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Mozy

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  1. Mozy

    Where's RyJo's Mojo?

    By Mozy,

    Where to start with this guy. I for one was his biggest fan to start the season, and still would gladly get a Johnson #10 jersey but the man's stock has been falling and on a bottom six that is under the microscope of every arm chair GM and Canucks fan his play has stood out even more, for the wrong reasons. Granted due to his shot blocking antics he has missed games due to injury, there's something else up with RyJo this season.

    I think simply put RyJo has lost some of his mojo. I'm not sure how else to word it. He's looked out of sync now for the better part of the season and with the bottom six getting so much attention from everyone due to their inconsistent and sub par play when he has been in the lineup he's not standing out as the 4th line center he stood out as last year.

    For a guy who doesn't bring a lot of offence, as a role player he becomes even more important because if he's not playing his role he's not doing very much for the team. On a penalty kill that Ryan Johnson was once the staple of has now been identified as Kesler and Burrows' and on that same penalty kill that has struggled the role of Ryan Johnson has stood out even more due to his lack of, well anything.

    Since coming from St. Louis he's seen his offensive numbers dip considerably, and this season through 40 games has a whopping 10 shots. He's looked out of sync on a fourth line that has been host to under achievers like Hordichuk, and a rotating Bernier who's seen time on both lines in the bottom six. Johnson's still trying to block shots, but you have to imagine that the 33 year old's body is catching up to his game. With the likes of Burrows and Kesler who are becoming regular shot blockers, Johnson's got to try and fall back into sync. He just doesn't look like the same player he did last year and after about 60 games it's time to start noticing.

    Johnson's gone from 80+ shots a season but two years ago, to exactly 10 this year. He takes the second most faceoffs on the team. His faceoff number are up, but that's of little consolation when he's expected to be one of the more consistent players on the bottom six. Johnson, as a package, comes as a shot blocking, grinding, gritty, penalty killing specialist. So far apart from his faceoffs won this year he's struggled and the only plausible conclusion seems to be that his body is finally catching up with him. It's pretty clear that this season is going to see a revamped bottom six and with the guy a free agent this off season I wouldn't be surprised if he was gone.

    RyJo plays a risky kind of hockey, he's gutsy, ballsy, and plain stupid with some of the blocks he makes (I watched him at GM Place dive head first to block a shot in an earlier game this season against Detroit). He's a player that has little else to offer the team and and out of step Johnson, on an underachieving and under performing bottom six is reason for second thought.

  2. Mozy
    Last night it broke that the Canucks are one of two teams (the other being the Rangers) currently interested in acquiring the services of Swede Peter Forsberg. The amusing thing is watching the fans almost unanimously cry out against signing the 36 year old play maker. The thing is when you look at his numbers, injury prone or not, the numbers are so overwhelmingly convincing I don't see why we wouldn't want him a part of this team if we could afford to have him.

    The center who has 13 NHL seasons under his belt has struggled with foot problems his career, but despite those injuries he's been able to put up numbers that speak for themselves. In 706 NHL games he has 885 points, and in his tenure with four different NHL teams he has averaged over a point per game, and more impressively averages 0.9 assists per game in those 706 games played. The number which says the most to me though is Forsberg's +/-. In 13 seasons the veteran center has never had a minus regular season, and in his career he's a whopping +242. Even in Forsberg's recent brief return to the NHL he managed in 9 games to get 14 points (1G and 13A) and was +7.

    What makes this even more compelling is the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triple_Gold_Club#Members">Triple Gold Club</a> member's tie to the Sedins and fellow Triple Gold member Mikael Samuelsson. The Canucks Swedish contingent has the same pull they had with Mats Sundin. In the past Forsberg's return to the NHL was influenced by the Avalanche a team he won two Stanley Cups with. However, with the retirement of Joe Sakic, and the Avalanche rebuilding, the Avalanche seem out of the equation which opens up the floor for other teams including the Canucks.

    It's no surprise that Gillis wants to go after Forsberg. He prescribes the theory of a fast and young team, but he also builds his team around one big name star to lead the team both on and off the ice. Last year he went after Mats Sundin, and this year it makes sense that he's going after Forsberg. On a team that has only 2 players (Samuelsson and M. Schneider) who have gone past the second round of the playoffs, Forsbergs two cup rings and playoff experience is exactly what this young and fast team needs. While Luongo, Kesler and the Sedins have emerged as the leaders of the team, Forsberg's addition in an offensive capacity with less pressure to lead, would expand the Canucks offensive capacity to a level that makes them a stronger contender.

    With Demitra out indefinitely there's an extra 4 million dollars floating around which could be used to entice Forsberg back into the NHL. With the injury problems the Canucks have been having, Forsberg could slot into the lineup without bumping a player that deserves a roster spot, out. If Forsberg goes down for any long period of time his hit comes off the cap and the Canucks lose nothing. They would gain only the play of a heavily decorated hockey player, and at that point if Forsberg were to go down it could not be any worse than the injury mess the Canucks find themselves in right now. Think of Forsberg as a better, cheaper, Marion Gaborik. It's a gamble you'd be stupid not to make. The numbers speak for themselves. While a lot of people are already jumping to say "No" to Forsberg, I for one see the pros heavily outweighing the cons in this situation.
  3. Mozy
    <img src="http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2009/11/nov1709_chbsmall_smallt.jpg" class="imageFloatLeftFramed">When looking at the standings this season thus far, there's one thing that's become overwhelming and that's the fact that more teams are finding a way to force overtime and get an extra point out of a loss. When you look at the current standings the Canucks sit in 11th and every single team ahead of them has benefited from the extra point awarded to a team that makes it to overtime. In fact the Canucks are the only team in the Western Conference without a loser point, and the only other team in the league that doesn't have a loser point is the Penguins.

    When you look at the standings in the West right now they are as follows:

    SJS - 19-6-4 -- 42 points
    CHI - 17-6-3 -- 37 points
    CGY - 17-6-3 -- 37 points
    COL - 15-8-5 -- 35 points
    LAK - 16-10-2 -- 35 points
    NSH - 15-10-1 -- 31 points
    PHX - 15-11-1 -- 31 points
    CBJ - 13-9-5 -- 31 points
    ---------------------------
    DAL - 12-8-7 -- 31 points
    DET - 13-9-4 -- 30 points
    VAN - 14-12-0 -- 28 points
    STL - 10-10-5 -- 25 points
    ANA - 10-12-4 -- 24 points
    EDM - 10-13-4 -- 24 points
    MIN - 10-12-3 -- 23 points

    In the East:

    WSH - 16-5-6 -- 38 points
    PIT - 19-9-0 --38 points
    BUF - 15-7-2 -- 32 points
    NJD - 17-6-1 -- 35 points
    ATL - 14-7-3 -- 31 points
    BOS - 13-8-5 -- 31 points
    OTT - 13-8-4 -- 30 points
    TBL - 10-7-8 -- 28 points
    ---------------------------
    PHI - 13-10-1 -- 28 points
    NYR - 13-13-1 -- 27 points
    NYI - 10-10-7 -- 27 points
    MON - 12-13-2 -- 26 points
    FLA - 10-12-4 -- 24 points
    TOR - 7-12-7 -- 21 points
    CAR - 5-17-5 -- 15 points

    Now take a look at the East and West after you take away that loser point:

    SJS - 19-10 -- 38 points
    CHI - 17-9 -- 34 points
    CGY - 17-9 -- 34 points
    LAK - 16-12 -- 33 points
    NSH - 15-11 -- 30 points
    PHX - 15-12 -- 30 points
    COL - 15-13 -- 30 points
    VAN - 14-12 -- 28 points
    ---------------------------
    CBJ - 13-14 -- 26 points
    DAL - 12-15 -- 24 points
    DET - 13-13 -- 26 points
    MIN - 10-15 -- 20 points
    STL - 10-15 -- 20 points
    ANA - 10-16 -- 20 points
    EDM - 10-17 -- 20 points


    East:

    PIT - 19-9 --38 points
    WSH - 16-11 -- 32 points
    BUF - 15-9 -- 30 points
    NJD - 17-7 -- 34 points
    ATL - 14-10 -- 28 points
    PHI - 13-11 -- 27 points
    NYR - 13-14 -- 26 points
    BOS - 13-13 -- 26 points
    ---------------------------
    OTT - 13-12 -- 26 points
    MON - 12-15 -- 24 points
    TBL - 10-15 -- 20 points
    NYI - 10-17 -- 20 points
    FLA - 10-16 -- 20 points
    TOR - 7-19 -- 14 points
    CAR - 5-22 -- 10 points

    As you can see this changes the playoff implications considerably. Teams like Tampa Bay who have benefited from 8 extra points despite losing the games aren't even in the playoff picture when you recrunch the numbers. In the West it means the difference between the Canucks making a playoff spot and sitting in 11th in the West. You can argue that while the bottom end of the standings change the most that they don't matter, however the bottom end of the standings effect the draft and how teams order in picking players. In certain cases there might be case for argument that it means the difference between home ice advantage come the playoffs, or even the difference between top of the division or not.

    You can argue that this is the observation of a fan bitter about his team not being in the playoffs, but at this point it's too early in the season to worry about rankings like in this fashion. It's been overwhelming to see how many teams are taking it to OT and stealing a point night in and night out despite a losing effort. Too many teams sit on a tie game and force OT just to walk away with one point.

    Last season on average every team was the fortunate recipient of 9 OT points, the numbers being skewed by the likes of Tampa Bay who benefited from 18 "loser points" and still came 14th in the East. Last year teams averaged 9 loser points (OTLs) last year, (the Canucks had 10) and this year already more than half the league have at least 4 OTL points and we're about a quarter through the season. That means teams are on pace to get about 16 points this season from games they've lost. 16 points is the difference between a lot of things: home ice, playoffs, division title etc.

    If the loser point is something that is so instrumental to the league and they can't remove it then they need to do something to change the point structure because the rate at which teams are accumulating loser points is trivializing the value of a 2-point win. The only thing I've come up with is a solution preached before which is 3 points for a regulation win, 2 points for an OT win, and 1 point for an OT loss.

    <img src="http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2009/11/nov1709_mozy_small.jpg" class="imageFloatLeftFramed">Richard Loat writes for Canucks Hockey Blog and is a fan of the underdog – first Bryan Allen, then Alex Burrows, and now Jannik Hansen. His passion for the Canucks led to the Canucks Hockey Blog and a lot of #Canucks tweets on his Twitter account.
  4. Mozy
    <img src="http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2009/11/nov1709_chbsmall_smallt.jpg" class="imageFloatLeftFramed">

    Off the bat if it's not clear yet I'll let it out, I'm one of the biggest proponents to getting Kovalchuk at the deadline as a rental for this team. Heck I'd be over the moon if we could trade for him and get something of it, but there are several complications that come up and over the past week in talking to <a href="http://opiatedsherpa.com">The Opiated Sherpa</a> and my friend <a href="http://twitter.com/mechanixfetch">@MechanixFetch</a> I think there are somethings that need to be laid down as far as ground work for the Kovalchuk Pipe Dream as far as a long term stay for the Russian goes.

    The Cap

    It's no secret that Kovalchuk wants a gajillion dollars. Okay, he wants something in the area of 10 million a year. The Canucks are already locked up for 6 million per Sedin, and 5 million for Luongo, and that's before even considering re-signing Kesler or do you let him walk? Even still, barring Kovalchuk signing a 30 year contract that was front loaded just so that his seasonal cap hit was low enough there's no way we could sign him at the price he wanted. Even if he took less, we're still talking enough money that it doesn't look feasible.

    Team Chemistry

    One of the biggest issues with bringing in Kovalchuk is where do you slot him. He's a shoot first winger and the first instinct is to put him with the pass first Sedins. But why mess with Burrows? So do you put him on the second line? Kesler, Raymond and Kovalchuk sure would be a sweet line, but then you have Demitra and Samuelsson to deal with and after being snubbed by the Swedish Olympic team I hardly think Samuelsson will take being relegated to the 3rd line.

    The other important thing which might tinker with the locker room is how do you tell your franchise players, the ones you couldn't afford to pay more, or the ones you pay 10 million dollars in a single year (Luongo), that you're going to bring in a player that warrants more money? How do you tell the Sedins they're only worth 6 million and then throw 10 at Kovalchuk?

    The Vigneault Project

    The bottom line is Kovalchuk isn't a Vigneault player. He's not defensive minded, he's shoot first (something this team needs, but still) and he's a lone ranger. He doesn't fit AV's style of play and mould and while his offense is a thing of beauty he's your typical Russian (nothing racial or derogatory meant here) hockey player and he's in many ways exactly like Ovechkin (minus the physical play). He's just not exactly the kind of guy that's going to back check as hard as AV wants him to. With that in mind that's not to say it wont change. We have to remember that he has played on a team where there haven't been many other stars and if he was brought to an environment with other players that can actually play we might see a change. His play on the Olympic team this year will be a really good eye opener as to what Kovalchuk looks like when he's on a team with other stars.

    The Gillis Era

    Gillis has preached a system of speed, youth, and built a team around players that buy into his system. This ties in to the Vigneault system of play and if Kovalchuk doesn't fit one mould, he's not going to fit the other. Gillis goes out after players who serve multiple facets of the game and players that aren't one dimensional. Kovalchuk is a pure goal scorer and unfortunately on a team run by Mike Gillis that might not fly. There's no doubt Kovalchuk is a talented player and I would love to see him on this team, but there are so many things that would have to change in order for him to work on this team it just doesn't look probable.

    If you put aside all that we'd have to trade to get Kovalchuk, as a long term stay it just doesn't look like it would be a good idea. As a rental, if the price was right, I'd say go for Kovalchuk in a heart beat. On the power play, skating with Kesler and Raymond, that could be a thing of beauty. The deadline's still a ways away so we have time to see how things unfold. I doubt that we'll see any significant injury, but this season we've been hit by injuries no one saw coming and maybe there just might be a way to fit the Russian sniper in.

    <img src="http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2009/11/nov1709_mozy_small.jpg" class="imageFloatLeftFramed">Richard Loat writes for Canucks Hockey Blog and is a fan of the underdog – first Bryan Allen, then Alex Burrows, and now Jannik Hansen. His passion for the Canucks led to the Canucks Hockey Blog and a lot of #Canucks tweets on his Twitter account.
  5. Mozy

    Odd man out: Hordichuk

    By Mozy,

    I'm not Hordichuk's biggest fan but one thing that's been noticeable is how his presence, or lack thereof I should say, hasn't been missed in the Canucks lineup. In fact the addition of Alberts has proven that the Canucks really don't need Hordichuk's skillset in order to get by. There was a time when the Canucks all around grit was lacking and there was the need for an enforcer. However as the team has evolved, Kesler's grit factor has gone through the roof, Burrows retained his super pest attributes even though he skates on the top line, and anything Rypien can't handle Glass will gladly take a stab at. Add to all that the recent acquisition of big boy Andrew Alberts and Hordichuk's role becomes redundant.

    When you look at the Canucks lineup you see a roster developed around Gillis' MO of youth and speed. Gillis doesn't go after players that are one dimensional and to that effect when he acquired Hordichuk it made sense. That being said on a team that has enforcers (and I use this term loosely as it's referring to two guys who don't physically fit the mould of an enforcer) that are smaller and can do the job they do the way Rypien and Glass do, that opens up a spot for another player who's potentially more offensively inclined.

    To that end, with the forwards log jam the Canucks have since Demitra's return, Hordichuk's sitting out has freed up a spot for Hansen. Hansen's case actually amplifies my reasoning that Hordichuk's taking up valuable bottom six space when he's playing a role that's not needed. On a bottom six that's struggled Hansen's made the most of his ice time making defensively sound plays and making the most of his offensive chances. Hordichuk wouldn't have scored the back to back game winners Hansen scored. Hordichuk also has as many points as Matt Pettinger does, but he's played six times as many games.

    With Glass and Rypien taking care of the rough stuff, Kesler and Burrows getting in on a dance or two of their own, and Alberts' size added to the Canucks lineup, going into the playoffs I really only see Hordichuk's role being a limited reactionary one. The Canucks have finally found a way to play hockey that doesn't require an enforcer. They've found an equilibrium of finesse and grit and taken the unnecessarily physical element out of the game. Unless the Canucks absolutely need an enforcer because they're playing a team like Philadelphia, I wouldn't give up a spot that a scorer could take for him. With Pettinger on a two-way contract I'd even go as far as to say if there was a further injury to the bottom six he deserves a call up over Hordichuk slotting in. Hordichuk's game is a good one, and he can skate amongst the best Canucks, but when you've got other players that can skate as well and provide more offense, it becomes a no brainer.
  6. Mozy
    <img src="http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2009/10/oct28_samuelson_t.jpg" align="left" hspace="8" vspace="2">There was expectation that Samuelsson upon inking a 3 year deal in the off season, was going to be the next Marc Chouinard, or Jan Bulis; the general feeling about him was that he was going to under perform. In fact he's done the complete opposite.<br /><br /> After finding his way onto the Canucks, his 6th NHL team, the Swede has stepped up and led this team offensively through it's plague of injuries. Samuelsson in Detroit was hampered by the fact that he wasn't going to get top minutes because of the quality of depth Detroit has always had. Put him on a team that needs some offense, add skates and watch him go.<br /><br />

    I had high expectations for the Swede, and so far he's certainly living up to them. He leads the team in goals, and is third in team scoring. He typifies what the Canucks needed coming out of the offseason, and that's a player with a shoot first mentality. He's tied for 7th overall in the league in shots, and in the company of players like Ovechkin, Parise, Crosby, and Nash. The Canucks needed a player that was more aggressive on the puck, and he's finding ways to get himself open, and get the puck on net. It's one of the reasons he's getting the puck in the net. <br /><br />

    In this time of injury, Samuelsson's bringing a sense of calm to the team. With your leading goal getter for the last few years out, your captain injured, a injured list that looks better than the Leafs starting roster, and so many injuries that your team signs players that started the year on your second tier affiliate the Salmon Kings, (Matt Pettinger started the year in Victoria before heading to the Moose, and then back on to the Canucks) players need to lead by example. Kesler has stepped up and taken the reigns of this team, but he hasn't been alone, and offensively he's recruited Samuelsson to be his sidekick.<br /><br />

    <img src="http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2009/10/oct27_group_t.jpg" align="right" hspace="8" vspace="2">The Swede's quietly been scoring goals, and scoring clutch goals. He's established himself as one of the best players on the ice for this team night in and night out, and even when the injured personnel return, he will continue to be a key part of this offense simply because the Canucks have always lacked a shoot first guy. The Swedish contingent on the team is a passive one that is not aggressive on getting pucks to the net, and Samuelsson's the key to fixing that trend. He's already showing us that he's ready to play. Once you're past 15 games in, you can't keep saying "oh it's just the beginning of the season", or imply that it's streaky play. He's come up big in several games now, most notably against Chicago, and recently against the Rangers. He's on pace for a record year, and his play not only gives the Canucks a chance, but by shooting the puck from all over he's creating chances all over the ice be it in the form of rebounds, or lucky bounces. Samuelsson is all over the ice most nights, and it's something the Canucks have missed badly in the past. <br /><br />

    Samuelsson's signing is paying dividends now, but this isn't the best of him we've seen yet. He comes from Detroit which means he comes from a tradition of winning. The bandwagon in Vancouver is bad, but the pressure in MoTown to produce a cup every year is nothing comparable to the pressure the players in this city feel. He's been deep in the playoffs in back to back years, and he's one of two players on this team that's gone past the second round. The way he's leading offensively right now is one thing, but once the Canucks get rolling, get their injured players back, and reach the second season, Samuelsson's going to be relied upon to lead this team in a way no one else can. <br /><br />
    Twitter.com/mozy19
  7. Mozy

    Playing With Fire

    By Mozy,

    <img src="http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2009/11/nov1709_chbsmall_smallt.jpg" class="imageFloatLeftFramed">In light of this Burrows/Auger incident, upon reviewing it all, I think you'd be hard pressed to find Burrows wrong. The video evidence of what Auger did before the game and the blatantly weak calls as well as a history of very poor officiating makes this yet another controversy the Canucks find themselves in the thick of. Now homer bias aside, I think the overwhelming response from any and everyone with an understanding of the game (at least as seen on Twitter since last night) including Nashville fans who's team won the game last night, is a good enough sign the league should do something about this issue. We saw them give Toronto a slap on the wrist without so much as looking into the issue, hopefully things are different this time around. Burrows isn't the type of player to make a big deal just for the attention. He's not Sean Avery, he's not Chris Pronger, he's not that type of player.

    With that in mind what's worrying me about the issue is the fact Burrows in all likelihood is going to get a suspension from all this. The winger who's entire career has been a surprise is on pace for a career high 34 goals and over 60 points this season. He is playing the best hockey of his life and all it takes is someone or something to throw a wrench in the cogs and this high powered Canucks offense comes grinding to a very quick halt. Trust something like this to defuse the Canucks and the chemistry they've got going.

    We still have to wait for all of this to pan out, but with the Canucks top line clicking right now it would be unfortunate for the incompetency of a league appointed official to affect a team in the long run. With Auger's poor officiating, the turning of the game from a 5 on 4 in the Canucks favour to a 4 on 3 in the Predators' favour in a matter of seconds last night it couldn't have been more clear that the officiating was suspect. You'd be hard pressed to convince me that the top two goal getters on the Canucks last night were also the two most heavily penalized players in the game last night by coincidence. Henrik and Burrows only had point each last night and the fact that Henrik was in the box on three separate occasions on suspect calls is cause for concern. Not cause for concern because our top scorer is in the box. I'm all for penalize a player if it is due. However for a player who going into last night had 28 PIMs in 44 games to take 6 PIMs in one game without a fighting major or a double minor raises eyebrows to me.

    To put it into further perspective, Henrik had 6 penalty minutes last night. Prior to last night he had 6 PIMs in his last 15 games. You do the math. It's a tight Western Conference and the referees cost the Canucks 3rd place in the West last night dropping them to 7th overall. The conference is tighter than I have ever seen it and at the end of the season, should the Canucks be out of the playoffs by one or two points, or lose a tie break, this could very well be the game that could have changed everything. Again, at the end of the night this is not something I'm bitter about because of being a Canucks fan. The fact that so many people league wide support Burrows is testament to the fact that this is bigger than being bitter over a couple of lost points. I'm worried about the integrity of a league in which we play in if referees are allowed to get away with this.

    <img src="http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2009/11/nov1709_mozy_small.jpg" class="imageFloatLeftFramed">Richard Loat writes for Canucks Hockey Blog and is a fan of the underdog – first Bryan Allen, then Alex Burrows, and now Jannik Hansen. His passion for the Canucks led to the Canucks Hockey Blog and a lot of #Canucks tweets on his Twitter account.
  8. Mozy

    5 on 5 and Crease Crashing

    By Mozy,

    The Canucks so far this season have relied on a powerplay that was top 3 in the league and they were making teams pay for taking penalties. As the red hot power play has cooled so have the Canucks winning ways and goal scoring. In games the Canucks haven't had a chance to work the man advantage, they have struggled to find the back of the net because of their lack of aggression in getting the puck to the net.

    Riding a hot powerplay, the Canucks 5 on 5 offense was non-existent and they weren't aggressive. Time and time again we watched other teams crash the crease and as a result, good things happen. The Canucks looked to have finally learned that last night as their scoring woes were thrown out the window. The Canucks offense right now with out Daniel Sedin and the host of others injured is one dimensional and plays an overly defensive game. The Canucks conservative play has been their detriment on nights where one player doesn't stand out and single handedly win the game.

    Against the Avalanche the Canucks finally figured out for themselves that crashing the crease, going to the net, and not backing off is the key to victory. It seems whenever a goalie faces the Canucks they get hot. Or have an outstanding game trying to out duel Luongo. The Canucks key to victory is crashing the net. They don't have to be dirty like some teams, but they're a fast team that utilizes their speed to get back up ice and then fall short by not going into the crease. Henrik got two of his three goals by going to the net, Bernier was left wide open in front, and Hansen potted his in similar fashion.

    The Canucks showed us a glimpse of the offense and the style of play that we've come to expect from a team which on paper is one of the best and well balanced teams in the league. With players finding their own while injuries run rampant, the Canucks have to find a way to win 5 on 5. The Canucks in their recent three game losing streak would get frustrated without the man advantage and it showed in their lack of goals. In the 3 game losing streak they managed to score just 3 goals. The Canucks, victims of a terrible schedule have a week between games and have lots of time to take what they did in Denver, and make sure they utilize that same play, mentality, and style of play to victimize the Avalanche in what stretches the definition of a "home and home".
  9. Mozy
    <img src="http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2009/11/nov1709_chbsmall_smallt.jpg" class="imageFloatLeftFramed">Edler was under fire at the start of the season for lack of production and after going through a slump which I attribute to him missing Ohlund, he's found his groove again and gone back to playing like we've come to expect of the native Swede. Edler who was taking bad shots, missing outlet passes and blowing routine blue line saves struggled to find his game early on and a very negative plus/minus had a lot of people scratching their heads.

    Edler's play was clearly uncharacteristic and his lack of confidence at the time seemed to amplify the problem. Recently Edler's gone on a tear and is starting to look like the same blue liner that put up career numbers last season. He's vaulted past Ehrhoff, who was a surprise source of offence for the Canucks this season, in points and he's on pace for 57 points this season.

    With 2 goals and 17 assists this season he's on pace to finish the year with 51 assists which is just shy of the Canucks record for most assists by a defenceman held currently by Denis Kearns. The record is 55 assists and if Edler gets hot it wouldn't be unlikely for us to see him get that record.

    Edler is the puck mover this team needs and while the worry around his subpar play was understandable, it looks as if he's turned things around. For a while his problem was made worse by his attempts to force a play out of frustration, but the noticeable change in his play as of late is a sign he's back in his comfort zone. He's got that stride back in his step and he's no longer playing ultra conservatively.

    Edler is Salo's set up man. With Edler getting back in gear you can be sure Salo's numbers are going to start looking better. He started with a goal against the Devils after being goal-less for over 30 consecutive regular season games. The Canucks blue line has the potential to be the most potent blue line offense in the league. With Salo's coveted shot (injury not withstanding), Edler's play making potential and shot, Ehrhoff's versatility at the point, Bieksa's offensive mentality and Schneider's blast there is no reason this can't be the most feared blue line in the league both offensively and defensively. Edler's play is going to go a long way towards affecting the rest of the team and now that he's found his stride again I have a feeling the rest of the defense will fall in sync.


    <img src="http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2009/11/nov1709_mozy_small.jpg" class="imageFloatLeftFramed">Richard Loat writes for Canucks Hockey Blog and is a fan of the underdog – first Bryan Allen, then Alex Burrows, and now Jannik Hansen. His passion for the Canucks led to the Canucks Hockey Blog and a lot of #Canucks tweets on his Twitter account.
  10. Mozy

    Update on Shirokov

    By Mozy,

    <img src="http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2009/11/nov1709_chbsmall_smallt.jpg" class="imageFloatLeftFramed"> Last night I had the chance to watch the Moose play as they came to town to take on the Calgary Flames affiliate the Abbotsford Heat. One thing I was looking forward to seeing was Sergei Shirokov play. I was all over the kid in the pre-season, and foolish enough to think he was ready to play on the Canucks roster this season. <a href="http://canuckscorner.com">Brian from Canucks Corner</a> put me in my place, but after watching Shirokov play last night things make a little more sense.

    I like many others was wondering why players like Desbiens and Grabner were being called up over players like Shirokov but after watching the Moscow talent play last night there are certain facets of his game that need addressing before he's ready for the NHL. I think the biggest concern at the moment is Shirokov has no defensive responsibility. His back check doesn't exist and almost every shift he was on the ice, if the Moose had possession he was wandering off by the Heat's blue line waiting for the stretch pass or a chance to cherry pick. The difference was when you saw the way Grabner approach the play he not only backchecked but he wasn't wandering waiting for that breakaway chance rendering himself completely ineffective otherwise.

    That's the only major issue I saw with Shirokov last night but one that made sense. For a small guy he's going to have to fight to make this league, but he's strong on the puck, he can skate and he's got a wicked shot. Several times his shot handcuffed the Heat goaltender unfortunately though neither resulted in a goal. Shirokov was in on two of the goals though picking up two assists on the night and assisting on Nycholat's game winning goal in overtime after the Moose clawed back from down 2-0 at the end of the first to win 4-3 in OT.

    It's clear Shirokov's still learning the North American game and he's got a little way to go. Next year depending how the free agent market pans out there's a good chance we might see him in the lineup. That said, the best place for the 23 year old Russian is the Moose and it's great that he's leading the team offensively and showing he can put up points. That's the best way to show he can show he's ready to head up to the big leagues. Through 39 games played with the Moose he leads all Moose regulars in goals, points, shooting percentage, and plus/minus and is 2nd in shots power play goals and short handed goals. He's proving he can lead that team offensively and with that will come his development and understanding of the game.


    <img src="http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2009/11/nov1709_mozy_small.jpg" class="imageFloatLeftFramed">Richard Loat writes for Canucks Hockey Blog and is a fan of the underdog – first Bryan Allen, then Alex Burrows, and now Jannik Hansen. His passion for the Canucks led to the Canucks Hockey Blog and a lot of #Canucks tweets on his Twitter account.
  11. Mozy
    <img src="http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2009/11/nov1709_chbsmall_smallt.jpg" class="imageFloatLeftFramed">Henrik's been atop the points race for at least a week now and he's hardly been noticed, talked about, or praised by anyone other than Canuck Nation. In fact, whenever Ovechkin and Crosby are up there they get all the spot light. Heck, even when Kopitar was up there he was the NHL's golden boy and everyone was all over him. "Kopitar this" and "Kopitar that". Where's Kopitar now, he's certainly not still at the top. So what gives?

    Hank's no fluke. He's climbed his way up the points standings, he took over first, he's been monstrous for the Canucks and he's established himself as one of the elite forwards in this game putting himself above names like Crosby, Kovalchuk, Ovechkin, and Thornton just to name a few. That's some pretty elite company. Not only that, he's been quiet in doing so. He's not a rockstar like Ovechkin. He's not the NHL's posterchild like Crosby. He does his job quietly game in and game out and the fact he's up there and has remained up there accounts for a lot, yet he gets no respect from the league, and the Eastern media don't even notice he exists.

    Henrik Sedin proved to everyone that he was capable of leading this team without his brother when Daniel went down to injury and proved to everyone that individually he was a difference maker. He set himself apart from his brother and answered the question we've always been wondering: "What happens when you split up the Sedins?". His numbers garner a little more recognition and it baffles me as to why Henrik isn't given a little more respect around this league.

    He leads the NHL in points, points on home ice, points against other divisions, and even strength points to name a few offensive categories. He has a top tier plus/minus and he has the second highest points per game at 1.36. A testament to how good he's been is the number of points he has at even strength. He's finding a way to get it done without doing it on the Power Play like other players in the league who rack of the PP points. Even Christian Ehrhoff has more PP points than him. Even more impressive is his efficiency when he's on the ice. He's amounted his league leading 64 points this season in substantially less time than anyone else. Henrik Sedin's average time on ice per game ranks him 56th in the league, in some cases more than 2 minutes per game less than any of the other forwards in the NHL's top 10 for scoring.

    In 47 games for the Canucks this season he has been held pointless in only 11 games and during that span has also strung together two point streaks of 9 and 10 games. He has been in on over 40% of all goals scored by the Canucks this season and has 20 multi point games so far this year. He's proven he's not just a player maker but he can score goals and he's on pace to shatter his career highs and break the 30 goal plateau for the first time in his career and be the highest point getter this team has seen since Markus Naslund had 104 points in a season.

    Henrik Sedin has risen to the top of the NHL and it's about time the league noticed.


    <img src="http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2009/11/nov1709_mozy_small.jpg" class="imageFloatLeftFramed">Richard Loat writes for Canucks Hockey Blog and is a fan of the underdog – first Bryan Allen, then Alex Burrows, and now Jannik Hansen. His passion for the Canucks led to the Canucks Hockey Blog and a lot of #Canucks tweets on his Twitter account.
  12. Mozy

    Forsberg vs Sundin

    By Mozy,

    With the Canucks amongst the fore runners courting Forsberg, there's been a lot of comparison between the success, or lack of, from Sundin, and what Forsberg will likely bring to the table. I for one was against Sundin for a whole whack of reasons, but did come around and realize that in the playoffs, especially against the Blackhawks when it mattered most, he was our best player on the ice. With that in mind, these top 6 forwards, that are just available, do not come along that easily. You're not going to find top 6 guys like this, of such calibre, who come for literally nothing (just salary, you're not giving up picks, or trading anyone) any time else. It's this reason you have to take a gamble on them, or at least try to take a gamble on them.

    Forsberg while he comes with his problems, also comes with certain factors that Sundin never had. One of the biggest problems with Sundin was that he was off the ice for an entire off season and the first 42 games. While Forsberg's been out of the NHL, he's been training in the SEL and is in as near a game condition as he can be considering he's playing in a tournament representing Sweden at the moment.

    My other knock on Sundin was that he was 39. Forsberg checks in 3 years younger than that, and won't creak every time he steps on the ice. Forsberg's numbers are also volumes better than Sundin. Sundin's numbers were a function of longevity, and no doubt the man was one of the best players the NHL has seen in his time. However, Forsberg's put up considerably better numbers relative to the number of games he's played in the NHL, and it was clear upon his return to NHL in his last go around that he can be a difference make on whatever team he plays be it the rock-em-sock-em robot Flyers have, or the we're-always-just-a-hair-shy-of-the-playoffs Predators. He's played in the Northwest, he knows the Northwest, and the way the Avalanche have changed, they're no longer the team he played with, and they're no longer a team he can go back to.

    Forsberg's foot is always a concern, and so was Sundin's health, however with the caliber of player that he can be, it's a gamble you can't pass up on. Especially when you have a team with so many of the right pieces to be a contender. I'd liken him to Marian Gaborik. Gaborik is slated as almost more injury prone than Sami Salo, and yet when he's healthy, as he is right now, we're seeing him earn his 8 million dollar salary picking up points from all angles of the ice. Top 6 forwards don't come for free. When they do, you can't pass up an opportunity to snag one. The Canucks are a contender, we have a super star goaltender, we have a blue line amongst the NHL's best, we have an offense that is firing on all cylinders, Forsberg has every reason to sign with us, and Gillis (if he's as interested in Forsberg as he says he is) needs to make every play to get him.
  13. Mozy

    Eins, Zwei, Ehrhoff

    By Mozy,

    <img src="http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2009/11/nov1709_chbsmall_smallt.jpg" class="imageFloatLeftFramed">The native German and German Olympian has came to Vancouver from San Jose in a trade that Gillis would have been stupid not to make and with little expectation on a player no one knew much about Ehrhoff has certainly surpassed any expectation I had set of him. He is the most versatile defenceman on the Canucks and his play at both ends of the ice this season makes him the most consistent defenceman. His vision on the ice has led to him contributing offensively in a capacity that was expected by Salo and Bieksa, not the new guy.

    Ehrhoff is on pace to put up career numbers. His career high in goals is 10, he has 5 right now. His career high for points and assists is 42 and 34 respectively. He sits at 5 Goals, 10 assists and 15 points through 23 games. He also is a +11 which puts him well clear of the rest of the team. The German's shot also brings another dimension to the Canucks offense. Not only does he boast a cannon that is on par with Salo, and last years super skills winner Edler, but he also has an accurate wrist.

    Ehrhoff sees the ice so well and knows when to pinch in. His presence on the power play makes him more than just a point shot. The top four blue liner has come onto the team and established himself as one of the top Canucks defenceman at exactly the right time. There was a hole that needed to be filled after Ohlund left, and with a struggling Edler, a Salo that's had difficulty getting offensively started, and injury, Ehrhoff has stepped up and established himself on this team as more than just another defenceman.

    In a time when the Canucks defence, and the Canucks offense has struggled Ehrhoff has come in and established himself as a staple on the blue line. He's defensively responsible, knows when to pinch in on the rush, and he's responsible on the ice. His penalty numbers are few and once this Canucks defence finds it's niche and fixes some of the problems it's having on an individual level the Canucks defense is going to take that step to the next level largely in part to the addition of Christian Ehrhoff.

    <img src="http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2009/11/nov1709_mozy_small.jpg" class="imageFloatLeftFramed">Mozy is a fan of the underdog – first Bryan Allen, then Alex Burrows, and now Jannik Hansen. His passion for the Canucks led to the Canucks Hockey Blog and a lot of #Canucks tweets on his Twitter account.
  14. Mozy
    <img src="http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2009/11/nov1709_chbsmall_smallt.jpg" class="imageFloatLeftFramed">With all the injuries at the start of the season the Canucks managed to get out of a sticky situation with too many players on the roster. They didn't have to deal with the bubble players, and they tapped the Manitoba Moose dry of NHL worthy players. With players gradually returning from injury, the question of who deserves a roster spot has to be revisited. The Canucks blue line has been stocked full of players and fortunately hasn't been hit by the injury bug, however when you look at the forwards roster, it looks like now is the time to figure out who's earned a spot on this team. As far as players on the injury list, there's one player who doesn't factor into the issue and that's Alexandre Bolduc. With the return of Jannik Hansen and the way Hansen has been playing, Bolduc's playing on a team where there's a lot of depth at his position. Unless Rypien or another one of the bottom six goes down to injury, Bolduc will be sent down to the Manitoba Moose.

    In past years, Vigneault has made it very clear that he has no problem benching a player that doesn't deserve to be on the ice. He showed that earlier in the season by benching Darcy Hordichuk and it payed off. With Grabner approximately 3-4 weeks through a 4-6 week ankle injury, now's the time to start thinking about what to do upon his return. With complete and utter lack of production from Wellwood on all fronts, it seems ridiculous not to bench Wellwood, or send Wellwood down to the farm team in favour of the Austrian Canuck. In Grabner's 9 games he's amassed more points (5) than Wellwood (2) has in 23 games. He also proved to have great chemistry alongside Kesler and Raymond. Wellwood needs someone to light a fire under him, and Grabner's return would be just that.

    With that in mind, it looks like Burrows has found his game with the Sedins which means he'll likely stay with Henrik and Daniel if he can regain that offensive touch now that Daniel's returned. With that in mind though, A Canucks team with one more Grabner and one less Wellwood is a more offensive team. Burrows was, and can still be a 3rd liner. To allow for Grabner's return I would be willing to see Burrows return to the 3rd line and play alongside Bernier and Johnson leaving Samuelsson to join his compatriots, the Twins. This opens up a spot on the second for Grabner to return and play with Raymond and Kesler. He has the speed, and it's clear there was chemistry. Wellwood needs time off the ice, and although he earned a roster spot with his play in the pre-season, we're 23 games removed from that audition and it's time to re-evaluate if the Canucks want to start playing something more than .500 hockey.

    <img src="http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2009/11/nov1709_mozy_small.jpg" class="imageFloatLeftFramed">Mozy is a fan of the underdog – first Bryan Allen, then Alex Burrows, and now Jannik Hansen. His passion for the Canucks led to the Canucks Hockey Blog and a lot of #Canucks tweets on his Twitter account.
  15. Mozy

    On Being a Canucks Fan

    By Mozy,

    <img src="http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2009/11/nov1709_chbsmall_smallt.jpg" class="imageFloatLeftFramed">For Canucks fans online, most in the last week have seen the blog written by Edmonton's Dan Tencer following an Oilers loss. It reeks of the bitterness and frustration that Oilers Nation echoes, and after reading some of the responses to his blog like the one by Brian over at Canucks Corner I feel Tencer's missing one other perspective. What frustrates me is that Dan Tencer attacks the fans. It's one thing to attack the team and get off on the fact that they have (and as a Canucks fan I'll admit this) been a little more prominent in the news these days, but to get off at the fans is something that infuriates me.

    What's wrong with feeling your team is entitled to win something? How does the fact that your team hasn't won it all at least once in their 40 year history mean the fans shouldn't be passionate? How does the fact that Vancouver fans hold a high standard of expectation for their team make them out to be "cocky" and "entitled"? Sure the Canucks have never won anything, but according to Dan Tencer that means we're not allowed to get up in arms over any issue whatsoever. Because the Oilers have won 5 Cups, they're entitled to make some noise in the leauge, but because the Canucks haven't they don't hold the same weight with the NHL?

    To be honest what frustrates me is the fact that writers like Tencer create the breed of fan we should be trying to eliminate. We don't want GM Place filled with these passive fans who just sit there. We don't want fans that don't care. The bottom line is the reason Canucks fans voice their opinion is because they care. At the end of the day Mr. Tencer, it's just that, an opinion. Everyone's entitled to one and the fact that so many Vancouver fans make theirs vocal is something more fans should learn from.

    In fact it's the distinct lack of passion and voice that leads to embarrassments like the Phoenix Coyotes. When only 500 fans turn out to a rally intended to show support for a flailing NHL franchise your fans left something to be desired. As a fan we're entitled to support our team through thick and thin, as fans we're allowed to get up in arms over an incident and our previous records should have no bearing on how it's received. I don't want to be a fan of a team in a league that perpetuates this elitism to it's fans. I haven't seen Canucks fans cocky in the days when we had nothing to get excited about but the fact is we have a superstar goaltender, the leading Art Ross candidate at the moment, one of the more dominant offenses in the league right now and every reason to expect our team to win a cup. There's nothing wrong with setting your expectations for your team high. That doesn't make you entitled. That just means you care and you expect a lot.

    Being a fan of any team is about passion and getting your hopes up even when you're not supposed to. Canucks fans aren't entitled. Are they cocky? Some can be, most I'd say are extremely passionate. We care about our team. Just because we have a reason to get excited about our team doesn't mean you need to transfer your frustrations to us Dan.

    Dan Tencer's dangerously close to sounding like a fair weather fan and I'd venture a guess as to who used to drive the bandwagon in Edmonton, in particular on that miraculous cup run back in 2006, but that might be going to far.


    <img src="http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2009/11/nov1709_mozy_small.jpg" class="imageFloatLeftFramed">Richard Loat writes for Canucks Hockey Blog and is a fan of the underdog – first Bryan Allen, then Alex Burrows, and now Jannik Hansen. His passion for the Canucks led to the Canucks Hockey Blog and a lot of #Canucks tweets on his Twitter account.
  16. Mozy
    <img src="http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2009/11/nov1709_chbsmall_smallt.jpg" class="imageFloatLeftFramed">This team is not big, it's not tough. It's turned into a skilled team that needs to out skate and out work it's opponents to win versus out thugging them. We don't have a lot of grit but the grit we have does the job, which is why I can't for the life of me figure out why Kesler's game as of late has changed. If anyone's noticed Kesler lately his play's turned from skilled play-maker into skilled pest play-maker. He's getting in places he's not supposed to, and he's even trying to start fights.

    The Canucks have a boat load of players that can drop the gloves and the third and fourth line are all gritty enough to take a swing at the other player. We've seen Hansen, Hordichuk, Glass, Johnson and Rypien drop the mitts and chuck knuckles, so I've been having a hard time trying to come up with a reason for Kesler being the target. If you notice night in and night out he gets run more than any of our other top six forwards and as a result he's getting his face in places that we don't need him to.

    He's a top play-maker, and he's a vital part of our offence which at times (as we all know) sputters, but lately I've seen a shift in his play which can only be described as Burrows-esque. He's getting heated and fiesty and it's a side of Kesler we haven't really seen, but also a side I don't think we need to see. The more he perpetuates the badass image he's portraying right now, the more he's going to get run. It's like he's saying "I'm rugged and strong and I'm ready to show it".

    In the last handful of games there have been at least a couple of times he's taken extra long to get up from a hit and I don't see any other top six forwards take the beating he does. He's crucial to the penalty kill, our second line, and our offense would struggle if we lost him because we certainly don't have an abundance of secondary scoring. I just see the path he's going on leading to injury. When the team has so many other players that can run their trap and take the heat for it and get into those dirty places, Kesler doesn't need to play Sean Avery. If he does it's going to come back to hurt him and to hurt this team.

    Kesler's a top play-maker, he's a recognized player in the league and he doesn't need to create a reputation. He's established his reputation as a skilled offensive and defensively responsible forward. Adding a dose of pest to his game in my mind only lowers him to a level he's far above. I'm just trying to figure out where this came from because it's a totally different dimension of Kesler. It has its pros in short doses, but night in and night out is just a recipe for disaster.


    <img src="http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2009/11/nov1709_mozy_small.jpg" class="imageFloatLeftFramed">Richard Loat writes for Canucks Hockey Blog and is a fan of the underdog – first Bryan Allen, then Alex Burrows, and now Jannik Hansen. His passion for the Canucks led to the Canucks Hockey Blog and a lot of #Canucks tweets on his Twitter account.
  17. Mozy

    Demitra's New Role

    By Mozy,

    <img src="http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2009/11/nov1709_chbsmall_smallt.jpg" class="imageFloatLeftFramed">With Demitra factoring back into the equation it looks like as far as forwards go we're back at square one. The same problem we were going to have to deal with in game one of the season had we not been hit with that ridiculous number of simultaneous injuries. The interesting thing is now that we're half way through the season the players have formed this chemistry that I for one wouldn't want to tinker with. I know Vigneault's a smart man and I have a feeling he isn't going to tinker with things too much either.

    That means the Canucks have a 4 million dollar man and they have to find something to do with him. The only immediate thing to do is throw him on the 3rd line, like the Canucks have and when you think about this it should have some positive effects on the team as a whole. Demitra knows his place on the team. He's a Mike Gillis player and I have no reason to believe that there's bad blood between the two, or between Demitra and the team as there was a la Mathieu Schneider. With that said, Demitra's going to need a few games to get his stuff together and even once he returns to game shape he doesn't have a spot on the top line for obvious reasons, but his spot on the second line is gone at the moment just because there's no point in tinkering with a hot and cold Samuelsson who at the moment is pretty hot.

    So, you put Demitra on the third line. Let that sink in for a moment and then ponder this. You have a slumping Wellwood and a snake bitten Hansen (last game notwithstanding) and you want them both to find their scoring touch. What do you do? With Demitra skating along side Wellwood and Hansen you can't help but think this team now has 3 lines that are dangerous. We go from being a 2 line team to a 3 line team, and the depth just keeps going. We still have Grabner and Bernier to return at some point. But back to the point at hand. Demitra, a former 60 point guy, playing alongside Wellwood could really help him re-spark his game. He's been under the gun for his lack of production and while that third line isn't going to get a lot of minutes, they provide another scoring threat when they're on the ice.

    Demitra can't expect to get his second line spot back. It's not his fault he lost it, but it's just unrealistic at this point to place him there and deliberately tweak already excellent chemistry. If Demitra can play effectively with whoever his 3rd line line-mates are he's going to be doing exactly what he needs to. His role is going to be the same offensive oriented one he's always had, he's just going to have to be more efficient at it in the fewer minutes he'll be getting. He'll also take the point over from Mason Raymond (bless his little heart but that point shot is just... *sigh*) and with some power play time once Pavol finds his game this Canucks offensive juggernaut is just going to keep on rolling.

    I don't think any other team can say they have a 4 million dollar top 6 forward on their 3rd line, but with the insertion of Demitra into that 3rd line winger position the Canucks now go from have a 2nd and 3rd line, to a 2a and 2b line which I don't think anyone can complain about.

    <img src="http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2009/11/nov1709_mozy_small.jpg" class="imageFloatLeftFramed">Richard Loat writes for Canucks Hockey Blog and is a fan of the underdog – first Bryan Allen, then Alex Burrows, and now Jannik Hansen. His passion for the Canucks led to the Canucks Hockey Blog and a lot of #Canucks tweets on his Twitter account.
  18. Mozy
    <img src="http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2009/11/nov1709_chbsmall_smallt.jpg" class="imageFloatLeftFramed">

    <p>When you look at Burrows numbers there's no denying that he's been a huge success because of the Sedins. One can't argue though that he's not been partially responsible in helping get up the Sedins numbers to point per game averages that are the highest of their career. Burrows has been through a lot to get where he is and after working his way up through the Canucks system right from the ECHL I can guarantee you he never saw him self leading any NHL team in goals at any point in the season outside of perhaps game one of the season. Yet here we sit over 40 games into the season and the Canucks leading scorer is a tie between Henrik Sedin and none other than Alex Burrows.

    </p>
    <br />

    <p>To put things into further perspective Burrows not only leads the Canucks in goals this season, but he's in the top 10 goal scorers in the NHL. That's right. Little Alex Burrows the super pest turned super hero to Canucks fans in Vancouver is tied for the 8th most goals in the NHL. With that in mind, when you look at the fact that Mats Sundin was operating at about 1 goal for every million dollars paid, when you look at Alex's contract, he's scored so far, one goal for every $100,000 he's been paid. With that said, that serves to go down as we still have over 30 games to play and you know Burrows is going to tear past that 30 goal plateau this season (knock on wood).</p>
    <br />
    <p>If you number a crunch a little you find out Burrows actual worth. Right now, over the 48 games the Canucks have played this season, Burrows is costing the Canucks $95,328 per goal and about $51,282 per point. When you compare it to all the players in the top ten for goals scored this season it looks like this:</p>
    <br />

    <table width="100%" border="1" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" bordercolor="#666666">

    <thead>

    <tr>

    <th bgcolor="#E6EEEE">Player</th>

    <th bgcolor="#E6EEEE">Goals</th>

    <th bgcolor="#E6EEEE">Points</th>

    <th bgcolor="#E6EEEE">Salary</th>

    <th bgcolor="#E6EEEE">Cost/Goal</th>

    <th bgcolor="#E6EEEE">Cost/Point</th>

    </tr>

    </thead>

    <tbody>

    <tr>

    <td>Patrick Marleau</td>

    <td>32</td>

    <td>51</td>

    <td>$6,300,000.00</td>

    <td>$196,875.00</td>

    <td>$123,529.41</td>

    </tr>

    <tr>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">Alex Ovechkin</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">30</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">64</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">$9,538,462.00</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">$317,948.73</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">$149,038.47</td>

    </tr>

    <tr>

    <td>Sidney Crosby</td>

    <td>30</td>

    <td>57</td>

    <td>$8,700,000.00</td>

    <td>$290,000.00</td>

    <td>$152,631.58</td>

    </tr>

    <tr>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">Marian Gaborik</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">29</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">57</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">$7,500,000.00</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">$258,620.69</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">$131,578.95</td>

    </tr>

    <tr>

    <td>Ilya Kovalchuk</td>

    <td>28</td>

    <td>53</td>

    <td>$6,400,000.00</td>

    <td>$228,571.43</td>

    <td>$120,754.72</td>

    </tr>

    <tr>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">Dany Heatley</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">27</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">53</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">$7,500,000.00</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">$277,777.78</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">$141,509.43</td>

    </tr>

    <tr>

    <td>Steven Stamkos</td>

    <td>25</td>

    <td>47</td>

    <td>$3,725,000.00</td>

    <td>$149,000.00</td>

    <td>$79,255.32</td>

    </tr>

    <tr>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">Michael Cammalleri</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">22</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">40</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">$6,000,000.00</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">$272,727.27</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">$150,000.00</td>

    </tr>

    <tr>

    <td>Henrik Sedin</td>

    <td>21</td>

    <td>67</td>

    <td>$6,000,000.00</td>

    <td>$285,714.29</td>

    <td>$89,552.24</td>

    </tr>

    <tr>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">Rick Nash</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">21</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">44</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">$5,400,000.00</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">$257,142.86</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">$122,727.27</td>

    </tr>

    <tr>

    <td>Jarome Iginla</td>

    <td>21</td>

    <td>43</td>

    <td>$7,000,000.00</td>

    <td>$333,333.33</td>

    <td>$162,790.70</td>

    </tr>

    <tr>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">Dustin Penner</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">21</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">41</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">$4,250,000.00</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">$202,380.95</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">$103,658.54</td>

    </tr>

    <tr>

    <td>Alexandre Burrows</td>

    <td>21</td>

    <td>39</td>

    <td>$2,000,000.00</td>

    <td>$95,238.10</td>

    <td>$51,282.05</td>

    </tr>

    <tr>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">Bobby Ryan</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">21</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">39</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">$1,921,667.00</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">$91,507.95</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">$49,273.51</td>

    </tr>

    <tr>

    <td>Patrick Kane</td>

    <td>20</td>

    <td>56</td>

    <td>$3,725,000.00</td>

    <td>$186,250.00</td>

    <td>$66,517.86</td>

    </tr>

    <tr>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">Zach Parise</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">20</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">47</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">$3,125,000.00</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">$156,250.00</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">$66,489.36</td>

    </tr>

    <tr>

    <td>Alexander Semin</td>

    <td>20</td>

    <td>43</td>

    <td>$4,600,000.00</td>

    <td>$230,000.00</td>

    <td>$106,976.74</td>

    </tr>

    <tr>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">Nicklas Backstrom</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">19</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">54</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">$2,400,000.00</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">$126,315.79</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">$44,444.44</td>

    </tr>

    <tr>

    <td>Corey Perry</td>

    <td>19</td>

    <td>47</td>

    <td>$5,325,000.00</td>

    <td>$280,263.16</td>

    <td>$113,297.87</td>

    </tr>

    <tr>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">Anze Kopitar</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">19</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">46</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">$6,800,000.00</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">$357,894.74</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">$147,826.09</td>

    </tr>

    <tr>

    <td>Loui Eriksson</td>

    <td>19</td>

    <td>45</td>

    <td>$1,600,000.00</td>

    <td>$84,210.53</td>

    <td>$35,555.56</td>

    </tr>

    <tr>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">Stephen Weiss</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">19</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">42</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">$3,100,000.00</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">$163,157.89</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">$73,809.52</td>

    </tr>

    <tr>

    <td>Mike Richards</td>

    <td>19</td>

    <td>40</td>

    <td>$5,750,000.00</td>

    <td>$302,631.58</td>

    <td>$143,750.00</td>

    </tr>

    <tr>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">Ryan Malone</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">19</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">38</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">$4,500,000.00</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">$236,842.11</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">$118,421.05</td>

    </tr>

    <tr>

    <td>James Neal</td>

    <td>19</td>

    <td>35</td>

    <td>$821,667.00</td>

    <td>$43,245.63</td>

    <td>$23,476.20</td>

    </tr>

    <tr>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">Patric Hornqvist</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">19</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">30</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">$620,000.00</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">$32,631.58</td>

    <td bgcolor="#F0F0F6">$20,666.67</td>

    </tr>

    </tbody>

    </table>

    <br />
    <p>
    Burrows is producing well above his pay grade and am I complaining? Hell no. Just trying to make sure more people appreciate just what this guy is doing when compared to the names he's sandwiched himself between in the points standings.</p>

    <br />

    <p><img src="http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2009/11/nov1709_mozy_small.jpg" class="imageFloatLeftFramed">Richard Loat writes for Canucks Hockey Blog and is a fan of the underdog – first Bryan Allen, then Alex Burrows, and now Jannik Hansen. His passion for the Canucks led to the Canucks Hockey Blog and a lot of #Canucks tweets on his Twitter account.</p>
  19. Mozy
    <img src="http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2009/11/nov1709_chbsmall_smallt.jpg" class="imageFloatLeftFramed">Darcy Hordichuk was brought to the Canucks for one reason and one reason only. To be a brute, to crush not just hit, and to chuck knuckles raining fists of fury. He was brought on to either to spark some energy via taking down, or at least taking on the other team's heavyweight. He was brought on as our heavyweight and was expected to use his grit as retribution for a bad hit, a yapping Avery-type character, or dirty play.

    Hordichuk is not on this team for his speed or his offense. His offense is a notch above Shane O'Brien. Actually, half a notch. Gillis said he brought him onto the team because he was a tough guy and a heavy weight, but also because he was not one dimensional. He could skate, had some hands, and could also use those hands to pummel opponents. I remember the Hordichuk that played for the Predators and Panthers. That's the Hordichuk that I thought this team was landing. Unfortunately we've seen the complete opposite of what we expected.

    Since coming to the Canucks his scraps have been Jeff Cowan-esque at best. This isn't hug fest 2010. Last night his attempted fight further put things in perspective. Hell, even Shane O'Brien stood his ground against Chipchurra and put up a valiant effort. I haven't seen him decimate someone the way he used to when he was in Florida. This season has put things into an even better perspective because Hordichuk's orders are being covered by Rypien and Glass who will take on anything with two fists that looks at them the wrong way. Rypien doesn't care how big a guy is he'll chuck knuckles. When you have a guy like Rypien taking on the heavy weights, Glass taking on anyone else, and even Kesler trying to pick fights here and there, there is no need for Hordichuk taking up bench space. He's here to fight, and since he's not fighting all he's doing is floating. This team has checkers and 4th liners a dime a dozen and the team would get more from a Mario Bliznak on the 4th line than they're getting from Hordichuk.

    He's a role player, and his role is supposed to be an enforcer. If he's not enforcing we don't need him. He's not fighting, he's not hitting, and we don't need a floater. The Canucks can use his spot for a number of players that would bring more to the game than he is bringing right now. The Canucks enforcer is getting shown up by two kids that can fight and provide an offensive aspect to their game. He's gone from the multi-dimensional player Gillis saw he was, to playing dimensionless hockey. Remind me why he wasted his summer training with Chuck Liddell?

    <img src="http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2009/11/nov1709_mozy_small.jpg" class="imageFloatLeftFramed">Richard Loat writes for Canucks Hockey Blog and is a fan of the underdog – first Bryan Allen, then Alex Burrows, and now Jannik Hansen. His passion for the Canucks led to the Canucks Hockey Blog and a lot of #Canucks tweets on his Twitter account.
  20. Mozy
    <img src="http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2009/11/nov1709_chbsmall_smallt.jpg" class="imageFloatLeftFramed">Recently preliminary rosters for the World Junior Championships were released for a few teams and the Canucks right now have three prospects who have been invited to their respective country's training camp for the junior tournament. Cody Hodgson is on <a href="http://is.gd/5aqf0">Canada's roster</a>, Jordan Schroeder is on the <a href="http://is.gd/5aqez ">USA's roster</a> and Anton Rodin is on Team <a href="http://is.gd/5aqdW">Sweden's roster</a>.

    Hodgson who struggled with a back injury throughout the Canucks pre-season was <a href="http://communities.canada.com/theprovince/blogs/whitetowel/archive/2009/12/02/hodgson-cleared-for-full-contact-invited-to-national-junior-team-camp.aspx">cleared for contact</a> the same day he was invited to the WJ training camp. The Canucks prospect shone at last year's tournament setting a new record for points scored in a single World Juniors Championship. He's one of 7 returning players from last year's squad, three defenceman and four forwards. He's going to be relied upon to be a big part of the Canadian team's leadership and with an unproven junior goaltender in net for Canada again, until the man between the pipes proves his calibre, the Canadians offense is going to win this championship. Hodgson's coming back better after winning MVP honors in the OHL and his next goal should be to win captaincy of this team. He's led the Battalion for years, he proved he was clutch and lead the offensive junior juggernaut last year at the same tournament, and he's going to have to step up and showcase every aspect of his game.

    Schroeder is a player that Canucks fans don't get to see play too often. If you watch University of Minnesota hockey, or have access to it, that's a different story. Schroeder didn't make an appearance at the Canucks pre-season camp because he would have had to give up his NCAA eligibility and sign a pro contract. Should Schroeder make the team it'll be a great chance to see how he's developed with University of Minnesota in his time since the off season. The World Juniors is a fast paced and passionate tournament and it'll be a good indicator of the speed and rate at which he can play. The Canucks are moving to build a team around a run-and-gun style hockey. Schroeder is a part of that as much as Cody Hodgson is so here's to hoping he's not another first round bust like Patrick White.

    Rodin was the Canucks 2nd round pick 53rd overall in the 2009 NHL Entry draft. He's been playing the year with Brynäs IF of the Elitiserien. He's likely going to be on the 3rd or 4th lines for the Swedish Junior team and might even see some action on Sweden's second power play unit. If he makes it he could be playing on a junior team with Flames prospect Tim Erixon and Ottawa Senators' Erik Karlsson.

    The Canucks have a lot to look forward to with these prospects and watching Canucks prospects at the World Juniors is going to make the whole thing that much more exciting. In my mind Hodgson is a shoe in for the team pending back injury and Schroeder will likely make the team as well. Rodin is going to be filling in a bottom 6 forward and I see him as having the least guaranteed spot. I'm certainly looking forward to a Canada/US WJHC final. Watching Hodgson and Schroeder duke it out for their country's pride could show us a dimension of each player we've never seen. The pace of the tournament in it's short length makes the World Juniors my favourite tournament to watch. Following Canucks prospects in it just adds to the experience.

    <img src="http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2009/11/nov1709_mozy_small.jpg" class="imageFloatLeftFramed">Richard Loat writes for Canucks Hockey Blog and is a fan of the underdog – first Bryan Allen, then Alex Burrows, and now Jannik Hansen. His passion for the Canucks led to the Canucks Hockey Blog and a lot of #Canucks tweets on his Twitter account.
  21. Mozy

    Hansen Playing His Role

    By Mozy,

    <img src=http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2009/08/thumb_1249503644619_600724.jpg class="imageFloatRightFramed">It's no secret that I have been a Hansen fan. I fell in love with the guy from the moment he was called up and played his first game as a Canuck in the playoff series against Dallas. It's been an interesting journey watching him battle injury and overcome adversity at some of the most inopportune times to place himself where he is today as he's grown as a player.

    During the preseason Hansen was considered to be a "bubble player" and after being convinced to sign a two way contract his roster spot was all but guaranteed. What at this point can only be seen as, as fortuitous, was Hansen's fist shattering fight with the face of Gilbert Brule. After missing the first 19 games of the season and slotting in amongst those others returning from injury, Hansen has proved that he deserves a roster spot. Since returning he's been a noticeable player night in and night out and has even managed to produce offensively in the few games he's had to play notching 2 goals, 2 assists and a rating of +3.

    He's making the little plays that are helping the Canucks turn up ice. He's mastered the chip-and-go, he's one of the best Canucks checkers on the ice, and the important thing is he's not invisible. Far too often in this season that is still young, the Canucks checking lines have been invisible. Be it even strength or the penalty kill, very time Hansen is on the ice he's visible and making the right play. He's even demonstrated he can turn up ice on a dime and is creating the odd man advantage. Hansen was at one point on the bubble, however his consistent play and versatility as a role player has for the time being solidified his position on the team. You need to be able to roll four lines to be a contender, the fact that our 3rd line is getting in on the secondary scoring is a bonus that can certainly be linked in part due to the smart plays Hansen is making and attempting to create.

    <img src="http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2009/11/nov1709_chbsmall_smallt.jpg" class="imageFloatRightFramed">He's over looked quite often because of the other drama surrounding the team, however night in and night out he's making the most of his ice time and the fact that he's going unnoticed, while being visible on the ice and making his presence known attests to the fact that he's doing his job.

    <img src="http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2009/11/nov1709_mozy_small.jpg" class="imageFloatLeftFramed">Mozy is a fan of the underdog – first Bryan Allen, then Alex Burrows, and now Jannik Hansen. His passion for the Canucks led to the Canucks Hockey Blog and a lot of #Canucks tweets on his Twitter account.
  22. Mozy

    The Sedin Experiment

    By Mozy,

    <img src="http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2009/11/nov1709_chbsmall_smallt.jpg" class="imageFloatLeftFramed">With Daniel Sedin out, Henrik has found a way to keep up his point per game play, something that people didn't think he was capable of. For their entire careers the Sedins had played together, and rarely missing a game, no one really knew just how talented the twins were individually. In 17 games without his brother Daniel on his wing, Henrik Sedin has had 17 points, capped with a hat trick night against the Avalanche.

    While Henrik has struggled without his brother, there's been a positive side to his time with different line mates. Henrik's biggest struggles have been in the face-off dot, but when you look at the numbers that have come out of his time away from Daniel the Canucks are going to come out on top when Daniel returns to the line up. One of the biggest criticisms of Henrik was his pass first mentality.

    <img src="http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2009/11/nov1709_sedin2_t.jpg" class="imageFloatRightFramed">Since Daniel went down, Henrik's had to adapt his style of play and start shooting more and it's finally paying dividends. The perfect example was his hat trick goal against the Avalanche. He was wide open at the side at the net, and in year's gone by we've seen him wide open in similar fashion, and he's elected to pass. He's starting to shoot more, he's starting to go to the net, and without the cycle, we're starting to see some of the real talent Henrik Sedin possesses. Most importantly, he's proved to us that he doesn't need his brother to continue being a point per game player.

    With Daniel's return, what happens to Henrik's play? Does he go back to his pass first mentality since his brother will be there to do all the shooting? Daniel needs someone to set him up. Anyone can set him up, and he can find the back of the net. That's why he's led the Canucks in goals the last couple of seasons. With that in mind, the Canucks could use another player with a shoot first mentality and now would be the perfect time to experiment with splitting up the Sedins.

    <img src="http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2009/10/skate_with_canucks_pic1_t.jpg" class="imageFloatLeftFramed">With Daniel's return, I'd be interested to see how the team would fare if Henrik started and centered the first line with Samuelsson and Burrows, while Daniel joined Raymond and Kesler. It's a gamble worth a try, and with the way Henrik's found his own, certainly if there was any time to try this, now would be the time.

    The only downside to the gamble is if it pays off Burrows would likely resume his spot on the 3rd line. It's clear that Burrows just isn't the player he was last year without both the Sedins to play with. If splitting the Sedins results in more goals for this team, for the time being I'd certainly entertain the two on separate lines. Even if Daniel returns and joins his brother Henrik, the Canucks are going to come out on top because this time apart has shown Henrik that he doesn't always have to pass the puck. Why have one offensive-minded, shoot-first twin, when you can have two?


    <img src="http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2009/11/nov1709_mozy_small.jpg" class="imageFloatLeftFramed">Mozy is a fan of the underdog – first Bryan Allen, then Alex Burrows, and now Jannik Hansen. His passion for the Canucks led to the Canucks Hockey Blog and a lot of #Canucks tweets on his Twitter account.
  23. Mozy

    What's Up With Wellwood?

    By Mozy,

    A quarter way through the season and Wellwood has struggled to say the least. He sits with one point in 17 games, an assist he got in his eighth game of the season against the Oilers. He's missed 4 games because of a foot injury he suffered, however Wellwood should be contributing offensively significantly more than he has so far. With the injuries to some of our major players, Wellwood's role elevated and he still didn't produce. Wellwood's game has struggled on a whole, and it's certainly not for lack of playing time, or a result of the players he's playing with.

    Wellwood's game has struggled on a whole though. He's getting time on the Power Play, on the Penalty Kill, and everything from his play in the face-off dot, to his stats on the score sheet are suffering. He has the lowest face-off winning percentage of the four centers on the team, and averaging 14 minutes of ice team a night, he's got less points than a handful of players getting substantially less shifts and minutes than him per game. He's been inconsistent all season and now's the time to start doing something about it. His face-off performance has been spotty and inconsistent, and in 17 games he's averaged as shot per game, however he's gone without a shot in 5 of his 17 games played this year. It factors that if he's not shooting he's not going to get the chances. Wellwood's gotten play on the Canucks PP, and with it's effectiveness in the early part of the season, the excuses for Wellwood's sub par play are slowly disappearing.

    Seven players have played less games than Wellwood this year and have point totals equal to or greater than him. He's playing with line mates that are finding ways to provide offense, and yet he's not getting in on the play. Something has to be done to get Wellwood motivated again. Last year after he was publicly lashed by Vigneault's comments his motivation showed results. This year, coming into camp ahead of the game having dropped a number of pounds it seems the former Maple Leaf just doesn't have that hop in his step. Wellwood needs an awakening. Hordichuk was benched and came back looking better. He made an impact and was actually visible on the ice even though his role isn't to get on the score sheet. With the Canucks depth and bodies, if the injury list shortens and we have a few extras Wellwood needs some time in the press box to get his head together because he's struggling on all fronts and the Canucks need him to be a part of the secondary scoring this team expects.

    The Canucks have a lot of motivated players in the bottom six who look a lot better than Wellwood. Hansen's return has been charged and in his two games so far he's making his case to get off the bubble. Pettinger has come back a man reborn to fight for a roster spot after doing a tour of the Canucks minor league affiliates, and with players like Bolduc and Rypien, both capable centers, Wellwood has to start earning his spot or he's going to find himself in the press box ordering delivery during the games.
  24. Mozy

    Super Twin Powers Activate

    By Mozy,

    <img src="http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2009/11/nov1709_chbsmall_smallt.jpg" class="imageFloatLeftFramed">When I see highlight reel goals night in and night out from the Sedins it's hard to find a place to start when trying to talk about them, but if you start by looking at the most recent highlight reel treat did anything stand out to you? To me it was the fact that the absolutely beautiful between-the-legs-no-look-feed was by Daniel and not Henrik. This season the twins have done something special that's changed them from just a double threat, to a quadruple threat and it is all a result of that injury Daniel sustained at the beginning of the season.

    Before the injury, the Sedins were solvable. It was Henrik pass, Daniel shoot. They still put up very respectable numbers, they were point per game players, you threw Alex Burrows with them and they had a trigger man. However the fact remained that they were not as versatile as they could have been. For arguments sake they seemed like two halves that made a whole. Two singles that made a double threat. It was good, it was effective and they lead the Canucks and have gotten better in each of the 10 years they've been with the organization thus far.

    Since Daniel went down to injury he was forced to find the other side of his game and now with a career high in goals and on pace for his first 30 goal season ever, the leading Hart Trophy candidate at the moment has seemingly become a whole threat instead of being one half to his brother's other half. Likewise, Daniel has come back and has started racking up assists like he's a second Henrik Sedin. Both players have found this other dimension to their game and now we see a set of Sedin Twins that are simply potent. There's no longer the predictable answer to "Who passes? Who shoots?". Daniel can dish it as well as Henrik can, and Henrik's taken charge and at times seems like he can score at will.

    All of a sudden we're seeing Sedin twins who are not just a double threat, as a duo, but they're double threats individually. Whether it's Henrik setting up his brother, the two of them setting up Burrows, or Daniel feeding Lukowich, the twins have finally stepped out of that shadow and criticism that they were predictable because they're a living highlight reel night in and night out and no body predicted what they'd be doing this season. Both Sedins are averaging an assist per game this season, Henrik has 52 assists in 52 games played and Daniel has 34 assists in 34 games played. The Twins are no longer just a one-two punch. They've turned themselves into the one-two combination right before hitting you with the left hook.

    This is what Brian Burke must have envisioned when he went into the '99 draft claiming no one was going to leave that draft with both Sedins if it wasn't him. The Sedins have finally found a way to silence the critics. Before this season their only "flaw" was that they were predictable and now with both of them wheeling, dealing, and pulling the trigger, shutting down the Sedins went from hard to nearly impossible.


    <img src="http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2009/11/nov1709_mozy_small.jpg" class="imageFloatLeftFramed">Richard Loat writes for Canucks Hockey Blog and is a fan of the underdog – first Bryan Allen, then Alex Burrows, and now Jannik Hansen. His passion for the Canucks led to the Canucks Hockey Blog and a lot of #Canucks tweets on his Twitter account.
  25. Mozy

    Five Hole for Food

    By Mozy,

    Some of you may have noticed my absence from the blog lately, and it's because there's something very exciting in the works. I'm organizing an event called Five Hole for Food. I'm driving from Montreal to Vancouver playing road hockey in the two aforementioned cities as well as Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg, Regina, Calgary, Edmonton and Victoria, raising food for local food banks.

    The trip spans nine cities in eleven days and sees us start in Montreal on June 29th and ending in Vancouver on July 9th. We're proudly backed by Molson Canadian as our presenting sponsor and Boston Pizza and I couldn't be more excited to be playing hockey across this beautiful country.

    As we go from city to city we're looking for people to play and with that in mind if you're a reader of this blog in any of the cities we're visiting I would love to meet you and have you play in our game.

    As a neat addition and extra Canucks twist we're very proud to have partnered with "King" Richard Brodeur as a celebrity ambassador of our event and couldn't be more excited, and humbled, to have the Canucks legend not only support our event but be a part of our team!

    Our Vancouver game is going to have participation from the Giants (Jack the Giant will be there), the Abbotsford Heat (Hawkey will be in attendance) and the Canucks (FIN will be supporting us!). If you want to play send us an email to info@fiveholeforfood.com. Bring a can of food an your hockey stick and come join us!


    You can follow us on Twitter at @FiveHoleForFood
    Check us out on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/fiveholeforfood
    We'll be on Youtube at http://www.youtube.c...fiveholeforfood
    Or Visit our Website at http://www.fiveholeforfood.com
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