Our Defense SUCKS

[messier's_elbow]

It pains me to say it, but Juice really has been terrible and might have to go.

Hes playing way too many mins.... They need to get someone to help shoulder the load. Hamhuis is done till Feb right?

[CmdrAdama]

I'd go with a chocolate cream. The blueberry with vanilla ice cream, is most likely the best candidate though. As for the defence, Bieksa is trying to carry everyone on his back right now, and he just isn't TL...

[William_Clarkson]

As for the defence, Bieksa is trying to carry everyone on his back right now, and he just isn't TL...

That's like getting someone with back surgery to carry a load on his back.

[alfstonker]

Hamhuis does a lot for this team. He can carry a pairing. With him out, we now rely on Bieksa but he cannot. He needs to be protected as well, which is a joke given he is the second highest paid D on this team. Clearly, he cannot handle the minutes or the competition given to him.

He doesn't just defend though does he? He is the only guy who tries to protect the goalie, he plays almost like an extra forward. He is too lion hearted for his own good.

People say that the players don't get down at a loss but Bieksa is out on his own when it comes to trying to pull a game back, that's how much he hates to lose. Unfortunately it sometimes backfires on him, giving people on here a chance to jump on him.

Make no mistake he is the biggest and best battler on this team and if he was missing, things would be far worse than missing Hammer.

[nuck nit]

Make no mistake he is the biggest and best battler on this team and if he was missing, things would be far worse than missing Hammer.

Hammer has been this team's backbone ever since he arrived here.

It's no coincidence that the 3/4 back end positions are the center of negative attention right now while the team is slumping.

When Hammer is on duty there is less drama and excuses-just solid defense that helps win games.

The record:

9W 3L in October 39GF 32GA with Hamhuis in the lineup

7W 3L in November 28GF 32 GA with Hamhuis in the lineup

3W 1L in November 14 GF 9GA without Hamhuis in the lineup

2W 3L 1 OTL in December 14GF 20GA without Hamhuis in the lineup

16 Wins 6 Losses 67 GF 64 GA with Hamhuis in the lineup

5 Wins 4 Losses 1 OTL 28 GF 29 GA without Hamhuis in the lineup

The team is batting just over .500 without Hamhuis with more goals scored against than for.

The team is .775 with Hamhuis with more goals scored for than against.

Hammer is widely said to be having a bad start to the year and yet the team was very successful when he was in the lineup.

[THERETOOL]

we are thin .. we have been for a long time

[Ride the red Pony]

No doubt Juice (the whole defense) has/have been taking alot of chances on the pinch. I think this is more out of a lack of offensive punch in some of the blowout games.

As some have pointed out and I tend to agree he may be trying to do too much. The whole squad is lacking consistency, very Jeckyll and Hyde and have been for a few years now. I think this can be expected from some of the rookies, but the vets, not so much.

We have an average/good team, so these should be the expectations. With some of the young guys we have in the system the future looks bright.

[wallstreetamigo]

He doesn't just defend though does he? He is the only guy who tries to protect the goalie, he plays almost like an extra forward. He is too lion hearted for his own good.

People say that the players don't get down at a loss but Bieksa is out on his own when it comes to trying to pull a game back, that's how much he hates to lose. Unfortunately it sometimes backfires on him, giving people on here a chance to jump on him.

Make no mistake he is the biggest and best battler on this team and if he was missing, things would be far worse than missing Hammer.

He is not the only guy who tries to protect the goalie. Especially not by helping keep the puck out of our net.

Playing like an extra forward is why we get situations like several 3 on 1's in the Rangers game. He needs to worry about actually playing defense.

He seems very casual whether the team wins or loses. He doesn't really seem affected by it either way on or off the ice.

He is not the biggest and best battler on this team. He is the biggest talker on the team.

Bieksa is incredibly overrated especially by those who say he has a high compete level. He is the most casual player on this entire team.

[steviewonder20]

BIeksa has been terrible lately. He needs a game or 2 as a healthy scratch to send him a message.

He's signed through 2015-2016 with a NTC for $4,600,000 per year. After next season he's a UFA. I don't see him moving before then and it will cost more to replace him with someone younger, faster, big and just as tough.

[steviewonder20]

You forgot to mention the disappearance of the Sedin's. Two points in the last five games and pointless in three of those. Need better leadership then that.

Just like in the playoffs. However, it isn't due to too many minutes each night. Other teams have their routine figured out and they are talented but slow.

[Knucklehd]

Mmmmm...strawberry rhubarb!

As for defence, our entire d-core is over stretched and our forwards are not helping enough. That and the disappearance if 1st line offence have created a losing streak

[Mad_Duck]

IDIOTS! ALL OF YOUSE!

The correct answer is: Steak & Guiness Pie.

[cbdoubleu]

I stopped caring what you thought when you listed Dan Hamhuis as our 3rd best D man.

Since he went down the Canucks are 5-4-2. Losing our best defenseman isn't something we're just not going to notice. Staying above .500 for a long stretch without him is going to be a challenge.

[Heretic]

The OP is partially correct - I remember saying something to the effect that we have mediocre defense at best for the last 2 years - reason being? We have over paid our forwards. Welcome to the cap gentlemen.

[Heretic]

Oh, and you guys thinking Hamhuis is a "top" defensemen? Maybe the "top" on the Caunucks...

Last year:

Hamhuis: 79gm, 5G, 17A, 22pts $4,500,000 cap

Keith: 79gm, 6G, 55A, 61pts $5,538,462 cap

So Keith has almost 3 times the points for only $1 million more in cap.

Our defense are overpaid as well...

[Dekey Pete]

Oh, and you guys thinking Hamhuis is a "top" defensemen? Maybe the "top" on the Caunucks...

Last year:

Hamhuis: 79gm, 5G, 17A, 22pts $4,500,000 cap

Keith: 79gm, 6G, 55A, 61pts $5,538,462 cap

So Keith has almost 3 times the points for only $1 million more in cap.

Our defense are overpaid as well...

Because a defenseman's point total is the only relevant stat when comparing their salary and effectiveness...

[Mathew Barzal]

Because a defenseman's point total is the only relevant stat when comparing their salary and effectiveness...

You're #1 should be able to do it all.

[Gollumpus]

I know some of you will blame Miller and Lack for the amount of goals they're letting in, but how are they supposed to help us win when we give up 3 on 1s every minute? Our lists of defensemen from best to worst as of now are;

1. ?

2. Edler

3. Tanev

4. Hamhuis

5. Bieksa

6. ?

7. Sbisa

8. Stanton

9. Weber

10. Corrado

As you all know, our defence has always been fragile when it comes to injuries, and with Hammer out for a while, we need another top 4 if not top 2 defensemen RIGHT NOW. I know you guys will scream at me for listing Sbisa as a 7th defensemen, but if we want to be a true contender in this league, we need a true #1 PMD that could put up 50 points and play defence at the same time. I really want Doughty but there's obviously no way LA is giving him up when hes just entering his prime. IMO, we also need a big #6 reliable stay at home guy to get paired with Bieksa because he's looked god awful this year. Stanton might be a future top 4 defensemen but he doesn't look like it right now. Weber doesn't even belong in this league let alone our top 6. Corrado is our future answer on defence but he's just not ready for the role yet. It's obviously really hard to attain these players because nobody wants to give up any of our offensive depth, but something needs to change on defence if we really want to have one last push for the cup.

I have no intention of screaming at you over your opinion, however, I do have two questions.

1.) Other than Doughty, which "top 4 if not top 2" defenseman would you like Benning to scoot out and acquire for the team RIGHT NOW?

2.) Which players, prospects and/or picks would you like Benning to trade away?

Please address important issues in your reply such as:

- What is the caphit and age of the player coming in and the number of years left on his contract.

- Whether or not he can comfortably fit in the current cap structure or will the team have to get rid of additional players (beyond anyone you suggest should be traded) to make room for this guy, particularly once Hamhuis returns?

- Why the Canucks can do without the assets you wish them to give up. For extra points, also provide a rational explanation as to why any guys you want to trade away, who have a NTC, will agree to be traded.

- Why the heck the other team would want to trade away their guy and why they would want what you suggest they take in return? How does this proposed trade benefit them?

- Whether the guy is an offensive d-man, a defensive d-man, or a bit of both? Is he physical (ie. can he lay out the big hits)?

- Whether the new guy is a LHD or a RHD. This is, of course, the most important consideration.

regards,

G.

[MikeyD]

Our defense has been overpaid for years with Juice and Edler making a few mill over their rightful salaries. Edler is at least coming close to what he should make this year but the past three years he's been nowhere close. Tanev is still a huge steal though.

[CanucksSayEh]

Hamhuis hasn't been very good the last couple years. Edler, until this season was complete garbage the last 2 1/2ish seasons + playoffs. Bieksa, well, is Bieksa. Yea our D is very average, Tanev is the only guy over the last few seasons who has been dependable. You know what youll get from him and can plan accordingly. Everyone else is all over the map. None of em are putting up big points to make up for any deficiencies either.