxim Lapierre – Dale Weise

Once assumed to be the LOV line featuring Aaron Volpatti, Maxim Lapierre and Victor Oreskovich the Canucks made a sudden-move Tuesday opting to waive Victor Oreskovich in order to make room for waiver pickup Dale Weise from the New York Rangers. Weise apparently did more to wow coaches and critics in camp than Oreskovich who appeared to have his own favourable showing in the pre-season for the Canucks. The former Canuck may have become the victim of an apparent fourth line upgrade due to the aggressive play of Revelstoke, BC native Aaron Volpatti who literally fought his way into the lineup on the opposite wing. While late fan favourite Rick Rypien will be sorely missed on the ice and in the community, Volpatti’s violent play has already captured the hearts of Canucks fans with a soft spot for the tough guy.

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We’ll take to the ice like a cock fight / Fourth hits who’s strutting now?

On rhythm and bass guitar – The Defenceman

Kevin Bieksa – Dan Hamhuis

Alex Edler – Sami Salo

Keith Ballard – Chris Tanev

A cast of familiar faces return to the Canucks’ blue line to maintain order in front of Roberto Luongo again this season. The loss of two-way talent Christian Ehrhoff will be sorely felt on the blueline, but with youth and chemistry on the Canucks’ side this six piece remains of the NHL’s deepest defensive units. Every player on the Vancouver blueline to start opening night played at least one game during the Stanley Cup Finals last year and will provide his own contribution to the Canucks D this season. The veteran presence of Sami Salo and youthful energy of Chris Tanev complemented by the consistent play of Kevin Bieksa, Dan Hamhuis, Alex Edler and (potentially) Keith Ballard provides a diverse corps of defenceman to get back to the big dance. Having tried so hard and got so far in last year’s playoffs, the Canucks blueline is poised to take advantage of the mutual adversity experienced which will only make them stronger in the end.

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Will the experience of losing together in last year’s Stanley Cup Finals matter for the Canucks blue line?

On the drums and percussion – The Goaltenders

Roberto Luongo

Behind a blue and green mask Roberto Luongo returns to the city with the sea wall in pursuit of a return to the Stanley Cup Finals. On a team built from the net out, Luongo is the cornerstone of the Canucks as well as the last line of defence. Despite the continuous (and often ludicrous) conversation surrounding Luongo he remains one of the top goaltenders in the world and enters the season more motivated than ever to propel his team to victory. Just as Keith Moon provided the driving force behind the sound of The Who, Luongo provides a calming rhythm with save after save allowing his teammates to go to work in front of him. Luongo’s fragile mentality will forever be questioned until he is able to lift the Stanley Cup over his head, but after a year of lessons learned Luongo is ready for the beginning of a new season.

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Canucks fans may lack a conscience when it comes to Luongo, but will the goaltender’s dreams of a Stanley Cup become a reality?

Cory Schneider

General Manager Mike Gillis has one convenient problem at the goaltending position to start the season. Backup Cory Schneider’s performance in last year’s playoffs proved the prospect is ready for a consistent NHL workload; however behind Roberto Luongo those games simply don’t exist. While it may have appeared handy to have had Schneider waiting in the wings behind Luongo last spring, the dilemma can prove costly over an entire season. There is such thing as too much talent in a shared goal crease. Management and head coach Alain Vigneault may tow the line that the tandem is a tremendous treat, but one can’t help but wonder what fans will be saying if a controversy does manage to rise its’ ugly head out of the timeshare.

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This time next year will Canucks fans be telling themselves they should have known?

Tonight marks the beginning of it all as coaches and fans get a real long look at players in live action, deciding who makes the team, who finds employment elsewhere and who rounds out the TSN panel come early October.

Following in recent Canucks tradition, the team extended a number of training camp tryouts again this year to fringe players looking to re-ignite their NHL careers and at the very least, raise the competition level at camp. For Owen Nolan, Todd Fedoruk, Steve Begin and many others training camp holds the fate of their careers, leaving it all up to the athletes to play their hearts out over the next several supposedly meaningless games.

But don’t be confused- the only meaningless part of an exhibition game is the score-board; the rest is just as pertinent to a team as opening night in October. Player performances and the subsequent cuts can mean more to your favourite team than a regular season game against an Eastern Conference unfamiliar several months later ever will.

Could Brendan Morrison have been a difference maker come playoff time last season if he found a spot on the roster over say, Peter Schaefer? Training camp questions will bounce around in the minds and hearts of Canucks fans all season long, so pay close attention to these battles as training camp slugs on, there’s more riding on these games than you think.

Who’s On Second?

Off-season surgery and rehabilitation for Ryan Kesler and Mason Raymond has left a large gap on the Canucks’ second line to being the season. With a number of candidates to fill the position training camp provides a golden opportunity for players looking to swim into a top-six role. From young and talented prospects to respected veterans, the Canucks second line could see a number of different configurations over the course of the pre-season.

Whoever centers the second line while Kesler heals also won’t be sure who their linemates will be until the end of camp. Chris Higgins, Mikael Samuelsson, and Marco Sturm are all competing for a look on the second line while winger Mason Raymond is rehabbing a back injury. When the speedy winger returns, the top-six becomes increasingly crowded, beginning a season-long competition for a second line spot down the stretch.

Are the Veteran Tryouts for Real?

Off-season acquisition Marco Sturm has something to prove to Canucks faithful who have already sprung to doubt the recently and repeatedly repaired winger. Sturm played less than 20 games in three of the last four seasons with the Bruins, Kings and Capitals and is looking to rejuvenate his career playing on a talent-rich Canucks lineup.

To push Sturm and the rest of the Canucks, Mike Gillis has continued in his tradition of asking several veteran players to try out with the team. In this year’s annual attempt to raise the competition level at camp Gillis has reached out to a number of notable names in Owen Nolan, Todd Fedoruk, Steve Begin and goaltender Manny Legace to offer a second chance at the NHL.

Nolan and Fedoruk are likely both vying for a spot on the Canucks fourth line, however with the depth of forwards ahead of the pair on the depth chart, the chances of making the team in Vancouver are slim. Like Brendan Morrison last year, the two veterans are looking for a second chance with the Canucks just as much as any other NHL team that could become interested following a good showing in camp. It is an odd reality for Canucks fans yet the overall increase in competition at camp only raises the effort level of everyone on the ice, always a good thing.

Will Tanev Secure Top-Six Spot?

Kevin Bieksa was so impressed with Chris Tanev’s performance during the latter half of the 2011 season he told reporters he thought the youngster could skate around the ice with a smoke in his mouth. At the start of a fresh season in 2012 Tanev has the opportunity to validate his play and lock down a sport on the Canucks final defensive pairing.

Tanev was determined to make additional strides this season and added an extra ten pounds of muscle over the summer in order to beef up his game. With older and stronger defenceman like Andrew Alberts and Aaron Rome also competing for the same spots in the lineup despite the bulk-up Tanev will be forced to prove brain is better than brawn on the blueline.

Along with Alberts and Rome, veteran defenceman Anders Eriksson is likely to get a good look on the Canucks blueline as a depth option. If the Canucks’ playoff run last season is any indication, a stable of defenceman is more than necessary when preparing for the grind of four brutal rounds of playoff hockey.

Can Cody Hodgson Find a Permanent Home?

By all accounts Cody Hodgson finds himself in perfect position to earn a spot with the Canucks however with a short time-frame to showcase his talent before resident second line pivot Ryan Kesler returns, Hodgson faces a tall task in securing a permanent spot in the lineup. Despite Hodgson’s pedigree, 28 year old Andrew Ebbett could also challenge for the temporary second line position. Ebbett played 145 games with four teams over the last six seasons but has yet to stick on any NHL roster.

Cody Hodgson is a perfect fit for a vacant second line center role while Ryan Kesler is out recovering from injury, but what of the young Coho when Kesler returns? It is hard to imagine a situation in which Hodgson can hold a permanent centering role on the Canucks, who are one of the deepest teams in the NHL up the middle. So what options are left for a talented young player who doesn’t seem to fit in an already talent-rich lineup?

Some will speculate that a positive showing in Canucks camp from Coho will result in a Ryan Kesler shift to the wing on the second line; however the Canucks would be wise to think long and hard about other alternatives before changing the position of the reigning Selke winner. The combination of Henrik Sedin, Ryan Kesler and Manny Malhotra at the center position is one of the Canucks’ biggest strengths, one not worth tinkering with for the sake of a prospect.

A shift further down the lineup on the fourth line would make more sense for the Canucks, but only if the team is willing to carry Hodgson as a fourth line center. Unfortunately for the team Hodgson’s pedigree as a puck distributor and point generator makes little sense in a fourth line role.

No matter how he plays there may not be much room for Cody Hodgson in the Canucks lineup, but the amount of talented hockey players on the roster does make for an intriguing trade landscape if Mike Gillis decides space needs to be made. With another valuable prospect in Cory Schneider available to Gillis, it is very possible the Canucks could be looking to move some young talent early in the season.

How Much Longer is Cory Schneider a Canuck?

You don’t have to follow Bob McKenzie to know that Cory Schneider’s talent is slightly wasted behind a goaltending giant like Roberto Luongo. The latter simply isn’t designed to share the work load, he loves playing every night and he is fully considered a 1A starting goalie in the NHL, so the question remains, how long will Cory Schneider last in Vancouver?

As Cam Cole mentioned in a piece yesterday covering the young man behind the mask, Schneider’s time to emerge as a legitimate number one goaltender in the NHL is quickly approaching and with a handful of teams in need of a young crease keeper, it is only a matter of time before Schneider moves on. Just don’t expect Schneider to be headed to the most obvious fit in say, Edmonton. The Canucks aren’t about to allow a divisional rival to vastly upgrade their team.

With a surplus of talent trying out for a position on the Canucks second line and another blue-chip prospect in Cody Hodgson readily available to Mike Gillis, the trading block could become a very familiar avenue for Mike Gillis as the Canucks drive to pursue Stanley Cup aspirations.

A Diamond in the Rough?

Every year it seems one player or another far exceeds expectations at NHL training camp blowing coaches and teammates out of the water with their progress. Who will be the shining star this year, and does it make a difference on such a talented Canucks team? Teases like Sergei Shirokov have provided camp intrigue in years past, but will another young talent break out in the coming games this year?

Have another player or training camp battle worth paying special attention to? Let it be known in the comments section below.

For instant stats, links, news, notes and all the Canucks hockey you can handle  follow The Flying V on Twitter @FlyingVHockey or keep up to date with the Kevin Vanstone on Twitter @FlyingVLyf.

HOCKEY LEGENDS PAT LAFONTAINE AND STEVE WEBB TO RIDE 550 MILES FOR W20
FOUNDATION AND COMPANIONS IN COURAGE FOUNDATION

NEW YORK (September 19, 2011) –NHL alumnus Steve Webb and Hockey Hall
of Fame inductee Pat LaFontaine began a 550-mile bike ride this morning
from the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto in route to the NHL Powered by
Reebok Store in New York City in support of their respective charitable
efforts, the W20 Foundation and the Companions in Courage Foundation. Both
are expected to complete their historic ride on Wednesday, September 21 at
12:00 p.m. ET with a special celebration at the NHL Powered by Reebok Store
in midtown Manhattan.

“The NHL is proud to support these two hockey legends as they embark
on this epic charitable ride. On behalf of the NHL family we proudly salute
Pat and Steve, and wish them the best of luck” said Ken Martin, Jr., NHL
Vice President of Community Affairs.

LaFontaine’s Companions in Courage Foundation is an official
philanthropic partner of the National Hockey League (NHL) and helps to
create “Lion’s Den/NHL Legacy Classrooms” featuring Cisco System’s online
conferencing system, WebEx, which allows young patients to connect to
family, friends, schools and teachers anywhere in the world during a
hospital stay.

The Foundation has now opened 12 Lion’s Den rooms throughout North
America, including two with the NHL in Boston, Calgary and Montreal. The
NHL unveiled the first fully functional “NHL Legacy Classroom” at North
Carolina Children’s Hospital to commemorate the 2011 NHL All-Star Weekend.
Plans for an “NHL Legacy Classroom” in Pittsburgh were unveiled during the
2011 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic to commemorate the outdoor game.

Webb’s W20 Foundation provides young student ice hockey players with
partial academic scholarships to continue the pursuit of their hockey
dreams. Now the organization also highlights athletes as influential agents
of change and creates opportunities for athletes to give back in their
communities. Webb will also commit a portion of the ride’s proceeds to fund
Alzheimer and dementia research in Ontario.

The riders will be joined by a support team that includes Graham
Fraser, founder of Centurion Cycling, host of North America’s premier
series of distance bicycling events.

For more information on how you can support this please visit
www.CiC16.org
or www.w20Foundation.org.  To follow the progress of the ride, fans are
encouraged to visit www.W20Foundation.blogspot.com. ]]> http://hockeyindependent.com/blog/bdgallof/38698/feed/ 0 http://hockeyindependent.com/blog/puckstopper1/38627/ http://hockeyindependent.com/blog/puckstopper1/38627/#comments Sun, 18 Sep 2011 01:42:25 +0000 Alex Muscat http://hockeyindependent.com/blog/?p=38627 It’s been more than seven years since one of the darkest moments in recent hockey history took place—but former Colorado forward Steve Moore will have his day in an Ontario Superior Court next year.  Moore filed a $38 million lawsuit against current Detroit Red Wing Todd Bertuzzi, the Vancouver Canucks and Orca Bay, which owned the Canucks at the time, on Thursday.  The court date is slated for September 24, 2012 and that’s if Bertuzzi is still playing in the NHL. If he is retired, the date will be set for October 22, 2012.

On March 8, 2004 in Vancouver, the host Canucks were losing 8-2 to the visiting Colorado Avalanche.  Midway through the third period, Bertuzzi, who played for the Canucks at the time, sucker-punched Moore and drove his head into the ice.  The NHL suspended Bertuzzi for the rest of the regular season and playoffs, with suspension carried over the lockout season of 2004-05.  He also pleaded guilty to assault in criminal court, served one year probation and performed community service.  As for Moore, he suffered a concussion and a broken neck.  He has not played a game since the injuries.

The situation arose from a previous match a couple of weeks prior to the melee.  Moore delivered a hit in the head to Markus Naslund.  Then-Canucks head coach Marc Crawford, and the rest of the team, were irate that no call was made against Moore.  After the game, members of the Canucks were vocal about getting back at Moore the next time the two teams met.  Bertuzzi filed a lawsuit against Crawford in 2007 for encouraging him to go after Moore, which Crawford denies.

Reportedly, Moore still has recurring headaches from the concussion and was ordered by his doctors to retire from the NHL.  As for Bertuzzi, he didn’t play pro hockey for 17 months, lost money in endorsement deals, and paid fines for the attack.  His revenge on Moore in Vancouver was a retaliation that went very, very bad.  As he is about to enter his 16th season in the NHL with the Red Wings, this could be a distraction to Bertuzzi.  No matter what the outcome will be and regardless how much money will be awarded in the lawsuit (if any), Steve Moore hasn’t fully recovered and his dream of having an NHL career was taken away from him.  As for Todd Bertuzzi, not only does he have this dark cloud over him for the rest of his career, he will have to live with this for the rest of his life.

Several of the victims were foreign players for the club. The squad includes players from the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Sweden. Among the victims, former NHL players Pavol Demitra, Ruslan Salei, Karel Rachunek, Karlis Skrastins, and Josef Vasicek, as well as goaltender Stefan Liv who was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in 2000. Former Red Wings assistant coach Brad McCrimmon is also among the victims.

Demitra played 847 games in the NHL with the Senators, Blues, Kings, Wild, and Canucks scoring 304 goals and 464 assists for 768 points. He reached the 60-point plateau six times. Demitra played in the KHL last season.

Rachunek played 371 games in the NHL with the Senators, Rangers and Devils notching 22 goals and 118 assists for 140 points. Rachunek has been playing in the KHL since the 2008-09 season.

Salei played 917 games in the NHL with the Ducks, Panthers, Avalanche and Red Wings notching 45 goals and 159 assists for 204 points. He reached the Stanley Cup finals with the Ducks in 2002-03. Salei played for the Red Wings last year.

Skrastins played 832 games in the NHL with the Predators, Avalanche, Panthers and Stars recording 32 goals and 104 assists for 136 points. He played for the Stars last season.

Vasicek played 460 games in the NHL with the Hurricanes, Predators and Islanders recording 77 goals and 106 assists for 183 points. He played for the Stars last season. He reached the Stanley Cup finals with the Hurricanes in 2001-02.

The Yaroslavl HC Lokomotiv were Russian Champions in 1997, 2002 and 2003. The squad was to play a match against Mink HC Dinamo on Thursday. Colorado Avalanche goaltender Semyon Varlamov was rumored to join Lokomotiv this summer, but chose NHL instead. A very wise decision.

Condolences to the KHL, the friends and families of all involved.

Video of the crashed plane here.

Source: SovSports and Reuters

Follow me on Twitter for more information on this terrible plane crash as the information comes along.

Hello again, and welcome to Part II of my 4-Part NHL season preview.  In part I, I gave you all my Eastern Conference Predictions. In part 2, I will give you my predictions for the Western Conference.  I will approach these predictions a bit differently than I did those for the Eastern Conference. Today, I will give some strengths and weaknesses of each of the 8 playoff teams out west. I will be upfront here in saying that I do not usually follow the Western Conference as much as I do the East, over the course of the season, so many of you may have differing opinions here. Like always, feel free to chime in with your opinions below.

1) Vancouver Canucks

Strengths:

The defending conference champs return in 2011-12 as without a doubt one of the clear-cut contenders for a Stanley Cup. Arguably the deepest team, top to bottom in the entire NHL, the Canucks will once again be lead by former Hart trophy winners Daniel and Henrik Sedin. Ryan Kesler returning to full health will also be a welcome sight for Vancouver’s offense.  Perhaps the biggest strength of the Canucks, will be the retribution factor. The Canucks’ were so close to the franchise’s first Stanley Cup, they could taste it. They always say that a team must learn how to lose, before you can learn how to win;  and in 2010-11 , the Vancouver Canucks sure learned how to lose.

Weaknesses:

Truth be told, there isn’t much to put here. The loss of puck-moving defenseman Christian Ehrhoff will undoubtedly play a role in the Canucks’ success in 2011-12. However, a team that employed 9 NHL-quality defensemen in 2010-11, a replacement should not be hard to find. The only real question mark in Vancouver, is the ability of star goaltender Roberto Luongo to bounce back from a rough finish to the post-season of 2011. But even if Roberto is to falter, young Cory Schneider will be ready and willing to carry the load.

2) Los Angeles Kings

Strengths:

The popular favorite in the West, is without a doubt the LA Kings. After losing out on key free agents Ilya Kovalchuk and Brad Richards over the past two summers, GM Dean Lombardi opted to pull the trigger on a trade sending Wayne Simmonds and  uber-prospect Brayden Schenn to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for  former Flyer-captain Mike Richards. Richards should make an immediate impact on the LA roster, and provide perhaps the best 1-2 punch at center, along with all-star pivot Anze Kopitar.

Weaknesses:

While the addition of Mike Richards went a long way to solidifying the Kings 2nd line, the team’s lack of depth after the top 2 lines is perhaps the team’s biggest achilles heel. Beyond Richards, Kopitar, Williams and Stoll, the Kings lack much skill on the offensive end. In order to be successful in 2011-12, the Kings will need improved production from the likes of Kyle Clifford and Brad Richardson.

3) Chicago Blackhawks

Strengths:

The 2010 Stanley Cup Champions are perhaps the deepest team in the entire NHL. Led by stars, the likes of Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook, Pat Kane, Jonathan Toews, and Patrick Sharp, the Blackhawks will be back and looking for a return to the Cup Finals. Look for Chicago to once again be near the top in the Western Conference for most of 2011-12.

Weaknesses:

After making some solid depth acquisitions this offseason, the Blackhawks only true weakness entering 2011-12 is the play of young goaltender Corey Crawford. While Crawford did have an excellent rookie season, it is unclear whether or not he can continue his strong play, going forward. The sophmore slump can be a huge issue in hockey, and it will be critical to the Blackhawks success, that Crawford is able to battle through.

4) San Jose Sharks

Strengths:

Scoring. San Jose is one of few teams that can legitimately run 3 very productive offensive units. The addition of Brent Burns will also significantly help out on the back end, and go along way to replacing Rob Blake as an offensive force from the blueline, who retired last summer.

Weaknesses:

The swap of Dany Heatley for Martin Havlat will be sure to pay dividends for San Jose in the post-season , but it is unclear whether or not Havlat can produce at the same rate as Heatley can, during the regular season. However, on a team with Logan Couture, Joe Thornton, Patrick  Marleau and Ryan Clowe, I am sure goal scoring should not be an issue.

5) Detroit Red Wings

Strengths:

With Captain Nicklas Lidstrom returning for what looks to be like 1 final year in the league, 2011-12 looks like it’ll be Detroit’s last crack at the Cup for  a few years. Look to the Red Wings to rely on top end talent and a bevy of experience to lift them to the top of the Western Conference.

Weaknesses:

Perhaps the only weakness of the Red Wings, is age, and with age, comes a proneness to injuries. Star pivot Pavel Datsyuk missed most of 2010-11 with a wrist injury, but looks to be 100% entering training camp. However, if the Wings want to succeed in 2011-12, they must get key contributions from younger depth players.

6) Nashville Predators

Strengths:

The biggest strength, of a cash-strapped Nashville squad, is none other than the man standing behind the bench, Barry Trotz. Trotz, arguably the best coach in the game, always finds a way to get his Nashville team to over-achieve and get into the post-season.

Weaknesses:

Uncertainty over the futures of the big 3; Ryan Suter, Shea Weber, and Pekka Rinne, will surely cause a stir in Nashville, as the season draws on. It will be up to those 3 all-stars to put away thoughts of contracts and focus on hockey, if Nahville wants to once again be a playoff team, in 2011-12.

7)  Anaheim Ducks

Strengths:

The RPG line is unquestionably the most dynamic scoring line in hockey, and will once again be relied upon to provide most of the Ducks’ offense. The RPG line is perhaps the only line in hockey that can truly carry a team to the playoffs.

Weaknesses:

The biggest knock on the Ducks, is that they are a very top-heavy squad. Beyond the RPG line, there really aren’t many reliable offensive forwards on the Anaheim roster. Also, beyond Lubomir Visnovsky and budding superstar Cam Fowler, there isn’t a whole lot of depth on the Ducks’ blueline. Also, concerns over the health of goaltender Jonas Hiller will be huge in determining the Ducks’ success in 2011-12.

8) Columbus Blue Jackets

Strengths:

The Blue Jackets have finally found a true #1 center to play along side Rick Nash. It is my belief, that given the chance to play with a legit play-making pivot, Rick Nash can be one of the top-5 players in all of hockey. He is mean, nasty, big, strong, has a fantastic shot, and really knows how to finish. He has now been given that opportunity, thanks to GM Scott Howson’s acquisition of Jeff Carter.

Weaknesses:

The biggest issue for Columbus is their depth, or lack there of. There really aren’t many proven NHL defenders on this roster. The addition of James Wisniewski will do wonders for the Jackets’ Power-Play, however, beyond Wiz, I do not see much strength on that blueline.

9) St Louis Blues

10) Minnesota Wild

11) Calgary Flames

12) Edmonton Oilers

13) Phoenix Coyotes

14) Dallas Stars

15) Colorado Avalanche

Thanks For Reading!

Be Sure To Follow Me On Twitter at @BruinsHockey365

Participants: Fred Poulin, Cris Cohen, Lawrence Duchenski, John Scott Moore, Jeremy Scriven, Alexander Monaghan, Jamie Fraser, Andre Garabedian, WB Philp, Al Cimaglia, Adrian Fung, Gordon Fall, Kevin Vanstone, Su Ring

Round 1
LAWRENCE 1 Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers are proud to select, from the Red Deer Rebels of the Western Hockey League, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.
We believe that Ryan will be an elite player in this league for years to come. He has both the vision and the passing ability to centre our first line and we are happy to bring him into the organization.

JOHN 2 Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche are proud to select, from Skelleftea HC in Sweden, Adam Larsson. The Avs most pressing issue besides a net-minder is defense. Larsson is the big man on the blue line that this team needs to be competitive. With newly acquired Erik Johnson and veteran John-Michael Liles, Larsson will complete a core of defense that should last for years. Larsson’s highly rated skating for a 6-3, 200 pound blueliner is just what the team needs. Also noted is his poise and patience with the puck, a good quality to see this early.

JAMIE 3 Panthers
The Florida Panthers select Gabriel Landeskog of the OHL’s Kitchener Ranger. Gritty. Determined. Physical. Tough. Mean. These are characteristics not common to the average Swedish hockey player. Gabriel Landeskog is truly a made in Canada Swede. He’s physical mature player who’s the most NHL ready in the draft. Landeskog is pure leadership material, he’s a difference maker every time he’s on the ice. This past season he scored 66 points (36-30) in 53 games. Here’s Landeskog take on his style “I’m a powerful guy who likes to play rough and tough,” “But I do see myself as a skilled guy but it still comes down to hard work and being gritty and being in your face. That’s what I want to do.”

JAMIE 4 Devils
The New Jersey Devils select 4th overall Jonathan Huberdeau of the Saint John Sea Dogs. Huberdeau an excellent two-way forward recently won the Memorial Cup with Saint John. He draws comparisons to Jason Spezza but with a better defensive hockey mind. Huberdeau has assets that you can’t teach such as vision, his 6’1″ frame and his ability to play under pressure. Truly a great fit for a Devils trap system. Scoring 105 points(43-62) this season in the QMJHL he has the offensive abilities to command at 1st/2nd line duties in the future.

ANDRE 5 Islanders
With the 5th selection of the 2011 entry draft, the NY Islanders are proud to select, from the Drummondville Voltigeurs, Sean Couturier. This was a very tough choice. Hamilton, Couturier, Strome, Murphy are all gifted players who can help fill a need for the Islanders and were right there for us, but the feeling was that adding a player of Couturier’s skill set, combined with his size made him a sensible choice. Not only is he a top player, but he also fills a need for size on a relatively small Islander team. He is gifted offensively, but also has displayed a commitment to the defensive side of the ice making him a solid 2-way prospect. Much of his time was spent against opposing top lines — giving him the oppor tunity to dominate at both ends of the ice. He is size speed and skill — all of the tools the Islanders need.

The “knock” on Sean was that he was coasting this season, and does not have the “commit” level that he should. We feel Sean is committed to both ends of the ice, and we are sure he will be a proud part of the Islander family for many years to come. We feel Sean is an excellent player that adds to a dynamic core of players in our development system.

JAMIE 6 Senators
With the 6th pick overall in the NHL 2011 entry draft the Ottawa Senators select Ryan Strome. Ottawa needs help for that 2nd line centre position. Ryan Strome lacks the size of Sean Couturier, but this kid put up 106 points(33-73) with the OHL’s Niagara Ice Dogs. He draws similar skill sets to Patrick Kane. Strome is a player who is at his biggest part of his game with the puck on his stick and will often make opposing defenders look absolutely ridiculous in YouTube highlight reel moments. While many of his goals belong on highlight reels, Strome has a great shot and excellent hockey sense. Make sure to follow Ryan Strome on twitter @strome18

FRED 7 Thrashers (Winnipeg Jets)
The Winnipeg team is proud to select, from the Niagara Ice Dogs of the OHL, defenseman Dougie Hamiilton. His strong and smooth st aking abilities allow him to skate out of trouble in own zone. Can quarterback the power play thanks to great vision and accurate shot. The team also needs more size on defense to complement Dustin Byfuglien. Hamilton scored 12 goals and added 46 assists for 58 pts in 57 games this season. The 6’4” 195 lb rearguard could very well become a top-2 defenseman in a near future.

FRED 8 Flyers from the Blue Jackets
The Philadelphia Flyers are proud to select from Djurgarden of the Swedesih Elite League, centre Mika Zibanejad. After trading two quality centers in Mike Richards and Jeff Carter on Thursday, the Flyers need to restock their middle lane with top-end prospects. A very intelligent two-way player with a great shot, Zibanejad has an above-average sense of hockey and anticipation. He uses his 6’2”, 190 lb frame to his advantage and his strength to battle pucks along the boards. He is not afraid to play physically and likes to initiate contact. He has excellent faceoffs skills and great skating abilities. He draws some comparisons to Ryan Kesler and Mike Fisher.

FRED 9 Bruins from the Maple Leafs
The Boston bruins are proud to select from the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL, defenseman Ryan Murphy. An exceeding talented puck-moving defenseman, the diminutive Murphy draws comparisons to Ryan Ellis and former NHLer Brian Rafalski. In 63 games last season, the offensive defenseman scored an impressive 26 goals and 53 assists for 79 points. A good fit for the Bruins as the team really needs a power play quarterback, Murphy is an outstanding skater and puck carrier a la PK Subban. He is very agile, possesses soft hands and boasts a hard and accurate slapshot. The 5’11, 175 lb will be a steady fixture on the Bruins’ blueline for years to come.

CRIS 10 Wild
The Minnesota Wild take, from the Portland Winterhawks of the WHL, Sven Bartschi. The Wild, after being a defense-first team under Jacques Lemaire their first 7 seasons and losing Marian Gaborik to Free agency in 2009, this team needs offense. Havlat with 22 goals was their leading scorer this past season and no other Wild hit the 20-goal plateau. Bartschi, and excellent skater possesses good passing and stickhandling skills and a good, quick shot. He will need to work on the defensive side of his game, though.
JOHN 11 Avalanche from the Blues
With the 11th pick the Colorado Avalanche are proud to pick Duncan Siemens of the WHL’s Saskatoon Blades. The 6’3″, 192 lbs defenseman is just too good for the Avs to pass up. Despite needs on offense, the big D-man will be an asset to the Avs in the future and possibly forming a formidible defensive core for years. Naming Scott Stevens as his favorite player, Siemens will lay a hit and even fight. But better yet he is a shutdown defenseman with mobility.

SUE 12 Hurricanes
With the 12th pick, the Carolina Hurricanes are proud to select Joseph Morrow of the WHL’s Portland Winterhawks. We like Morrow for his strong skating, great speed and talented two-way game. He has the uncanny ability to see the entire ice and create smart plays and scoring chances.
He’s also very strong on both the power play and penalty kill and uses his size to every advantage on the ice. He played a key role in helping the Winterhawks clinch the WHL’s US Dvision and Western Conference titles during the regular season and helped propel the team to the WHL Championships, which they lost to the Kootenay Ice.

SUE 13 Flames
With the 13th pick, the Calgary Flames are pleased to select Mark McNeill from the Prince Albert Raiders of the WHL. McNeill can play Center but he also has experience at Right Wing. He’s big, smart and an accurate shot, whether it comes to scoring or passing. His size also makes him strong defensively- this kid is not afraid to go after the puck. McNeill led the Raiders to their first playoff appearance since the 2006-2007 season.

ALEXANDER 14 Stars
With the 14th overall pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, the Dallas Stars take Rocco Grimaldi, Center, USA Under-18-USHL. After losing a great player like Brad Richards, we felt our organization took the best player available and added a great deal of skill. If not for his size, Grimaldi likely could have gone in the top 10 as he displays an excellent amount of agility, top speed and overall skill. In addition, we find Rocco to be a hard-working, determined individual who can eventually play on our top line. Picking at number 14, we are quite pleased to select a player of his stature.

CRIS 15 Rangers
With the 15th pick the New York Rangers select from the USHL Tyler Biggs. He brings a size (6′ 2″, 210) that most of the forwards in the Rangers’ system do not possess. He’s willing to hit opponents and fight when necessary. While not overly impressive from an offensive standpoint (19G, 12 A in 55 games) and not speedy, his size and strength should provide more room for offensively skilled teammates he could be paired with to be free to do their thing.

The second part of the mock draft will be posted later today. Stay tuned!

Jakub Voracek, 1st round pick, and....3rd round pick...(Opens Envelope) Name 3 things traded for Jeff Carter!

This year, once again with the assistance of my good friend Andrew R (and some Bitches Brew…..both the beer and the music), I sat down to do my NHL Mock Draft.  As per usual, trades were considered, and by a phenomenal stroke of luck we called Carter to Columbus for Voracek and the 8th pick….so we’re ready to go.

This was fun and challenging, as always, but especially this year, because it’s such a fluid draft and people are seriously all over the place.  I’ve seen guys ranked top 10 in some drafts and out of the 1st round in others.  I’m sure some of these picks will sound stupid, but I’m sure I’ll be wrong a lot….but hey, nobody thought Dylan McIlrath would go before Cam Fowler last year.

Without further ado, here we go…

1. Edmonton Oilers: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, C, Red Deer (WHL)

I think there are a few question marks about Nugent-Hopkins, specifically his size and willingness to go to the dirty areas, but despite this the Oilers think he’s too good to pass up at #1.  They hope he and Taylor Hall form a dynamic duo for years to come.

2. Colorado Avalanche: Gabriel Landeskog, W, Kitchener (OHL)

We agonized over this pick, but we thought at the end of the day the Avalanche would be seduced by the size, heart, grit, and NHL readiness of Landeskog.  He’s a Chris Stewart type – the kind of player you hold on to, and never trade, come hell or high water!  Wait….what?

3. Florida Panthers: Sean Couturier, C, Drummondville (QMJHL)

Dale Tallon is a well-known fan of big players, and he overlooks the “analysis paralysis” in the scouting community to jump on Sean Couturier.  Back-to-back 96-point seasons (despite having mono at the start of this year), experience at the WJC, winning the Mike Bossy Award, and his size (6’4) make him the right move for the Panthers.

4. New Jersey Devils: Adam Larsson, D, Skelleftea (SEL)

The Devils, by most accounts, should have lost their 1st round pick this year in the Kovalchuk chicanery.  Instead, they won the draft lottery, and Lou Lamoriello looks like the cat who ate the canary after Larsson falls to him at 4.  He had a sub-par year in the SEL by most standards, but Larsson’s talent and hockey sense will make him the best Devils blueline prospect since Scott Niedermayer.

5. New York Islanders: Ryan Strome, C, Niagara (OHL)

I can already hear the Dougie Hamilton fans sharpening their knives, but hear me out.  In addition to resembling Mr. Burns (according to Niagara fans), I believe Strome is the best long-term fit for the Islanders.  He projects as a top center with playmaking ability and creativity, and the Islanders justify this pick by citing his higher projection.  At the end of the day, when you pick 5th, you want the guy who will be the better player down the road, not the biggest positional need or the guy who will calm Josh Bailey’s nerves about being replaced.  I’ve had a hunch about Strome for a while, and I will not back off from it like I did last year with Nino Niederreiter.

Here’s a Strome highlight reel goal:

Highlight Reel Goal From Strome

6. Ottawa Senators: Jonathan Huberdeau, C, St. John’s (QMJHL)

Huberdeau slips to Ottawa despite his incredible playoff run with the Memorial Cup champions, and Bryan Murray is glad he did (especially since Brian Burke is nowhere to be seen and can’t take the pick out of spite).  Huberdeau projects as a flashy offensive player, and he’ll be a good one for Ottawa.

7. Winnipeg Not Yet Jets: Dougie Hamilton, D, Niagara (OHL)

Gary Bettman was much like the father in this famous Simpsons scene recently:

The NHL has indeed gone back to Winnipeg, and they bring this hulking (6’4) d-man with them.  Hamilton is a smart player who will be a good fit on this team.

8. Philadelphia Flyers (From Columbus): Duncan Siemens, D, Saskatoon (WHL)

I had this as a mock trade, and now it’s a real trade.  Siemens is big (6’3), mean, and a hard hitter….just the kind of kid the Flyers love.  They pick him over my other option here, Mika Zibanejad, and hope Chris Pronger’s influence helps him become a star.

9. Boston Bruins (From Toronto): Ryan Murphy, D, Kitchener (OHL)

Fresh off their Cup win, the Bruins add Ryan Murphy, whose suspect D is more than balanced out by skilled offense.  He could be a true difference-maker on the Bruins PP for years to come, and they could always hide him with a defensive d-man in even strength situations to mask his weakness.

10. Minnesota Wild: Nathan Beaulieu, D, St. John’s (QMJHL)

The Wild step up to grab mobile but raw D prospect Nathan Beaulieu, whom some scouts have ranked above Hamilton, continuing a run on defense in this part of the draft.  Beaulieu is a few years away but the Wild fans will cheer this one tomorrow night at the Xcel Energy Center.

11. Colorado Avalanche (From St. Louis): Jamieson Oleksiak, D, Northeastern University (NCAA)

The Avalanche have their forward and possible future captain in Landeskog.  Now, playing with house money, they feel like they can reach just a bit for the hulking (6’7) defender Oleksiak, and give him time to develop at his own pace that he might not have received if he were a team’s top pick.  He may leave Northeastern to play major junior next year; let’s keep an eye.

12. Carolina Hurricanes: Mika Zibanejad, President of Iran C/W, Djurgarden (SEL)

Zibanejad finds a home with the Carolina Hurricanes, who still need depth at every position and grab the best player available.  Some teams have him ranked top 5, but he slips due to being 2nd choice for a few of the teams above (Islanders, Winnipeg, Flyers, Avalanche).  The Canes are glad to have this tough, hard-nosed player, and their fans will be as well.

And I ran......I ran so far away....

13. Calgary Flames: Joel Armia, W, Assat Pori (FIN)

The Flames go for the home run by picking Armia, one of the more talented Finnish forward prospects in the last 10 years.  There are some questions about his work ethic, but the Flames love his talent too much to let him slip away.

14. Dallas Stars: Sven Bartschi, W, Portland (WHL)

The Stars jump on The Other Swiss Winterhawk, Sven Bartschi, who was a force of nature in this year’s Memorial Cup playoffs.  Some are surprised to see him slip so far, but he was again second choice for many teams, and the Stars practically pinch themselves on the way to the podium.

15. New York Rangers: Nicklas Jensen, RW, Oshawa (OHL)

The Islanders have a Dane, and now the Rangers have one too. Jensen’s hockey sense is off the charts, and the Rangers, after targeting D in the first round in previous years, think he’s the right move at 15 this year.

16. Buffalo Sabres: Oscar Klefbom, D, Farjestad (SEL)

The Sabres go for the BPA with Oscar Klefbom, a mobile, agile, and incredibly smart Swedish defenseman.  He has the potential to be the steal of the 1st round at this slot.

17. Montral Canadiens: Rocco Grimaldi, F, US NTDP

The Canadiens have trouble finding a forward taller than 5’3, and this does not get better with Grimaldi, who would be the shortest player in the NHL should he make it (yes, even smaller than Nathan Gerbe…who is a gnat).  However, he may be the most skilled player in the whole draft, and you can’t doubt his will to make it.  The Habs will look for size elsewhere….or not…

18. Chicago Blackhawks: Matt Puempel, W, Peterborough (OHL)

Puempel is a pure goal-scorer, and the Blackhawks go for the home run in continuing the rebuild of their farm system.  There are questions about his consistency, but Puempel is a great call here.

19. Edmonton Oilers: John Gibson, G, US NTDP

The Oilers have many goaltenders in the system, including Devan Dubnyk and Jeff Drouin-Deslauriers, but none project as a solid #1 goaltender.  Therefore, with Nugent-Hopkins in the fold, the Oilers jump up and take Gibson, hoping he will stabilize the crease for years to come.

20. Phoenix Coyotes: Mark McNeill, C, Prince Albert (WHL)

McNeill is strong in the corners, kills penalties well, and generally drives hard to the net.  The Coyotes have some danglers in the system, and McNeill projects as a strong, safe pick….they’re glad to have him.

21. Ottawa Senators (From Nashville): Brandon Saad, LW, Saginaw (OHL)

Ottawa is also playing with house money after nabbing Huberdeau at 6, and they can afford to take a flyer on Brandon Saad.  Saad will either be a home run power forward or a groundout, but with Huberdeau hogging all the attention as a top pick the Senators can let the Pennsylvania native find himself without a lot of pressure.

22. Anaheim Ducks: Joe Morrow, D, Portland (WHL)

Joe Morrow rocketed up the draft board due to his hockey sense, tenacity, and offensive potential.  The Ducks grab him and hope he’ll anchor the blueline for years alongside Fowler and Sbisa.

23. Pittsburgh Penguins: Tyler Biggs, RW, US NTDP

Even though the Penguins absolutely deplore violence in all its forms, they can’t resist another boom or bust type in Biggs.  He has size and a great net-front presence, and they hope he develops into his full potential.

24. Detroit Red Wings: Jonas Brodin, D, Farjestad (SEL)

This is almost too easy.  Smooth-skating, intelligent but raw d-man out of Sweden?  The Red Wings live for picks like this.  Brodin oozes talent and potential, and in Detroit he may have the best chance to harness them.

25. Toronto Maple Leafs (From Flyers): David Musil, D, Vancouver (WHL)

At a time, the hulking Musil was rated a potential top 5 pick in this draft.  His performance steadied, and he fell amid concerns his ceiling is not as high as originally thought.  He still plays a mean game and has offensive potential beyond that of his father, Frank, and he’s just truculent enough to fit Brian Burke’s bill.

26. Washington Capitals: Alexander Kochlachev, C, Windsor (OHL)

This is another almost no-brainer, as we know the Capitals LOVE their Russians.  Kochlachev oozes skill and pure offense, making him a potential home run pick this late in the draft.

27. San Jose Sharks: Mark Schiefele, C, Barrie (OHL)

The Sharks pick Schiefele as best player available, slightly ahead of J.T. Miller from the US NTDP.  Schiefele has discipline, playmaking ability, and  great net-front presence, making him a good complement to the current crop of prospects in the South Bay.

28. Tampa Bay Lightning: Connor Murphy, D, US NTDP

Murphy is a big, competitive 2-way winger who will do a little bit of everything for Steve Yzerman’s club in Tampa.  He’s best available for them.

29. Vancouver Canucks: Scott Mayfield, D, Youngstown (USHL)

He’s big, he’s smooth, he’s poised with the puck, and he’ll be a great fit in Vancouver.

30. Toronto Maple Leafs (From Boston): Zach Phillips, C/W, St. John’s (QMJHL)

Toronto closes out the pick by making it a trio from the Memorial Cup champions.  Phillips is a smart player with great puck skills and an ability to score.  Good fit for what they’re building in Toronto.

Five days have passed since the shocking riots in Vancouver cast an indelible pall over the night of Game 7 of the 2011 Stanley Cup Final and yet the shock still remains.  When looking back on June 15, 2011, future generations will probably not remember that Boston defeated the Canucks by a 4-0 score to win the Cup.  Instead, they should remember a night of sheer horror: unbridled thuggery, contempt for authority, assaults on police officers and firefighters, threats and intimidation against Good Samaritans, wanton property damage and theft, an orgy of destruction plus thousands of average citizens looking on with joyous approval.

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Yes, future generations should remember, but how will they react?

Will they invoke the mindless, dismissive one-word mantra of the times – “Whatever” – and shrug off the riots as a small, insignificant outlier in Vancouver’s history?  Will they excitedly and laughingly point at the screen of their hand-held devices as they recognize themselves proudly standing in front of a looted store or a burning car?  Will they be filled with latent satisfaction for a job well done, inciting others to join them at making a statement, wreaking havoc against a society they perceive as oppressive?

Or will they be filled with regret and sorrow and see what happened that night for what it truly was: a spectacularly base outpouring of unrestrained evil perhaps instigated by a few but shockingly perpetuated by many, many more.  And amidst the several conflagrations that roared on Vancouver streets, consuming vehicles and garbage, the last vestiges of the Canadian “goodness” myth also went up in flames, incinerated, immolated beyond recognition by the fuel pouring out of thousands of deceitful, desperately sick hearts.

Too harsh of a conclusion?  Ask the man who was savagely beaten for scolding and trying to hold back the mob that systematically smashed out the windows of the Hudson’s Bay store.  Ask the lady who was accosted and harassed as she calmly tried to talk reason into an equally brazen, senseless, rage-filled mob bent on looting another store.  Ask the many vehicle owners who watched helplessly on television as fires set by cowards rendered their cars and trucks a total write-off.  Ask the firefighter who was sucker-punched by an out-of-control drunken piece of excrement.  Ask the many police officers who were cursed at and jeered when they attempted to control the crowds while the throng cheered when thrown debris rained down on the police.

The Vancouver riots had nothing at all to do with hockey – the setting could have been baseball, soccer or basketball – but everything to do with causing chaos whether the Canucks won or lost.  It is also a pointless debate to decide whether the rioters were “true Canucks’ fans” or not.  Maybe some were; maybe some weren’t.  What matters is that the instigators – wearing Canucks’ colours or not – were people who harboured evil in their heart, looking for an opening to unleash it and finally, made a decision to give in and cause chaos.  These are the professional anarchists the chief of police and city officials referred to in their initial statements.  The types that armed themselves with weapons, destructive or incendiary material and masks to conceal their identities and mixed in with the crowds.

Yet most unsettling were the so-called average “normal” citizens on the streets – possibly a family member, a friend, a co-worker, a child, a neighbour – who at first may have watched in shock, disbelieving the sight of flipped cars and small fires, but then felt a rush of perverse excitement.

Wow!  A riot!  Cool!

In those fateful moments, those average citizens also had a choice: participate or abstain.  Unfortunately, a large majority chose the former, intoxicated by the emotional high of joining in the destruction.  Others mindlessly treated the riot scene as a tourist attraction, snapping video and pictures.  True, a small minority had the presence of mind to gather evidence but the much larger majority did so simply for a foolish thrill, a keepsake of the ‘best moment of their lives’ (as one ridiculous Facebook profile stated).  Consequently, police were often obstructed from stopping the perpetrators, firefighters blocked from putting out fires and yet the crowds of average citizens had the audacity to jeer.

In the aftermath that is just beginning, there will be those who claim innocence.

Hey, I was just taking a picture to show my buddies. I’ve never been in a riot.  It was awesome!

Well congratulations, King Ding-a-ling, I hope it was a Kodak moment.  You must feel real proud of yourself to have blocked the police and firefighters and it must feel great to have teamed up with your fellow gawkers, providing a large cloak of bodies to shield the identities of the more destructive types.

It was just one purse.  I’m in a low-income bracket.

Fantastic logic.  Let’s make a deal:  Since you think your income bracket justifies the theft of a purse then I think my income bracket prevents me from ever owning a house so I’m squatting in your house.

Canadians from Vancouver, Toronto or elsewhere must get rid of any self-congratulatory ideas about the general safety and goodness of our nation.  We all saw the images from last Wednesday.  That was not Libya or Afghanistan.  That was a Canadian city.  That was a Canadian city overrun for a few hours by Canadians bent on maximizing destruction abetted by many, many other Canadians who approved of what unfolded.

My hope is that the justice system will surprise me and crack down hard to the fullest possible extent of the law on all who were involved in the Vancouver riots.  However, it’s hard not to be cynical this week about a country in which some citizens demonstrate hatred, contempt and abuse of freedom and veritably spit upon those who stand on the side of what is right.

Sixteen months ago Ryan Kesler played in the biggest game of his life.

The previous two weeks had been somewhat of a coming out party for the Livonia, Mich. native.  The star of the hometown hockey team was now the new face of Canada’s toughest Olympic competition.

Wednesday night Kesler will play the biggest game of his life, again.

And this time there will be no encore.

With all the respect to the Olympics, which I love, when you play shinny you pretend you just scored the game winning goal in the third overtime of game seven for the Stanley Cup.  That is the dream.

This time around Kesler will have the support of the hometown fans.  He and a set of Swedish twins look to return Stanley to his home and native land for the first time since 1993.

If the Canucks do beat Boston Wednesday, the story belongs to the people of Vancouver and Canucks fans, but Kesler story also is a symbol of a growing sport and providing some good news to a place and fan base that could use some.

Like many top American players Kesler spent two seasons playing for the U.S. National Team Development Program.

Kesler’s next stop was the campus of The Ohio State University.

In one year with the Buckeyes, 2002/03, Kesler played 40 games, scoring 11 goals, 20 assists, 3 game winning goals, a +6 rating, and taking 22 penalties.

Kesler was a CCHA All-Rookie Team Honorable Mention, December CCHA Rookie of the Month, and a three time CCHA Rookie of the Week.

Now Kesler will look to become the second Buckeye player to ever win the Stanley Cup.  The other Buckeye was Jamie Macoun who won two Cups, in 1989 and 1998.

Kesler’s year in Columbus earned him a pro contract and the next season he played 28 games for the Canucks, while splitting time with Manitoba.

Now, Ohio State hockey will never produce players for the NHL at the rate Ohio State football produces players for the NFL.  But at this moment, Ryan Kesler is the best professional player in any league to come out of Ohio State.

That last sentence may not seem like a big deal at first, but think about it.  Ohio State has the biggest athletic department of any college in America.  It is also one of the most recognized and popular brands in the NCAA.

Ohio State is not known as a hockey school, it is a football school. Period.  But for the first time the best pro Buckeye is a hockey player and that is something every Buckeye should be proud of.

As you may have also heard Ohio State is going throw some rough times right now.  Nothing like a shiny new Stanley Cup to make the old Scarlet and Gray heart proud again.

Kesler is just one player, but he is one of a continuing number of great players coming from America and coming from a college that is not located in Minnesota, Michigan, or Massachusetts.

The greatest game on Earth continues to grow, and there is nothing like a Stanley Cup Final game 7 to celebrate that.

If Stanley heads back home north of the 49^th Wednesday night it will be Vancouver’s party, but there should be some smiles in Buckeye country too.

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Who could have possibly predicted that Vancouver, who led the NHL in both goals scored per game (3.15) and goals allowed per game (2.20) during the regular season, would slump to 1.33 and 3.17 during the Final?  If someone living under a rock for the past two weeks crawled out this morning and saw that the series was tied 3-3, wouldn’t it be logical for such a person to assume that the two clubs arrived at this point due to a goaltending duel between two Vezina Trophy nominees?

How wrong that would be.

If the 2011 Stanley Cup Final could be distilled down to one storyline, it would be the calm, consistent goalkeeping of Bears’ netminder Tim Thomas versus the wildly inconsistent goaltending of Vancouver’s Roberto Luongo.  Both men certainly deserved their respective Vezina nomination.  Thomas finished the regular season on top of the NHL (2.00 / .938 / .947) in all three relevant simple ratio statistics (GAA / SV% / ES SV%) while Luongo was not far behind at 2.11 / .928 / .934 (2nd, 4th and 2nd).

However, through six games of the Stanley Cup Final, “three” goaltenders have emerged: Thomas, Home Luongo and Road Luongo.  Some would argue that two miscues by Thomas in the Final detract from the case many have made for him to be unanimously named as Conn Smythe Trophy winner.  In Game 2, true to form, he came out from his crease aggressively to challenge Alex Burrows seconds after the first faceoff of overtime, only to see the Vancouver forward pull back, circle the net and tap in an easy wraparound goal.  In Game 5, Thomas was well above the top of his crease when a shot rebounded off the end boards on to the stick of Max Lapierre waiting at the side of the net to put in the only goal of that contest.

Yet in both games, Thomas kept Boston well within striking distance and overall, has posted one shutout and provided more than reliable play between the pipes while raising his results to an even higher level (1.34 / .962 / .962) than in the regular season.  Meanwhile, Luongo has been a split personality.  In six games, Luongo has posted a 3.49 GAA and a .896 SV%.  However, Home Luongo is white hot (0.67 / .979 / .986) with two shutouts while Road Luongo is liquid nitrogen cold (8.04 / .773 / .756).  That’s not a misprint.  In three games at Boston, Luongo allowed approximately 1 of every 4 pucks directed at him during even-strength play into the Vancouver net.  Can anyone recall such an extreme home / road split?

Canucks’ fans are likely clinging to the fact that Game 7 is a home game, to be played in the rink where Luongo has played so brilliantly this series.  Bruins’ backers will rest on the hope that Thomas will have enough left in the tank to deliver another workmanlike performance in goal that will enable his teammates to have a chance at breaking through on the road.  Others will point to the sleeping Sedin twins and wonder if one or both of them are due for a big game after Henrik took a baby step with his power play goal two nights ago.  Then there are those who counter that the costly loss of Mason Raymond and the resulting line-juggling may negatively affect the Canucks giving a slight edge to the balanced Bruins’ attack led by David Krejci when it comes to handicapping the Game 7 offences.

Yet it never turns out the way we think it will when it comes to Game Sevens.  Paper statistics and trends that have been parsed and analyzed endlessly tend to be of reduced significance when the season rests on a one-game sample size.  A bounce here, a break there, a blown call, a missed call, one crossbar, one deflection – all could spell the difference much more than the amount of ice time for each team’s top line.

But that’s hockey.

Enjoy the game tonight.