Critically Canuck

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Like all members of Canuck Nation, we here at Critically Canuck have suffered a long time. We will not die happily unless the Stanley Cup makes its way to Stanley Park. Here you'll get the straight goods on our heroes. With both feet on the bandwagon, we will, however, pull no punches. As long time season ticket holders, that's our prerogative. Expect analytical insight with a strong sense of history. We'll ask the tough questions. And answer them. Enjoy. Ask me anything Submit

May 9, 2013

End of Season Canuck Player Commentary

As we begin yet another summer of our discontent, we present our annual player-by-player commentary, an invaluable reference as the post mortem begins:

Alex Edler (signed through 2019) - In scoring the go-ahead goal in game four’s short lived comeback, Edler finally delivered - but it’s not nearly enough to compensate for a brutal playoff showing and another mediocre regular season. For a team that must make changes, Edler should be a prime candidate to be moved in an off-season trade (before a no movement clause kicks in). Or if he stays, might benefit from the confidence of a different coaching staff.

Kevin Bieksa (signed through 2016) - Bieksa is really a microcosm of the entire team - undisciplined at times, oft injured, a fierce competitor when it matters most but physically under sized for the style of game that makes him most effective. Despite his ridiculous soap-box whining between games 3 and 4, arguably the Canuck with the most character and likely to stay put no matter what.

Andrew Alberts (unrestricted free agent) - While his higher paid colleagues on the Canuck blue-line are performing their playoff best purse swinging, you can always count on Alberts to throw his considerable weight around. And in a Western Conference that now places more emphasis on girth than footspeed, his value has increased, but the Canucks will have little to spend this off-season.

Mason Raymond (unrestricted free agent) - Popular misconception is that Raymond has never recovered from the devastating back injury in the Stanley Cup Final 2 seasons ago. Fact is he sucked the entire season before that. While many were impressed by his jump in game 4, it was typical Raymond - flash and dash with little result. As a free agent, he should be gone. If only it had been sooner.

Keith Ballard (signed through 2015) - The finances dictate that he can’t stay here any longer and will be bought out. Despite a ravaged blue line at many points during his three year stay here, he could never get the confidence of coach AV. And now it’s too late. A wasted resource here with blame for the player, coach and general manager. Time to move on, already.

Alex Burrows (signed through 2017) - It’s impossible to question his work ethic. It is easy to question his hands - his conversion rate of chances to goals makes us long for the days of Anson Carter. And no matter what, he can never shake the reputation bestowed upon him costing the Canucks far too many shorthanded situations. Like Edler, he’s a player that could fetch something on the trade market.

Ryan Kesler (signed through 2016) - For the 3rd period of game 2 versus San Jose, it appeared that the vintage Kesler had miraculously resurrected himself. But it didn’t last. As much as he’s often the heart and soul of this team, you sometimes wonder whether he really wants to be here. You’d think playing hockey for a living should be fun.

Roberto Luongo (signed through eternity) - Yes, Luongo was the Canucks’ best player for most of games 1 and 2. Except for the most important parts of the games when he got a little leaky. He will be gone before training camp though with only a bag of pucks in return.

Cory Schneider (signed through 2015) - In the regular season, was the MVP and is seemingly the centrepiece of the organization moving forward. But you have to wonder about the way he finished games 3 and 4 - were there lingering effects of an injury or was he collapsing under the pressure? We’ve another year to find out.

Chris Tanev (restricted free agent) - With the collective poor play of the defense during this playoff run in his absence, his continued growth will be vital next season. He’s due for a raise, like there is room for that.

Maxim Lapierre (unrestricted free agent) - Along with Kesler and Burrows, the player most responsible for the Canucks’ horrid reputation with the NHL officials. Does he provide enough value otherwise to compensate for that?

Jordan Schroeder (restricted free agent) - With Cody Hodgson now long gone, he represents the only Gillis draft pick to see measurable minutes at the NHL level and while he proved serviceable, there was little demonstrated to indicate that he’s capable of a top six forward role. He’s undersized for anything else.

Andrew Ebbett (unrestricted free agent) - It’s hard to imagine that any team with Stanley Cup aspirations would consider having a spot for a player like Ebbett. He’s a real indictment of how far the depth of the Canucks’ forward crew has slipped in recent years. There’s little to choose between him and Schroeder, except the latter’s youth.

Chris Higgins (signed through 2017) - Having bounced around the league before recently securing a long term deal here, it’s hard to imagine that he’s going anywhere. For the most part, he’s the kind of player the Canucks need more of. Here’s hoping that the security of his new contract doesn’t dull his inspiration.

Derek Roy (unrestricted free agent) - Likely to sign a contract elsewhere, becoming perhaps the worst deadline acquisition in Canuck history - and that is saying something. I suppose we should have seen this coming. When a team in dire need of size and grit adds a pint-sized play-maker instead, you get a first round sweep as a result. This move alone should require Mike Gillis to return his 2011 GM of the Year award. At least, Ryan Kesler doesn’t have to pout about playing on the wing any more.

Dan Hamhuis (signed through 2016) - The Canucks’ steadiest defensive defender had a difficult playoff. And we still don’t get why he sees any power play minutes. Despite that, he remains Mike Gillis’ most successful free agent signing. And after 5 years, that is not saying much.

Henrik Sedin (signed through 2014) - We’re at the point now where their continued playoff struggles cannot be defended. For this team to move forward with greater aspirations, they can’t be counted upon as the first line unit. It’s as simple as that.

Daniel Sedin (signed through 2014) - Yes, the boarding call was a joke. But the series was effectively over at that point with the Sedins having failed to deliver prominently in the post-season again. They can and, likely, will stay. But they need replacing as the go-to guys. Where’s that Cody Hodgson?

Zack Kassian (signed through 2014) - The time has passed for the Canucks to pooh or get off the pot as it pertains to the wild child. He clearly has a physical presence and skill set that is worth plenty. And he will clearly turn the puck over and take some boneheaded penalties. But it’s time to let the puppy off the leash. And with Alain Vigneault likely gone, it just might happen.

Tom Sestito (unrestricted free agent) - His size is a bonus, but he’s replaceable. And likely will be.

David Booth (signed through 2015) - His injury troubles have made it difficult to pass judgement on him, but the team has performed worse with him in the line-up. Either way, it’s a lot of money spent on what remains an unknown quantity. Clearly, a candidate for a buyout.

Jannik Hansen (signed through 2014) - Arguably, displays the most consistent work ethic of any player, but didn’t produce offensively at all come playoff time. On an elite team, he’s no more than a third line option.

Dale Weise (unrestricted free agent) - Weise probably has more speed and skill than he gets to demonstrate. And as a fourth line role player, he is undersized. It’s hard to figure where he fits.

Steve Pinizzotto (unrestricted free agent) - For a 28 year old guy that had never played an NHL game before this season, there was considerable buzz. But he failed to make any measurable impact.

Jason Garrison (signed through 2018) - Garrison was about the only pleasant surprise in the abbreviated playoff run. Why he didn’t get more power play time this season is a mystery known only to Coach Vigneault. With the struggles of Alex Edler and the continued injuries to Kevin Bieksa, his role on this team will become more prominent.

Cam Barker (unrestricted free agent) - Expectations were met from this depth defender, low as they were. He will likely not return.

Frank Corrado (signed through 2015) - His insertion into the line-up down the stretch and into the playoffs was a big surprise. The kid delivered in limited minutes and along with Tanev provides some reason for optimism on the blue-line.

Stay tuned as we dissect the eagerly awaited post-season sugar coating from President and General Manager Mike Gillis.

February 6, 2013

Canucks’ Ballard Finally Out of the Doghouse

When Keith Ballard arrived in Vancouver nearly three years ago, the price tag seemed high (a first round pick along with two former first rounders, Michael Grabner and Steve Bernier) and his lengthy remaining contract seemed gaudy. So justifiably, he was expected to be a top four defender; a young man, who five years into his career, had averaged over 20 minutes of ice team per game each and every season.

But through a combination of injuries and nerves, he could never get the confidence of the coaching staff in Vancouver. And it seemed that the volatile defender and his rich contract were to become an albatross in the new post-lockout world.

But fully into his third season in Vancouver, it appears he has finally found his game, or at least, the confidence of his coaches. You will note that Ballard was on the ice for the overtime winning goal last game - an opportunity Alain Vigneault never would have entrusted him with in seasons past.

So while he has yet to produce a single point this season, he is combining with young Chris Tanev to form the Canucks’ most dependable defensive pairing. In his first two seasons here, he was lucky to play 15 minutes per night, and rarely in 9 consecutive games as he has thus far. So far this season, he’s getting well over 17 minutes per outing. And circumstances dictate he should be getting even more.

The Canucks’ power play is struggling mightily this season. Once the most feared team in the league with the man-advantage, this season’s results have been middling, at best, with the points having been manned exclusively by Alex Edler, Dan Hamhuis, Jason Garrison and Kevin Bieksa.

Given the struggles of everyone, except Edler, to contribute with the man advantage, giving the smooth skating Ballard a chance only seems to make sense.

In fact, before he came to Vancouver, he saw considerable power play minutes throughout his first five years in the league. You’d think his quick skating and adventurous play would be an asset to a power play that has become predictable and now ineffective.

We like what we’ve seen this season from Ballard, the default doghouse resident of the Alain Vigneault era. But we’d like to see more of it. Here’s hoping he’ll get the chance…

12:08pm
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(Notes: 3)

Filed under: Keith Ballard Vancouver Canucks Alain Vigneault Chris Tanev Michael Grabner Steve Bernier Kevin Bieksa Dan Hamhuis Alex Edler Jason Garrison

January 20, 2013

Why Cory Schneider Must Start Tonight & Other Musings

Why Schneider Must Start Tonight

If the Canucks have truly begun the Schneider era (even though the incumbent Roberto Luongo is still hanging around), he must be given a demonstrable show of support in a second straight start despite his poor play in last night’s embarrassing opening night defeat.

To do otherwise would put the franchise and this never-ending melodrama right back to square one.

And even if the original plan (before Schneider’s egg-laying) was to start Luongo tonight against the Oilers to keep the young keeper away from back-to-back starts, it’s not like Schneider should be tired after leaving the game 26 minutes in.

This never-ending goalie controversy is beyond old, but let’s attempt to turn the tide and give Schneider another start.

Why the Canucks underpaid for Alex Edler

Before the opening night disaster, the biggest news around Canuck nation was the extension of defender Alex Edler for six years at an annual cap hit of $5 million.

Edler, of course, has proven that he can be equal parts Scott Stevens, ruthless bodychecker, and Bambi, awkwardly scrambling on the ice as if for the first time. His volatility clearly adds risk to any long term deal.

But, by NHL defensemen standards, where players are typically slow to mature, Edler is still very young.

And on that basis, this deal makes sense. The offensive numbers that he has put up so far give him a good chance to be the Canucks all-time leader amongst defenders. And his size, mobility and occasional nastiness could make him the best all around defender ever to lace them up in this market.

Ultimately, at $5 million per season and NHL inflation (the early post-lockout returns indicate that the spending spree continues unabated), it shouldn’t take much stability on Edler’s part to make this money well spent.

Why the Canucks defense is overrated

Many NHL pundits would have you believe that the Canucks defensive corps is among the league’s best. And from a very simple head count notion, that may be correct - there is no shortage of NHL ready plugs to fill the holes.

But the likes of recent pick-ups Cam Barker, who was disastrous on a defenseless Oiler team last season, and Jim Vandermeer, who has most recently spent more ice time as a fourth line forward, hardly even add insurance.

Ultimately, there is always the issue of quality over quantity and that is where the Canucks’ defense will continue to suffer.

Kevin Bieksa has the nasty disposition you want in every defender, but he is undersized for his role and maddeningly (perhaps stupidly) inconsistent.

Dan Hamhuis is a defensive rock (despite being on the ice for 5 goals against last night), but has little offensive upside.

The aforementioned Edler is still searching for consistency and the ability to play to the benefit of his size and strength.

Rounding out the top four is Jason Garrison, a purse swinging big man with a great shot.

Keith Ballard, arguably the Canucks’ most offensively dynamic defender, won’t get himself out of the bottom pairing as long as Alain Vigneault is around.

The remarkably steady Chris Tanev should get more ice this season, but hardly brings a full skill set.

After that are the supposed depth guys. But the point is simple, this franchise continues (42 years in) without a single elite defender.

In the end, the forward crew of this version of the Canucks will struggle to score. The team will need a tremendous contribution from its defense at both ends of the ice. We’re skeptical that this crew can fulfill that responsibility.

12:45pm
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(Notes: 2)

Filed under: Vancouver Canucks Cory Schneider Roberto Luongo Alain Vigneault Alex Edler Chris Tanev Kevin Bieksa Dan Hamhuis Keith Ballard Jason Garrison Jim Vandermeer Cam Barker

July 2, 2012

Canuck Comings and Goings…

While the biggest move of the Canuck off-season has yet to transpire, there has been some recent activity that demands our commentary.

Comings

The most impactful move so far was yesterday’s signing of defenseman Jason Garrison. Garrison, a local product with less than three NHL seasons of experience, has struck it rich, signing a six-year deal for nearly $28 million – a lofty pay-day for a player with one notable NHL season to his credit and who was passed over at the entry draft years ago. But the 27-year-old, a late bloomer, has been a quick study at the NHL level, logging over 22 minutes per game in his first two full NHL seasons. And with 16 goals last season, he looks to be more than capable of filling the offensive void left by Sami Salo, who has begun his retirement early alongside former teammate Mattias Ohlund in Tampa Bay. And while we’ll miss Salo, at times the Canucks most complete d-man, he was clearly (and rightfully) looking for a financial home-run instead of another year in Vancouver at a market discount.

But the committment to Garrison smells like the Keith Ballard debacle all over again (a significant financial commitment to a player with some success albeit only in a low pressure hockey backwater). We can only hope that he won’t wilt under the spotlight of playing in his hometown and, most importantly, manages to avoid the doghouse of Alain Vigneault. While Garrison is a big body, he is not known for his physicality, which will put him at odds with Vigneault from the get go. The real oddity here is that Garrison now becomes the Canucks’ highest paid defender. And he won’t have the smooth skating Brian Campbell to partner with, but instead the inconsistent Alex Edler. At this price, it seems impossible that Garrison will be able to meet expectations. But Ballard can keep him company.

Goings

Outside of Garrison, there has been no other additions, but plenty of players on the way out. Joining Sami Salo on the way out-of-town are Aaron Rome, Marc-Andre Gragnani, Sami Pahlsson, Victor Oreskovich, Mike Duco and Ryan Parent.

The only real surprises here are possibly Rome, who seemed to be a favourite of Coach Vigneault and Gragnani, who was obtained at the trade deadline and forecasted in the long-term as a possible power play quarterback.

Rome, as a depth defender, was essentially redundant with Andrew Alberts still on the team. But the decision to not retain Gragnani seems bizarre, particularly since the team bent over backwards to give him ice time down the stretch so that he could remain a restricted free agent thus giving themselves first crack at retaining his services. Perhaps the signing of Garrison was anticipated, allowing the team to give up on Gragnani?

We will not at all mourn the loss of the overrated Pahlsson, but only the price paid to get him (two fourth round picks and a minor leaguer) - this deal looks like something a panicky Dave Nonis would have cooked up. And for the time being leaves the Canucks (with Ryan Kesler on the sidelines) with Manny Malhotra and Maxim Lapierre as their second and third line centres. Where have you gone, Cody Hodsgon?

Staying put?

Players that seem to be destined surprisingly to start the season in Vancouver include Mason Raymond, Manny Malhotra and, of course, maybe even Roberto Luongo.

Since Raymond was untradeable at the deadline, the Canucks seem prepared to give him another look, at a reduced price. The return of mister flash and dash and his perimeter puck handling are not what this team needs.

Manny Malhotra suffered through a horrible season and the Canucks are on the hook for another year at a very pricey $2.5 million, but with the loss of Ryan Kesler for at least the early portions of the season, Malhotra will get plenty of opportunity to return to his one-dimensional form.

While the signing of new number one goalie Cory Schneider to a three-year deal should have officially put the end to the Luongo era, it would not surprise us if Bobby Lou starts the season here. After all, Mike Gillis, in case you haven’t noticed, is quite determined to do things as unconventionally as possible. From our perspective, it is in everyone’s best interests to move Luongo sooner rather than later. While it’s conceivable that early season struggles by goaltending starved teams like the Leafs and Lightning could up the ante in the Luongo sweepstakes, the reverse is also true and could leave the Canucks with $9 million tied up in a position where only one guy can play. Ultimately, Roberto is a proven commodity whose value, independent of other team’s needs, will not get any higher. Further, he has been the consummate professional in his time here and should be spared any further indignity in this market.

There is still plenty of time in this off-season for Mike Gillis to upgrade his back-to-back President’s Trophy winning team and despite the log jam in net, there is still plenty of money to spend. And we expect it will be spent. Just ask Jason Garrison.

9:57pm
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(Notes: 3)

Filed under: Vancouver Canucks Aaron Rome Alain Vigneault Cory Schneider Jason Garrison Keith Ballard Manny Malhotra Marc-Andre Gagnani Mason Raymond Mattias Ohlund Mike Gillis Dave Nonis Roberto Luongo Sami Salo

April 23, 2012

Canucks versus Kings - What Went Wrong?

When you’re the defending Western Conference champion and repeat President’s Trophy winner and you lose to the eighth seed in five games in the first round, you’ve got plenty of explaining to do. And in a market that loves to make mountains out of molehills, we’ve got an extended summer to pick apart this Canuck corpse.

There will be the obvious excuses like the Duncan Keith elbow late in the regular season that forced Daniel Sedin to the sidelines for the first three games of the playoffs. Though really, this is an adversity an elite team should be able to overcome. And in the end, it’s the first significant injury to a front line player in many a post season for a franchise that has been remarkably fortunate in that regard.

And what about the Sedins? To win, you need your best players to be your best players or so the adage goes. Except the Sedins were the Canucks’ best players in this series, looking more inspired than they ever have, seemingly aware that the rest of the team had checked out.

The magnet for most criticism in this market usually falls on the combustible Roberto Luongo. But this time around, he was the team’s best player in game 1 before getting relieved by Cory Schneider after a game 2 performance where he was sold out by his teammates, busy practicing their fire drill. So even Bobby Blue gets a free pass this time around though it may not be enough to save him his job in this market.

And, of course, there will be mention of the dreaded hangover from last season. But really, we’re not buying that. It’s not like the Canucks went pedal to the metal during the regular season. In fact, despite their President’s Trophy win, there were not many 60 minute efforts this season (unless you count the goaltenders). Elite teams do return to the Stanley Cup Final. It does happen. Look at Pittsburgh or Detroit in recent years.

And the uneducated will reference the President’s Trophy curse - after all, three of the last four winners have been bounced in the first round. But that is simply loser talk. There is no curse. Bottom seeded teams don’t win the Cup. Ever. Top seeded teams usually do. There is never a guarantee, but winning in the playoffs correlates near perfectly with winning in the regular season. It’s fact.

In the end, what cost this team the series was ridiculously poor defensive coverage (witness the Kings’ first goal last night) and an inability to score either at even strength or with the man advantage. And remarkably, these were not recent developments, but problems that had plagued the team for good portions of this regular season (and late in last season’s playoff drive). They were masked by superior goaltending, from both Luongo and Schneider, and an incredibly easy divisional schedule.

But come playoff time, these are deficits that will cost you your season in short order. And they certainly did.

There is no doubt that the moves made during the season by general manager Mike Gillis seemed to water down the offense without any measurable increase in size and toughness.

David Booth has speed to burn and a willingness to drive to the net (i.e., he’s no Mason Raymond), but rarely completes a pass and, more importantly, has little idea what to do when he doesn’t have the puck. While speed is the essence of the modern NHL, hockey smarts are close behind and Booth’s hockey IQ is borderline retarded. Meanwhile, the cagey Mikael Samuelsson has four points in five games for a Florida team that is on the verge of advancing to the next round. The curse of Dale Tallon continues.

Certainly, the jury on the Cody Hodgson trade is still out, but the decision for a Cup contending team to trade away a contributing asset for one that simply may have potential was, and remains, mind boggling. Hodgson was the Canucks’ most efficient five-on-five scorer and held down the second unit power play, while Zack Kassian could only play his way to the press box.

It is becoming clear that Ryan Kesler’s brilliant performance versus Nashville last playoff was simply an aberration. Over the last two playoffs, excluding the Nashville series, he has tallied two goals and eleven assists in twenty four games - remarkably poor production from your second line centre and the biggest single reason why this team struggled so mightily to score.

Up front, the Canucks’ top wingers are players with a remarkably similar skill set - speedy forwards with reasonable grit and the occasional scoring touch, but none are physically intimidating and there is a serious lack of play making ability. Indeed, the playoff performances from the likes of Alex Burrows, David Booth, Jannik Hansen and Mason Raymond featured plenty of flash and dash, but no pucks in the net.

Overall, the Canucks’ defense had a pretty miserable season. Ironically, the best of the bunch, Dan Hamhuis, wore the goat horns on the Kings’ winner last night (and for all you homers calling for a penalty on that play, give your head a shake).

Kevin Bieksa was predictably boneheaded at points this season (and post season), while Alex Edler suffered a serious case of the playoff yips. By the post-season, Sami Salo looked every bit of his 37 years. And Keith Ballard’s concussed head is still spinning and his game still reeling after inexplicably rocketing up the depth chart at playoff time.

If we’re looking for one person for which to aim the blame at, we’re looking at Mike Gillis. In short, he seemed to overrate the depth of his defense and his moves to bolster the team’s size and toughness up front seemed to cause an identity crisis for his team down the stretch. Gone was the team with the high tempo attacking style and in its place was a squad that was prone to running around in their own end while struggling to simply muster long distance scoring chances on an elite goalie. The intent was to become a team that was comfortable winning 1-0 or 2-1 games. They got the 1-0 and 2-1 games, but they didn’t win. And the players who were to add a physical presence up front (notably Byron Bitz and Zack Kassian) rarely saw the ice.

We’ve often been critical of Alain Vigneault around here and you’d think he should get some of the blame this time around, too. And he should, but other than the bizarre decision to play David Booth, for the first time all season, with the Sedins come playoff time, it’s hard to find specific fault with any of his coaching moves. Though there is no question that his teams often lack killer instinct and desperate play for desperate times. When the playoffs opened with two losses at home, the Canucks clearly weren’t as ready to play as were the Kings. And when they ended, the same was true (witness last night’s third period and overtime). Alain Vigneault’s elimination game record is now a poor eight wins versus twelve losses.

So there you go, plenty to ruminate on as we begin yet another summer of discontent. Stay tuned for more.

February 26, 2012

Canucks and Deadline Day

The much anticipated but typically overblown NHL trade deadline is tomorrow and with the Canucks having placed Keith Ballard and his $4 million salary on injured reserve, the speculation is that they are poised to make a big deal.

It’s easy to throw around names - Steve Ott and Dustin Brown seem to be making the rounds right now. But trade rumors are like opinions. And opinions are like ….

Suffice is to say we won’t play that game. But we will emphasize again what the Canucks need. And whom they should be prepared to part with.

It’s no surprise that Vancouver needs a physically intimidating forward that can play somewhere on the top three lines (hence the Ott and Brown rumours). But with Keith Ballard seemingly done for the year, the Canucks are now one injured defenseman (hello Sami Salo) away from having to insert one of Andrew Alberts, Aaron Rome or Chris Tanev for major minutes. And their playoff history of a depleted defense corps makes you think they might want to safely add two NHL caliber defenders. This could trump the move for a gritty tough-to-play-against forward.

It’s also worth noting that the Canucks have a couple of AHL forwards, Mark Mancari and Steve Reinprecht, who could provide forward depth come playoff time. Mancari, a 6’4” 220 pound winger, is leading the team in scoring and has some NHL experience. And Reinprecht, of course, has plenty of NHL experience and has basically been buried on the farm due to salary cap constraints, but once the playoff starts, he can be added to the roster without regard to the cap. And of course, Byron Bitz has proven in a very limited opportunity that he can contribute the requisite grit and smarts giving the Canucks something they didn’t have one month ago.

Mason Raymond has been front and centre in any and all trade rumours and we can’t disagree. While his performance in the last few games seems to indicate he’s feeling the heat and wants to stay, the skill set he provides is redundant on a team stacked with quick forwards that will consistently take the puck to the net (Alex Burrows, Jannik Hansen, David Booth, and Ryan Kesler). Despite his struggles this season and possible health issues, he is still young and could ooze opportunity to some.

We don’t expect either of the team’s top two young players (Cody Hodgson and Cory Schneider) to be dealt. Quite simply, they are contributing too much right now to remove from the mix. And further, Mike Gillis, in his emulation of the Detroit model, has likely noticed that they don’t ever trade away young talent.

So given all this, the Canucks really don’t have much to deal (Raymond and perhaps former first round pick Jordan Schroeder who is clearly expendable given the Canucks’ depth at centre), but they could take a decent player from a team looking to simply shred salary.

In the end, we expect the Canucks to acquire a defender that could play top four minutes along with one more depth player. It won’t meet the hype being served up by the plethora of talking heads that will be taking over sports programming tomorrow, but what else is new?

7:23pm
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(Notes: 2)

Filed under: Vancouver Canucks NHL Trading Deadline Keith Ballard Steve Ott Dustin Brown Sami Salo Andrew Alberts Aaron Rome Chris Tanev Mark Mancari Steve Reinprecht Byron Bitz

November 12, 2011

Canucks Win Some, Lose Some

Just because October is over, the Canucks show no signs of shaking their Stanley Cup hangover from last season. And really, who can blame them? In the bigger games of their season, the Canucks have been able to elevate their play. And when they trail to a lousy team (like last night’s tilt with Anaheim), they can still just about rally to salvage a point.

Last season, there was an urgency that permeated the team to never waver from “the process”. This urgency resulted in the franchise’s best ever regular season and a brush with the Stanley Cup.

You certainly get the sense from this year’s team that the urgency is gone, or at least, is reserved for only the most crucial situations. And with the Canucks trailing the division leading (and over achieving) Edmonton Oilers by only three points, there is no time for panic yet.

Though that’s not to say we shouldn’t be offering up some of our fine commentary.

In the “we told you so” department, we have maintained that Jannik Hansen could score like Alex Burrows if given the same chance. And while it’s early yet, young Jannik (ater struggling mightily to start the season) has scored two even strength goals and is plus three after two games replacing Burrows on the top unit. Burrows, for the record, had three even strength goals in 15 games with the Sedins this season.

And in the “we told you so, again” department, Keith Ballard still sucks. He has one lousy point in 17 games of action (the highlight reel goal marker early in the season on a brilliant play by Henrik Sedin). And he’s -11. And while the rest of the defense crew, save Sami Salo and Alex Edler, have suffered mightily, this was supposed to be Keith Ballard’s shot at redemption.

If Dale Tallon’s judgement is this bang on, David Booth looks to be in for a tortuous ride in this town, too. Though it is way too early to pass judgement. Booth is quick enough and seems to have more tolerance for the middle of the ice than the soon-to-healthy speedster Mason Raymond, but his defensive play is shockingly bad. In his last 46 games, he has compiled a -36 rating (including -7 in his brief 9 games here). That is unfathomably poor. Like we said earlier, Ryan Kesler can kiss his Selke award good bye.

And what about Bobby Lou? Who cares about Bobby Lou? Seriously, there is nothing he can do this regular season that will make anybody happy. If he plays 75 games, wins 50 games, posts 10 shutouts and stops 95% of his shots, we’ll all be wondering the same thing. What about the playoffs? So in that sense, the only story here is why he and Schneider aren’t, at the very least, splitting duties until we get there. There’s nothing to be gained for anyone by any other scenario.

In the glass is half full mode, there is the fourth line. Like Canucks’ management, we stressed the need for a fourth unit that had some consistent chemistry as opposed to the revolving door of AHL level talent we saw last season. And in the trio of Maxim Lapierre, Aaron Volpatti and Dale Weise, they’ve found just that. Make no mistake, this trio will not score much and doesn’t feature a legitimate heayweight (that is clearly not part of the Mike Gillis ~~Detroit Red Wing~~ blueprint), but they’ve looked like a momentum changing line on many nights.

And there is Cody Hodgson, who is hardly the boy wonder some might have dreamed of, but has shown good smarts and play making skills. It is not clear what will happen to Hodgson’s ice time when Mason Raymond returns given the organization’s man crush love of Manny Malhotra. Based on the extended recovery time from last season’s injury, we’re prepared to cut Manny some slack on his very poor season, but the continued development of the prize prospect should be more important than getting the face-off whiz into game shape.

In the end, given the competition in their division, the Canucks’ mediocrity can likely continue into December before it’s time to start contemplating the need for significant change.

3:44pm
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(Notes: 1)

Filed under: Vancouver Canucks Jannik Hansen Alex Burrows Keith Ballard Sami Salo Alex Edler David Booth Dale Tallon Mason Raymond Roberto Luongo Cory Schneider Maxim Lapierre Aaron Volpatti Dale Weise Cody Hodgson Manny Malhotra

October 28, 2011

Goosed Again, Surprisingly Schneider Can’t Score

Yes, the depths of this October Canuck funk, now an annual ritual, have clearly extended beyond the rabid simplicity of a goalie controversy. Indeed, even Cory Schneider can’t score first.

And while Schneider is easily the better goalie at this point in the season, the team in front of him can’t find the determination and sometimes puck luck to score at all, let alone stake the team to an early lead.

Make no mistake, this is essentially the same team that scored the most goals league wide last season. And they’ve certainly shown that they can easily muster scoring chances this campaign. If and when they feel like it. And therein lies the problem.

Along with that you have a defensive corps that seems miles removed from the one that last season supported a Jennings Trophy for the now weary goaltending tandem. Who knew that one dimensional Christian Ehrhoff was the lynch pin to that performance? Of course, most everyone knew that Kevin Bieksa might come back to earth after inking another big deal. And that Keith Ballard, while clearly skating better, can only get so far from the doghouse of Alain Vigneault.

It’s not a surprise that this team is suffering from a Stanley Cup hangover, particularly knowing the long road ahead of them before they can start playing again for real. And really, the memories of long time Canuck fans will forever remember the dynastic Oilers teams of the 80’s sleepwalking through many of their games, turning the ignition in the nick of time. And while this team clearly isn’t that one, there’s likely no cause for panic yet.

This team can and will score. More consistently when David Booth and Ryan Kelser get in sync and when the twins stop saving themselves for power plays. This team will defend better when Alain Vigneault and company can find some pairings they are comfortable with. Remember, save the purse swinging Ehrhoff, this is the same crew from last season. And, of course, whether or not Roberto Luongo can get his groove back, Cory Schneider seemingly still has his.

Which brings us to next game which will give Roberto Luongo another opportunity in what has easily become the “game of the year” (so far). Of course, which Roberto Luongo we get remains to be seen, but his track record against the high flying somehow suddenly defensively composed Capitals is strong. At any rate, it presents the most significant test so far this season of the always volatile mental temperament of the supposed franchise goalie.

10:28am
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(Notes: 8)

Filed under: Vancouver Canucks Cory Schneider Roberto Luongo Christian Ehrhoff Keith Ballard Kevin Bieksa Alain Vigneault Washington Capitals

October 12, 2011

What a Difference a Game (or Two) Makes?

By the end of last season’s brush with the Stanley Cup, both Keith Ballard and Cody Hodgson were so poorly thought of by those filling out the roster card that despite a sudden rash of injuries, neither were deemed worthy of even drawing into the line-up.

But if you take seriously what some of the most esteemed hockey writers in town have to say, then all is now suddenly good with these two once forgotten men. Never mind about Canucks’ fans being finicky and panicky, it’s really the media in this town who will find a story even when there isn’t one.

According to Iain MacIntyre (easily the best of the local writers in our estimation), or perhaps simply his editor, Ballard has gone from “bleak to peak performer”. We will admit that Ballard has looked uncharacteristically comfortable after two games. And has a highlight reel goal to match - though most credit is due to Henrik Sedin (only the game’s best playmaker) on that one. But is anyone really prepared to pass judgement yet?

And the oft maligned Cody Hodgson is the focus of the headline story in today’s Vancouver Province. With Jason Botchford (as a subtle aside - has anyone checked out his morning spot on the Team 1040 - knowledgeable and witty, but perhaps a voice made for writing?) singing the praises of young Cody, who also has one nifty goal to his credit after two games. And again, Hodgson does look “sharp” thus far, but as Botchford will likely admit this may have more to do with the relative poor play of his lead footed wingers, who would make the average duffers hockey player look fleet afoot right now.

For the record, if it wasn’t already clear, we’ve been big backers of feeding Hodgson as much quality ice as he can handle. We just don’t know why it’s taken so long. That’s really the bigger story. What with last year’s Stanley Cup champs getting strong performances from the likes of youngsters Tyler Seguin and Brad Marchand, while the Canucks were too afraid to ice Hodgson over the likes of Swiss League pro Jeff Tambellini.

In the end, after two games, Ballard is playing comfortably on the third pairing (having played significantly less minutes than everyone but Chris Tanev), which is only noteworthy in contrast to his $4 million plus salary. When the inevitable injuries come and Ballard must play top line minutes, we shall see if he is really “peaking”.

And, of course, the real story as it relates to Hodgson will unfold only when Ryan Kesler returns to the line-up. Based on his very limited play thus far, he’s earned a spot to continue playing, but that will be at the expense of his aforementioned veteran linemates (Marco Sturm and Mikael Samuelsson). No matter how he performs in the limited sample size until Kesler’s return, the Canucks owe it to themselves to continue to give their prized prospect every chance to succeed.

10:53am
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(Notes: 1)

Filed under: Vancouver Canucks Vancouver Sun Vancouver Province Iain ManIntyre Cody Hodgson Keith Ballard Ryan Kesler Marco Sturm Mikael Samuelsson

October 5, 2011

Canucks’ Season #41 - Our Predictions and Preferences

On the eve of the Canucks’ forty first NHL season, it will be nearly impossible to top the performance of the 40th anniversary edition. That team put up not only the greatest regular season performance in franchise history, but arguably one of the best regular seasons of any team anywhere.

Don’t believe us? Well, it’s been a very long time since a team led the league in points, goals scored and fewest goals allowed. Try the New York Islanders’ dynasty of the early 1980’s. And combine that with special team play that was easily the envy of the league, another Sedin scoring title, a best defensive forward award for Ryan Kesler, and executive of the year honours for Mike Gillis and it’s hard to imagine building on that regular season success.

But really, will the faithful care? At this point, regular season winning has become old hat. Nothing but a Stanley Cup win will suffice. And nor should it. Windows of opportunity to win it all are not ever present. Opportunity is knocking. And in that regard, what are the Canucks’ chances this year?

Our previous post highlighted the possible issues that prevented this team from winning it all last season. And in our opinion, nothing has been done to address those issues. Yet. But there is plenty of time.

Given the Canucks lack of real competition in their own division, another division title is all but assured and with it will bring at least a third overall conference seeding. We think that’s a given.

Other things we expect to happen this season:

The Sedins will have another remarkable season. Consider for a moment that Henrik won a scoring title despite missing his brother for a good portion of the season two seasons ago. And consider that Daniel won the title last season despite missing Alex Burrows from their line for the opening ten games of the season (after which it took him another ten games to notch his second goal of the season). A healthy first unit to start the season could easily catapult the Sedins to the top of the charts once again.
Keith Ballard will not find his form. Again. At least, not in this environment. He may play capably with limited minutes, but don’t expect him to play to a level commensurate with his $4 million plus price tag. Whether Mike Gillis will have the gumption to do anything about it remains to be seen.
Cody Hodgson will play capably, but will not set the world on fire. That is, don’t pick him in your hockey pool.
Chris Tanev will continue his steady play and while not having the offensive upside, his cool head will earn him valuable minutes.
Sami Salo will be injured by ~~Christmas~~ ~~Halloween~~ Thanksgiving.

And, more importantly, things we’d like to see happen this season:

Given Roberto Luongo’s late playoff meltdown and admitted exhaustion by the end of it all (not to mention his iffy big game reputation), we’d like to see Cory Schneider pick up more of the regular season starts this season - getting between 30 and 40 starts himself. Come playoff time, the starting position shouldn’t be simply handed to Luongo, but awarded to whichever goalie is playing the best at the time.
Here at Critically Canuck, we’ve never held Coach Vigneault in the highest of esteem. He’s an adequate bench boss, but, in our opinion, might very well be all that is holding this team back from a Stanley Cup. Now into the second year of his three year contract extension, his leash should be short. And yanked repeatedly.
The Canucks seem determined to start this season with the same revolving door mentality they adopted last season with respect to the fourth line. Chemistry on that unit is as important as on any other. We’d like to see that situation stabilized sooner rather than later.
While everyone likes to talk about stockpiling defensive depth for another long playoff run, we’d like to see more emphasis placed on finding a physical top six forward to take some of the toll off of Ryan Kesler and Alex Burrows, who seem to consistently wear out over the course of an extended post season. And we know that’s easier said than done. We’d just like to know that someone is actually trying. And when Marco Sturm moves in when Raffi Torres moves out, we are left to wonder if anyone is…

So there you have it. We predict another successful regular season is seemingly in store, but without some attention to our wish list, we’re not planning that parade route yet…

5:45pm
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(Notes: 3)

Filed under: Alain Vigneault Alex Burrows Chris Tanev Cody Hodgson Cory Schneider Daniel Sedin Henrik Sedin Keith Ballard Marco Sturm Raffi Torres Roberto Luongo Ryan Kesler Sami Salo Sami Salo Vancouver Canucks

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