billabong Posted October 20, 2015 Share Posted October 20, 2015 For the first time this year, I actually have no problem with those lines. Don't touch it Willy! Let it roll for 2-3 games good or bad! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SID.IS.SID.ME.IS.ME Posted October 20, 2015 Share Posted October 20, 2015 The makeup of the lines matter as well (never mind that WD doesn't particularly line match). The all-skill line of Sedins/Vrbata doesn't give a forechecking presence to that line making the Sedins perform that function for Vrbata. Far from ideal.I agree with Deniro that we need to get Vrbata going and ideally putting them with the twins temporarily will hopefully do that. But it's REALLY not a long term solution.Also, in fairness to the guys Vrbata has been playing with, how many open nets has he shot wide on in this young season? That's him, not what line he's on.It's been an interesting start for Vrbata and I have to wonder how much of what's been going on with him is between his ears? Preseason saw him shifted around various lines and then had him quoted several times about wanting to get regular reps with the more skilled guys and build chemistry, but he never really ended up getting those opportunities in any sustained way. Plus the past several months (and the talk he likely heard once he got back to town for camp) was discussions on who might get traded this season and all the reasons why he's the most likely target for the deadline . And then the season opens with Sutter getting that coveted #1RW slot with the Sedins. And then he (and his linemates) just can't seem to score.Maybe it's all adding up? Throw in some legitimate bad luck on a few of those missed gimmes and Vrbata's probably not feeling like much of a world beater right now.I was just thinking in the car that JB should actually start negotiations with Vrbata's agent on an extension, but with no real intention of signing anything, just rather to make Vrbata feel like the Canucks really want to re-up with him. So then he feels like he's not just playing to eventually get traded but he's playing for his next deal. And then have the coaches run with Vrbata and the twins (and with prime zonestarts) for the next dozen or more games and see if they get hot. Basically just manipulate the situation to get the most out of Vrbata (pretty cold, I know ;)),We saw last season that the time to make hay with a loaded-up first line is right now, in the early going (when there's more ice and teams' D-zone systems are still working out kinks and play much softer), and not the second half and down the stretch (when things get tighter and a Sedin-Sedin-Vrbata line is much less likely to thrive).When Vrbata was really going last season, he could ignite a line on his own and he was enough of a scoring engine to carry a group and provide secondary scoring for the twins. Of late, he's almost been in "offensive black hole" territory (obviously overstating things here) with grade-A chances dying on his stick and him often choosing to make desperate low percentage shots rather than look to pass or extend the play.The guy needs some goals. And he needs to get back to believing that pucks are gonna go in for him. The best remedy right now is "take two Sedins and call me in the morning." Hopefully the medicine starts working next game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aGENT Posted October 20, 2015 Share Posted October 20, 2015 Again agree to disagree. Not about the fore-checking presence though.Vrbata's play has been a lot of individual play in getting 25 shots. A ton of which have been from way outside, odd angles & nowhere near prime real estate. He's been on a line with defensive first guys, not a puck control offensive centre. He thinks he has to do it himself?Bo's game is a lot of counter attack. So he worked well with Hansen, Kenins, Dorsett. All the speedsters who also fore-check as well then score on counter attack. Yes Vrbata should take a hint. Vrbata thrives away from the puck, not digging it out though. Where he gets a chance to rotate, cut to the net, slip behind a seam and is rewarded by an astute passer who has held on to the puck in the meantime. That's not Bo, who would have driven it to the corner to lock it for a face off.! Plus Bo's line has been taking top match ups in many instances. Vrbata on Bo's line is just not a good fit.I'd rather see Baer McCann Vrbata as a 3rd line if not with the Twins.I don't disagree with your assessment of Vrbata's play, or that he's not a particularly good fit with Horvat. (Though he has literally shot wide on at least 3 basically wide open nets this season that I recall. So again, it's not all on his linemates).I also don't see him having much chemistry with Baer. Again, they both need a forechecking presence as they fill similar roles/skill sets. Sedin, Sedin, SutterBaer, Horvat, HansenBurrows, McCann, VrbataPrust/Dorsett, Cracknel, Dorsett/Virtanen When Higgins gets back that 4th line gets crowded but man we'd be deep. Sedin, Sedin, SutterBaer, Horvat, HansenBurrows, McCann, VrbataHiggins, Cracknel, Dorsett/Virtanen/Prust Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aGENT Posted October 20, 2015 Share Posted October 20, 2015 Also with that being said, what does the team look like if Vrbata and Hamhuis are traded? With the addition of Hutton we may be able to achieve this while still maintaining a competetive edge. We may not make the play offs but i'd be okay with that.(Higgins too?)Sedin, Sedin, SutterBaer, Horvat, HansenBurrows, McCann, VirtanenPrust, Cracknell, DorsettThen I'd love if we picked up Luke Schenn for peanuts after moving Hammer and role with this:Edler, TanevHutton, SchennSbisa, Bartowski Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Attila Umbrus Posted October 20, 2015 Share Posted October 20, 2015 (Higgins too?)Sedin, Sedin, SutterBaer, Horvat, HansenBurrows, McCann, VirtanenPrust, Cracknell, DorsettThen I'd love if we picked up Luke Schenn for peanuts after moving Hammer and role with this:Edler, TanevHutton, SchennSbisa, BartowskiBuddy! I like the way you think. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Attila Umbrus Posted October 20, 2015 Share Posted October 20, 2015 That would make the team competitive with the west. Schenn isn't a great point producer but has great size and defensive abilities. I think the reason his name is in the dirt is because people wanted him to be a Pronger or something..but he's not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhillipBlunt Posted October 20, 2015 Share Posted October 20, 2015 (Higgins too?)Sedin, Sedin, SutterBaer, Horvat, HansenBurrows, McCann, VirtanenPrust, Cracknell, DorsettThen I'd love if we picked up Luke Schenn for peanuts after moving Hammer and role with this:Edler, TanevHutton, SchennSbisa, BartowskiThose d-pairings are great, but I'd prefer Hamhuis over Sbisa. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aGENT Posted October 20, 2015 Share Posted October 20, 2015 That would make the team competitive with the west. Schenn isn't a great point producer but has great size and defensive abilities. I think the reason his name is in the dirt is because people wanted him to be a Pronger or something..but he's not.Has decent skating for such a big guy as well. Missing element? He definitely needs a fresh start somewhere and if he doesn't turn it around here, he's on an expiring contract.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Attila Umbrus Posted October 20, 2015 Share Posted October 20, 2015 Agreed, but I don't think we could get much trade wise for Sbisa. Philly don't want him, they already traded him once. I like Hammer, he brings a lot to this team. But if we want to capitalize on our assets Hammer will get us the best return. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aGENT Posted October 20, 2015 Share Posted October 20, 2015 Yeah Sbisa's not going anywhere and Hammer's an expiring UFA on the wrong side of 30. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhillipBlunt Posted October 20, 2015 Share Posted October 20, 2015 Agreed, but I don't think we could get much trade wise for Sbisa. Philly don't want him, they already traded him once. I like Hammer, he brings a lot to this team. But if we want to capitalize on our assets Hammer will get us the best return.Very true. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Attila Umbrus Posted October 20, 2015 Share Posted October 20, 2015 I wonder what we could get for Hamhuis? I haven't looked at comparable trades. But might not have to look any further than Bieksa. At least a 2nd I would have to say or maybe more if we're lucky. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Attila Umbrus Posted October 20, 2015 Share Posted October 20, 2015 So Schenn for Hammer straight up? Would have to throw a pick in as well. Would be a good trade in my books. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cbdoubleu Posted October 20, 2015 Share Posted October 20, 2015 At this point the best fit for Horvat might be between Prust and Dorsett. They play a style he is suited for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nuxfanabroad Posted October 20, 2015 Share Posted October 20, 2015 How 'bout Hamhuis & prospect(Jensen?) to CBJ for Rychel & Prout(RHD, 230 lbs)? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aGENT Posted October 20, 2015 Share Posted October 20, 2015 So Schenn for Hammer straight up? Would have to throw a pick in as well. Would be a good trade in my books.http://forum.canucks.com/topic/372580-luke-schenn-discussion/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Off_The_Schneid! Posted October 20, 2015 Share Posted October 20, 2015 So willy d has finally came around to the line up we all assumed would happen right after preseasoni guess later is better than never Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hairy Kneel Posted October 21, 2015 Share Posted October 21, 2015 I like the line up..seeing Cracknell out is tough (a goal leader nonetheless!Lol)I like the kids killing penalties the twins absolutely do not have to kill penalties and block shots we need to save them for the long haul. We've got so many good penalty killers I think the twins on the PK is a waste. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crabcakes Posted October 21, 2015 Share Posted October 21, 2015 There's a compromise any way you configure the line up. Two things I'm liking a lot here:Sutter centreing a shutdown / match-up line.Horvat on the 3rd. He has a better chance to succeed here and we'll see how he develops for half a season. Also, the kid line is together and may not have to face top defensive pairings.There are problems with Vrbata with the Sedins as JR has pointed out, but this line can produce and given the advantages gained elsewhere in the line up, it is worth doing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salacious Crumb Posted October 21, 2015 Share Posted October 21, 2015 For the first time this year, I actually have no problem with those lines. Don't touch it Willy! Let it roll for 2-3 games good or bad! The lineup as posted looks very balanced and reasonably competitive. A bit better than real good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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