RonilD8

Link To Article: http://ronil.net/ The first round finale created a long awaited smile in this heated rivarly against the Blackhawks. It was strictly business and we were fortunate enough to witness a game that will be illustrated as one of the highlights of the 2011 season. All of the talk about the Canucks delivering, they almost failed to do so, but that’s what made it very entertaining. In all that misery, out of it was an iconic game. From the high of achieving a 3-0 lead, having Chi come back and being on the cliff of disaster made it one to remember. For those in the younger generation tired of constantly hearing about the vintage Canucks who had their 1994 run, this is your moment that you will share 20 years from now. In terms of greatest goals ever scored, the Burrows goal is in the same category as the Bure’s in 1994. Burrows just as easily could have been the one to blame in game seven as he was extremely involved. From scoring the opening goal to taking a bad penalty in overtime, the long-time Canuck fan almost felt that it was a disaster bound to happen. 40 years of misery and only to the Canucks that a game of this magnitude would result in a heartbreaking loss in our own building. But fans were able to wake up during a nightmare; for many, Burrows accomplished the unthinkable, allowing the province to exhale a sigh of relief burying the rolling puck top corner. Heading into overtime, understandably any Canuck fan would have believed this was just another chapter in the misery that has been the history of the current hockey club. But wait, they won, they came out on top, they defeated the arch nemeses, Shorthouse passionately emphasized, “they slayed the dragon.” As we move forward, we have to forget about the ROUND ONE victory and move on to the Preds. After the first two games, does one have to buy a carton of milk from the market to find a picture of the Sedins because they have gone missing… They have to go out there and prove why they are such praised assets in Vancouver. Burrows and the Sedins have to make a U-turn to the regular season and pick up whatever medicine they forgot to remedy their current sickness. The Preds are strong defensively but the Sedins have had this cup of tea before. It comes from everywhere; more shots that hit the net from the point could result in an easy tap in for the Sedins. The approaches that work during the regular season are thrown out the window during the playoffs. However, watching the Sedins for multiple years, they can adapt to the opposing defensive structure, but how patient can one be? Maybe it’s the fact that their playing the same team night after night, the Preds are able to formulate multiple ways to shut down the twins because they see them every game during the course of the series. Coach V may have to throw the green men on the ice to get under the Preds skin, whatever works; we need our core players to step up. All the focus through two games has been on the goaltenders, rightfully so. Coach V is playing that line juggling card again that seems to confuse the opposition. You could label it panic, or simply label it planning. I’m expecting the Canucks to show resilience and perform the way we are accustomed to. The Preds are no joke and it is no time to panic, but any Canuck fan has the right to let out a little steam before puck drop.

Oh This Speech Continues To Be Relevant For The Upcoming Post-Season! Tom Larscheid understands that this is an entertainment business. He managed to express his opinion for 33 years with the Canucks. Before his final broadcast, Tom was on 1040 almost in tears with the overwhelming support and love from staff members and fans. What stuck with me the most was when he stated, "Pratt and Taylor, you boys also understand the fact that this is entertainment, which is why you're number 1 in the business and have the support from everyone in this city, both of you are the people's broadcasters." I've grown up having the opportunity to listen to the legend as well as Pratt and Taylor and I couldn't agree more with Tom's statement. It's not only a source of gathering information but listening to these personalities is what catches my attention and leaves me in front of the television or throwing away any CD's I purchased based on the fact that Team 1040 is all I need to get through my journey. Unfortunately during the 33 year long tenure, Tom never had the experience of his team hoisting the cup, nevertheless, the dedication and positive enthusiasm did not vary throughout the years. In fact, it became more personal and increasingly relative to the fan base. Unquestionably his central advantage was his ability to relate to the everyday listener. Having the opportunity to speak your mind about the organization while maintaining a level of professionalism during frustrating times is without a doubt challenging. Especially in an industry that emphasizes its broadcasters to be politically correct, Larsheid was not afraid to hurt someone's feelings; he said it like he saw it. Tommy was intriguing because he reported as a fan. Statements we'd make in our own homes yelling at the T.V. as if they can hear us, Shoot the Puck!" Larsheid coined the phrase: "Bingo Bango Bongo! His name is Roberto Luongo!" and many others. "I just came from the Canucks dressing room and Pavel's groin has never felt better," and fearlessly Calling Bertuzzi a Candy-Ass while Telling Brian Burke to take a walk. Oh Captain, My Captain," Tommy stated after Naslund scored many of his highlight-reel goals. Certainly one of the (many) great things about Tommy was the honesty. I just can't imagine Canucks radio listeners would appreciate a change to someone who makes excuses for the team. They will never find anyone with the guts to tell it like it is, if you didn't perform, Tommy all the way up in the nose bleed section would let you know. Larscheid's remarkable reign over the airwaves here is unlikely to be repeated either in duration or style and the Canucks will have to make room on their rather empty shelve (hopefully not for long) for Larscheid's mic.

This is short, simple, get's the point across and gives me goosebumps! Great work

Wrote this for the SFU paper before Manny's fatal accident; however it some weird twisted extremely confident thought, The Canucks may play better. I actually think the Canucks are less likely to be upset in the first two rounds of the playoffs now that they know that they have a significant hole...and know that they all have to pick up their games and contribute each night. Check out the positive article, something different from the consistent negativity. In a season of remarkable runs, the Canucks have been able to put substantial distance between themselves and the teams chasing them. For the first time, the franchise has an opportunity to add a new banner to solidify their success. After all, this year the Canucks have clinched their division title in the shortest time in franchise history, and, until now, have never been the top seed in their conference, let alone the league. With no signs of taking a nap, the players have provided the fans with an extremely consistent season, forcing analysts to desperately search for holes. As much as we all want to believe that this is the year, the Canucks always seem to fall short come playoff time, and the history of fans waiting for the "expected" to occur is a well-known ritual in this city. But what if the "expected" doesn't happen? What if there are no catastrophes? What if this team gets healthy and stays healthy throughout the post-season? What if instead of having difficulty making things happen in a defensive playoff battle, the stars of this lineup finally wake up? What if this team finally proves all their critics wrong? The team deserves credit for what they have achieved thus far, and this may be the year fans can justifiably "Believe in Blue". The Canucks created a path to stroll into the playoffs as the number one seed, locking up home-ice advantage for possibly the entire battle. The countdown is on. Who is to say this has to turn out badly? By the way this team has conducted itself, they have proven for months that they have a firm grip on something very unique in terms of leadership and professionalism. It has been a business-like atmosphere since training camp and every time you expect this team to let down and have it crumble, they gain momentum and go on a run. The numbers don't lie; the Canucks have won six or more games at four different points this season, which is why it is no surprise the Canucks are on top of league. No brother duet has ever won back-to-back scoring titles in league history. Both Sedin brothers have been able to grab the game by the throat and take charge, a trademark of any great player. They have proven this year after year, and now they are established trophy case candidates. The luxury of alternating goaltenders is not a dilemma; it's the solution to Roberto Luongo's playoff woes. Not only is the undisputed number one tied with Montreal's Carey Price for most wins, but Cory Schneider is playing as if he's a seasoned veteran. Schneider has not been the guy with the burden; nevertheless, he is without question the greatest insurance policy that this franchise has ever had. He has been able to gain an incredible amount of respect from his teammates and management. If the team stays on schedule and the core defense all get back in time for the playoffs as expected, it will be the most mobile group in the league. Even with injuries to the blueline, the Canucks have proven that they are extremely resilient. Rather than have their fourth line sit in the press box (reminiscent of last year), the new look of Chris Higgins and Maxim Lapierre provide the team with speed, agility, and much needed grit. The intangibles are more evident than ever before, and overriding them all is leadership. Players such as third-line centre Manny Malhotra helped the team stay on the rails and brought with him the culture of consistent professionalism that it takes to be a champion. I am not saying it's going to be a breeze to win the Cup, but seriously, in what other year did they have a team of this caliber to compete for Lord Stanley? It has been 40 years of cherished memories and unforgettable statistics, but one team photo has yet to be shot. Maybe the hockey gods finally understand the pain the city has felt and are telling us to leave the concern by the front door and let the players handle themselves. This group has handled the scrutiny better than any other Canuck ensemble and the end is in sight with no negative symptoms. Failure is too ingrained in the mentality of people in Vancouver when it comes to the Canucks. Let's lift our spirits.

The 2011 trade deadline approaches and the Vancouver Canucks are in a unique position that needs to be taken advantage of. Having an opportunity to not only finish first in the league, but the team has made there expectations for Stanley higher than ever based on their performance thus far. Based on that, I think the trade deadline is quite important than fans think because this is the time Gillis should make the final push so we can roll all four lines during the post-season. Kaberle to the Bruins, Versteeg to the Flyers, both these moves tremendously benefit those teams and I love the aggressive nature. Both teams had cap space, unlike the Nux, and I'm not desperate to see a transaction because of other GM's, yet, I'm a fan of actively playing in the market to acquire a player. Throwing away the success of this season would be embarrassing. Lets be honest, there has not been much to complain about this season, let's keep it that way. A big splash at the deadline means shaking up a roster that has met expectations so far, a strategy Gillis is against. The way we have tested our Defensive Depth is laughable and given the current depleted situation, acquiring another D-man doesn't seem outrageous. If all works well, we could see Salo and Ballard as our bottom 6, a once an in lifetime opportunity. With signs of hope surfacing that the defensive core may be able to lace the skates come playoff time, trade talk has been quelled So with this in mind, should we expect anything on Feb 28th? Personally, the only hole I can find is a 4th line that has been switching back and forth with Moose prospects and gritty NHL'ers. Gillis has been auditioning several players and continues to do so, meaning the team has not been able to secure that line confidently. A 4th line center would be ideal, it would make us incredibly deep down the middle, and will give us the opportunity to roll all 4 lines, reminiscent of the 2010 champs who had John Madden as their 4th line Center. Is Hodgson ready? Throwing him in the hole during the most anticipated post-season seems a bit rushed; I'd prefer a veteran with some playoff experience and a grinder playing style. Sure he's not the best option, but it's better than throwing one of our rookies in the deep end. Not much cap room to play with either, nevertheless, Gillis has been able to work around obstacles. Whatever happens, it's been a pleasure watching the team this year and I may be crazy to think we need to acquire a player given our current number one status. The team chemistry seems great and has been a priority for Gillis since day one.