September 7, 2011
RIP, Pavol Demitra

Who knew that blogging about the Canucks would morph into obituary writing?  In the wake of the passing of Rick Rypien, the Canuck family is now left to mourn Pavol Demitra, one of the many victims of a tragic Russian plane crash.

Demitra, who was mostly enigmatic during his days in Vancouver, will be best remembered in this town not for his play with the Canucks, but his outstanding performance for his home country of Slovakia during the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. 

Indeed, when it came to his play in a Vancouver uniform, Pavol was most notable for being a dead (excuse the pun) ringer for notorious underacheiver Jan Bulis.

In the end, those close to him are saying all the right things about his character at this tragic time.  And clearly, his former agent and friend Mike Gillis held Demitra in very high esteem.  From a fan’s perspective, he was a skillful and intelligent hockey player.

While his performance in Vancouver was disappointing to most, history will show that he had a very successful NHL career, compiling nearly a point per game in an 800 plus game career (at the height of the dead puck era no less).  And perhaps, even more remarkably, over the final 13 seasons of his career, he didn’t post a single season with a negative plus minus.

Amongst him countrymen, he will be remembered for playing with passion and skill whenever representing his nation - his tournament leading performance in the twilight of his career being the crowning achievement on an impressive international hockey resume.

RIP, Jan Bulis Pavol Demitra.

7:31pm
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(Notes: 2)
  
Filed under: Vancouver Canucks Rick Rypien Pavol Demitra Jan Bulis Mike Gillis 
August 17, 2011
RIP, Ripper

Old news, indeed, but we join in offering our condolences to family and friends of ex-Canuck forward Rick Rypien.  On the ice, he was known for his complete fearlessness, throwing his undersized body at all takers and commonly rated, pound-for-pound, among the league’s toughest players.

Off the ice was another story indeed.  Before his untimely passing and despite his well-intentioned efforts to add some much needed toughness to an often punch-less Canuck attack, he was mostly remembered in Vancouver for a seemingly never ending run of absences for “personal reasons”.  At the time, the usual rumours of substance abuse or mental health issues made the rounds.   

And in the wake of his tragic death, there will be plenty written, again, about the role of the “goon” in hockey.  Not that his hockey skills should be diminished to that narrow classification, but Rick Rypien’s name can now be added to the roll-call of the troubled that have passed before - John Kordic, Bob Probert, and most recently, Derek Boogaard.

But really, the bigger story here is about mental health and how our society has a strong tendency to push sufferers of mental illnesses to the fringes, and often beyond. 

Now that Rypien has passed, it has become public that he has, in fact, battled depression for 10 years.  And in the end, depression won - the pugnacious Rypien no match in the end for a disease that ravages the lives of many.

Had Rypien suffered a career threatening physical injury or fallen victim to some chronic illness (like cancer or diabetes), he would have drawn our sympathy and been celebrated for his heroic efforts to battle against it.  Suffering, instead, from a mental illness, he was absent for “personal reasons”.  And despite having the seeming full support of his employer (something the average sufferer of mental illness often doesn’t get), it still wasn’t enough.

Here’s hoping that Rick Rypien’s passing casts a light on the plight of the untold millions suffering from mental illness and doesn’t instead cast a shadow over the great game of hockey.

11:08am
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(Notes: 38)
  
Filed under: Rick Rypien Derek Boogaard John Kordic Bob Probert Vancouver Canucks 
July 8, 2011
Canuck Comings and Goings

There has been plenty going on in Canuckland since our last post, but somehow life has gotten in the way of our valued commentary.  Here is a recap:

Out’s:

Jeff Tambellini - After starting the season on an incredibly high note, he regressed completely and by playoff time was a healthy scratch.  Clearly, on a team of this calibre, his opportunities to play will be limited to third or fourth line duty which is not a good match for his skill set.

Tanner Glass - It was hard to dislike this guy; he gave you everything he had.  The trouble was that wasn’t much - an NHL effort from a guy with borderline AHL skills.  Always a favourite of coach Alain Vigneault, who will be the new teacher’s pet?

Rick Rypien - Have the Canucks ever pampered a player so much who played so little?  At any rate, the love affair is over.  When healthy (physically or mentally, take your pick), he provided speed and incredible toughness, but dependability should count for a whole lot and it seems it finally has.

Raffi Torres - It’s hard to imagine that the Canucks could have expected more of Torres.  Say what you will about his bowling ball antics, he was about the only Canuck that consistently intimidated the opposition.  Apparently, the Canucks were only prepared to do another one year deal with him.  How many more auditions must the guy give?

Christian Ehrhoff - Everyone did the right thing here.  The Canucks offered him fair money in relation to how their defense is currently configured.  And Ehrhoff has found himself on a good young team with $40 million in his pocket.  We’ll miss his power play skills, but not his purse swinging.

Alexandre Bolduc - One of a lengthy cast of characters who played portions of the season on the fourth line, the wonky shouldered francophone provided size but little else.

Guillaume Desbiens - See Alexandre Bolduc, replace “wonky shouldered” with “wonky handed”. 

In’s:

Marco Sturm - For the money, he is a reasonable gamble.  He has the skill set to play on the top two lines, but does nothing to address the ever present issue of size and grit.

Andrew Ebbett - The Canucks become his sixth NHL team in his very brief career.  This move is a head scratcher.  Not only does this acquisition move Cody Hodgson to sixth on the depth chart at centre ice (at least in terms of NHL experience), Ebbett is a tiny skill player.

Mark Mancari - From the Buffalo system, he provides size and a shot.  Along with Ebbett, likely to spend the year on the farm team.

Steven Pinizzotto - An agitating winger who at age 27 has yet to play his first NHL game, the advance press is that he provides a Brad Marchand like pestiness though we say don’t believe the hype.

Alexander Sulzer - A German defender who has played roughly a full season at the NHL level, Sulzer is being added to provide depth to the defense.

Matt Climie - A goaltending prospect from the Coyotes system, we’ll bet that he never plays an NHL game with the Canucks.

After these moves, the Canucks’ talent and toughness have been depleted and with little left in the over priced free agent market, any improvements will have to occur via trade.

10:31am
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(Notes: 8)
  
Filed under: Vancouver Canucks Jeff Tambellini Tanner Glass Rick Rypien Raffi Torres Christian Ehrhoff Alexandre Bolduc Guillaume Desbiens Marco Sturm Andrew Ebbett Mark Mancari Steven Pinizzotto Alexander Sulzer Matt Climie 
June 19, 2011
Canucks’ Nine Men Out {Poll Question}

With the Canucks’ longest season ever finally over, the off season will seem incredibly brief.  And for Mike Gillis and staff, there is literally no time to pause; they must get down to business now.  On July 1, nine of the Canucks will become unrestricted free agents, meaning they are able to sign with any other team.  You would think that given this season’s success, the team will want to retain a good number of them.

So for a moment, pretend you are Mike Gills; throwing aside any salary cap considerations, who would you retain?  You may make more than one selection.

7:12pm
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(Notes: 2)
  
Filed under: Vancouver Canucks Rick Rypien Tanner Glass Kevin Bieksa Andrew Alberts Christian Ehrhoff Jeff Tambellini Sami Salo Raffi Torres Chris Higgins 
April 24, 2011
Game 6, Canucks and Hawks - It’s Now or Never

Tonight marks the most important game of this season and likely the most important game of the Mike Gillis era to date.

While those with both feet still planted firmly on the bandwagon will insist that the Canucks have two more kicks at the Black Hawks, the simple fact is tonight is truly do or die.

Over the course of the last three post seasons, Chicago has routinely had their way with the Canucks in Vancouver so it only stands to reason that our boys need to win tonight saving themselves from having to defend their shaky honour on their home turf in front of the frantic faithful.

Right now, the Canucks can seize the “us versus the world” mentality that so often can make a difference come playoff time.  Their nervous fanbase (who have been conditioned to nothing else) awaits them at home for Game 7, ready to boo the team out of the rink at the slightest faltering. 

Meanwhile, the Canucks’ tormentors are making out like they’ve got them right where they want them.  The Canucks are the favourite and face all the pressure, while the defending champs are just hitting their stride and welcoming back Brent Seabrook, the player on the receiving end of the series’ turning point. 

And, of course, there are the forces emanating from the NHL ivory tower, who would have little interest in seeing a Canadian market (no matter how star riddled) knockout the defending champs from one of the biggest US markets. 

And if that all weren’t enough, there’s the cheeky (and chubby) face of Vince Vaughn welcoming the Canuck players every time they retreat to their bench.  Maybe it’s time to bring back Rick Rypien; someone is in need of a bitch slap.

Seriously though, the beleaguered Canucks seem to be taking all this in stride.  There are no signs of panic.  And there are apparently no dramatic roster changes in the offing.  Tonight will be the proof in the playoff pudding.  Are they simply lambs being led to slaughter one more time again?  Or are things different this time around?  Has the calm, cool and confident demeanour of their general manager finally managed to permeate down to the minds of those on the front lines?

Time will certainly tell if this Easter Sunday dinner will be remembered in Vancouver as the Canucks’ last supper or a spiritual rebirth for them and their suffering masses…

12:53pm
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Filed under: Chicago Black Hawks Vancouver Canucks Vince Vaughn Rick Rypien 
January 17, 2011
CC’s Figures and Facts

Today we’ll be starting what we hope will be a weekly feature around here (at least during the regular season and playoffs), our “Figures and Facts”.

FIGURE - Fourth line centre Alexandre Bolduc has separated his shoulder for the third time in two seasons. Remarkably, he separated his shoulder this time while taking a face-off.

FACT - Bolduc, at this rate, is making Sami Salo and Rick Rypien look like ironmen.  He must be related to another chronic Canuck shoulder separator, Alek Stojanov.  There will be no trading Bolduc for the next Markus Naslund, however. 

FIGURE - The Canucks have been shut-out in two of their last three games.

FACT - The ride on the bandwagon is getting a little bumpy despite the Canucks still clinging to their first overall status.  But what do you expect, after 40 years of more teasing than tantalizing, this is the conditioned response when the going gets tough.

FIGURE - Lifted from today’s Vancouver Province, seven of the Canucks top nine forwards have gone at least 9 games without a goal.

FACT - A cause for panic for some, the Canucks, for the most part, have continued to win despite the lack of scoring from anyone not not named Daniel or Ryan.  One thing is certain, it won’t go on for another 9 games (or one).

FIGURE - Cory Scheider’s save percentage in his first 10 starts (of which he lost none in regulation) was a very impressive .925.  In his last two starts (both regulation losses) it was a still impressive .917.

FACT - Goal support has more to do with a goalie’s win-loss record than anything else (over 4 goals per game in his first 10 and zero in his last two).

FIGURE - With Bolduc sidelined again, the Canucks are back to having three NHL centres on their active roster.

FACT - This should be Cody Hodgson’s time.

FIGURE - Two defensemen have been injured in the last two games, making a total of three defenders (including the ubiquitous Sami Salo) unavailable for play.

FACT - The hysteria about how to accomodate Salo’s impending (?) return can abate for just a little while.

Thanks for playing.

12:49pm
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Filed under: Vancouver Canucks Sami Salo Rick Rypien Alek Stojanov Markus Naslund Cory Schneider Cody Hodgson 
January 3, 2011
Canucks’ Credit, Who Gets It?

With their New Year’s Eve road victory over Dallas, the Canucks finished up the year 2010 with an amazing regular season record of 48-20-9.  That’s a winning percentage of .682 - easily the best twelve months of regular season success ever for the franchise.  And after a couple of more wins to start 2011, the team finds itself perched atop the NHL standings.

As our followers know, we will not hesitate to pull the trigger when playing the blame game.  So what about now?  Who gets the credit for this sustained run of regular season dominance?

The easy answer, of course, is Mike Gillis.  After all, he inherited a team that had missed the playoffs twice in three years and is now on the verge of watching his team capture its third straight division crown and, quite possibly, much more.

When you look at the roster that has contributed to the extended run of current success, you will notice that the top three forwards (the Sedins and Ryan Kesler) were draft picks of the Brian Burke era.  As was Kevin Bieksa, this year’s comeback player of the year in the minds of many.  We’re sure Toronto fans are wondering why he didn’t take this build-through-the-draft strategy with him there instead of pulling a Phil Kessel quick fix.  At any rate, we’re quite happy about it.

Digging a little deeper you’ll see that Alex Edler, Mason Raymond, Jannik Hansen and Cory Schneider (all key players in this vintage Canuck edition) were all draft picks of Dave Nonis - a man whose drafting record was roundly criticized.  And of course, the backbone of this team, Roberto Luongo, was received by Nonis for the combustible Todd Bertuzzi (in a trade offer that no one would have refused).  Combine that with his free agent signings of Alex Burrows and Rick Rypien and it’s quite clear that the core of this team was present before Gillis arrived on the scene.

Even the head coach, Alain Vigneault, was a Dave Nonis hire for crying out loud.

Don’t for a moment think that we are pining for yesteryear - we were driving the “fire Dave Nonis bus” as much as anyone.  Gillis has been able to do what Nonis was not - he has made Vancouver a desirable destination for players, despite the difficult travel schedule and fishbowl atmosphere.  Further, he has reworked the team’s back end while adding the right mix of complementary forwards to the group he inherited.

By far his biggest accomplishment has been to fully recognize what assets he had and retain them with as little cap impact as possible.  A man with a bigger ego and less patience would have been more inclined to blow this thing up, putting his personal stamp on the team in the process.

That is not to say that Gillis is beyond reproach.  His post season patience with Alain Vigneault is unprecedented; only time will tell if it is warranted.  His drafting record is, at best, incomplete.  And the biggest contributor to his success may have been simply good fortune - Mats Sundin’s reluctance to accept $20 million for two years of floating.  And the lengthy contract of Roberto Luongo “could” hamstring the club down the road. 

But like we said, now is not the time for the blame game.  There is plenty of credit to go around.  Mike Gillis should get most of it, but let us not forget Brian Burke and Dave Nonis for providing the bricks and mortar (not to mention the continued demolition of the Leafs).  And a thank you to reader “Jake”, for suggesting this timely topic..

12:42pm
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(Notes: 3)
  
Filed under: Vancouver Canucks Mike Gillis Ryan Kesler Henrik Sedin Daniel Sedin Kevin Bieksa Alex Edler Mason Raymond Jannik Hansen Cory Schneider Dave Nonis Brian Burke Roberto Luongo Todd Bertuzzi Alex Burrows Rick Rypien Alain Vigneault Mats Sundin 
October 22, 2010
Getting Off Easy?

Based on past history, it seems the punishment handed down to Rick Rypien today by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman was about right.  A few years back Matthew Barnaby got 4 games for a very similar incident so 6 games in today’s disciplinary currency seems about right.  Others have argued that Rypien has gotten off easy.  They will say that since this matter relates to fan safety, the penalty should have been most severe.  And given that this fan did nothing to physically provoke Rypien and that Rypien, as a fourth line goon, is any easy target for book throwing, it is surprising that the NHL didn’t take this opportunity to assure fans that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated. 

In the end, we can only imagine that Rypien and the Canucks were successful in their plea - that Rypien had not intention of hurting the fan, or at least, in a moment of blind rage was able to restrain himself to simply giving said fan the fright of his life.  Certainly, if his rage had escalated to the point of beating the fan, things would be much different.  We’d have another Todd Bertuzzi side show on our hands.  But it’s not hard to see how that could have happened here.  Fortunately, other players and the fan’s brother were quick to intervene.  We’re not sure how that should work to Rypien’s benefit when it comes to discipline.  But that’s pretty much been the NHL’s modus operandi when it comes to so called justice.  The action or the intent of the action seems to matter a whole lot less than the impact of the action.  In other words, what did go wrong matters much more than what could have gone wrong.

Here at Critically Canuck, we like Rypien and what he’s able to contribute on the ice.  But with his injury problems, noted off ice issues and now this little incident, you have to wonder about whether the risk is worth the reward…

5:29pm
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Filed under: vancouver canucks rick rypien 
October 19, 2010
Game 6

Well, sometimes you do get what you deserve.  After 5 games, the Canucks record was at .500 though they likely deserved a better fate based on territorial play in those games.  Tonight, they got beat down 6-2 by the lowly Minnesota Wild, who were full value for the drubbing.

Roberto Luongo, who has struggled mightily in Minneapolis through the years despite the perennial popgun offense offered up by the locales, looked out of sorts most of the night.  Though he had no help really and could only be faulted for the second goal where he overplayed a wild and wide shot taking himself out of position for the rebound off the lively end boards.  In the end, he was yanked after 2 periods which allowed Cory Schneider another opportunity to show that he’s more than ready for NHL action.  Which begs the most difficult question, who gets to play tomorrow night in Chicago?

Rick Rypien looks in need of some anger management training once again.  You had to love Sportsnet commentator John Garrett chastising the Wild fan for getting involved with Rypien.  Hey Garrett, you homer, Rypien attacked him with NO physical provocation.  You can bet that the fan was chirping at him, but that’s his prerogative and no excuse for Rypien to go after him.  Which begs the next question, how many games will Rypien get for this foolishness?

Vancouver has long been rumoured to be a goalie graveyard.  It seems the graveyard part is correct, but it’s the defensemen who seem doomed.  The much hyped new defensive depth (which as we’ve noted is not really an increase in depth but simply a relief for the departed Willie Mitchell and oft injured Sami Salo) is being tested severely with the newly minted Dan Hamhuis and Keith Ballard joining Sami on sidelines.  And you can expect that the team will be tempted to use this as a crutch (no pun intended) until these guys return, but really every team has to endure stretches during the regular season where untested players have to play some significant minutes on the back end.  When this happens adjustments need to be made to simplify things.  Let’s hope Rick Bowness can get this figured out.  And let’s not forget our goalie is getting paid $10 million this year.

The upside to all this is that the twins are picking up where they left off last season.  Often that’s enough.  Though with the Stanley Cup champs on the platter tomorrow, it won’t be…

11:37pm
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(Notes: 4)
  
Filed under: vancouver canucks minnesota wild cory schneider roberto luongo rick rypien