wren223 Posted March 15, 2017 Share Posted March 15, 2017 Report from TSN states that Benning now believes that the Canuck's chances at the playoffs are slim and it's time to see what they have in their young players. Talks about 'Boucher' and seeing what he can do with some more ice time. Liked his game on Saturday. Also goes on to say that WD is going to be onboard. The idea of competing hard for the playoffs each night is going to shift to the idea of viewing young players, giving them lots of ice time and putting them in different situations. According to Vancouver Canucks general manager Jim Benning, "reality has set in," and it's now time for the team to give the younger players on their roster more playing time. The Canucks sit 12 points out of the final playoff spot in the Western Conference with just 13 games remaining in their season and Benning told the Vancouver Sun on Tuesday the team has to start looking at their future. “In this last little stretch of games, we’ve got to take a look at some of these young kids and see where they’re at,” Benning said Tuesday. “I thought (Monday) night, , you could see the powerful shot he’s got and the quick release. With more ice time, I think he’ll get more confidence and will show us the things he’s capable of doing.” Boucher registered five shots against the Boston Bruins in just over 11 minutes of ice time. The 23-year-old owns three goals and two assists in 26 games this season. Benning said that he has spoken to head coach Willie Desjardins about the team's philosophy change over the final stretch and Desjardins is "going to be on-board" with the plan. “I talk to Willie on a day-to-day basis and we talk about (ice time for players),” Benning said. “Up to this point, his focus was to try and compete hard every night and win enough games to challenge for one of those last playoff spots. “Now that reality has set in, he’s going to be on-board with getting our young kids more ice time.” Benning told the Sun the Canucks added 26-year-old last week to avoid calling up any more players from the Utica Comets. The Comets are chasing the Toronto Marlies for third in the AHL's North Division. Benning added he believes will benefit from remaining with the Comets and playing meaningful games in a playoff push. The Canucks have 13 players on their roster age 25 or younger. http://www.tsn.ca/canucks-benning-kids-to-get-more-ice-time-1.696978 This is a good thing and is releveant at this time. Think it'll be hard for WD but Benning has come out and stated he'll be on board. So it should be interesting. It's been suggested the team is playing for WD so I hope they keep playing for him but let's put those kids in the tough moments and see how they do. Got to grow and develop and why not see now. See how the game against Dallas goes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HorvatToBaertschi Posted March 15, 2017 Share Posted March 15, 2017 Good news Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin Biestra Posted March 15, 2017 Share Posted March 15, 2017 It's what needs to be done. Willie is on notice now. He may not be able to save his job regardless of what happens, but he's guaranteed to be fired if he keeps running Henrik, Daniel, Edler and Miller into the ground. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wren223 Posted March 15, 2017 Author Share Posted March 15, 2017 1 minute ago, Kevin Biestra said: It's what needs to be done. Willie is on notice now. He may not be able to save his job regardless of what happens, but he's guaranteed to be fired if he keeps running Henrik, Daniel, Edler and Miller into the ground. Too true. If the team isn't making the playoffs then ease up on those guys and let them rest and ease into the off season. They have to play next season so start the rest and recovery and see what the kids can do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quantum Posted March 15, 2017 Share Posted March 15, 2017 Hope this means that Megna's minutes will be trimmed back significantly. He has no business playing above the 3rd line on a good night. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-SN- Posted March 15, 2017 Share Posted March 15, 2017 Quote “Now that reality has set in, he’s going to be on-board with getting our young kids more ice time.” I'm trying not to read into it but that's a pretty concerning quote. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ossi Vaananen Posted March 15, 2017 Share Posted March 15, 2017 Should wake up Willie. I was getting sick of seeing Megna getting all that time. We now know that JB has spoken to WD, and that going to the press with this reinforces that young players should be played. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mathew Barzal Posted March 15, 2017 Share Posted March 15, 2017 1 minute ago, StealthNuck said: I'm trying not to read into but that's a pretty concerning quote. Benning isn't the sharpest tool in the shed, I think that's just his eloquent way of saying in managements mind the team has officially reached the point of no return in the standings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
b3. Posted March 15, 2017 Share Posted March 15, 2017 I hope he clarified with Willie whether Megna is considered a young kid or not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bang Bang Boogie Posted March 15, 2017 Share Posted March 15, 2017 Sounds like Benning and Willie weren't on the same page. Hopefully they are now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mll Posted March 15, 2017 Share Posted March 15, 2017 1 minute ago, b3. said: I hope he clarified with Willie whether Megna is considered a young kid or not. I was wondering about that because now it's audition time to know who they will bring back next season. I don't think WD sees him as a vet because he talked of how Megna wanted to continue to improve and earn a larger role. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hearditall Posted March 15, 2017 Share Posted March 15, 2017 14 minutes ago, StealthNuck said: I'm trying not to read into it but that's a pretty concerning quote. ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hearditall Posted March 15, 2017 Share Posted March 15, 2017 11 minutes ago, Mathew Barzal said: Benning isn't the sharpest tool in the shed, I think that's just his eloquent way of saying in managements mind the team has officially reached the point of no return in the standings. Doesn't it mean the Playoff race is officially over so it's time to let the inexperienced get experience win or lose now... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alflives Posted March 15, 2017 Share Posted March 15, 2017 18 minutes ago, StealthNuck said: I'm trying not to read into it but that's a pretty concerning quote. True. Doesn't that quote imply Willie D was not on board before? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wren223 Posted March 15, 2017 Author Share Posted March 15, 2017 14 minutes ago, Bang Bang Boogie said: Sounds like Benning and Willie weren't on the same page. Hopefully they are now. I don't think it is that they aren't on the same page but more that Benning has seen the writing on the wall and that the focus needs to change. Instead of competing and aiming for the playoffs it's time to put the kids in all situations and live or die by them. Instead of not putting on inexperienced youth in a clutch moment of a game it is now the time to do that. Thus, Benning has simply spoken with WD and let him know the phylosophy has changed a bit. I don't think they weren't on the same page just that the focus has changed now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wren223 Posted March 15, 2017 Author Share Posted March 15, 2017 2 minutes ago, Alflives said: True. Doesn't that quote imply Willie D was not on board before? I read it more as that the focus on the team from a management point has shifted and it's just letting WD know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
canucklehead44 Posted March 15, 2017 Share Posted March 15, 2017 We should throw Grenier some top 6 time. He has lead our farm team in scoring year over year and has only played 19 minutes in the NHL this season. He hasn't shown much, but we might as well see if there is anything there before we decide to not sign him. Shame we developed him pretty well just to never give him a chance. Boucher is another kid who should be getting big minutes. Send Megna back down to help the Comets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny Shotgun Posted March 15, 2017 Share Posted March 15, 2017 5 minutes ago, Alflives said: True. Doesn't that quote imply Willie D was not on board before? Yep. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alflives Posted March 15, 2017 Share Posted March 15, 2017 3 minutes ago, wren223 said: I read it more as that the focus on the team from a management point has shifted and it's just letting WD know. There was the Willie D interview last September too, where he said this season can't have the mixed message of win and develop. I'm wondering if JB gave Willie this season to prove himself? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ilduce39 Posted March 15, 2017 Share Posted March 15, 2017 If they gear down the Sedins and Sutter won't that mean MORE Megna? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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