Gaze Not Into The Abyss: A Look At The Opposition - The Canucks Blue Line
by SamFels on Apr 11, 2011 9:05 PM CDT
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As we continue this lazy drive down the preview line, it's time to look at the men behind the men but in front of the other guy, the defense of Vancouver
Vancouver's top pair are two guys we've had some fun with the past year or two. You'll probably remember our back and forth with On The Forecheck last season when they assured us that Dan Hamhuis would shackle Patrick Kane and Patrick Sharp while Suter and Weber dealt with Toews and Hossa. And aside from those seven points in six games that Kaner registered, Hamhock was just fine. It's surprising that Hamhuis is even suiting up after his second concussion in a short time span, which actually came from colliding with his partner. If he's fully healthy though, Hamhuis is a gifted skater and a pretty decent puck mover. His game would look a lot like Duncan Keith's when Keith isn't bathing in the stupid tub, where he uses his feet and stick more than a physical facet to keep the attackers at bay. Overall, he's a pretty solid guy if he's fully healthy, and all reports are that he is. But Hamhuis has never struck anyone as a genuine, #1 shutdown guy. Sure, we see the +29 but that's a little distorted by the team wide silly stats the Canucks have put up.
Bieksa was our favorite joke the past two years. Never afraid to run his mouth and then take another stupid, selfish penalty while getting walked by either Toews or Kane, we've gotten a lot of mileage out of ol' Kev. Before this year started he was certainly trade bait, as the Canucks looked for cap relief. But then Sami Salo got hurt taking in oxygen as is his way, and Bieksa figured out that when playing for a contract it's probably a good idea to let it all hang out. He's lessened the dumb decisions, channeled the physicality into legal ways, and still probably has the most snarl on the blue line for Vancouver. He's the exact type of defender the smallish Hawks forwards don't deal with well, and if his head is on straight could be a real force in this series. But can anyone guarantee that he will? I'm still wagering that he runs his mouth and keeps parading to the box and gives us opportunities to make this a real entanglement.
This is where it gets icky. Both Edler ad Ehrhoff have grown up this season, Ehrhoff doing so especially when Edler went down with a back injury that he just returned from. Though they won't say it, to me this is their top pair. While both don't play to their size at all times, Edler was doing that more this year before the injury. Who knows if that will change now. Both are nifty on the power play with cannons for shots. And both join the rush and can really push the play from the backend, and when the Sedins get going and these two are providing outlets, it becomes scary. If these two continue their excellent play in the postseason, the Canucks are formidable in every sense. And this time we don't come armed with the forwards who could bully them, if that's even possible even more.
This is the likely third pairing, and boy does it ever look one. Salo's sort of been the bane of Canucks fans existence with his hefty contract and softer than puppy shit play and his ability to have something fall off of him every 10 minutes. Yes, he's got that bazooka of a shot but he doesn't carry much else, and the Hawks have exposed him in the past. Rome is pretty much the definition of "a guy", and you won't see him much more than 10 minutes a night. They could bring in Keith Ballard to patrol here as well, but he's been beyond terrible this year and that's unlikely.
Overall, it's a solid group, and with Keith and Hjalmarsson both underachieving this year, the Canucks probably have the advantage. But there's not a true top pairing here, just a collection of #2 or more likely #3 d-men, though Edler can change that. But this is essentially the same group the Hawks have gotten past the past two years, replacing Willie Mitchell with Hamhuis, though I know Mitchell didn't play last year. It will come down to if Toews and Hossa (assuming they're playing together) can scratch against Hamhock and the Mouthy Douchebag. Edler and Ehrhoff wouldn't likely fair much better if called upon.
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Guys, Hamuis' got this. Watch out Kaner.
That and the one nut wonder that is Sami Salo.
I’m pretty sure this defense was a product of playing 15% of their games against bottom feeders, a regular season terror of a goalie, and an offense that kept the puck on the other side of the ice. Maybe I’m wrong but the Defense on this team doesn’t strike me as a force. I hope I am right.
She said, "you might be sick, but you feel alright to me."
by HolyBlackhawksBatman on Apr 11, 2011 9:13 PM CDT reply actions
agreed
everyone gives Vancouver the edge here, but these are the same guys from last year (plus Hamhuis), and they were pretty much turnstiles in last years’ series. perhaps they’ve all improved tremendously. we shall see.
We like our people!
Thank you!
tools are useful. You can do all sorts of things. Build stuff, open cans…
Yes! Compliment from Hawks fan!
<3 Boobies!
#WinitForManny
they make shitty music even!
oh wait…..
Jedi Ninja says: "BRING IT!"
by puppetmasterp on Apr 12, 2011 12:19 AM CDT up reply actions
and I'm
deconstructing them
Jedi Ninja says: "BRING IT!"
by puppetmasterp on Apr 12, 2011 1:10 AM CDT up reply actions
apparently
so am I
Jedi Ninja says: "BRING IT!"
by puppetmasterp on Apr 12, 2011 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions
Someone must speak up for the tools
and I must say you’re being quite unkind in comparing them to Bieksa.
Yeah, tools are useful
Bieksa is just a waste
"Change the channel, Mike Milbury is making my IQ drop"
Thanks so much for doing this
Somehow I feel like you had more time to do these last year… so anything that resembles “laziness” (and I don’t know that this does) is easily forgiven.
So...
Accidentally listing Ballard as #7 is sort of like accidentally putting Campoli as #7 and Scott #6?
yeah
saw that. But the suggestion he’s been awful is plain wrong. Ballard has been a rock this season. His limited ice time is because a) The top 4 have been phenomenal and b) he’s been mentoring the call ups (Aaron Rome with Chris Tanev was… umm…. yeah, let’s not go there haha).
Ballard has been so defensively sound it isn’t funny. I know during the first two months there was this perception he wasn’t playing well, but after he found his legs and shrugged off those two injuries, he’s been excellent.
<3 Boobies!
#WinitForManny
Tanev lasted 29 games
without a single trip to the sin bin. He’s more defensively sound than you imply, seeing as he’s only 21? ;)
Coconuts go.™
"Things may come to those who wait, but only what’s left behind by those who hustle."
and how many of those games was he paired with hips?
When he was paired with Rome it wasn’t a very good experiment. Ballard had more chemistry and had a good effect on Tanev, really helping him blossom.
<3 Boobies!
#WinitForManny
Aside from your Ballard gaffe
good read. I think it’s pretty fair, based on past experience. Especially the Salo bit. We should have a joint SCH-NM pool to bet when Salo gets injured and what kind. Sort of like in Bingo though, his balls can’t be chosen, since that is apparently the only injury which doesn’t keep him from playing.
I, of course, disagree that Hamhuis won’t be up to the task this year and Bieksa will have discipline issues. Hamhuis has been very effective and Bieksa has been so improved all year. But since I have no other playoff facts to back this up, I can’t argue it.
<3 Boobies!
#WinitForManny
by Canuckles on Apr 11, 2011 10:00 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
I agree
Nice look at the defensive pairing, minus Ballard. And the Salo bit had me laughing out loud!
Thanks for the Ballard info
I haven’t gotten to watch much Canucks hockey in the past month or so, so I’ll take your word for it. I saw he didn’t play the last game so I assumed Rome was taking the minutes.
www.secondcityhockey.com
no he did
Rome actually played on the 4th line as forward because of Torres’ suspension and the lack of roster players available (in Manitoba)
Ballard has been very solid and dependable for the Canucks this year. His skating is excellent (in one of our more recent games, Ballard skated through the entire opposition team at least 3 times) and his hipchecks are wonderful. His nickname is “Hips.” But his defensive play has been very very reliable all year as well, making safe plays and wonderful outlet passes through the zone.
<3 Boobies!
#WinitForManny
"His poop is smaller, and he eats less."
That is one awesome brand of jocular yet highly cynical humor. I liked Ballard before, but now I like him a lot.
Templeton Rye'd the Lightning.
by Smokin Herb Grigsby on Apr 11, 2011 11:40 PM CDT up reply actions
Do you carry him in a backpack?
No, no, no. On a leash. He’s dog.
That interview was hilarious. On a side note, this might be the first postseason of the past 3 that I’m more than a little nervous about facing these Canucks. We need a healthy Bolland and to limit the defensive turnovers in front of Crawford, but even then it will be a tough series.
You should post
his Fountain Tire interview.
Coconuts go.™
"Things may come to those who wait, but only what’s left behind by those who hustle."
by eightyseven on Apr 12, 2011 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions
It is up there. Canuckles
has this nifty trick of posting several links in series. Click on “epic” above and there it is. Funny stuff.
Hahah, thanks!
I didn’t bother cilcking any of them, ‘cause I’ve seen them previously. My b.
Coconuts go.™
"Things may come to those who wait, but only what’s left behind by those who hustle."
by eightyseven on Apr 12, 2011 11:50 AM CDT up reply actions
That hipcheck was a thing of beauty
The only thing that would have made it better is if it was against Abdelkader.
"I have only space enough to add: against the assault of desperate pandas nothing can stand."
-ChicoMaki (channeling Mark Twain)
by HungryHungryPanda on Apr 12, 2011 8:34 AM CDT up reply actions
Hadn't noticed that!
The one on Drew Miller, the word “hipcheck”.
Also, I had no idea that he was so funny. He’s not just “athlete funny”, he’s actually really hilarious. Too bad his sense of humor only makes Kesler look more douchey and disinterested (this is SCH, had to get a shot in).
"I have only space enough to add: against the assault of desperate pandas nothing can stand."
-ChicoMaki (channeling Mark Twain)
by HungryHungryPanda on Apr 12, 2011 8:42 AM CDT up reply actions
accepted!
We make our shots on Kane over at NM when we can, so I am totally cool with the shots.
<3 Boobies!
#WinitForManny
At least Kane
doesn’t have a Superman tattoo on his arm with a “K” instead of an “S”
"I have only space enough to add: against the assault of desperate pandas nothing can stand."
-ChicoMaki (channeling Mark Twain)
by HungryHungryPanda on Apr 12, 2011 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions
Oh god
that amateur ink job.
Coconuts go.™
"Things may come to those who wait, but only what’s left behind by those who hustle."
true
although a tatt might cost Kane more than 25c, so he may not want to pay.
<3 Boobies!
#WinitForManny
oh my, this again?
That’s like still calling Burrows a hair pulling pud. Which he is.
On board with Team Live Bad Ass
by Johnny Lava on Apr 12, 2011 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions
Dont forget that no matter how good Kesler is, Andrew Ladd exposed him for the coward he is.
Detroit Red Wings - Green Bay Packers - Minnesota Twins : Axis of Evil
by HjammerTime on Apr 12, 2011 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Andrew Ladd?
You mean the captain over in Atlanta? Didn’t he play for you when you were a good team?
by Canuckelhead on Apr 12, 2011 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Sour Grapes a bit? Are those moderators here yet?
Yes, Andrew Ladd, who gave that pussy one good shot and Kesler went down crying.
Detroit Red Wings - Green Bay Packers - Minnesota Twins : Axis of Evil
I'm sorry
I just can’t figure out why you keep referring to a player that plays for another team.
by Canuckelhead on Apr 12, 2011 1:40 PM CDT up reply actions
Moderator! Moderator!
“He keeps saying that Andrew Ladd doesn’t play for us anymore! While not so subtly suggesting we have half the talent we did last year.”
-HjammerTime
by Canuckelhead on Apr 12, 2011 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions
Oh wait I get it, your VancityDan under a different name.
Detroit Red Wings - Green Bay Packers - Minnesota Twins : Axis of Evil
No, that is Alain Vigneault, remember?
He knows that team better that ANYONE.
Everyone dies. It is the only true and lasting justice in life.
OK then
We’ll just send Scott out there and watch him soil himself in front of the hometown fans. Still a ginormous pussy, no matter how you slice it.
Or maybe
He’ll just score on the pp after one of your goons takes a run at him.
by Canuckelhead on Apr 12, 2011 3:10 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Yeah all our goons! Like Ryan Johnson!
Detroit Red Wings - Green Bay Packers - Minnesota Twins : Axis of Evil
Does the incident get erased from history once the guy leaves the team?
Detroit Red Wings - Green Bay Packers - Minnesota Twins : Axis of Evil
I guess not
Are you gonna start talking about how savard is gonna spin around bieksa too? Or how chelios is gonna elbow burrows?
by Canuckelhead on Apr 12, 2011 3:09 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
With the lack of Stanley Cup banners in their arena...
…I can see why Cancuks fans dislike looking to the past.
Detroit Red Wings - Green Bay Packers - Minnesota Twins : Axis of Evil
On the plus side
There’s plenty of room in the rafters for the off ice crew to hang dryer lines.
Am I paranoid? I don't know. I went to a therapist once, but I left before he gave me the diagnosis, cause he had it out for me.
by Detroit Must Die on Apr 12, 2011 3:41 PM CDT up reply actions
That's actually a minus
because its lepoard printed and has a “Whale Tale”
oh god, I’m going to go throw up
Am I paranoid? I don't know. I went to a therapist once, but I left before he gave me the diagnosis, cause he had it out for me.
by Detroit Must Die on Apr 12, 2011 3:49 PM CDT up reply actions
But...But...
Doesn’t the PRESIDENT"S CUP get a banner???
"Jonathan Toews: Youngest Triple Gold Winner EVER...EVER is a LONG time, no script written for people like that"
It probably does
in Vancouver
Am I paranoid? I don't know. I went to a therapist once, but I left before he gave me the diagnosis, cause he had it out for me.
by Detroit Must Die on Apr 12, 2011 3:53 PM CDT up reply actions
And don't forget...
The Art Ross banner
"Jonathan Toews: Youngest Triple Gold Winner EVER...EVER is a LONG time, no script written for people like that"
I actually think those accomplishments get wrapped together
On the “It’s Not What We Wanted Per Se But It Will Have to Do” Banner
Am I paranoid? I don't know. I went to a therapist once, but I left before he gave me the diagnosis, cause he had it out for me.
by Detroit Must Die on Apr 12, 2011 3:56 PM CDT up reply actions
If they ever make it past Round 2..
…they will probably induct Bobby Lu’s psychiatrist into their “Ring of Honor”
Detroit Red Wings - Green Bay Packers - Minnesota Twins : Axis of Evil
by HjammerTime on Apr 12, 2011 4:08 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
That would be a happy day
"Jonathan Toews: Youngest Triple Gold Winner EVER...EVER is a LONG time, no script written for people like that"
by Saskjet on Apr 12, 2011 4:10 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Of course!!!
"Jonathan Toews: Youngest Triple Gold Winner EVER...EVER is a LONG time, no script written for people like that"
Your crassness
Is only overshadowed by your homophobia. Overcompensating much?
by Canuckelhead on Apr 12, 2011 6:36 PM CDT up reply actions
Its not homophobia. Its disgust at incest. Duh.
Detroit Red Wings - Green Bay Packers - Minnesota Twins : Axis of Evil
Hahaha.
Detroit Red Wings - Green Bay Packers - Minnesota Twins : Axis of Evil
by HjammerTime on Apr 12, 2011 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions
They have a solid D but
they worry me MUCH more on the offensive side then on the defensive side. We’ve had success vs. these guys and we still have some damn elite forwards that have lit these guys up before. It’s not like they have a Suter/Weber pairing that is just hell to play against.
However I think the bigger issue is to limit their offensive prescence because when they get involved, the Canucks are awfully tough to beat. Especially the Erhoff/Edler pairing, those guys have cannons. I also agree that I think that is their top pairing, not Hamhuis and Jerkface.
Especially with Bolland out
I mean, what are our matchup options? Toews to shut down the Sedins or Kesler to shut down Toews. We have to hope that Kaner can keep up his magic with whoever they throw on his line, because our other lines are going to have trouble scoring against this deep a D corps.
Remember Ballard is a 1 or 2 defensemen on most teams
you know, like… uhm….
the oilers
and, uhmm… the avalanche (oh wait they picked up Erik Johnson)
uhmm, the Islanders….(or is that the team that has Streit?)
Ballard is a 1 or 2 D man on most teams guys…gosh
Am I paranoid? I don't know. I went to a therapist once, but I left before he gave me the diagnosis, cause he had it out for me.
by Detroit Must Die on Apr 12, 2011 3:43 PM CDT up reply actions
Bieksa just has a face I wanna piss on.
Templeton Rye'd the Lightning.
by Smokin Herb Grigsby on Apr 11, 2011 10:51 PM CDT reply actions
Completely OT
But was working on a spreadsheet just now and realized something that should’ve been obvious before. Since almost the exact same number of games go to OT every year, the average number of points is pretty much the same every season. So, a fun fact:
A “.500” team in hockey has 91 points.
Well, except the past 2 seasons you might say it was 92.
R Johnson!
I love the statement that Ryan Johnson made "I’m sure they were sitting there hoping there wasn’t a plane leaving Chicago today for Vancouver, I can tell you that much." Could it be possible that the Nucks didn’t want the Hawks in so they can go deeper into the playoffs and not get eliminated by the Hawks, or could it B possible they want them in for payback and settle the score being eliminated 2 yrs in a row? Despite the Hawks has always been picked to be the underdog and beat the Nucks? All I can say is I love being in the underdog side, less pressure. Lets go Hawks!!! The Hawks are in the Nucks heads again woooohooo!!! Lets go get em boys!!! Let the show begin!!!
Patrick Kane with a hat trick!
HattrickKane reporting for duty.
Hello SCH, I’ve been a long time lurker, and I finally joined up when I realized that my witty name was up for grabs on SBNation. It’s nice seeing you all.
Anyways, we will wipe the ice with these Nuckleheaded scrubs. Patrick Kane will put up some hat tricks against Bobby Lu, and Toews will make the Canucka cower in fear with his steely gaze. We will then proceed to claiming the Cup for a second time, aided by Marian Hossa’s game winning goal in game seven versus the Flyers. The goal will be shorthanded of course, with the Hawks trying to kill a 5 on 3 penalty in the final seconds of the game, while being down 2 goals. However, the sheer epicness of Hossa’s goal will leave the refs no choice but to award the Hawks 2 goals instead of one.
Excuse me for my brash homerism, it’s how I roll.
by HattrickKane on Apr 11, 2011 11:13 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Edit
Canucks*
typing is hard on the iPhone
by HattrickKane on Apr 11, 2011 11:14 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Blues fans
Will not realize you are j/k on the two goals thing
"..and what's on your Christmas list, partner?" P. Foley
"I expect to get leather goods for Christmas.. a belt in the mouth, and a boot in the ass." D. Tallon, 1985
by Gate3anuhHalf on Apr 11, 2011 11:48 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
welcome!
Jedi Ninja says: "BRING IT!"
by puppetmasterp on Apr 12, 2011 12:21 AM CDT up reply actions
More OT
Kaner went to the barber and got his mullet already. lol
And speaking of haircuts, does anybody think that “Lady Jane’s Haircuts for Men” should pick a different spokesman? That blond dude looks like he belongs on d-bag planet. His haircut is NOT a good advertisement for a barber shop.
"Bickell to Brouwer to Bolland...BANG!" ~ Pat Foley, 12-26-10
Halladay, Oswalt, Hamels, Blanton, AND LEE!! HELL YES!
Not sure if this has come up before
But I figured some would get a good chuckle out of it.
by Ban on Apr 12, 2011 12:28 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
aaaaaaahahahah I want to marry her.
Tremendously tremendous!
Beautius J. Beautius!
by allyouyounghockeyplayersoutthere on Apr 12, 2011 12:56 AM CDT up reply actions
The Nucks D scares me just a little bit more than last year
however, they’re not pants-shittingly “OMG WE’RE FUCKED” good.
I firmly believe we have a chance here.
Tremendously tremendous!
Beautius J. Beautius!
by allyouyounghockeyplayersoutthere on Apr 12, 2011 12:59 AM CDT reply actions
Is there any team out there that’s OMG we’re fucked good?
I’d take our top-6 over any other teams, even Philly’s especially since Pronger is playing hurt out there.
Frequent visitor to Nucks Misconduct.
Got the call to the big leagues!
by Vancouverguy on Apr 12, 2011 1:14 AM CDT up reply actions
Beyond my love for the defensive upgrade would just be the interchanging of duties between players.Our forwards don’t mind getting gritty. And Lord knows how our offense benefits ’cause of our D.
Coconuts go.™
"Things may come to those who wait, but only what’s left behind by those who hustle."
Yeah, gritty and taking dumbshit penalties
It’s a fine line, but if they don’t cross it too often, it could be a very short series for us.
Hahah
I’m definitely dreading the TSPs (token Swedish penalties).
Coconuts go.™
"Things may come to those who wait, but only what’s left behind by those who hustle."
A brief list of teams with Defenses that scare me more than Vancouver's
LA Kings
SCUM
Nashville
Phoenix
Anaheim
that’s most of the rest of the field in the playoffs right?
(that’s pretty much everybody except for San Jose)
oh, ok, yeah.
Am I paranoid? I don't know. I went to a therapist once, but I left before he gave me the diagnosis, cause he had it out for me.
by Detroit Must Die on Apr 12, 2011 3:47 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't know if I put SCUM up there on that list, honestly.
Not as a defensive unit. They support the offense pretty well, and they are not inept in their own zone, but the D-men themselves… I don’t think they are all that good.
Everyone dies. It is the only true and lasting justice in life.
The Nashville D definitely scares me more than Vancouvers
Tremendously tremendous!
Beautius J. Beautius!
by allyouyounghockeyplayersoutthere on Apr 13, 2011 4:45 AM CDT up reply actions
So I get the impression
that this year’s Nucks defense is somewhat better than the one the Hawks faced last season but only by a little bit, not by leaps and bounds. Is that roughly it?
That's about it
but Ballard is a 1 or 2 dman on most teams guys
Am I paranoid? I don't know. I went to a therapist once, but I left before he gave me the diagnosis, cause he had it out for me.
by Detroit Must Die on Apr 12, 2011 3:50 PM CDT up reply actions
How pathetic am I?
Half the shit people have mentioned, I’ve known about since yesterday. RJ’s comments, Kane’s haircut, the chick with the golf swing…
I need some air.
Will Ryan Kesler actually show up this year?
I hope not.
Kessler and Samuellson are the players that worry me.
No one else though, except Schneider Ms. Romano
What were we talking about?
But Basically
Hawks have turned over 60% of their roster while Vancouver has added say 25% overall competence according to the Van fans *cough*apologists* cough…this should be over in 4 right? Five games would be failure, Six incompetence, Seven a disaster and losing???
Anyway as a Blackhawks fan in reversed roles that’s how I’d look at it…
"Jonathan Toews: Youngest Triple Gold Winner EVER...EVER is a LONG time, no script written for people like that"
by Saskjet on Apr 12, 2011 8:26 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
Most experts have VAN in 5 games
To which I think is about right, all things considering. But there’s only a small handful of hockey commentators who think the Hawks even have a chance here – but one thing that’s interesting is that they all think that Reboundo will have to carry the team on his back at one point, like it or not.
four is wayyyyy too soon
the Hawks are not an 8th place seed, they are a 4-5th place seed who happens to be in 8th place. It’s going to be a tough series for sure. Which is what will make it so entertaining.
<3 Boobies!
#WinitForManny
I dunno about that
If Hawks get it to 6-7 games, that will show something about Van’s character which may be something you all want to think about, considering the amount of typespace you guys are throwing around… This is as weak as you are going to find us, better get your Cup this year
"Jonathan Toews: Youngest Triple Gold Winner EVER...EVER is a LONG time, no script written for people like that"
by Saskjet on Apr 12, 2011 8:44 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
true
as weak as you will find the Hawks, but that is still strong. 5 games makes it seem like the series will be a lot more easy than it will be.
I think if the Canucks can pull it out in 6 or fewer, that’s a very good sign, as I think the confidence boost will be huge.
<3 Boobies!
#WinitForManny
the stat nerds
might go further than that. Maybe this is the WCF. Real Clear Victories:
1.Vancouver Canucks (24-10, .706)
2.Chicago Blackhawks (22-10, .688)
3.Nashville Predators (20-14, .588)
4.San Jose Sharks (19-14, .576)
5.Calgary Flames (17-13, .567)
6.Detroit Red Wings (20-16, .556)
7.Los Angeles Kings (18-16, .529)
8.St. Louis Blues (19-17, .528)
9.Phoenix Coyotes (15-15, .500)
10.Anaheim Ducks (14-15, .483)
11.Minnesota Wild (18-20, .474)
12.Dallas Stars (14-17, .452)
13.Columbus Blue Jackets (11-19, .367)
14.Edmonton Oilers (13-28, .317)
15.Colorado Avalanche (8-19, .296)
The boys at Copper & Blue have their WC playoff preview up. Warning! this will make Vancouver fans apoplectic.
We like our people!
Not really surprised
They are picking the Hawks
"Playin hurt, baby that don't faze me. I don't got time for pain. The only pain I've got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is!"
"You can't come in my kitchen, kick my dog, and take a box full of ballpoints! Your ass must be crazy!"
if they picked the Canucks
i might have to consider turning to religion to explain the world. At that point, everything I would question everything I thought I knew.
<3 Boobies!
#WinitForManny
I guess I just don't see The Leader
On the Canucks that is going to make the difference when adversity strikes…and it will strike at some point; our leader was our leader and he ALSO won the Conn Smythe last year. Just don’t see anyone close to that on Van’s team. Some Van fans were trumpeting their second line center as that man…let’s see, I personally doubt there is sufficient leadership, intangibles etc on Van to get very far at all. You might beat a depleted Chicago squad but no one else left is in that position
"Jonathan Toews: Youngest Triple Gold Winner EVER...EVER is a LONG time, no script written for people like that"
by Saskjet on Apr 12, 2011 9:08 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
*Crickets*
"Jonathan Toews: Youngest Triple Gold Winner EVER...EVER is a LONG time, no script written for people like that"
by Saskjet on Apr 12, 2011 9:45 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
You looking for a response or something?
You may not believe it, but I believe Henrik has done a great job as Captain. He’s a calm and collected guy (Daniel was the one losing it last year), and that has transferred over to the team. Same with Malhotra, who took on a huge leadership role right away, and despite his injury is still coming to meetings and reviewing tape.
You may think there isn’t sufficient leadership but I respectfully disagree. I would agree that Kesler is not the guy to be leading the team – he isn’t. He’s too much of a hot head, even this year. But Henrik isn’t, and it’s showed so far this year.
"Playin hurt, baby that don't faze me. I don't got time for pain. The only pain I've got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is!"
"You can't come in my kitchen, kick my dog, and take a box full of ballpoints! Your ass must be crazy!"
I definitely give those props to Malhotra. The guy is calm, and collected.
He always has been. It is truly an unfortunate situation. I’ve said it in the last few days, but no matter who it is (Bertuzzi being the possible exception) you never want to see anyone injured – especially a career threatening type of injury. Let’s face it, regardless of our allegiances (again, excluding fans of SCUM, and the degenerates at STLGT) we are fans of the game, and all of the players in the NHL are very gifted and talented athletes.
Seeing that should bother anyone that declares themselves a fan.
Everyone dies. It is the only true and lasting justice in life.
At least he's not needing sunglasses anymore, thank God.
Coconuts go.™
"Things may come to those who wait, but only what’s left behind by those who hustle."
"Im telling you, Lu swears Buff's ass was THIS BIG"
Detroit Red Wings - Green Bay Packers - Minnesota Twins : Axis of Evil
by HjammerTime on Apr 12, 2011 7:33 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
He likes big butts and he can not lie
"Playin hurt, baby that don't faze me. I don't got time for pain. The only pain I've got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is!"
"You can't come in my kitchen, kick my dog, and take a box full of ballpoints! Your ass must be crazy!"
So I got behind Lu when he was doing his interview
and I was just going to give him a great big hug
SCH's Most optimistic poster and head of Kool-Aid distribution
NM's Most thoughtful Hawks fan and closet Canucks fan
There's always hope you whiny little bitches
But I Keslerbombed
his interview anyway, couldn’t resist.
Coconuts go.™
"Things may come to those who wait, but only what’s left behind by those who hustle."
the Canucks
have a large leadership group in the locker room. Henrik, Malhotra (He’s in the locker rooms with the guys these days), Luongo, Daniel, Kesler, Burrows, Bieksa are all strong personalities in the locker room who provide leadership qualities.
But they do lack that one tower of power that Toews brings. If we were to compare leadership, Hawks have an edge for sure. But I can’t agree they lack the leadership necessary to win.
<3 Boobies!
#WinitForManny
Canuckles and Semi_Colon, Thanks, That answers my question
"Jonathan Toews: Youngest Triple Gold Winner EVER...EVER is a LONG time, no script written for people like that"
Hahaha
let’s just say that one Derek Zona doesn’t really like our team.
Coconuts go.™
"Things may come to those who wait, but only what’s left behind by those who hustle."
neither do the commenters
must be a Western Canada thing.
but it’s not like he made up any of those numbers.
In fact, it wasn’t Derek, but his partner-in-crime Scott Reynolds (who also makes no bones about hatng the Nucks.)
We like our people!
True
But he’s not as Big Brother about it as the former. Most Canuck fans that try to say their piece end up with their comments mysteriously disappearing more often than not.
Coconuts go.™
"Things may come to those who wait, but only what’s left behind by those who hustle."
No that's true
The numbers show it could be a very close series. Normally when people pick seven games it’s because they really have no clue who they think could win.
"Playin hurt, baby that don't faze me. I don't got time for pain. The only pain I've got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is!"
"You can't come in my kitchen, kick my dog, and take a box full of ballpoints! Your ass must be crazy!"
Not a bad site
This quote had me laughing: “One of the reasons I believe the Canucks struggled against good teams is Alain Vigneault’s strategy of bush-sitting the Sedins to give them a lot of offensive zone starts.” Yeah, that sounds about right for AV (but don’t tell Dan the Van).
Wins
By 2 or more goals, not counting empty netters.
"Playin hurt, baby that don't faze me. I don't got time for pain. The only pain I've got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is!"
"You can't come in my kitchen, kick my dog, and take a box full of ballpoints! Your ass must be crazy!"
Also looking at quality of opponents
But depending on what they think constitutes quality, it could be of dubious value. Still, they’ve put a lot of thought into their analysis, and are quite open about their biases.
I'm not wild about this clear victories measurement
this is the measurement that says we’ll measure how strong a team is by ignoring their record in one goal games. If the playoffs are designed to feature more closely matched teams playing more closely matched games then this would strike me as an odd way to try to predict playoff success.
the age-old argument
luck or clutch?
the Nucks outpointed the Hawks by 20 this year, but 16 of those 20 points are down to much better success in tight games.
From here, there are two paths you can go by:
1. The Hawks can’t win close games and are doomed.
2. The Hawks have had lousy luck in close games this year, so total points massively exaggerates the difference between the two teams.
I’m inclined to the second interpretation.
We like our people!
by cliffkoroll on Apr 12, 2011 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions
Per the Captain:
“We don’t feel like the underdog…but we can play that role”, interesting psychology, I like it
"Jonathan Toews: Youngest Triple Gold Winner EVER...EVER is a LONG time, no script written for people like that"
I agree
that total points exaggerates the difference between the two teams, yet I’m not ready to attribute the Hawks unimpressive record in close games to luck.
What is "Avg Team Strength"?
and have they tested to see if it can predict anything as far as playoff results?
Not that there is much that can help you predict the outcome of a best-of-7 series. The uncertainty in any prediction is bound to be huge.
OK, but consider
Keep the core, blah, blah, blah – but I don’t believe there has ever been a Cup winner in the past who was forced to make as much wholesale changes in it’s lineup as the Hawks. Aside from SCUM, not too many orgs can recover from that kind of player – hacking.
Reply fail
That one was for Canuckles. Damn it.
Yeah
but I still think the core is strong enough to support some change. Very strong leadership from Toews to keep things rolling and Q is a top notch coach (underrated even).
Watching the Hawks this season in games the Canucks won, they played very well. The difference was goaltending, where Luongo played lights out and Turco… well… yeah anyways!
<3 Boobies!
#WinitForManny
We love Marty.
He’s great for a little laugh here and there – and some side bets!
Everyone dies. It is the only true and lasting justice in life.
Thank you, Canuckles.
Based upon regular season performances, and changes to each teams’ respective roster since we last faced off in a playoff series, yes… The Canucks are clearly the favorites.
However… This IS the playoffs. Our team is defending a championship here. Let’s not forget that. It is in them somewhere, to win this series. We split the season series, 2-2. Yes, we won the first two while figuring things out, and they won the last two (including a SO).
Anything can happen. Upsets happen all the time. We have not been a number one seed in either of the last two years and we still managed to win it all last year.
Everyone dies. It is the only true and lasting justice in life.
VCD said that he respects our team, so we might make it to 6 games.
Everyone dies. It is the only true and lasting justice in life.
Oh cool. Bolls and Brouwer could be back soon.
wait, what’s that last bit? Stan just couldn’t wait to start signing players could he?
On board with Team Live Bad Ass
Thank GOD they called up Toivonen.
We were short one Finnish player for the entire European Union.
LETS GO SIOUX!!!
by AirTrafficAJ on Apr 12, 2011 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions
Kaner has his mind in the right place:
“Hopefully, we can get in their heads a little bit”
Thats right Bobby Lu, Kaner is coming for you and he is going to make you bleed the like sieve you know you are.
Detroit Red Wings - Green Bay Packers - Minnesota Twins : Axis of Evil
Nah, Lu's cool with it
He wants the Hawks, he really, really does. He’s good enough, he’s smart enough, and doggone it, people like him!
Saying were going to get in their heads.....now that approaches trash talking....not this Ryan Johnson bullshit.
Detroit Red Wings - Green Bay Packers - Minnesota Twins : Axis of Evil
i actually don't like it
I’d rather the Hawks approached the series with the idea that they were gonna striaght up beat the Nucks. To me, these head games sound like a team reaching for something. fuck that.
We like our people!
I think the Hawks are approaching this with some confidence.
If you read some of the quotes from the beat reporters today it seems like they all feel they have a renewed lease on life. From the way they are talking, they seem to be pretty loose and ready to let it all hang out. They have stared into the abyss and come out alive.
I think this Hawks team is very dangerous right now and I wouldn’t be surprised if Kane went DLR all over their asses.
Detroit Red Wings - Green Bay Packers - Minnesota Twins : Axis of Evil
Playing with house money is a
Significant advantage + Enormous leadership advantage + younger team vs. Talent disadvantage
That’s what makes this such an intriguing series, I don’t know about this 5 game floorwipe that the NHL Network guys have agreed on…
"Jonathan Toews: Youngest Triple Gold Winner EVER...EVER is a LONG time, no script written for people like that"
The Champs are going to give the Chumps all they can handle.
If these bastards win the series, I have a feeling they might view this Hawks series the way we look at Nashville last season. Yeah, it was the first round. But DAM that might have been the toughest series we had!
Detroit Red Wings - Green Bay Packers - Minnesota Twins : Axis of Evil
by HjammerTime on Apr 12, 2011 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions
I still shutter to think
what might not have happened had we not had the miracle win in game 5 of that series.
by Chris Roberts on Apr 12, 2011 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions
Holy Fuck, yeah... I can't argue with this, for any reason whatsoever.
Everyone dies. It is the only true and lasting justice in life.
I think so too
I think the Nucks will go all the way IF they beat the Hawks. But I trust our guys, they’ve clearly underachieved this year and I suspect them to enjoy being “underdogs”.
Can’t wait to tomorrow!
by LavalPhantom on Apr 12, 2011 6:00 PM CDT up reply actions
Well, if they don't beat the Hawks
They aren’t going anywhere ;)
"Playin hurt, baby that don't faze me. I don't got time for pain. The only pain I've got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is!"
"You can't come in my kitchen, kick my dog, and take a box full of ballpoints! Your ass must be crazy!"
Exactly, all or nothing.
Hopefully nothing.
by LavalPhantom on Apr 12, 2011 6:53 PM CDT up reply actions
"they’ve clearly underachieved this year "
At first I read this as “cleverly underachieved”.
And I thought, wow, what a great plan. Lay low, play some mediocre hockey during the regular season, just barely get into the playoffs, then BAM! , rise up and sucker punch the poor slobs that get in our way on the way to another championship.
Well, that’s my story and I’m sticking with it!
"Against logic there is no armor like ignorance."
- Laurence J. Peter
by nextgame on Apr 13, 2011 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I think there is a HUGE release of pressure
For the Hawks. It’s hard enough to make the playoffs, but when you’ve got expectations to make the playoffs, it’s even harder, then replace 60% of the roster… they had to feel absolutely elated. All the pressure of getting to the playoffs, and making the playoffs, and finally getting some of the puzzle pieces to fit perfectly… Crawford- check. Ryan Johnson, Stahls, Kopy, 4th line- check. Defense- check. Everyone is finally getting healthy, confident- check.
I think we’re poised to make some noise.
Nor do I
It really isn’t in their nature, even when they had mouthy guys like Burish around.
dammit... I miss me some Adam Burish BHTV spots.
Everyone dies. It is the only true and lasting justice in life.
In my opinion.
saying “we’re in their heads” is trash talk. Saying “we hope we can get in their heads” is not.
I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be. - Douglas Adams
by justforkicks on Apr 12, 2011 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Just pointing out that Kaner was much more direct and nobody cares. Johnson makes an innocent joke and he gets pounced. Just sayin'
Detroit Red Wings - Green Bay Packers - Minnesota Twins : Axis of Evil
by HjammerTime on Apr 12, 2011 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions
"nobody cares"
A nuck fan pointed out that a couple of former nucks haven’t been afraid to talk a little trash about their former team. A few hawk fans took exception with him calling that statement trash talk, and a few other hawk fans saw no issue with that statement being classified as a form of trash talk.
To hear you tell it, I’d think that 10 nuck fans came to the thread crying foul and calling RJ a trash talker extraordinaire.
Second City Hockey
I'm Abe Froman, and I approve this message.
It got my goat more than fellow Hawk bloggers seemed more than willing to jump in and say "yeah that is trash talk"
Detroit Red Wings - Green Bay Packers - Minnesota Twins : Axis of Evil
by HjammerTime on Apr 12, 2011 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions
Also, it became a thing on Twitter for a few mins yesterday as the discussion was taking place here.
Detroit Red Wings - Green Bay Packers - Minnesota Twins : Axis of Evil
by HjammerTime on Apr 12, 2011 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions
I like to call Aaron Rome
The Milford Man, because he is neither seen nor heard. Although he’s really doing his best to ruin that nickname by continually throwing hipchecks all the time now
"Playin hurt, baby that don't faze me. I don't got time for pain. The only pain I've got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is!"
"You can't come in my kitchen, kick my dog, and take a box full of ballpoints! Your ass must be crazy!"
I'll still take Philly's D as the deepest in the league as long as
Boynton isn’t in there. Sorry but Salo and Ballard don’t do anything for me. I’m also sticking with my preseason pick that those jagoffs (Philly) win the Cup. Don’t ask me how but I think they figure it out this postseason. Too much talent there and I still think they’re the deepest team in the league.
I wish we had Meszaros
Detroit Red Wings - Green Bay Packers - Minnesota Twins : Axis of Evil
by HjammerTime on Apr 12, 2011 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions
I'd settle for Sean O'Donnell
But give me L.A.‘s blue line by just a hair over Philly’s.
Second City Hockey
Things have changed forever, we're the Ramblin' Boys of Pleasure
What is it that you like about them?
I enjoyed the hell out of Johnson during the Olympics, but I think if I watched him night in and night out I’d find a lot to complain about, and Doughty seems to have gone in a bit of a shit head direction this season.
Sharks better be careful.
Everybody is thinking it’s gonna be a cakewalk for them because of the injuries to Dustin Brown and Kopitar, but with that D and that Goalie, every game could still be a 1-0 loss.
LETS GO SIOUX!!!
by AirTrafficAJ on Apr 12, 2011 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't think cakewalk, but I expect it to be fairly soon, that the series is over.
THIS:
but with that D and that Goalie
Is the biggest reason I say no cakewalk though. Well stated.
Everyone dies. It is the only true and lasting justice in life.
Nemo's pretty cool under pressure
Had had some lights out games in the playoffs, then some fairly mediocre/average ones – but he didn’t allow the prior game to effect his future performance.
Is it to much to ask
That salo ruptures another testicle this year?
by DasCuddleMonster on Apr 12, 2011 10:16 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
Is it to much to ask
That salo ruptures another testicle Luongo cries like a little girl this year?
fixed it for you
angry bird is angry .
I want my cake and I want to eat it too.
I hope for both.
Detroit Red Wings - Green Bay Packers - Minnesota Twins : Axis of Evil
by HjammerTime on Apr 12, 2011 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions
no shit
ouch! dude, not cool. I hope he hurts himself in some humorous way, but ripping another nut is a little extreme
"Change the channel, Mike Milbury is making my IQ drop"
Without that injury
how would we have gotten this?
by DasCuddleMonster on Apr 12, 2011 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions
I think hoping a guy gets injured is sorta whak to begin with
Hoping a guy ruptures “another” nut is just demented. Are you of the female persuasion? No way a dude wishes to see another dude get inured like that. eva.
LoL... I have to laugh because it hurts to think about it. Pucks to the cup absolutely suck
See my comments RE: Leadership/Malhotra above…
I never want to see a player get hurt, I especially never want to win a game/series because the other team is playing short a few key bodies.
Everyone dies. It is the only true and lasting justice in life.
Playing a series healthy nowadays is pretty much a pipe dream. Injury lists seem to get longer every year.
Seems to me teams who overcome injury to one or two key players are the most deserving.
Would truly be awesome if both teams were able to ice their best possible lineups.
Win it for Manny!
Nucks Misconduct's chief slab of man meat.
Manny
=..(
"Playin hurt, baby that don't faze me. I don't got time for pain. The only pain I've got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is!"
"You can't come in my kitchen, kick my dog, and take a box full of ballpoints! Your ass must be crazy!"
miss
him
Win it for Manny.
C Henrik Sedin #33: Vancouver Canucks Captain, 2010 Art Ross Trophy Winner and 2010 Hart Memorial Trophy Winner.
Nucks Misconduct's official black guy and first line center (Twitter's 1st line center also).
by Chuckles Canuckles on Apr 12, 2011 9:21 PM CDT up reply actions
This
Would truly be awesome if both teams were able to ice their best possible lineups.
Sigh. I think I’ve read a couple times that it may be due to guys getting faster and stronger (the same argument for injuries becoming more common in the NFL). I wonder if that’s true, and if something should be done about it.
totally agree
it’s a shame Manny and Bollie won’t be playing. it will be extremely difficult, IMO, for either of these teams to go all the way with such an important piece missing.
last year, the Hawks were at full strength come playoff time, and they still had to slog through three six-game series.
We like our people!
Least Bolland's skating
We’re just happy Manny got 80% of his vision back.
Coconuts go.™
"Things may come to those who wait, but only what’s left behind by those who hustle."
by eightyseven on Apr 13, 2011 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions
he didn't rupture one
in fact I think it was only really painful, so he had some anesthetics injected in and he played the next game.
Salo maybe injured all the time, but he’s all hockey player.
<3 Boobies!
#WinitForManny
I actually feel for the guy
The injury’s bad enough, but to have to endure the widespread notice of it the entire time…gah.
Yeah, my bad again
Too many browser windows open at the same time.
Everyone should go check out Dan from Van trolling over at Sassones site.
This dude is spamming all the Blackhawk sites. Even the knuckle draggers over there can outwit that guy.
Detroit Red Wings - Green Bay Packers - Minnesota Twins : Axis of Evil
Gosh
I wish Shane O’Brien was still on the Canucks. Dude was a pylon and an idiot. That third pair looks ridiculously better than last year.
by alpo on Apr 12, 2011 10:51 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
It's okay
He’s now locking shit down in Nashville (by that I mean getting beat to pucks in front of the net by Burrows) and spouting off that he wants to face us because they’ll kick our ass
"Playin hurt, baby that don't faze me. I don't got time for pain. The only pain I've got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is!"
"You can't come in my kitchen, kick my dog, and take a box full of ballpoints! Your ass must be crazy!"
By the way
Don’t know if you guys are doing it here, but we have both a players and team bracket pool for the playoffs.
Come one, come all if you like that whole pool/armchair deal.
Coconuts go.™
"Things may come to those who wait, but only what’s left behind by those who hustle."
Cliff asked me to post this in every thread so, where it seems appropriate, I will.
So, for your viewing pleasure, here it is:
Everyone dies. It is the only true and lasting justice in life.
by Powrfwd37 on Apr 12, 2011 12:53 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Ballard is on the bottom pairing
but you already know that.
Win it for Manny.
C Henrik Sedin #33: Vancouver Canucks Captain, 2010 Art Ross Trophy Winner and 2010 Hart Memorial Trophy Winner.
Nucks Misconduct's official black guy and first line center (Twitter's 1st line center also).
by Chuckles Canuckles on Apr 12, 2011 9:22 PM CDT reply actions
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