Jason Chen

The last ten minutes of the third period were probably the most fun I've had watching the Canucks in awhile. The action was rapid and the Canucks were constantly on the forecheck, causing turnovers and creating scoring chances. But where was that all game? The Canucks have been plagued with inconsistency all year and no wonder they're still sitting outside the playoff picture - they can't play a full 60 minutes of solid hockey. The first period was forgettable to say the least, but only when the Canucks were down did they realize they had a game to play. I'm not exactly sure what's wrong here - maybe it's the players, maybe it's the schedule, maybe it's the coach. In John Tortorella's colourful words, "I can't [expletive] explain it." Did anyone see spark plug Rick Rypien anywhere tonight? I sure didn't but that's probably because he only played 4:15. Total. For a team that lacked any sort of energy I'm a little stunned that Rypien was underused. Tanner Glass has been a really nice pick-up after Florida declined to qualify a bunch of their young players and he was arguably one of the better Canucks tonight. Darcy Hordichuk made his mark with a good hit on George Parros which was quickly answered by dropping the gloves with one of the league's biggest heavyweights. Speaking of the bout, why do all hockey players find it acceptable to follow up a good hit with a fight? Hordichuk obviously accepted the invitation but I'm getting sick of some of these meaningless fights. Shane O'Brien's tilt with Kyle Chipchura had a much bigger effect on the game. The Sedins extended their streaks but Alain Vigneault made a great point before the game - it's not that they're playing any better than before, it's just that they're getting the bounces. Henrik's marker in the first period was a shot that I think caught Jonas Hiller off-guard because he was playing the pass. The Sedins are getting the chances and really capitalizing on them but it's a bit of a stretch to think that this will continue for the rest of the season. For the better portion of the second period and parts of the first, the Sedins actually remained quite invisible. <img src="http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/canucks+clinch+playoff+spot+despite+shootout+loss+ducks/1458116/1458112.bin?size=620x400" class="imageFloatLeftFramed"> My boy Steve Bernier was also invisible for stretches throughout the game, but the sequence in which he knocked down Nick Boynton twice really got his game going. He eventually scored the second goal to tie things up but he's one of the more underrated young players in the league. He uses his body very, very well and has the ability to become a 30-goal scorer one day. He won't wow you with his skill or skating, and probably never will, but he's a player that is willing to do the dirty work in front of the net and keeps the game nice and simple. If Bernier can give efforts like his every night, there's no question he'd be one of the most coveted players in the league with his rare blend of skill and size. The Canucks' relatively lacklustre offensive production tonight was, I think, in part because they were trying to be too cute. They tried to go for the pretty puck-control, tip-in plays but they didn't work against a stronger, more motivated Anaheim squad. Alex Burrows' best shifts came when he forechecked and carried the puck into the offensive zone with reckless abandon. It's easy to play with the Sedins because they can get you the puck so easily, but it's also easy to get lost in the cycling, give-and-go game and forget to puck your stick on the ice. For a guy who really prides himself on positional play, I've been pretty disappointed with Willie Mitchell thus far. I think sometimes his extra long stick gets in the way of his skating and puck-handling, although admittedly he doesn't have to do a lot of either to be effective. I think too many times already this season he's been caught out of position or scrambling to get back into the play. The best defenseman tonight was Christian Ehrhoff and his 23:26 TOI led all Vancouver skaters. His defensive play is something to improve on, that is certain, but offensively no one else is as good a playmaker as he is. While he isn't as brash or flashy, his ability to create plays in the offensive zone is quite reminiscent of Ed Jovanovski. I hope that Ehrhoff remains a Canuck for some time - San Jose's loss is our gain. For Mathieu Schneider, I think we're still seeing a guy who's still trying to get into game shape. His 10:44 TOI on even strength was a bit of an adventure sometimes and I wish he'd hit the net on the powerplay. The Canucks have two guys that can really fire the puck but Sami Salo and Schneider combined for only 4 shots and the team went 0-5 on the powerplay, whose recent trend of feast or famine continues. Craig MacTavish believes the Canucks are one of the best teams in the West, and he's right, but only on paper. At some point, something has to give and the Canucks have to realize that they cannot win games by playing half the game.

In light of Steve Yzerman's comments that the selection progress is an ongoing one, I think it's about time I trim this list down. There will still be key battles down the stretch, including questions regarding Mike Green, Drew Doughty, Steve Stamkos, Brad Richards, and co. Players I don't think have any shot at all anymore will be eliminated. GOALTENDERS 1 (2) Martin Brodeur, NJ (3-win week means he's fast past the post with 20) 2 (1) Roberto Luongo, Van (six wins in past eight starts, outstanding .923 SV% at home) 3 (3) Marc-Andre Fleury, Pit (where's the consistency? SV% for last three months: .918, .892, .910) 4 (4) Marty Turco, Dal (he's staying in the mix, but has uphill climb to unseat Fleury) 5 (5) Carey Price, Mtl (same situation as Turco, but has the upper hand with youth) Cut from camp roster: Cam Ward, Steve Mason DEFENSEMEN 1 (1) Mike Green, Wsh (may not hit 30 goals again but improving defensively) 2 (5) Duncan Keith, Chi (against the Sabres he only blocked five shots) 3 (7) Shea Weber, Nsh (leads Preds' deep, talented, young defensive corps) 4 (9) Brent Seabrook, Chi (t-2nd on team with +10 and averaging 23+ TOI/G) 5 (8) Dan Boyle, SJ (4-game point streak snapped due to injury to thigh - now DTD) 6 (2) Jay Bouwmeester, Cgy (notched 0 points in 3 games and loss to MIN hurts) 7 (11) Drew Doughty, LA (has almost equaled point total from last year and improved +27 overall) 8 (13) Chris Pronger, Phi (projected 55 points would be best total since 2007) 9 (3) Dan Hamhuis, Nsh (Preds only 4 points behind CHI, third most TOI/G on team) 10 (4) Stephane Robidas, Dal (just 1 assist in Dec. and Stars are weaker than 8 losses suggest) 11 (6) Scott Niedermayer, Ana (is he still a lock for the team? Doubters beginning to emerge) 12 (10) Dion Phaneuf, Cgy (will he or won't he? Pointless in last five contests) 13 (16) Robyn Regehr, Cgy (two straight losses to division teams and -1 in both) Cut: Francois Beauchemin, Brent Burns, Marc Staal<br style=""> <br style=""> <img src="http://cache2.asset-cache.net/xc/74428123.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF1936C93A00DCCA1DB504763725A630ACA9FA7CFF610D5B4FC25" class="imageFloatCenterFramed"> FORWARDS 1 (1) Sidney Crosby, Pit (back in the top five, five points in last 4) 2 (6) Joe Thornton, SJ (Sharks 1-5 in Dec., but on pace for first 100+ point season since 2007) 3 (5) Jonathan Toews, Chi (5 goals in last 7, 13 shots in last 3 games) 4 (10) Dany Heatley, SJ (may hit 50+ goals again, but more because of Thornton) 5 (12) Martin St. Louis, TB (don't think he's a lock but 3 points hard to ignore) 6 (2) Corey Perry, Ana (Ducks keep losing, but only way Perry gets cut is via injury) 7 (4) Ryan Getzlaf, Ana (hard to separate him from Perry, but on pace for only 15 goals) 8 (15) Dustin Penner, Edm (will he or won't he? Most intriguing player of 2009-10) 9 (13) Mike Cammalleri, Mtl (natural winger with 4 points for team deep at C) 10 (11) Rick Nash, Cbs (notches first goal of December but Jackets struggling) 11 (3) Jarome Iginla, Cgy (held pointless in last four losses but still on pace for 40+ goals) 12 (7) Patrick Marleau, SJ (unlike Thornton, not scoring in last five losses with just one goal) 13 (25) Mike Fisher, Ott (you really have to like the way he plays – another 4 points) 14 (26) James Neal, Dal (has an outside shot to make the squad) 15 (21) Brad Richards, Dal (despite reputation as two-way player, only third season with +) 16 (18) Mike Richards, Phi (has 3 points to start week then 3 goose eggs) 17 (23) Jeff Carter, Phi (snaps drought with 2 goals, one of them GWG) 18 (-) Patrick Sharp, Chi (a vet leader on a very young team) 19 (19) Eric Staal, Car (talent gives him consideration but play does not) 20 (20) Vincent Lecavalier, TB (6 goals is bad enough, but 0 on the PP) 21 (8) Brenden Morrow, Dal (points streak snapped and losing ground) 22 (9) Steve Stamkos, TB (it'll come down to him or Toews and he's losing) 23 (17) Jordan Staal, Pit (doesn't need to score but defense needs to be Selke-calibre) 24 (-) Patrice Bergeron, Bos (what he does well doesn't show up on stat sheets) 25 (16) Shane Doan, Phx (like Morrow provides grit and skill but both struggling) 26 (-) Marc Savard, Bos (a great playmaker but Boston struggling and so is he) Cut: Dan Cleary, Simon Gagne, Milan Lucic, Andy McDonald, Derek Roy, Jason Spezza And as a bonus here are my picks for the other Olympic squads. I'll reveal Russia and Sweden next week, and my final picks the week after that. Stay tuned! TEAM SLOVAKIA G Peter Budaj, Col* G Jaroslav Halak, Mtl G Jaroslav Janus, Erie (OHL) D Zdeno Chara, Bos – C* D Milan Jurcina, Was* D Richard Lintner, Dynamo Minsk (KHL) D Andrej Meszaros, TB* D Andrej Sekera, Buf D Boris Valabik, Atl D Lubomir Visnovsky, Edm* C Martin Cibak, Spartak Moscow (KHL) C Michal Handzus, LA - A* C Jozef Stumpel, Barys Astana (KHL)* RW Marian Gaborik, NYR - A* RW Marcel Hossa, Dynamo Riga (KHL)* RW Marian Hossa, Chi* RW Juraj Kolnik, Geneva-Servette (Swiss-A) RW Branko Radivojevic, Spartak Moscow (KHL) RW Stefan Ruzicka, Spartak Moscow (KHL) RW Marek Svatos, Col* LW Ladislav Nagy, Severstal Cherepovets (KHL)* LW Peter Sejna, ZSC Lions Zurich (Swiss-A) LW Richard Zednik, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)* TEAM FINLAND G Niklas Backstrom, Min G Miikka Kiprusoff, Cgy G Pekka Rinne, Nsh D Lasse Kukkonen, Avangard Omsk (KHL) D Toni Lydman, Buf* D Petteri Nummelin, HC Lugano (Swiss-A) D Joni Pitkanen, Car* D Anssi Salmela, Atl D Sami Salo, Van* D Kimmo Timonen, Phi – A* C Valtteri Filppula, Det C Olli Jokinen, Cgy* C Mikko Koivu, Min* C Saku Koivu, Ana – C* C Petteri Nokelainen, Ana LW Sean Bergenheim, NYI LW Niklas Hagman, Tor LW Jussi Jokinen, Car LW Lauri Korpikoski, Phx LW Ville Leino, Det LW Tuomo Ruutu, Car* RW Jere Lehtinen, Dal* RW Teemu Selanne, Ana – A* * = 2006 Olympian

This homestand is definitely crucial. The Canucks have been sub-par on the road and if they're not confident they can come back with a winning record then it is vital they take at least 6 games in this homestand which isn't out of the realm of possibility. Off the top of my head, and I could be wrong here, the last time the Canucks finished wit ha sub-.500 road record was Anson Carter's last year here, also the last time the Canucks boasted 2 30+ goal scorers. The Canucks missed the playoffs that season (2005-06).

I never said the Canucks should acquire Ward - my point was merely that the market for O'Brien becomes smaller with Ward on the market. Mueller is available, and I hear the Canucks are talking an O'Brien-Mueller swap. Hockey Insider is one source, but I've heard the same from ESPN, TFP, Pierre LeBrun, Bruce Garrioch, and some radio sources, so there is some truth to Mueller being on the block. The Coyotes aren't too keen on giving him up but it looks like the front office is taking Dave Tippett's side on this one and it's hard to argue against him too - they are seven games over .500 and sit 6th in the West. To quote some of the GMs in all major sports leagues, there's no such thing as "untouchable." If a team has a serious offer for Berglund or Brown, you can bet that the Blues and Kings will listen.

Certainly O'Brien is a step up over those guys but it's very unlikely that O'Brien will be a Canuck beyond this season so why not get something for him? His $1.6m salary works against him, especially if he's not going to be an everyday defenseman. O'Brien is a RFA next year and it's unlikely Gillis will re-sign him or get offer sheets for him, so considering the flurry of trade rumours since Stevens' firing this might be the best time to deal him.

Another week, another countdown. Expect the races to get heated especially after Steve Yzerman announced that the team will be announced on December 30th, moving it up one day. Brian Burke has announced that he will be picking his Team USA too, as just for kicks I've done so as well. GOALTENDERS 1 (3) Roberto Luongo, Van (best Canadian goalie this week: 2-0, 1 SO, .970 SV%) 2 (1) Martin Brodeur, NJ (NJ now division leaders with 103rd SO but 5 GA vs. Luongo) 3 (2) Marc-Andre Fleury, Pit (great showing against CHI but loses to lowly CAR) 4 (7) Marty Turco, Dal (Stars still inconsistent but Turco shining in last two with 1.45/.952) 5 (5) Carey Price, Mtl (loss to Toronto hurts but bounced back with wins over BOS, PHI) 6 (4) Steve Mason, Cbs (Hithcock not losing confidence, but 3.90 GAA and .831 SV% gives reason to sit him) 7 (6) Ray Emery, Phi (winless in last 5 starts with 5.36 GAA and .814 SV%) DEFENSEMEN 1 (4) Mike Green, Wsh (4 points against rival Flyers, +4, 1 GWG) 2 (9) Jay Bouwmeester, Cgy (perfect on PK but 0-12 PP in December) 3 (6) Dan Hamhuis, Nsh (if not Weber it's Hamhuis - 2 points, +2, 4 PIM) 4 (2) Stephane Robidas, Dal (showed spark with fight but needs to score to get noticed) 5 (1) Duncan Keith, Chi (just one assist and -5 to start December) 6 (3) Scott Niedermayer, Ana (posting worst shooting % since 1997 and on pace for worst +/- ) 7 (5) Shea Weber, Nsh (quiet week but one of reasons Preds 5 games over .500) 8 (8) Dan Boyle, SJ (Sharks score ten goals but Boyle has hand in only one, also 0-11 on PP) 9 (7) Brent Seabrook, Chi (struggling in December like Keith) 10 (10) Dion Phaneuf, Cgy (minutes continue to be taken by Bouwmeester) 11 (16) Drew Doughty, LA (great bounce-back ability: 2 points, +5, GWG) 12 (15) Francois Beauchemin, Tor (4 points and +7 in last five wins in seven games) 13 (11) Chris Pronger, Phi (8 games without point and -5 in that span, team in shambles) 14 (14) Adrian Aucoin, Phx (Coyotes winners of five straight and 2 assists from steady vet) 15 (20) Ed Jovanovski, Phx (just one goal but Coyotes are winning) 16 (12) Robyn Regehr, Cgy (also feeling the effects of Bouwmeester - just 18:40 TOI vs. SJ) 17 (19) Brian Campbell, Chi (only Hawk on list to post +, but still underwhelming) 18 (17) Kyle Quincey, Col (Avs had 2 PPG all week and Quincey on ice for both) 19 (13) Marc Staal, NYR (has a tough hill to climb and Rangers are plummetting) 20 (18) Cam Barker, Chi (can he? Teams hesitant to bank on young PP QB at $3m+) 21 (21) Michael Del Zotto, NYR (continues free-falling with -9 in last 5 games) <img src="http://www.cyberpresse.ca/images/bizphotos/435x290/200909/16/108733-sidney-crosby-roberto-luongo-mike.jpg" class="imageFloatCenterFramed"> FORWARDS 1 (1) Sidney Crosby, Pit (losses hurt but can't fault his individual play - 3 G, 4 Points) 2 (10) Corey Perry, Ana (streak snapped, but 15 goals and 8th in SOG with 106, has to make team) 3 (2) Jarome Iginla, Cgy (losers of 2 of last 3 and zero goals from Iggy) 4 (24) Ryan Getzlaf, Ana (what possessed me to drop him to 24 last week? Oops.) 5 (13) Jonathan Toews, Chi (Hawks have lost only 2 in regulation since his return) 6 (5) Joe Thornton, SJ (ten game point streak snapped by Calgary) 7 (4) Patrick Marleau, SJ (crucial month for Marleau, 2 goals in win but nothing in losses) 8 (7) Brenden Morrow, Dal (in midst of 7-game point streak but Dallas not consistently winning) 9 (3) Steve Stamkos, TB (tough week with 4 games and inconsistent TOI given by Tocchet) 10 (14) Dany Heatley, SJ (playing responsibly - in one-goal games averaging more than 20 TOI) 11 (6) Rick Nash, Cbs (8-goal October, 7-goal November, 0-goal December thus far) 12 (19) Martin St. Louis, TB (scores in bunches but woeful -13 in losing games) 13 (21) Mike Cammalleri, Mtl (2nd hat trick, 4 goals, 2 GWG, Gainey's best investment by far) 14 (15) Travis Zajac, NJ (20 points in 20 wins, 5 points in 8 losses - it's not coincidence) 15 (8) Dustin Penner, Edm (how valuable is he now? Just saw him traded for Brodeur in fantasy) 16 (25) Shane Doan, Phx (on pace for worst year since 2007 - little urgency in his play) 17 (17) Jordan Staal, Pit (5-point October, 10-point November, 2 goals in last 3) 18 (9) Mike Richards, Phi (losers of 5 straight and zero points, in danger of losing spot, captaincy) 19 (18) Eric Staal, Car ('Canes 2-0 in December but Staal yet to score in winning game) 20 (26) Vincent Lecavalier, TB (picking up play or showcasing skill for potential move to MTL?) 21 (16) Brad Richards, Dal (half of points come from PP but Stars 0-9 last 3 games) 22 (23) Mike Ribeiro, Dal (gives up easily - 15 points in 13 wins, 8 points in 16 losses) 23 (22) Jeff Carter, Phi (six-game goal-less drought longest since 2007-08) 24 (12) Derek Roy, Buf (played just 15:56 against NJ - little versatility to speak of) 25 (28) Mike Fisher, Ott (2 more goals - crossing fingers for M. Richards to drop out of favour) 26 (30) James Neal, Dal (forget how November ended - 11 shots, 2 goals in December) 27 (20) Jason Spezza, Ott (drawing the ire of Melnyk and Murray, once again in the rumour mill) 28 (29) Dan Cleary, Det (3 goals in last 4... but probably not even considered anymore) 29 (11) Rich Peverley, Atl (naysayers singing "I told you so" - pointless in last 4) 30 (27) Andy McDonald, StL (last multi-point game was November 10) Dropped out: Cam Ward (laceration), Brent Burns (concussion), Simon Gagne (hernia), Ryan Smyth (upper body), Milan Lucic (ankle) TEAM Ryan USA: C Chris Drury, NYR - A* C Scott Gomez, Mtl* C Ryan Kesler, Van C Joe Pavelski, SJ C Paul Stastny, Col LW Ryan Malone, TB LW Zach Parise, NJ LW Bobby Ryan, Ana RW Ryan Callahan, NYR RW Brian Gionta, Mtl* RW Patrik Kane, Chi RW Phil Kessel, Tor RW Jamie Langenbrunner, NJ - C D Zach Bogosian, Atl** D Erik Johnson, StL D Paul Martin, NJ D Brooks Orpik, Pit D Brian Rafalski, Det - A* D Ryan Suter, Nsh D Ryan Whitney, Ana G Craig Anderson, Col** G Ryan Miller, Buf G Tim Thomas, Bos Omissions from original camp roster: Jon Quick, Tom Gilbert, Ron Hainsey, Jack Johnson, Mike Komisarek, Rob Scuderi, David Backes, David Booth, Dustin Byfuglien, Mike Modano, Kyle Okposo, TJ Oshie Notable omissions: Tim Connolly, Bill Guerin, Jason Pominville, James van Riemsdyk, Keith Tkachuk * = named to 2006 roster ** = not on original camp roster

Admittedly ESPN is not the best source but Eklund is the last person I listen to. ESPN's staff isn't bad - Pierre LeBrun and John Buccigross do a great job.

Ace of Spades and Kesler4Captain: I was surprised as both of you when I heard Berglund and Brown's names. There's been a number of young players that have been mentioned, and if guys like Mueller and Bobby Ryan are mentioned, it doesn't surprise me that Berglund and Brown have as well. I'm not saying they're "on the block," but their names have been tossed around. To what extent the Blues and Kings are ready to part with their players is anyone's guess but both teams have struggled and roster changes may have to be made. Names get tossed around usually because they're in a slump - Brown has gone 13 games without a goal and Berglund has just 6 points in 23 games. Andy Murray has been reportedly been feuding with Berglund and Brown's leadership was called into question last season and only in early October did Terry Murray announce that the Kings' captains would remain the same. Both rumours were from brief snippets I read from ESPN and I'm in the process of tracking those links down for you guys.

John Stevens' firing from the Flyers may be the move that will set off a series of changes to some NHL teams. The recent struggles of the Blue Jackets has Ken Hitchcock reportedly in the hot seat along with the Blues' Andy Murray. While both the Ducks and Leafs have been off to rather disappointing starts, Randy Carlyle and Ron Wilson may also be on the hot seats although their respective GMs have publicly stated that roster changes will be made before the head coach gets the ax. Players such as the Blues' Patrik Berglund, the Kings' Dustin Brown, the Leafs' Niklas Hagman, and the Coyotes' Peter Mueller are just a couple names that are being thrown around. What's surprising is that these are young, quality players (asides from Hagman) that just haven't really found a niche on their teams. Some teams are making changes to deliver a message while other teams like Carolina may be looking to re-build their team already. The best part is, it looks at though Vancouver may be a beneficiary of these moves, as it's been rumoured that the Rangers are interested in re-uniting Marian Gaborik with Pavol Demitra and it is believed that Mike Gillis is openly shopping Shane O'Brien. <img src="http://www2.pictures.gi.zimbio.com/Vancouver+Canucks+v+New+York+Islanders+QtmV6Kt6aZfl.jpg" class="imageFloatLeftFramed"> The struggling Rangers were off to a hot start thanks to the play of Vaclav Prospal, Ales Kotalik, and Michael Del Zotto on the powerplay, but John Tortorella's squad is struggling mightily of late and is currently on the outside looking in. While Gaborik (21 goals) and Prospal (20 assists) continue to pile on the points, Kotalik has failed to score a goal since November 5 and hasn't finished the game with a plus since October 14. Del Zotto has only 5 points in November after posting 12 in October and is -9 in his last 5 games, including an ugly -5 in a 8-2 loss against the Penguins. Questions concerning the Rangers' offensive depth were raised but quickly silenced after their hot start but it looks as though it was merely a mirage. The Rangers don't have much cap space to work with (roughly $1 million) so if they wish to acquire Demitra the Canucks will most likely have to take on some salary in exchange. Demitra is a UFA at the end of the season and given his injury history, production, and the emergance of Burrows and Kesler as dependable offensive weapons, it is unlikely he will be extended beyond this season. The Rangers picked up Erik Christensen off waivers from Anaheim a few days ago and a player that could be moved is Chris Higgins ($2.25 million), who has been in Tortorella's dog house this season and has only 9 points. O'Brien, on the other hand, has always been on the outside looking in once Mathieu Schneider was signed. While defensive depth was an area that Gillis felt the team needed to improve, O'Brien has been used sparingly and the Canucks do have Aaron Rome, Nolan Baumgartner, and Lawrence Nycholat as call-ups. O'Brien brings an edge to this defensive corps but it is obviously something that Gillis deems expendable. Exactly what sort of compensation the Canucks can get for O'Brien remains to be seen but I don't see a big market for him - it is rumoured that the much more dependable and valuable Aaron Ward is on the block. Gillis may simply try to parlay O'Brien into a pick but I imagine that Gillis would prefer if O'Brien returns East rather than going to San Jose as Bruce Garrioch from the Ottawa Sun suggests. O'Brien played just over 15 minutes against Carolina, the only Vancouver defenseman to play under 19 minutes that game. O'Brien has had his run-ins with the coaching staff in the past dating to last year and is obviously not in the team's long-term plans. I don't think it's any coincidence that these rumours have come at the heel of an afternoon loss against Carolina. It could be blamed on the schedule, in which the Canucks were playing matinee game after posting hard-fought back-to-back wins against New Jersey and Philadelphia, but even then the Canucks' play against the lowly Hurricanes lacked any sort of urgency in the second period. The Canucks shot themselves in the foot in a game that they should've taken. One area the Canucks may wish to improve on is special teams, especially the PK, which sits 21st in the league at 78.4%. Vancouver's 4th ranked PP is clicking at 22.7%, but asides from a blowout in Edmonton (4 PPGs), the Canucks have gone 0-19 with the man advantage in the other six games. The Canucks may simply just choose to re-stock the pipeline with prospects and picks but you can definitely count out any talks regarding Ilya Kovalchuk.

<img src="http://www.cruelkat.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/hodgson_cody_cp_260.jpg" class="imageFloatRightFramed">It shouldn't surprise anybody that Cody Hodgson was named to the shortlist for Canada's World Junior squad. The Brampton Battalion star was a late cut from the Canucks' training camp this year after suffering a bulging disc (he played more than 100 games last year) and had trouble keeping up with the NHL speed. A favourite to make the team, no one took the demotion harder than Hodgson himself, but as per usual he remained humble and took his lumps. In my mind, and I'm legitimately putting my Canucks bias here aside, Hodgson should have been the MVP of the tournament last year. No one else on the Canadian roster was counted on as much as he did and he played in all situations, unlike John Tavares who really made his mark on the powerplay and a couple highlight reel goals. Let's not take anything away from Tavares though - he's a good (not great... yet) goalscorer and he's one of the favourites to win the Calder as the league's top rookie. Purely based on Hodgson's play last year, including winning the OHL Player of the Year Award, his invite was a no-brainer. That being said, head coach Willie Desjardins still really doesn't have an idea of how healthy Hodgson is - it's been a little over two months since he has hit the ice. He's been cleared for contact at practise but he'll be playing against CHL players that have already at least 25 games under their belts. Brad Pascall of Hockey Canada believes that Hodgson will be healthy by the start of camp. Considering that Hodgson isn't 100% healthy (neither confirmed nor denied, but let's assume the worst) or played any games for Brampton this year, and despite his immense talent and hockey smarts, it may not be surprising to some if he his left off the team. The World Juniors is an intense tournament and as demonstrated last year in the Canada-USA tilt it can get pretty physical. Hodgson will no doubt be a guy that opposing defensemen will be keeping an eye on, so it should be more than just a hockey decision to include Hodgson. By playing he risks further injury from an already delayed rehab and I can't help but think that the Brampton Battalion and the Canucks would be a little concerned. If Hodgson is ultimately cut, something I have my doubts about but wouldn't completely shock me, it may be a blessing in disguise. As highly touted as Hodgson is, this year has been an ultimate test of his character and drive. Thus far he has impressed everyone with the way he has carried himself, especially compared to the "defection" of Nikita Filatov and the Kostitsyn brothers drama in Montreal. His demotion to Brampton was admittedly hard to take, but he understood the decision and lived with it. As Ottawa 67's head coach Chris Byrne said to Tyler Cuma, who was not named to the 36-player roster, it doesn't mean they're not going to be great players in the NHL. Either way, if Hodgson makes the squad he's the odds-on favourite to be named captain and play an essential role for Desjardins. If he gets cut and he doesn't beat himself up too much over it, he is going to get stronger mentally and as any transitioning CHL to NHL player will tell you, that's as valuable, if not more, than being able to compete at the NHL level skill-wise. For more on Hodgson and the World Juniors, check out Richard Loats' blog.

Don't Toews Me Bro: Like I said, the ranks don't necessarily reflect who will make the team, but merely how well they've been playing as of late. I think Yzerman will take the players playing their best hockey at the moment and this is just a little guide to keep track of each players' performances. Penner is ranked 8th, but I honestly think he's a real long shot to make the squad. Truth to be told, it would not surprise me either if he isn't being considered at all. But I agree, by all means Pronger is the Norris favourite thus far this year and in my books he is an absolute lock for Canada.

<img src="http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2009/12/dec0209_canada_rr.jpg" class="imageFloatRightFramed">First, I'd like to thank Derek Jory for inviting me to blog here and share my thoughts about everything hockey, but mostly the Canucks. Second, I welcome all readers and don't be afraid to comment or provide some feedback. What keeps blogs going are its readers and none of us would be here without your support. Third, my original blog home is at www.canucks.hockeyanalysis.com and posts from that site will be available here. Go check it out - David Johnson runs the site and there are other individual team blogs that are constantly being updated. Now that we've got all that out of the way... for those of you who don't know, I've been doing a Power Rankings list of all Team Canada hopefuls in preparation for the 2010 Olympics. Please keep in mind that these ranks don't necessarily reflect the depth chart rank or the chances of the player making the squad, but merely a week-to-week look at their performance. I expect Steve Yzerman and Hockey Canada to take players that are playing their best before the break, which would explain why former favourites like Vincent Lecavalier are currently on the outside looking in. So, without further ado, here's this week's list! The list will be updated every Monday until the countdown to New Year's Eve at which point the team roster will be announced. GOALTENDERS 1 (4) Martin Brodeur, NJ (3-0, 0.97 GAA, .963 SV% - need we say more?) 2 (3) Marc-Andre Fleury, Pit (surging Pens now 3-0 after brief hiccup) 3 (2) Roberto Luongo, Van (2-1, .917 SV% only loss came vs. SJ) 4 (-) Steve Mason, Cbs (solid numbers across the board, 2.28/.928) 5 (1) Carey Price, Mtl (1-1, 2.92 GAA, coming back down to earth) 6 (-) Ray Emery, Phi (0-1, 4.24 GAA, .840 SV%) 7 (4) Marty Turco, Dal (0-2, 4.11 GAA, .876 SV%) DEFENSEMEN 1 (1) Duncan Keith, Chi (just piling them on - 4 assists, +3) 2 (2) Stephane Robidas, Dal (10 points in last 10) 3 (5) Scott Niedermayer, Ana (6 points in last 7) 4 (3) Mike Green, Wsh (just 1 assist, but good defense means +4) 5 (13) Shea Weber, Nsh (rocket of a shot but poor Nashville depth hurts) 6 (15) Dan Hamhuis, Nsh (2 points, +3, 4 PIM, and hit of the week) 7 (7) Brent Seabrook, Chi (slow but steady - 1 goal, 1 assist) 8 (9) Dan Boyle, SJ (-4 is ugly, but still indispensable on PP with 2 PPG) 9 (6) Jay Bouwmeester, Cgy (Key to Flames' streak) 10 (14) Dion Phaneuf, Cgy (hard to knock on him but at this point a longshot) 11 (8) Chris Pronger, Phi (Flyers losing their flight) 12 (-) Robyn Regehr, Cgy (solid defensively, even chipping offensively on PK) 13 (-) Marc Staal, NYR (one of few Rangers playing well) 14 (12) Adrian Aucoin, Phx (returns by lighting the lamp) 15 (-) Francois Beauchemin, Tor (Leafs playing better but still not winning) 16 (10) Drew Doughty, LA (losing consistency, which makes Canada's choice easier) 17 (-) Kyle Quincey, Col (Avs floundering, but still finding ways to score on PP) 18 (11) Cam Barker, Chi (junior standout still unable to fully adjust to prime time) 19 (4) Brian Campbell, Chi (goose eggs, Hawks winning, he's not a factor) 20 (-) Ed Jovanovski, Phx (injury woes continue) 21 (-) Michael Del Zotto, NYR (after hot start, Rangers stinking and Del Zotto is -7) FORWARDS 1 (19) Sidney Crosby, Pit (breaks all rules with 5 points) 2 (5) Jarome Iginla, Cgy (20 points in 14 November games) 3 (9) Steve Stamkos, TB (gets knocked into own bench but right back up) 4 (12) Patrick Marleau, SJ (3 goals, chemistry, chemistry, chemistry) 5 (1) Joe Thornton, SJ (5 assists - if he gets cut it would be a mistake) 6 (21) Rick Nash, Cbs (young Jackets either surging or self-destructing) 7 (-) Brenden Morrow, Dal (4 goal week means tied with team lead with 11) 8 (18) Dustin Penner, Edm (losing Hemsky hurts, but not showing it with 4 points) 9 (13) Mike Richards, Phi (2 goals and shut-down centre for Canada) 10 (14) Corey Perry, Ana (Ducks record 18-game point streak) 11 (-) Rich Peverley, Atl (2 goals, both GWG) 12 (22) Derek Roy, Buf (good offensive player, but no room for him) 13 (8) Jonathan Toews, Chi (PK, PP, EV he does it all - versatility will be key) 14 (6) Dany Heatley, SJ (it happens - rare zero-goal week) 15 (17) Travis Zajac, NJ (2 more assists for 3-0 Devils) 16 (-) Brad Richards, Dal (a PP specialist? 3 of 4 assists came from PP) 17 (-) Jordan Staal, Pit (8 points in last 9, seeing PP #1 time) 18 (-) Eric Staal, Car (welcome back with 4 assists, but 'Canes still mediocre) 19 (3) Martin St. Louis, TB (10 points over two weeks) 20 (-) Jason Spezza, Ott (so talented, yet only 2 goals and little help) 21 (10) Mike Cammalleri, Mtl (nothing extra in the tank to show Yzerman?) 22 (24) Jeff Carter, Phi (9 goals in first two months not nearly enough) 23 (16) Mike Ribeiro, Dal (not exactly what Yzerman's looking for) 24 (15) Ryan Getzlaf, Ana (Perry, not Getzlaf, carrying team) 25 (20) Shane Doan, Phx (doing something with little help) 26 (-) Vincent Lecavalier, TB (7 points in six, then goes 0 in last 2) 27 (-) Andy McDonald, StL (Blues scoring woes and McDonald's production related) 28 (2) Mike Fisher, Ott (spot and role already taken by M. Richards) 29 (-) Dan Cleary, Det (nevermind point totals, not even effective on forecheck) 30 (-) James Neal, Dal (suspension hangover? 0 points, -4) Dropped out: Cam Ward (laceration), Brent Burns (concussion) Milan Lucic (ankle), Simon Gagne (hernia), Ryan Smyth (upper body) NB: Last week's ranks are in brackets. Since Yzerman has publicly stated that some players have played themselves into consideration, I have expanded the list to players who were not originally on the shortlist. And ranks for previous weeks: November 16, November 9, November 1, October 26, October 19 I am a regular CanucksCorner and you can find me as username jchockey. Please check out the site as well! Brian's done an excellent job maintaining it and Tom Benjamin's blog is one of the best and often discussed on HNIC's Satellite Hotstove.