May 23, 2013
Why Alain Vigneault Deserved to be Fired

by Scott Taylor

Yesterday’s announcement of the firing of Canuck coach Alain Vigneault was certainly inevitable, though, in the minds of many, not deserved. Canuck President and General Manager Mike Gillis was sacrificing his coach to save himself many said. It is Gillis, who deserves the scrutiny many will say. And not Vigneault, the media friendly long-term coach, who has easily amassed the best coaching record in franchise history.

And certainly Gillis’ body of work requires plenty of critical appraisal at this point. And that will most certainly come. If it already hasn’t. It was obvious from Gillis’ demeanour yesterday that he is clearly feeling the heat.

But the time for a coaching change in Vancouver had long passed. Despite Vigneault’s gaudy record as Canuck boss, his day was done. Witness the following.

Complacent Canucks

Since the Stanley Cup loss to Boston two years ago, the number of sixty minute efforts expended by his squad could be counted on one hand. The President’s Trophy and divisional titles in that span were buoyed by a weak schedule and strong goaltending. We won’t go so far to say his team had tuned him out, but they had become a mostly complacent crew, fully exposed in their consecutive first round playoff exits to lower seeded opponents.

Inconsistent Player Development

During his time here, Vigneault displayed an inability to consistently nurture young talent. In the salary cap constrained world, getting contributions from young players with small salaries is paramount.

To his credit, Vigneault developed the likes of Ryan Kesler, Jannik Hansen and Chris Tanev. But more strikingly, players like Cody Hodgson and Zack Kassian could never find their way out of his doghouse. The rift with Hodgson, in fact, began when Coach Vigneault accused the rookie of faking what turned out to be a serious back injury.

Clearly, young players who were committed to defense first (like Tanev and Hansen) would be in the good books of Vigneault, while those with creative offensive instincts (Hodgson and Kassian) would be forever shackled. At yesterday’s press conference, Gillis acknowledged the importance of getting contributions from younger players going forward, a passive indictment of Vigneault’s record in that regard.

Repeated Playoff Failures

Many will remember Coach Vigneault as the man who coached the Canucks to within a game of the Stanley Cup. History will show, however, that his teams notoriously under achieved in the playoffs.

His Canuck teams played in twelve playoff series (with home ice advantage in ten of them), winning six times. More recently, they have lost ten of their last 11 playoff games despite being the favourite. And most tellingly, their playoff elimination game record during his seven years at the helm featured only eight wins in 21 attempts - a glaring signal that his team could not play their best when it mattered most.

Hired to be Fired

Finally, and most importantly, coaching changes work. The history of sport does not feature stories of immeasurable patience in your coaching staff being rewarded with championships. It simply does not happen. In fact, the opposite is typically true. Of the last ten Stanley Cup champions, the average tenure of the head coach has been two seasons. Three times in that period, the winner has featured a coach in his first season with the club.

So after seven seasons, Coach Vigneault winds up where all coaches eventually do. He had tremendous opportunity here, one that was left mostly unfulfilled. And on that basis, while amassing the best record in franchise history, will not be remembered as the greatest Canuck coach ever. By no means is he solely responsible for this organizational failure, but he is certainly the most easily accountable at this moment in time.

10:32am
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(Notes: 2)
  
Filed under: Vancouver Canucks Mike Gillis Alain Vigneault Chris Tanev Jannik Hansen Cody Hodgson Zack Kassian 
May 10, 2013
Canucks’ Mike Gillis and The Art of Damage Control

by Scott Taylor

Yesterday, Vancouver Canucks’ President and General Manager addressed the media in his annual post-season delivery. In the wake of a second straight embarrassing playoff exit, he had plenty to answer for. And did so in his typically uncomfortably smug and evasive style.

Unlike seasons’ past, his support of his coaching staff was not explicit - the foregone conclusion being that head coach Alain Vigneault (who was absent from the proceedings) will be replaced in the coming weeks.

Gillis made multiple references to this season being a “messed up” one, negatively impacting his plans in a number of ways. Apparently, the lockout (which was anticipated by everyone) impaired his ability to move Roberto Luongo. Further, the parity induced by a shortened season made for a cluttered trading market with too many buyers and not enough sellers.

These comments, true as they may be, are simply excuses for a job that was not done. Coming from the smug Gillis, this is as close to an admission of guilt as we’ll get.

He spoke of “resetting” the organization as he did when he started here five years ago. The fact is that “resetting” amounted to sticking with the blueprint of the previous regime, retaining the same head coach and core players. The success of the early Gillis years proved it was the right decision, but proving how much credit Gillis should get for it is another matter entirely.

With particular reference to the four game sweep at the hands of the San Jose Sharks, Gillis referenced the notion of “luck”. After all, the Canucks were inches from a Jannik Hansen empty net goal that would have clinched game 2 and were then torpedoed by borderline penalty calls that cost them game 4. These points are duly noted but can’t hide the fact that the team failed to win a single game. Nor was there any qualification of their ride to the 2011 Stanley Cup Final on Kevin Bieksa’s lottery like stanchion assisted game winner.

There was also reference to how the game has changed and how the Canucks must adapt to that change. Gillis spoke of this new emphasis on size and toughness as if it was some scientific revelation that could only now be completely accepted and acted upon. In fact, it’s been the modus operandi for successful playoff teams more often than not for simply generations. And has been as clear as day to anyone specifically following this team since the flame out Stanley Cup loss to Boston two years ago.

As it relates to the self-induced goaltending controversy, there was finally an admission that Roberto Luongo has “likely” played his last game in this market. And optimistically, Gillis declared that there should be more options available this summer for a Luongo exit. We can only infer that Luongo will now desperately accept a trade to anywhere.

In short, the offerings of Gillis were predictable - long on excuses and short on culpability. There was, at least, an acknowledgement that some significant things need to happen. And whether or not the relative success of the Gillis era accrues entirely to him (or previous management regimes), it appears such success will allow him another opportunity to do what needs to be done.

10:19am
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Filed under: Vancouver Canucks Mike Gillis Alain Vigneault Scott Taylor Stanley Cup Boston Bruins San Jose Sharks Jannik Hansen Kevin Bieksa 
May 8, 2013
Canucks’ Loss Exposes Lack of Leadership

by Scott Taylor

With another early playoff exit in the books, there will be the standard protestations about the coach, the general manager, the Sedins, the referees, leaky clutch goaltending, lack of secondary scoring and persistent sloppy defense. But most of all, with the Canucks crushing defeat to the San Jose Sharks, the signs of cracks in the Canuck leadership core are everywhere.

There seemed to be little respect for the opposition, a Shark team that had finished the regular season as dominantly as they had started it. The San Jose franchise, it seems, has quickly morphed from moribund underachievers to a confident veteran group now buoyed by youthful character and a commitment to sounder defensive play.

As the games of the regular season were counting down, most in Canuck nation were licking their collective chops about a match-up against the Sharks - seemingly an easier draw than the more physical and youthful Los Angeles Kings or St. Louis Blues.

How good the Sharks really are will be proven in the coming weeks, but it seems clear that the Canucks (as evidenced by their poor starts to each and every game against San Jose this series and all season, for that matter) were an ill prepared lot. To a man, this team took their opposition too lightly, an indictment of the Canuck coaching staff to be sure.

As the series progressed, the public commentary from players and coaches alike had the Canucks sounding like petulant pouters (something everyone else in the league already had them pegged for anyway).

So was it any surprise that the day after Canuck defender Kevin Bieksa openly ripped the officiating the Canucks found themselves on the receiving end of questionable calls at the most crucial times?

Make no mistake, the NHL is the most poorly officiated professional sport. And the neanderthalic old boys network that runs the game won’t be seeing the light any time soon. But there are far better ways to get your point across than publicly embarrassing guys that are simply trying to do their job.

It was a bold, desperate, but stupid play by Bieksa, one that was apparently endorsed by the Canuck organization, and one, in the short term anyway, that cost this team the series.

Of course, it wouldn’t have mattered in the end. This team was not prepared enough for what the Sharks were bringing. Nor were they determined and disciplined enough to do anything about it. Their play in the third period last night confirmed all you needed to know. At full desperation, the team finally appeared in full flight, but after nearly four games, it was simply too late.

Coach Alain Vigneault has always been one to defer to his veteran leadership group, which was clearly a mistake this time around. The consistent required urgency in their play was mostly missing. And when things didn’t go their way, the childish complaining commenced.

The loss reflects poorly on the ownership group, who, for the time being at least, don’t have to answer any more questions about exorbitantly priced playoff tickets that aren’t selling.

In the end, it would be a whole lot easier to blame this loss on shoddy goalkeeping, an ineffective penalty kill, a lack of size and grit or an aging veteran core. And while all those may apply, the bigger issue here is one of leadership, one that has arrogantly permeated from the top on down. And one that may not be simply fixed by just a coaching change.

12:21pm
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(Notes: 4)
  
Filed under: Vancouver Canucks Kevin Bieksa Alain Vigneault 
February 27, 2013
For the Canucks, Same Old Stories

Ryan Kesler is hurt.  Again.  Zack Kassian is back in the doghouse.  And, the infinitely spinning goalie carousel does just that.

Kesler, whose performance had faded after an initial promising return from his latest round of injury woes, has broken a bone in his foot.  The injury occurred last week in Dallas, explaining the former all-star center’s struggles in the past few games.

What has to be quite disturbing to all is that Kesler has morphed into the injury riddled Sami Salo.  It is not like he’s had a chronic problem ailing him the last couple of seasons, instead suffering all manner of seemingly unrelated injuries - hips, wrist, shoulder and now foot.  

It is becoming clear that the feisty straw that stirs the drink may never appear in the line-up consistently enough to have the required impact.  It is impossible to imagine this Canuck team maintaining any kind of extended success without a healthy Kesler.

Earlier this season, with both Kesler and David Booth out of the line-up, Zack Kassian saw some first line minutes and played well enough to deserve more of them.  But instead, he has found himself in Alain Vigneault’s doghouse once again. Things bottomed out last night as the robust winger saw only six minutes of ice time.

Contrast that to Buffalo’s treatment of Cody Hodgson, the player controversially dealt in exchange for Kassian last season. This season, Hodgson has played over 20 minutes most nights and never less than 17 in a single game.

It is really hard to tell exactly what the plan is for Kassian, notably a year younger than the man he will be forever compared to.  But he certainly looked comfortable and effective playing top line minutes earlier this season, bringing his unique combination of skill and sandpaper as advertised.

Now he is back to patrolling the fourth line - a lose/lose proposition if there ever was one.  Is it any coincidence that the Canucks’ poorest play this season has corresponded with the times when Kassian’s ice-time has been reduced? If there is an upside to the Kesler injury, it would be the chance for Kassian to get more minutes again.

Based on Cory Schneider’s post game comments last night, he is clearly bristling from something.  Whether he’s unhappy with his recent inconsistent play or the ongoing melodrama of who’s the number one keeper in this market is not clear.  But it’s not an optimal situation obviously.

We’ve been adamant, ever since it appeared that this market couldn’t accommodate both of these elite keepers, that Luongo should be moved sooner rather than later.

We reiterate that 33 year-old netminders don’t appreciate.  The Canucks have gambled on this matter, waiting until situations force the hands of other teams into desperate positions.  The opposite, unfortunately, is now true.

Chicago seemingly can’t lose with their current goaltending tandem.  The Leafs are off to their best start in a decade.  The cash strapped Florida Panthers have wisely opted to play their prized prospect between the pipes.  And the Oilers are happy to ride Devan Dubnyk, their goalie of the future who is finally delivering consistently.

So where there was once a number of potential suitors for Luongo, it’s hard to find more than one now, the perpetually goaltending challenged Flyers being the only logical destination.

As the injuries mount and the Canucks struggle, the luxury of two elite starting goaltenders is becoming stupidly extravagant.  Worse yet, the Canucks may no longer be bargaining from a position of strength.

Further, the commitment to the development of the Canucks’ two cornerstone players of the future, Kassian and Schneider, ought to be consistent. Kassian seems to possess a demeanour and skill set that should be of value each and every night. And Schneider, as the proclaimed number one goalie during the off-season, should get the same chance his predecessor did to get his game on track.

One thing is for sure, should the Canucks continue to struggle in the coming weeks, the pressure on Mike Gillis may finally reach a tipping point, forcing the organizational flip-flopping to end.

4:46pm
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(Notes: 1)
  
Filed under: Ryan Kesler Zack Kassian Sami Salo Vancouver Canucks David Booth Alain Vigneault Cody Hodgson 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 
May 23, 2012
Gillis Stands By His Man

In breaking but hardly surprising news, it was announced today that Canuck General Manager Mike Gillis has extended the contract of his coach, Alain Vigneault, for two more seasons.  This means that Vigneault will be on the payroll until the end of the 2014-15 season, by which point he will have served nine years as the Canucks’ bench boss. 

Once Gillis’ contract was extended by ownership, it was only a matter of time before the same was done for Vigneault.  The only way the back-to-back Presidents’ Trophy winning coach was going to lose his job was if the Canucks ownership made the radical decision to jettison Gillis.  In the immediate wake of this disappointing season, Gillis made it clear that Vigneault was his guy.  And it was quite clear that Gillis was not about to be bullied by ownership into axing his coach.

Vigneault is the coach with the fourth longest tenure of current NHL bench bosses, trailing only Lindy Ruff (14 seasons), Barry Trotz (13) and Mike Babcock (7).  Between their combined 40 seasons of consecutive coaching, there is one single Stanley Cup win (Babcock).

You will note that this season’s winning Cup team will be either New Jersey (whose coach Peter DeBoer is in his first season), New York Rangers (where John Tortorella has completed 3.5 seasons after winning a Cup in Tampa Bay) or Los Angeles (where veteran coach Daryl Sutter has coached only half a season).  Clearly, coaching changes work.

We’ve outlined in a previous post why we think the Canucks should have parted ways with Vigneault.  Yes, he deserves tremendous credit for the record breaking regular season of two seasons ago, where he was able to motivate his team to play pedal to the metal for nearly the entire season.  But this season his team rarely did that.  The successful President’s Trophy defense was a result of a soft schedule and spectacular goaltending.  And nothing more.  The efforts of Vigneault were mostly inconsequential to a team that appeared to be saving themselves for another playoff run.

And while Vigneault apologists will point to the fact that the team (the Kings) that knocked the Canucks out has lost only one game since, that is plainly loser talk.  The Canucks were not as prepared to play as the Kings despite seemingly having all that playoff experience.  Ultimately, despite consistently strong regular seasons, Vigneault’s clubs have failed most miserably in playoff elimination games (8 wins versus 12 losses) and that should be the ultimate tale of the tape on his run in Vancouver.

When the Aquilinis assumed ownership of the Canucks, they publicly declared that the Stanley Cup was the goal.  Successful regular seasons were clearly not enough.  So in a market that craves its first championship, why is this team following the track record of small market franchises like Buffalo or Nashville, who are looking only to consistently compete, but not contend?  It’s quite fair to say the performances of both Barry Trotz and Lindy Ruff have been notable for getting more with less.  Their teams were rarely considered Cup contenders.  Meanwhile, this edition of the Canucks has been considered a Cup contender for four seasons running without anything to show for it.  In the end, we’re not surprised that Gillis has re-upped his award winning coach, though we will be shocked should Vigneault ever deliver the ultimate prize.

4:14pm
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(Notes: 1)
  
Filed under: Vancouver Canucks Alain Vigneault Mike Gillis 
May 3, 2012
The Canucks in Review - A Reader Submission

One of our loyal readers (dirtbikes4me) has put together an impressive review of this Canucks’ season, which we are taking the liberty of posting here.  At Critically Canuck, we are we, and not always me.  Though yours truly has also taken the liberty of inserting comments because me is also we.

Apologies for the extended commentary, I hope I’m not overstepping here.

You are not.  We welcome the passionate, but critically minded feedback from everyone.  It’s difficult to separate your heart from head sometimes, but that’s the kind of process we like to see.

Like many of you, I gauge the performance of the Canucks each season by their playoff success. This season, well, we all know what happened. The Canucks uninspired and early exit from the playoffs is simply a convergence of several
negative issues all at one time. Last year’s run proved the opposite as many positive situations converged to make a run all the way to a game 7 final.

Yes, it is quite easy to find much good fortune in what happened last season.  Which can only mean that expectations for this season may have been a little too high.

Ultimately, however disastrous the final out-come of this past season, there still exists a plethora of “What if?” scenarios. Just for some fun, imagine if Luongo started that game in Boston and he ‘soiled the mattress’ so to speak.  Or Cody Hodgson was not traded. What if Daniel hadn’t had his head handed to him on the end of a viscous elbow? What if Luongo and Schnieder played like average goalies over the season or in the playoffs?

If Luongo or Schneider had struggled for any significant stretches, this team would have been simply struggling to make the playoffs - forget about a top seeding.  As easy as it is to ventilate Gillis for the Hodgson deal, the outcome for this season would have been the same, if only slightly deferred.

The commonly held belief is that Vancouver simply lacked in scoring generated by grit. It is one thing to score on the rush, but if the team loses all the little battles on the ice, they rarely generate any earned quality offensive chances. They also seemed to lack the drive and chemistry to go deep. With the exception of the Boston game, Daniel’s return in the playoffs and the stellar net-minding of the dynamic duo, the team played uninspired hockey. I am forced to wonder if there were other factors in play within the dressing room. How well did this group gel by the end of the season? Was there enough time for the players to form bonds with their line mates?

There was certainly an urgency that was missing for pretty much the entire season.  Chalk that up to a physical and mental burnout or a coach they had tuned out.  The latter question is a very good one.  This team was seemingly trying to reinvent itself down the stretch - as much as Mike Gillis says they were not changing horses midstream, that is exactly how it appeared - what should have been an 82 game exhibition season turned into twenty instead.  Both AV and MG are accountable for that.

With Kesler and other notable Canucks ailing in the stretch, it became painfully obvious that the team also lacked in depth. It was interesting that the Canucks went 8-1-1 in their last ten games, but as we all know, only two of the final ten
games were against playoff contenders with a win in LA and an overtime loss in Chicago. Presidents trophy? Aside from the apparent benefits of securing home-ice advantage, who cares? Home-ice meant squat any-ways.

How do we know they don’t have depth?  This season should have been about getting significant ice time for young players like Hodgson (or Kassian) and Chris Tanev.  This hardly happened.  Instead AV rode his horses all season so much so that some of his best players were playing hurt by season’s end.

Here is my breakdown of this past season, playoffs and some predictions. I invite you to comment and tell me I’m totally right or totally wrong. Discuss.

Roberto Luongo Season: B+ Playoffs: B+ Stats: 31-14-8 2.41GAA .919 %

After his annual early season “crappy goaltending” phase, Luongo really kicked it into high gear. He seemed to shed some the arrogance and theatrical components to his game and his persona. I am sad to seem him go, arguably the best net-minder the Canucks ever had. Anxiously awaiting how MG will deal with this.

We can’t agree more except to add that it is time for him to go.  Given his history for volatile playoff play and the emergence of Schneider, he is placed in an impossible situation.  For his own good (and the team’s), it is time.

Cory Schneider Season: A Playoffs: A Stats: 20-8-1 1 1.96GAA .937%

The Canucks new #1? You kind of get the feeling that he is ready. Well respected team guy. Who will MG sign to back him up? My guess, MG and Schneider will agree to a front-loaded 4 year $4.25 mil per season deal. I get the feeling that he would forgo free-agency in a couple of years to stay with this team while the window of the core group is still open to contend.

He’s the new number one, for sure.  It’s not like he has a say in it either.  He can’t go anywhere else yet.  What will be most interesting will be the length of the contract.  The team will want something long. Schneider, no matter the amount of money, will likely want to have the option for an exit in the short term.  After all, he’s witnessed first hand how hard this market is for a goalie.

Daniel Season: C+ Playoffs: B 72 gp 67 pts

Just under a point a game pace, this past season was lack-lustre for Daniel. Barring injury, he will bounce back next year if the Canucks can get an Erhoff style D, the ref’s start calling the game properly and the Canucks can capitalize on the ensuing power-play chances.

We suspect that Daniel and Henrik will continue to be productive for the long term, perhaps not to the levels of past years, but certainly at a point per game pace.  These guys simply have too much pride to rest on their laurels.  Further, their success has been owing more to the cerebral than it has the physical so the aging process shouldn’t hamper them as much as it would others.

Henrik Season: B Playoffs: B+ 82gp 81 pts

Overall, even at a point a game, Henrik had his struggles this season, never a big goal-scoring threat anyway, he seemed to lose some of his scoring touch this season,though he managed a couple in 5 playoff games, including 3 assists.
Like Daniel, with a reffing clampdown, the addition of a true power-play quarterback, Henrik will score 20+ goals next season. I do worry about Henrik’s / the teams reliance on Daniel, but that really speaks to a lack of depth.

It is hard to believe that Cody Hodson’s desire for ice time couldn’t have been satiated by what happened down the stretch this season, whether it was due to the struggling Kesler or the injured Daniel, he could have had ice time aplenty.

Burrows Season: B Playoffs: C- 80gp 52pts

A respectable season for a first-liner, finishing second to Hamhuis +29 with a +24 on the season. Going into the final season of his bargain contract, and if he sticks with the twins, I’m guessing a 65+pt campaign. Like many of his line-mates, he disappeared in the playoffs. I wonder if AV’s line-juggling was the cause or if Burrows simply ran out of gas.

Burrows is one of those guys who gets the most out of himself every game.  His success owes almost entirely to his determination.  It’s sometime hard to raise that bar at playoff time.  The big question about Burrows will be how he fits in the salary structure in the longer term.  How much of a discount would he be prepared to take at the end of next season?  He’s never made the big money.  You couldn’t excuse him for chasing it then.  On that basis, he should be considered as prime trade bait.

Kesler Season: C Playoffs: C+ 77gp 49pts

He came back to early, and played hurt or less than 100% all season. Irreplaceable second line center. His NTC is going to kick-in because he is here for the long-haul. If he given some line-mates, gets and stays healthy, expect a 65+pt season. Booth, a deeply religious guy with a pentchant for killing bears for trophies, and Kesler with his modeling / partying ways, didn’t seem like they had any chemistry.
The revolving third spot on the line needs to be solidified.

Injuries aside, it just might be that Kesler’s previous season was the high water mark, never to be touched again.  Not that the alternative is a bad thing.  Someone at the coaching or management level needs to step in and insist that this guy respect his body more.  Take the time to heal yourself for the good of us all.  He is really that thick headed?

Booth Season: C- Playoffs: D 56gp 29pts

I would say a total bust of a season. Showed flashes of strength and skill, but failed to live up to the hype. 3 more years left on a pricey contract. I guess the upside is, if he can find his groove with Kesler, and stays healthy, I would hope to see 55+pts from this guy. Anything less during this up-coming season, and the Booth experiment should be considered a failure. As for the playoffs, again, another top 6 guy that was MIA.

Frankly, Booth sucks.  His hockey IQ is so low, he makes Russ Courtnall look like an egghead.  Flash.  Dash.  No finish.  No defense.  No play making.  And lots of money tied up in him. 

Higgins Season: B Playoffs: D- 71gp 43pts

Arguably the most consistent forward this past season, Higgins seemed to play beyond expectations, however if penciled in as a second line guy, he will still need to improve. He was tied for a team-worst -3 through 5 playoff games. Given that he is in the final year of his contract next season, if he can control his staff infections, and play-out a full season, I think he can reach the 55pt club. This assumes that he plays in a top-six role.

Well said, this guy gets a pass for a miserable playoff.  We know he’s got playoff game after last season’s run.  And he endured a lot this season and prevailed otherwise.

Edler Season: C+ Playoffs: D 82gp 49pts

AV simply played this guy to much this past season. Despite scoring 2 goals during 5 playoff games, Edler simply ran out of gas and as a result, sucked-it hard. Tied for fourth in scoring during the season, Edler finished with a +/- of 0.  Playing what seemed to be 207 minutes per game, it was no surprise that he managed 49pts. Conditioning and less minutes will lead to a better playoff run next year. Edler to me was the most frustrating player in the post-season, too many brain-farts. He is going into the final year of his contract, so I see him matching his point total from last season, and a greatly improved playoff performance. It certainly can’t get any worse.

At the season’s midpoint, we claimed that the inconsistent Edler was not going to be the next Scott Stevens, but at least, he wasn’t the next Michel Petit.  We take that back.  All the tools, but no tool box.

Hansen Season: B+ Playoffs: C+ 82gp 39pts

I really liked Hansen’s play this year. He is only one of a few Canucks this season to have truly earned his contract. He was one of the few with energy during the playoffs, but was not enough of a difference maker. I see him as a potential second liner, as he consistently plays with a style of someone with something to prove. If he is allowed to break-out, he could hit 50pts.

It looked like the Danish Dash was going to validate our twenty goal prediction, but he fell just short.  Like you’ve noted, was arguably (not that it’s saying much) the Canucks’ best all around playoff performer.

Raymond Season: C Playoffs: D 55gp 20pts

0.36 points per game average will not get it done as a second liner or a third liner. Coming of a broken back, he deserves some credit and slack, but the RFA is in limbo. GMMG did indicate in his end-of -season presser that Raymond is still
part of the Canuck’s plans. This seems to however fly in the face of MG’s opinion that the club needs to upgrade with size and strength. Whatever the case, for Raymond to stick around, he will have to except a short-term deal with a pay-cut. Raymond will have to seriously work-out in the off-season and work very hard to try to find his timing again if he is to have any success with the Canucks or any team in the up-coming season.

Raymond is done in Vancouver.  There is speculation that the Canucks might sign him and deal him, but if there was any market for him, they would have done so at the deadline.  While it’s easy to say that he should get a free pass after the horrible back injury, we forget that he sucked for all of last season, too.  Like another previous ladies’ favourite in this town, Taylor Pyatt, he doesn’t seem to have the gumption to compete consistently at the NHL level.

Lapierre Season: C+ Playoffs: C 82gp 19pts

Like Hansen, I thought Lapierre had a good year. He proved to be a versatile third and fourth liner, and often provided the team with a boost of energy when others could not. He is going into the last year of his deal at $1million per, so I see
him doing just slightly better with 25pts. A good character / depth guy.

Fully agreed.  When AV had him playing on the first line, that was the death knell on this season.  Seriously, guys that have bounced around the league for years as character depth guys don’t all of a sudden become first liners on elite teams.  Even if they are French.

Malhotra Season: C Playoffs: C- 78gp 18pts

In the final year of his contract, I don’t see much in the way of Malhotra improving from last season. Great in the face-off circle, but not much beyond that. Like Raymond, he deserves some slack. Malhotra is greatly respected in the dressing room, but is nearing the twilight of his career. I can see him traded this off-season as the face-off specialist experiment seems to have failed, if not, he will stay on the fourth line.

Ah yes, the one-eyed one trick pony.  Sorry, that’s cruel.  He deserved a better fate this season.  But unless he is really as valuable in the room as everyone makes him out to be, he should be moved if at all possible.

Salo Season: C+ Playoffs: D- 69gp 25pts

Too many factors yet to be determined before Salo gets re-signed in Vancouver. He had a good, carefully managed regular season, but had 0 points and was a -3 in the playoffs. If AV sticks around, Salo likely will not. He was worth his 2 million last season, and stands to get a small raise. This might not fit with MG’s plans.

Salo could be better utilized we think.  As the playoffs showed, when the play is amped up, he looks like an old man.  Which he is.  But for a team that was lacking a power play quarterback, he didn’t get much time there.  We’d like to see him retained, playing 50 to 60 games, most of it on the power play.  It’s called the Paul Reinhart special and it worked wonders back in the day. 

Bieksa Season: C+ Playoffs: C 78gp 44pts

Decent season for a top-four guy, played hurt at the end of the season and through the playoffs. Vancouver’s #1 paid D-man needs to take it to the next level. His play is almost indicative of a player deemed as over-rated. If he is healthy, this guy can do it. But will he?

Bieksa gets too much criticism in this market.  The problem is not with him, but with the Canucks lacking a true number one defenseman.  Bieksa is not it.  Neither is Dan Hamhuis.  Nor Alex Edler.  If Bieksa is manning your second pairing, all is good. 

Hamhuis Season: C+ Playoffs: B 82gp 37pts

Imagine if Webber signed with Van and partnered with Hamhuis. A consistent, healthy season is what Hamhuis brought with a decent playoff effort. If his concussions are a thing of the past, I can see a repeat next year with +40pts.

Bang on.  Hamhuis is perfect to play the silent steady partner to an elite defender.

Ballard Season: C Playoffs: C 47gp 7pts

Overpaid and underachiever. Gillis must move this contract this off-season. If AV stays, I can’t see Ballard as anything but a top 7 or 8 d-man. $4.2 per season for 3 more years is just to much money.

It’s easy dump on Ballard for underachieving, but his coach has done a nice job of putting him in situations where he can only look bad.  How this guy gets no power play time, while the likes of Dan Hamhuis does, is just bizarre.  As much as Gillis may have overestimated Ballard’s potential, Alain Vigneault has done everything to make Ballard (and thus Gillis) look bad.

Rome Season: C+ Playoffs: C 43gp 10pts

Can AV’s favourite guy overcome injury? One game in the playoffs finishing with a 0 +/- rating. He may command a hefty price as a UFA going into this summer. Van may benefit from a discounted contract if Rome is willing.

A perfect depth guy we’d think, but like you’ve noted, the price may not be right.

Tanev Season: C+ Playoffs: C 25gp 2 pts

An RFA this summer, Van will qualify and sign him this summer. With a respectable rookie campaign, young with veteran smarts, Tanev will get signed by Van.

There is much to like here.  And while there is talk of areas he needs to improve, there is nothing wrong with what he brings - consistent, near mistake free play.

Alberts Season: C 44gp 4pts

One final year left on his contract, this depth player will look to elevate his game.

To us, he and Rome are somewhat redundant.  Rome is a little more versatile, but can’t see the need for both with Gragnani and Kevin Connauton in the system.

Pahlsson Season: C Playoffs C- 19gp 6pts

I just don’t see this UFA coming back, certainly not with a contract worth more than $1.25 million per.

We’ve always thought he was overrated.  Defensively sound play at forward is not rocket science.  It can be learned by anyone that is determined to do so.  Let’s see someone with some upside.

As for Ebbett, Weise, Volpatti and Bitz, your guess is as good as mine with what will happen with these guys. I guess as a RFA, Weise will be the most likely to stay, along with resigning UFA Ebbett.

We’re not sold on Ebbett.  Yes, a decent skill guy, but the way the league has regressed, that may not mean much.  And doesn’t Jordan Schroeder fit that bill anyway? We liked what we saw from Volpatti.  As for Bitz, the guy just can’t stay healthy.

Kassian The jury’s still out. Hope he pans out as MG expects him too.

It’s clear what the attraction is with Kassian.  He’s a big boy and can skate.  But we truly expected some meanness.  There was none.  That’s disturbing.  Even when Cam Neely struggled here in his youth, you could tell he was nasty.  And even Jim Sandlak would occasionally awake from his slumber and pound someone.  The common excuse is his youth.  But geez, isn’t that when you’ve got the most angst?

Gragnani RFA, hard to tell what will happen here. He’s a young player with potential according to some hockey analysts.

He’s certainly smooth.  But soft.  Really soft.

GM Gillis I can’t see FA replacing Gillis at this time. After-all, the club finished first overall with a very respectable 51-22-9 record. With the pending Luongo situation, 11 UFA’s and 8 RFA’s to deal with this off-season with the main and minor-league club, it would seem to much of a risk to bring in someone new to the helm at this time. I also see AV starting next season with the club, though I suspect that he will be on a very short leash as expectations will be much higher to get off to a good start to the season. GMMG is facing his toughest off-season challenges to date. How he navigates this time will ultimately determine if he gets an extension before the new-year.

We found Gillis’ season ending support of AV to be surprisingly strong.  As a GM, that’s your first card to play when adversity strikes.  And he seems to be prepared to stand by his man even if it means losing his job?  Wow.  Whatever Rick Ley had on Pat Quinn, AV seemingly has on MG.

AV If Gillis stays on as GM, I can’t imagine that AV will be let go this off-season. Again, AV and MG guided the team to first overall, that has to mean something. If AV can manage to guide the club to a strong start of the season, I would say he has a good chance of coaching the team into next-year’s playoffs. Ultimately, it is up to GMMG as to the tools he gives AV to make it work. If AV and the team get off to a bad start, look to see AV replaced before December. Though unfounded and denied by the great-one himself, rumours have been circulating that Gretzky and FA have shown an interest in possibly working together. It what capacity that would be is not clear, however imagine Gretzky replacing AV and Mac T replacing Bowness. I’d be curious to know if GMMG has any type of history with Gretzky. I am one of those guys who believe if there is smoke, there is generally some fire.

Wow, that’s a rumour we had not heard.  The Canucks’ window of opportunity to work with Gretzky should have closed when they gave him that midnight ultimatum as a pending free agent signing all those years ago.  The Great One hasn’t shown that he’s got a superior intellect for managing a hockey team.  Please say this isn’t true.

It’s hard to believe that a competitor like Gillis would walk away from a job that is still undone.  If he does not return, that will reflect most poorly on ownership.

As for Hodgson, if what MG says istrue, then it is what it is and it is up to Kassian to show if MG made the right decision or not in acquiring him at the trade deadline. Remember, when Mogilny was acquired, it was soon learned that he was considered a ‘cancer’ in the dressing room, and if memory serves me correctly, the 95’ and beyond Canucks declined after their amazing 94’ cup run (one could argue that not only was the team lacking skill in 1995 and beyond, but lacked good chemistry also). If Hodgson’s actions were a legitimate distraction for the club, then all MG should be judged by is if he traded Hodgson to early.

We think that MG’s throwing of Hodgson under the bus is completely classless no matter what happened.  There are two sides to every story and Hodgson is not talking.  But we know two things.  Gillis drafted Hodgson on the basis that he had remarkable character.  And Hodgson had his coach publicly proclaim that he was a malingerer, when he was actually suffering from a serious injury.  So either Gillis erred badly in his estimation of Hodgson OR the team owed him an acceptable apology (one he obviously didn’t get) for the “misunderstanding” about his injury.  Much like when Pavel Bure left town, the management group has done too much to make the player look like the villain.  It’s lame.

Any-ways, sorry for the long manuscript, it has been quiet on the board lately, so hopefully my input can generate some comments or opinions.

Thanks for contributing.  Please continue to do so.

On an unrelated topic, the NHL player that I hate right now is D. Brown.

Indeed.  Hard to believe that he might have been had at the trading deadline.



10:48am
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(Notes: 2)
  
Filed under: Vancouver Canucks Mike Gillis Alain Vigneault 
May 2, 2012
For the Canucks, AV or Not AV, that is the Question…

As the space in time between the end of a disappointing season and an official word from Canucks’ coach Alain Vigneault gets longer, his status becomes only more questionable.

In the season ending Mike Gillis press conference, the general manager seemingly had the back of his coach, one that he inherited upon his arrival in Vancouver. And one that has put up consecutive President’s Trophy awards, not to mention that brush with the ultimate prize last June.

It’s easy to rattle of his remarkable regular season record in Vancouver.  It is, by far, the best in team history.  And the best in the NHL over the last handful of seasons.  And successful teams don’t fire their coaches, do they?

But here’s why this one should.

After last year’s exhilarating, but ultimately heart-breaking season, this regular season was to be entirely about honing the Canucks’ game for another deep playoff run. 

In short, with another divisional title assured before the season even started, this regular season was simply an 82 game exhibition. 

This new version of the Canucks included a mix of bigger and more physical forwards (notably Zack Kassian and Byron Bitz) and would feature a bonafide shutdown line with Cup winning Samme Pahlsson holding down a new third line.  And after getting burned out by the Bruins superior forward depth, the Canucks were to feature a fourth line that could play in the post-season.  And with some players coming off of significant injuries, notably Ryan Kesler, there was to be no urgency for their return.  It was all about being ready for puck drop in mid-April.

But this team was not ready.  What we saw in the playoffs was what we saw in the regular season - featuring only brief spurts of confident aggressive play and mostly brutal defensive zone coverage only saved by spectacular goaltending. 

Coach Vigneault had placed his supposed size and grit in the press box.  And the remodeled fourth line was playing five minutes per night.  And, for crying out loud, he didn’t even know who to play on his first line (witness the witless David Booth playing with Sedins?).

And, of course, we discovered that Ryan Kesler had been hurt.  Again.  Possibly for months.  And that he came back too early from last season’s injury.  And Kevin Bieksa was playing hurt, too - the season-ending maintenance days seemingly not enough.  Why were these guys getting all that pre-season regular season ice time if they weren’t well?

And what about Cody Hodgson?  The supposed malcontent who was taking up all of Mike Gillis’ time.  Yes, the decision to trade him rested with Gillis, but if you sort through that mess, you’ll see that the trouble started when Coach Vigneault labeled the prized prospect as a malingerer for faking what was really a serious injury.  What young man wouldn’t be crushed by that?

Some might say that Alain Vigneault is one of the best coaches around.  Some might say he’s simply the luckiest.  He survived a change in management regime here in Vancouver, something that most head coaches never do.  And his subsequent streaky regular season record had him on the cusp of disaster more than once.  And he was a Roberto Luongo game 7 overtime save away from getting fired last season when his Canucks nearly blew a 3-0 lead to the Hawks.

For this team, it’s about right now.  They are contenders.  It’s about showing up for big games - being completely prepared when the stakes are highest. 

After last season’s blowing of 2-0 and then 3-2 Stanley Cup Finals leads, we drew your attention to Alain Vigneault’s shoddy playoff elimination game record. It now stands at eight wins and twelve losses. 

If the coach isn’t accountable for his team playing their best when it matters most, who is?

11:05am
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(Notes: 1)
  
Filed under: Vancouver Canucks Alain Vigneault Mike Gillis