SB Nation - Brad Lukowich

Pick The Rival: The Pacific Division

Yankee Canuck — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:51:34 -0000

Mattingly, shave those sideburns hippie!

With no hockey for a few days, let's pick up our rival thread from the offseason. If you don't recall, we're going division by division to figure out who the Canucks rival is in each and why. Or maybe you don't need a reason and it's just blind hatred. Hey, no need to get overly scientific about it. Check out the Northeast, Atlantic and Southeast selections.

Today we'll take a crack at our first western conference division. The Pacific division has given Vancouver fans such memorable moments as the first franchise loss, games in Japan, more reasons to love watching Pavel Bure and some NHL 94 sprinkled in.

Anaheim ~~Mighty~~ Ducks

Franchise Record: 68GP, 34W, 23L, 9T, 2OTL, 79pts

The Ducks and Canucks are no strangers at the trade table. In 1996 Vancouver landed Mike Sillinger in exchange for Roman Oksiuta (c'mon, that's a great name). Sillinger played just one season before being traded to the Flyers. In 1999 the teams tried to make a deal work with the late Peter Zezel going to Anaheim but it was nullified because he refused to report (stay classy Burkie). In 2006 Anaheim sent Keith Carney and Juha Alen (who never saw a NHL game) at the deadline in exchange for Brett Skinner and a 2nd round pick in the 2006 Entry Draft. Carney played 18 games for Vancouver before moving to Minnesota. This past September he accepted a Vancouver camp invite before retiring for a second time. And lastly in 2007 Vancouver picked up Ryan Shannon and a conditional pick from Anaheim for Jason King and a conditional pick. Shannon was moved to Ottawa for Lawrence Nycholet (and we all cry a little bit inside) and King played four games for the Ducks before moving to the German Elite League (we'll always remember the mattress line).

In 45 games played over the past decade (playoffs included), Vancouver is 19-18-1-1 against the Ducks with seven ties. Last year each team scored 19 goals in four contests against the other team's netminder. In more recent times Anaheim brought the hammer of hurt to Vancouver in the 2007 playoffs, dispatching the Canucks in five games. Though it should be noted three of those games went into overtime, Luongo had some bathroom issues and Rob Niedermayer is the biggest asshole in the Northern hemisphere.

Fun fact: In 1997 these teams opened the season playing two games at Yoyogi Arena in Tokyo, Japan. The two split the games by a score of 3-2 in each game. It marked the first NHL game in history to be played outside N. America. Scott Walker becomes the first player to score a NHL regular season goal outside North America.

Later on that season Gino Odjick got his 371st penalty minute (fighting of course) in a game against the Ducks. That broke Odjick's previous PIM record of 370 from 1992-93 and made him the most penalized player in the league that season.

If you have some time to kill, why not relive the Halloween nightmare between these two from last year, a 7-6 SO victory for Vancouver that took 13 rounds to decide.

Dallas Stars

Franchise Record: 158GP, 60W, 72L, 22T, 4OTL, 146pts

How evenly matched are the Stars and Canucks? In the past decade, the teams have met 49 times (including playoffs) and Vancouver is 22-22-2-2 with one tie in that stretch. And goals? Each team has scored 120 goals. Daaaamn. (note: this doesn't include Friday's game which ruins this otherwise amazing coincidence)

In my eye, the teams have only met up once for a significant deal. Back in 1995, Vancouver sent Greg Adams, Dan Kesa and a 5th rounder (later traded to LA which became Jason Morgan) in exchange for Russ Courtnall. I guess these days you could look at their current squad and see Marc Crawford and Alex Auld hanging around and be reminded they gave way to Vigneault and Luongo respectively. Anyone care to trade 'em back?

Fun fact: The 1988 draft was big for both clubs: the Minnesota North Stars took Mike Modano with the first overall pick and Vancouver followed up in the second slot by taking Trevor Linden. But both teams didn't fare so well in the second round. The Canucks selected Leif Rohlin, a much-praised prospect who never panned out in the NHL. The Stars took Link Gatez, nicked named "The Missing Link," who wasn't much on the ice but certainly provided some humor off of it.

You probably knew I was going to roll out this video. It's just too good not to.

And good call by Sean for reminding me about the Bure's elbow to Churla.

Los Angeles Kings

Franchise Record: 212GP, 90W, 87L, 32T, 3OTL, 215pts

The Canucks and Kings have played 41 times in the past decade and Vancouver holds a slight edge, going 18-15-2-1 with five ties to boot. Though if you consider LA has been awful for a few seasons now, that record isn't terribly amazing.

What is amazing, however, is LA's willingness to accept our flawed goalies and try and make heads or tails with them. In 2001 Vancouver accepted future considerations from the Kings in exchange for Felix Potvin. Potvin was great for the Kings, helping them squeak into the playoffs and upsetting the Red Wings in the first round (hooray!). Vancouver's future considerations eventually became a third rounder in 2002 named Lukas Mensator who has never played a NHL game but is a handy trivia answer in case someone asks you if Vancouver has a Czech goalie. Indeed they do.

In 2006 we all got a good laugh when Los Angeles sent a second and third rounder round to Vancouver for Dan Cloutier. Riddled with injuries, Cloutier only played in 33 games in two seasons for LA, netting them eight wins. In return the Canucks drafted Taylor Ellington with the second rounder in 2007 and then traded the third rounder last summer to Buffalo for Steve Bernier. That'll do pig, that'll do.

Fun fact: Next to only one other team (who we haven't looked at yet in this rival series) Vancouver has played the most games against the Kings. Vancouver has taken more points from playing Los Angeles (217) than any other franchise.

Oh yeah: the Kings won the franchise's first game too. Booo.

Let's go old school: I have no idea what the year is, but I think it's Snepsts blowing up Schultz so that's worth looking for.

Phoenix Coyotes

Franchise Record: 157GP, 79W, 56L, 20T, 2OTL, 180pts

If nothing else, Brad May gets some love between the two franchises. He was originally acquired by Vancouver back in 2000 with the Canucks sending a conditional pick in the 2001 draft back. In 2003, May was reacquired from Phoenix for future considerations. Also, in 2001, Phoenix sent Tyler Bouck, Trevor Letowski, Todd Warriner and a 2003 3rd round draft choice (who Vancouver flipped to Edmonton in a separate deal and the pick became Zack Stortini) in exchange for Drake Berehowsky and Denis Pederson.

Since the team has been in Phoenix, there hasn't been much of a palpable anger between the two. Over the last decade Vancouver holds a commanding with a record of 23-11-2 against Phoenix with four ties. However, when the franchise was in Winnipeg, the Jets and Canucks had some notable games. Speaking of which...

Fun fact: Pavel Bure played his first game against Winnipeg in 1991. He was held off the scoresheet (much like another rookie Russian Canuck you may have hear of recently). But here's a rare look at Bure's first game anyway where you can see just how much jump he had:

San Jose Sharks

Franchise Record: 82GP, 40W, 31L, 9T, 2OTL, 91pts

No notable trades (pick swaps mostly) between the two squads until this summer when Christian Ehrhoff was traded to the Vancouver Canucks on August 28, 2009 along with Brad Lukowich in exchange for prospects Patrick White and Daniel Rahimi. In case you're curious, White has six points so far with the Gophers and Schroeder has five. meanwhile, Rahimi has an assist and is -9 in the Swedish elite league and Luko has seven points for the Texas Stars.

The Sharks have spent much of the past decade stomping the Canucks, going 21-4-2 with four ties and scoring 125 goals to Vancouver's 103 in the same span.

Fun facts: In February 2001 the Canucks and the Sharks played the first scoreless draw in Vancouver. And, in March 2007, Roberto Luongo posted his 39th win of the season in San Jose setting a new franchise record for wins by a Vancouver goaltender in a single season. The following month Vancouver beat San Jose again for their 49th win of the season (a new franchise record) and captured the NW crown with 105 points (another franchise record).

Since most of the videos out there aren't terribly interesting, let's enjoy watching Vancouver flatten the Sharks in everyone's favorite game, NHL '94. (0/12 on one-timers? tisk tisk)

Poll

Who is Vancouver's biggest Pacific division rival?

Anaheim Ducks

145 votes

Dallas Stars

93 votes

LA Kings

10 votes

Phoenix Coyotes

1 votes

San Jose Sharks

35 votes

284 votes | Poll has closed

Stargazing: Dallas Surprises Chicago. Goaltender Controversy On The Way?

Brandon Worley — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 19:07:42 -0000

Stargazing is a daily assortment of Dallas Stars and Texas Stars news, and whatever other random ramblings are bouncing around inside our heads. Note: These posts are not intended to be in-depth analysis articles, but rather a gathering of news from around the internet on the Dallas Stars.

I have to admit that I never saw that coming. After a lackluster effort at home against the Boston Bruins you could sense a near disaster was coming, as the Stars would go on the road to face a Chicago Blackhawks team that was on a roll. Not only was Chicago undefeated at home this season, but this was a team that had dominated the Stars last season and was playing a much more complete style of hockey that the Bruins used to beat the Stars the night before. I was pessimistic about the Stars chances, and was hopeful that Alex Auld would at least give Dallas an opportunity for an upset.

I'm ecstatic to see these Stars show some bounceback early in the season. They rebounded from a sub-par effort against Boston to somehow pull off a big win against one of the top teams in the Western Conference on the road. You would have liked to have seen a more spirited approach to start the game, but Auld kept the Stars in the game and they slowly built some momentum and surprised the Blackhawks with two quick goals in the second period. Auld gave them a chance, they survived and came away with a big, confidence building win.

While we all like to think the 6-0 drubbing of Nashville was the starting point for a big roll by these Dallas Stars, you have to think that an improbable road win against a team like the Blackhawks is the real momentum builder. We shall see tomorrow night against the Kings.

Today on Stargazing we'll hear some thoughts on what might be a premature goaltender controversy, some quotes from Stephane Robidas on his crazy game-winning goal, some surprise fantasy hockey advice and the Texas Stars are getting on a roll.

The Stars know that Alex Auld gave them a chance in the first period last night, especially with the aggression that Chicago plays with early.

"We knew the first period was going to be a difficult one for two reasons: Chicago comes out strong and their crowd is such a big part of energizing everybody in the building," Dallas head coach Marc Crawford said.

"It wasn't good early on, and Alex kind of just covered for us," said captain Brenden Morrow, who scored the first goal of the game. "But I do think once we got our legs and once we got some confidence, we were a different team. I think we felt that way out there."

"They totally outplayed us in the first and our goalie kept us in the game," said Robidas.

"It's a good challenge," said Auld "It's kind of fun because you know you have to battle, be up for it and find the puck. It's tough, but it worked out."

More after the jump.

More thoughts from Crawford:

"Alex has played well, and I'm really confident in using him along the way,'' Crawford said. ``What we had thought all year long is he'll probably play a game a week, and from that standpoint, it's been great. Marty played outstanding a couple of nights ago and he got his shutout (against Nashville), and I don't think anybody could even question Marty's play in the game against Boston. The Boston game was one where it was a total team defeat.''

Crawford added: "We're pleased that both of our goalies are playing well, and we're not afraid to use Alex, and he'll get the right amount...And if he keeps playing well, then sure, you address it.''

"We got good contributions from our defense tonight, both defensively and offensively,'' Crawford said. "When you get them moving the puck the way they did tonight, as confidently as they did tonight...I thought our defense did a really good job of managing the puck and moving the puck, and they were a big part of the support that I'm sure Alex felt tonight.'

Game Highlights:

Stephane Robidas was a surprised as anyone on his eventual game-winning goal.

Dallas finally got the insurance goal it was looking for with 9:33 remaining in regulation when Stephane Robidas scored a goal that could only be described as bizarre. Robidas wired the puck from center ice high around the boards in the Chicago zone. The puck hit a corner of the glass and bounced slowly along the goal line and in off Huet’s glove for Dallas’ fourth goal.

"I just had the puck in the neutral zone and there was no sense for me to try to do something stupid so I just tried to rim it," Robidas said. "I didn’t do anything special."

Toby Petersen had a big game last night as a key part of the Stars penalty killing unit, as well as notching his first goal of the season. Perhaps the most underrated player on the Stars, Petersen is definitely one of the most versatile.

"He shows a real determination and willingness to do whatever it takes to play," Stars coach Marc Crawford said. "We've put him at center, left wing, right wing, and he's gone out and been very workmanlike each day. I like that. "

On Saturday, Petersen showed the skill that helped him tally 49 goals among 132 points while playing 149 games in three seasons with the Iowa Stars. He walked into the offensive zone and blasted a slap shot from the right wing to score his second goal of the season.

"If there is one thing I think I can do better than a lot of guys in the league, it is get the puck back by putting the opposition in some bad situations where they are throwing the puck back to our defensemen. I want to hound the puck and be relentless," Petersen said.

That sounds like another Stars player who is seen as a perfect mold for Petersen to follow – Stu Barnes.

Mark Stepneski gives his thoughts on the big win:

It was a good bounce back effort by the Stars following Friday’s dismal showing against the Bruins. They didn’t get off to a good start Saturday. Chicago dictated a lot of the play, but Alex Auld was very good in the first period and kept them in the game. Things turned around early in the second, they got a couple goals and the Blackhawks could never recover, in part, because Cristobal Huet couldn’t stop a puck when he needed to. The big difference in this game was goaltending. The Stars got it and the Blackhawks didn’t.

Speaking of goaltending, it's become a suddenly issue after last night's game for both teams, although it's much hotter in Chicago at this point. After allowing a befuddling goal by Stephane Robidas in the third period, many are questioning the validity of playing Cristobal Huet any more than absolutely necessary.

Per Red Light District:

Soft goals demoralize teams. They kill momentum, and completely change the face of a game. Instead of a tie game, or a one goal game, the team has to come back from two down just to tie.

It's too much to overcome night after night. The Hawks have as much firepower as anyone in hockey, but a team of NHL All Stars couldn't consistently overcome some of the crap goals Huet has let in.

Chicago Tribune:

Huet allowed two soft goals, including the winner in the third period on Stephane Robidas's dump-in that took a funny carom off the boards and bounced past the netminder, and the Stars defeated the Hawks 4-3 at the United Center.

The loss snapped the Hawks' four-game winning streak as they fell for the first time on home ice this season.

"It's really frustrating," Huet said. "I feel bad about myself. I feel like I let the team down.

"I know I can play way better than that. It's just a bump in the road (but) I really looked bad. I didn't have it."

Even Razor Reaugh weighs in:

I'm on the flight back home trying to figure out how a $5M goalie can let a puck shot from center, that was aimed 40 feet wide of the net, and hit a glass support, bounced twice, was then headed in front of the goal to the other corner, get past him. Seriously dude?! Huet acted like he thought the puck might bite him or something. What a stunningly pathetic moment in Hawks goaltending history. Glenn Hall and Tony O must have thrown up in their mouths a little. Come to think of it Hall threw up before every game he played so...bad analogy by me, but you get my drift. Hey, maybe Huet should think about sticking his finger down his throat prior to puck drop - that's if he can wrestle Hawks fans hands off of his larnyx. 22,000 of them were saying "Cristobal friggin Huet!" on their way out of the UC last night. (For the record the Stars were chanting "Hip-Hip-Huet!")

The tattered target is proving LA, MTL and WSH right for shipping his passive, puck-allergy arse out of town and the Windy City seems destined to be the next former home of his. (I hope they sell Toberlone bars in Rockford).

On the Dallas side, Mike Heika gives his thoughts on the Stars goaltending after Alex Auld had yet another great game in net.

After Alex Auld was clearly the best player in the game with 29 saves in a 4-3 win over Chicago (even the Chicago media voted him first star), Crawford said that the plan remains the same with Auld and Marty Turco. The plan is to play Auld about three of every 10 games, and to put Turco back in net Monday against Los Angeles.

I don't to get too caught up in this, because I know it's an emotional debate and it is early in the season. I still think the best plan is to get Turco playing his best, and this system seems to be helping in that regard.

That said, Alex Auld in his three full games in a Stars uniform, in my opinion, has been the No., 1 star every night. In that 3-2 preseason win over Colorado (which has turned out to be a pretty good team), Auld saw nine shots on goal before the Stars took even one. He stopped all of them, and he gave the Stars the confidence to go onto a win.

More to come on this later on Defending Big D.

Kuklas's Korner gives some fantasy hockey advice, mentioning some Dallas Stars players:

James Neal (LW) - Dallas is just pulling out young talent left and right. Playing on the first line for Dallas, Neal has 3 goals, 4 assists, 2 on the power play with a +5 in just 6 games. If he’s still on your wire, he shouldn’t be.

Jamie Benn (LW) - Another rookie who’s blasting out of the gate on a successful 2nd Dallas Stars line alongside Brendan Morrow, he’s got 5 points in 6 games. Keep an eye on this one.

After an opening night loss, the Texas Stars are off to big start in their inaugural season after trouncing Houston 5-1.

Colton Sceviour and Perttu Lindgren both had a goal and an assist and Brent Krahn stopped 21 of 22 shots as the Texas Stars ran their points streak to five games (4-0-1) with a 5-1 victory in Houston Saturday night.

The Stars (4-1-1) on the season, scored four times in the second period following a scoreless first to take control of the game. Tyler Shelast got things started, tipping home a Brad Lukowich shot the 5:45 mark. Just under five minutes later Lindgren scored off a rebound to make it 2-0. Garret Stafford scored three minutes later and then Sceviour scored his first goal as a pro less than two minutes later.

The Ducks were shutout at home against the Blues.
The Coyotes took down the Boston Bruins 4-1. Should we be concerned?
San Jose tops the winless New York Islanders 4-1.

Game 1: Flames 5 Canucks 3

Sean Zandberg — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 08:02:24 -0000

A disappointing start to the season for the Canucks. The Flames struck early and often in the first period to gain a 3-0 lead and the Canucks never fully recovered. By the time the Canucks got their legs going, outshooting the Flames 35-15 in the 2nd and 3rd periods, it was too late. Miikka Kiprusoff wasn't soft at all, shutting the Canucks down on all their good, great and sub-par chances.

I'm going to throw out a few blunt observations in point form and you can tell me if you agree or not.

-Sergei Shirokov: Welcome to the NHL. Now play like a man. I have never liked divers or over-acting, Luongo included.

-I mentioned this before the season started and I will re-iterate it again: Are you not entertained? Yeah, the Canucks are perhaps even more offence-orientated this season, but that style of play creates more chances against. I stated in the game thread that I missed a guy like Brad Lukowich already, because he is a stable defenceman in his own end. Why are the Canucks playing 5 (Shane O'Brien included-m'eh) offensive defencemen?

Where is the balance? I'll take 2 more guys like Mitchell and Lukowich on our back end and structured play over this madness.

Under their new coach, the Flames will have structure in their play, and it will work.

-Crash bang! Was it just the red-as-hell old school jerseys or did the Flames look bigger tonight. Thundering hits to guys like Ryan Johnson and Daniel Sedin didn't help.

-So instead of talking about Rick Rypien beating the tar out of Brandon Prust, the latter scores the winning goal. Yay!

-It's just game 1 of the season. Vancouver has several new faces in their lineup and everyone needs time to gel. Preseason did not give the Canucks that. They were too busy playing the hopefuls are did not dress many lineups that fully resembled their opening night roster.

Calgary wanted to "make a statement" in their final preseason game against the Canucks, but waited until tonight to do it.

QUOTED:

“I’m not sitting here and doing handstands and thinking we played a great game, but we played a pretty darned good game for 38 minutes,” Brent Sutter said. “We backed off, and that’s where we have to continue to work and push.

Our goalie played very well. It’s two points and it’s a good win. There’s work to be done.”

"You can't spot a team like that two and three-goal leads and expect to win. Penalties are an area we have to get better as a group." - Alain Vigneault

-BOXSCORE

-HIGHLIGHTS

'Twas the Night Before Puck Drop

nucksandpucks — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 20:53:43 -0000

More photos » by Jonathan Hayward - AP

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Well, it's finally here folks! The Canucks season kicks off tomorrow against our old arch-rival, and season opener punching bag, the Calgary Flames. In honour of this exciting day, I present to you a poem, inspired by "The Night Before Christmas." Originally I was going to mimic the whole thing, but it turns out the poem is pretty frickin' long - so consider this an abridged version.

I'm sure we will all be going to bed tonight with visions of Stanley dancing in our heads. Or visions of Rick Rypien tuning Brandon Prust. Either way, enjoy the poem and LET'S DROP THE DAMN PUCK ALREADY!!!

THE NIGHT BEFORE PUCK DROP

'Twas the night before puck drop, and throughout GM Place

Nothing was stirring - not puck, stick nor skate.

The jerseys were hung in the dressing room, good,

With an XXXL one for Kyle Wellwood.

Hansen's hand was snuggled all tight in a cast,

And Hodgson is sad ‘cause his pro stint didn't last.

MG, wiping his brow, and AV, plotting traps,

Had just got the roster under the cap.

When out in streets there arose such a riot,

Female 'Nucks fans longing for Pyatt -

Sure Luongo is go(o)d, but he's not such a looker.

But we all hope he thrives in this year's pressure cooker.

The moon on the streets of quiet Vancouver

Lit a city that soon would be gripped by 'Nucks fever.

When, what to my wondering eyes should I see?

Swedish twins! (Sadly not of the hot variety.)

And two agitators, Burrows and Kesler,

Who can be more obnoxious than professional wrestlers.

And more rapid than eagles, a speedster named Mason,

Who, along with Steve Bernier ,20-goals will be chasin'.

And another Swede, with Cup pedigree,

As well as a Rocket, a new Russian mystery.

And three solid grinders, who check and who fight,

Who fly under the radar out of the spotlight.

"Now Edler! Now Ehrhoff! Now Salo, Bieksa!

On SOB! On Lukowich! On Mitchell! On Schnieder!

To the boards to make hits! To the ice to block shots!

Now score on the PP, now score lots and lots!"

So cried Vigneault, as he leapt from his bed,

As visions of Stanley danced through his head.

Canucks fans rejoiced, as the dawn finally broke -

Hockey is back, and everyone's stoked.

"The season is here," we yell and we cheer,

And we hope, and we pray, that this is the year.

So I say to Canuckland, as the season starts up:

"GO CANUCKS GO, AND BRING US THE CUP!!!"

Off the Post - September 30

Conico do Mayo Miracle — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 09:01:05 -0000

Plank and TCY churn out the Sharks-preview goods in epic proportion - see below (and below, and...).
Team Teal's final cuts and the captaincy await...
Sharks sign goaltender Thomas Heemskerk to an entry-level contract.
[UPDATE] = Mats Sundin retires.
Four Anaheim Ducks players roll sushi in southern California - expect the "When You're Finnish You'll Want More Saku" Roll to be a top seller (or not...).
Ten of the New York Rangers, including Marian Gaborik and Sean Avery, will be on David Letterman tonight doing the Top 10.
Two notes from Hamilton South - the Phoenix Coyotes sell out the lower bowl for opening night, and OdinMercer gets ahead of himself with the Dave Tippett hiring.
[UPDATE, thanks to Nael M.] = Judge rejects both NHL and Balsillie offers for the Phoenix Coyotes.
[UPDATE] - Alexei Semenov signs with the New York Rangers!
[UPDATE] - Doesn't this picture break your heart?

This photo is either the stuff of nightmares, or hockey wet-dreams.

Please welcome Behind the Net to the SBN universe.

Only 3 French-speaking Habs this season? What's <ce monde> coming to?

Delusions of ~~Cheechoo~~ grandeur...

The world is unkind to former Sharks defensemen - both Brad Lukowich (Vancouver) and Rob Davison (New Jersey) failed to make their respective rosters.

Oh, and former Shark Brian Boucher (Philadelphia) will be out for 10 days with an injury...

...But at least former Shark Ville Nieminen scored the shootout winner against the Florida Panthers in Helsinki, Finland.

Rob Niedermayer suits up with his brother's old squad.

Good article on Todd Richards' disciple, Brent Burns.

"Thrashers release two players from training camp roster" - that's one way of saying Manny Legace and Dan Fritsche got axed from Mastodon's favorite team. In other news, check out how much Atlanta is spending this season.

Finally, Todd McLellan might not be the most gifted actor on Earth - but he's still funny.

Todd McLellan is a lousy...... (via sharkvoice1)

2009-10 NHL Season Preview: Vancouver Canucks

James Mirtle — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:00:17 -0000

More photos » by Graham Hughes - AP

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Who's in: Christian Ehrhoff, Brad Lukowich, Andrew Raycroft, Mikael Samuelsson, Mathieu Schneider
Who's out: Jeff Cowan, Rob Davison, Jason LaBarbera, Mattias Ohlund, Taylor Pyatt, Curtis Sanford, Mats Sundin, Ossi Vaananen

Outlook: GM Mike Gillis's biggest task in the off-season was to either lockup the Sedins or find their replacement, and on the eve of July 1, he managed the former, signing the identical twins to identical $30.5-million, five-year contracts.

In other news on the Swedish front, both Mattias Ohlund, who signed with Tampa Bay, and Mats Sundin who remains (surprise, surprise) undecided left the club, with former Red Wings winger Mikael Samuelsson joining the team as a likely linemate for his countrymen on the first line.

With Ohlund on the way out, Gillis dramatically altered the blueline by adding a trio of defenders just prior to training camp, dealing prospects to the Sharks for Christian Ehrhoff and Brad Lukowich and signing former client Mathieu Schneider. The results leave the Canucks with eight NHL-calibre defencemen and right up against the cap, meaning another move is soon to come depending on who wins spots in training camp.

On the whole, however, the defence has taken some small steps forward in terms of depth, and the Canucks should produce far more offence from the back end than they have in recent seasons.

The biggest factor in Vancouver, as always, however, will be the play of Roberto Luongo, and a healthy season should mean another 20 starts over what he managed last time around. That alone should keep the Canucks in contention for a second straight Northwest Division title.

X-factor: Alex Burrows

For a more in-depth Canucks preview, visit 'Nucks Misconduct
For more NHL analysis, check out the McKeen's Hockey Yearbook

Poll

Where will the Canucks finish in the Western Conference this season?

1

28 votes

2

47 votes

3

78 votes

4

38 votes

5

26 votes

6

13 votes

7

11 votes

8

6 votes

9

0 votes

10

3 votes

11

0 votes

12

1 votes

13

2 votes

14

1 votes

15

21 votes

275 votes | Poll has closed

2009-10 NHL Season Preview: Vancouver Canucks

Yankee Canuck — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:54:41 -0000

Yo coach, bathroom break! Pic via twitchy67.files.wordpress.com

View full size photo »

You've probably noticed the rest of the SBN Hockey crew have been running a month-long series of team previews. If we don't do it, James Mirtle bullwhips us something fierce.

What's nice about Vancouver being second to last alphabetically is it gives us time to prepare (by which we mean wait for the damn roster to be set). But the roster still isn't set, so whatever. We tried.

After the jump we take a look at what to expect from the 2009-10 Vancouver Canucks, including some team strengths and weaknesses, who will be under pressure to produce and why and what defines the official 2009-2010 drinking social where you pound a beverage and then sob quietly to yourself in the corner. It's Canucks hockey after all, you knew the rules before you got here.

Where We've Been (2008-09)
Last summer started off with an airing of grievances from management: firing GM Dave Nonis, replacing him with a player agent with no experience, letting Vigneault toss in the wind for weeks on end and telling Markus Naslund and Brendan Morrison to go piss up a flagpole.

Thus there was a level of uncertainty when the season rolled around, but everything (shockingly) was fine until a certain goalie heard a certain "pop" during a 3-1 win in November against Pittsburgh. With Roberto Luongo down and out with a groin injury for nearly two months, Vancouver tried to stay above water by icing a rookie goalie (Cory Schneider) along with back-up Curtis Sanford and added Mats Sundin to the mix up front in late December.

Sadly there weren't enough biorhythm bracelets on the planet to keep Vancouver from dropping a franchise-worse eight straight games in January. With a little help from Ryan Kesler and Alexandre Burrows, the two sparked some epic production on the first two lines and a healthy Luongo returned allowing the Canucks to run a 34-5-2 record after the January from hell and eke out the Northwest Division crown from Calgary.

The party didn't stop there. Drawing a first round match-up against a Cinderella St. Louis Blues team, Vancouver celebrated their first post season sweep in the modern era. However, that IS where the party stopped. Facing a deeper, faster team in Chicago during the second round, the Canucks couldn't keep pace and were ousted in six games.

Who's In
Mikael Samuelsson, Christian Ehrhoff, Mathieu Schneider, ~~Brad Lukowich~~, Andrew Raycroft (!), Aaron Rome, Tanner Glass, ~~Mark Parrish~~, ~~Dave Scatchard~~, ~~Ronald Petrovicky~~

Who's Out
Mattias Ohlund, Jason Labarbera, Curtis Sanford, Mats Sundin, Taylor Pyatt, Jason Jaffray, Ossi Vaananen, Jason Krog, Mark Cullen, Rob Davison

Opening Night Roster (subject to change if Vigneault gets moody)

Forwards

Daniel Sedin - Henrik Sedin - Alex Burrows

Sergei Shirokov - Ryan Kesler - Mikael Samuelsson

Steve Bernier - Kyle Wellwood - Mason Raymond

Rick Rypien - Ryan Johnson - Darcy Hordichuk

Extras: Pavol Demitra (LITR), Jannik Hansen, ~~Cody Hodgson~~ (sent to juniors)

Defense

Willie Mitchell - Alex Edler

Kevin Bieksa - Christian Ehrhoff

Sami Salo - Shane O'Brien

Extras: Aaron Rome, ~~Brad Lukowich~~ (waived 9/29/09), Mathieu Schneider (LITR)

Goalies

Roberto Luongo

Andrew Raycroft

Team Strengths
1. Goalie - duh. Even if Luongo has another groin "issue", Schneider should be able to get called up and help hold down the fort. Raycroft has to play just north of "absolute travesty" and buy management time to find a Labarbera-type solution if all goes to hell. But let's not be negative; Luongo will play 70+ games again and give them every chance to win, night in and night out.

2. Emerging Talents. The increased offensive tasks given to Alexandre Burrows and Ryan Kesler paid dividends, as both players had career years. I don't know if they can exceed what they did last season, but even if they equal that it would be very beneficial, especially in taking the heat of the Sedins to provide all the offense. Now is the time for Kevin Bieksa and Alexander Edler to strut their stuff with Mattias Ohlund leaving town. I believe Edler especially is going to have a great year. This also depends on how much power play time the new guys like Christian Ehrhoff and Mathieu Schneider get (and perhaps how well Sami Salo's body holds up). I would let Edler step up and not hold him back. He's ready.

Team Weaknesses
1. Bottom six - It's better than it has been in the past, but the bottom six forwards aren't the deepest bunch. Wellwood has shown up in far better shape and it's expected Bernier and Hodgson, Hansen, Shirokov or Raymond will fill out the third line. There's a lot of promise and intrigue in there, but not so much actual production on an NHL scoresheet. Bernier and Wellwood alone will need huge seasons. The fourth line - likely Rypien, Johnson and Hordichuk - provides plenty of muscle and short blocking goodness, but little else. Hordichuk remains a liability on most nights.

2. Size up front. This could be nitpicking on my part, but if you look at the Canucks' depth chart below, there leaves a lot to be desired as far as girth goes. Fortunately, these guys play with tenacity regardless of that.

Go big or Go Home
The pressure is firmly on the Sedins and Luongo now. Gillis did his part this summer by flying out to Sweden to convince the Sedins to stick around and then assembled a more talented defensive crew in front of Luongo before he signed his life away. If Vancouver has any chance of doing real damage in the playoffs, first these three need to lead them there and, once in, have to perform like the All-Stars they are. No more failures at crunch time.

The Missing Piece?
Gillis admitted to coveting Mikael Samuelsson for a long time. So while likely getting a shot to play with the Sedins (or at least bump Burrows out of that slot) he'll also be entrusted with oodles of power play time and, just as important, to impart Stanley Cup wisdom from his time in Detroit to a bunch of guys who have never touched that big silver cup. All of that from a guy that Detroit fans recall fondly as a streaky player with defensive liabilities. I love it when a plan comes together!

There's Less Of You To Love
Three lords of the buffet - Kyle Wellwood, Steve Bernier and Shane O'Brien - had their own individual problems last year, but their weight was one of the biggest (rimshot!). After Gills patiently resigned all three (very patiently with Pudge we must say) he must have left them a post-it note regarding their, um, magnitude of force that must be applied in order to support them in earth's gravitational field. All three seemed to have heeded the boss' decree: Pudge is down 20 pounds, Bernier dropped 15 and SOB is reportedly in the best shape of his life.

From Russia With An Ample Amount of Love
Sergei Shirokov has gone from literally a no name player just a few months ago to reminding people of Pavel Bure (no pressure at all). But for a guy who was locked in obscurity over in the KHL to have such a litigious summer only to land on the shores of Vancouver and blow everyone away with his play is the best feel-good story of the preseason. If he makes the cut, odds are he'll quickly become a fan favorite, forcing people out of their sushi-encrusted lower bowl seats to their feet in a single breakaway. But, if he does make the roster is that bad news for...

Oh Noes Coho
...Mr. Cody Hodgson? The odds-on favorite prospect who had such a sick year last season has stumbled badly out of the gate at the NHL level. First he got injured. Then when he started getting in games the results have been less than inspiring. With the emergence of Shirokov and the strong play of bubble players like Mason Raymond and Jannik Hansen, it's now possible to see Cody getting cut or playing nine NHL games before being returned to juniors (Brampton). 1:45 PM ET Update: That's exactly what happened; Hodgson has been returned to Brampton and is now ineligible to be called back up to the NHL for the rest of the season. Just goes to show ya: it ain't ever easy being a Vancouver Canuck first round draft pick. Just ask Michael Grabner and...

Bitch You're In My Seat
...Cory Schneider. Poor Schneids was picked in the first round back in 2004 and heralded as the goalie of the future. So far he's held his up his end of the bargain, helping the Canucks stay afloat when Luongo was hurt and winning the Aldedge "Baz" Bastien Memorial Award as the best goalie in the AHL last season. But with Luongo's lifetime contract, the question has flipped from "when" to "what" in regards to Schneider. Does he play back up this year so Gillis can show him off? Does Facepalm Raycroft outplay him and force another AHL season down his throat (update: yes, yes he does)? One thing's for certain: sooner or later Cory will be moved.

The Definition Of Wildcard
Rick Rypien has had some trouble staying healthy (and last year dealt with some off-ice issues as well). And now he has "the flu?" But when he's in the line-up, he provides the team with one of the best middle weights in the game on top a forward capable of some highlight reel offense (see defense exhibit A and defense exhibit B). As much of a fan favorite as Ripper has become, he's only played 41 games in four seasons, never eclipsing more than 22 games a season. Will this be the year his body remains intact and, if so, will he become a diamond in the rough type player like Burrows or will he be relied upon solely to make the Zack Stortini's of the world regret life?

Paging Dr. Feelgood
With Mats Sundin over in Europe enjoying married life (do Swedes put herring on the doorknob when they want privacy?) Vancouver elected to find someone even older to help them out: Mathieu Schneider. Father time has spent most of his summer rehabbing his shoulder following surgery at the end of last year and, to little surprise, will start the season on the IR. Joining him on the IR will be the often-injured Pavol Demitra who is recovering from some rotator cuff troubles. Get used to hearing those two names and IR together.

If Sami Salo joins them, that's your official Vancouver Canucks 2009-2010 drinking social. If (when?) all three are out with whatever vague upper or lower body ailments there are, you are hereby obliged to pound a beverage, walk yourself into the corner of the room and sob quietly least you wake the neighbors.

Prediction for 09-10 season
Mike the Yank says - First place in the Northwest, but they'll need to gel as a group quickly and survive the league's longest road trip in the process (puke). The forward ranks are easier on the eyes, I'm loving the injection of youth and the fact Bernier and Wellwood came to camp ready to prove their critics wrong. I also dig our defense will be firing cannons left, right and center and even if a more offensive-minded blueline leads to some defensive lapses, we got 12 more years of "no fucking way" saves courtesy of the captain. But the roster isn't that deep: a key injury here or there will cause some major problems. And a Sedin or Luongo-level injury would be a disaster. If the secondary support from Kesler, Samuelsson, Burrows, Bernier, Demitra et all drys up, they won't keep pace with the elite in the West.

Sean says - A tight battle with the Flames for first spot in the Northwest with Vancouver barely holding the edge. 3rd in the West, possibly 2nd. If Luongo's groin fails him again, all bets are off and I become an alcoholic. Personally, I'm expecting great things from Lou and this team this year. Drop the damned puck already!

See other Vancouver previews from Mirtle, Puck Daddy, TSN, ~~ESPN~~ (just kidding) The Hockey News, and Sportsnet.

Poll

Where will Vancouver finish in the Western Conference for the 2009-2010 season?

1

63 votes

2

135 votes

3

131 votes

4

27 votes

5

16 votes

6

10 votes

7

5 votes

8

4 votes

9

0 votes

10

1 votes

11

1 votes

12

0 votes

13

1 votes

14

0 votes

15

3 votes

397 votes | Poll has closed

Hodgson and Grabner Barely Improve As Canucks Beat Flames

Sean Zandberg — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 06:45:28 -0000

More photos » by Jeff McIntosh - AP

Mason Raymond puts an end to to futile Flames in the shootout

Browse more photos »

It's hard not to chuckle at the fact that the Flames, who dressed nearly all of their opening night roster lose in a shootout to a Canucks team that dressed arguably nine. It's also a bold statement to the Canucks' depth. In the aftermath of this thrilling victory that put the Canucks at 7-0-1 in preseason play, several things should be noted:

-Cody Hodgson and Michael Grabner look like they are not going to make the big team, while Sergei Shirokov stepped up again. I'm growing weary of watching and waiting for Hodgson and Grabner to do something to prove otherwise. Let's just get it over with already. I am tired of the disappointment. I'm not calling Shirokov a lock. I saw several times tonight where his defensive game is lacking. That needs to improve. You can't cherry pick at center ice under Alain Vigneault I'm sure.

-Brad Lukowich missed the 2nd and 3rd periods due to "dizziness." Christian Ehrhoff and Aaron Rome gobbled up

most of the ice time, playing 26:43 and 25:19 respectively. That's more than any other Canuck. I am really impressed with Aaron Rome.

-Jannik Hansen could be a 13th forward in Vancouver, but even that is immensely arguable. He is playing super hockey and deserves a spot.

-I'm sorry, but where did all the "trade Luongo" people go? Hiding in their mothers' closet? Luongo is looking like a Vezina guy already.

-Mike Gillis told the TSN crew that he's expecting the backup goaltender to play 15-20 games this season.

-There was a bit of questioning Olli Jokinen's close-range slap shot at Roberto Luongo in the shootout. Luongo stopped it, and then Alexander Edler cranked one at Miikka Kiprusoff the next play. Edler denies that it was retribution, while Luongo responded: "

I don’t really care — I made the save," added Luongo. "If he’d scored maybe I’d be pissed off."

BOXSCORE

HIGHLIGHTS

Here's how to make a bunch of Flames fans go home depressed:

Preseason Train Chugs Along; Canucks Vs. Flames Gameday

Yankee Canuck — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 16:40:40 -0000

More photos » by Jonathan Hayward - AP

Remember Theo Fleury? No you don't. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press,Jonathan Hayward)

Browse more photos »

When: Saturday September 26th 6pm PST
Where: Pengrove Saddledome
TV: TSN2(HD), NHLN-US(HD)
Radio: Team 1040
Web stream: Flames.nhl.com claims to stream it live
Flames Blog: Matchsticks & Gasoline

In five days these two teams will meet up for real and kick the season off. But for now there's still some greenhorns fighting for jobs and old guys (not on LTIR!) still working out the summer rust.

Though it's subject to change, the Canucks should be icing the following guys:

Sergei Shirokov - Ryan Kesler - Mikael Samuelsson
Mason Raymond - Cody Hodgson - Michael Grabner
Darcy Hordichuk - Ryan Johnson - Rick Rypien
Tanner Glass - Mario Bliznak - Jannik Hansen

Brad Lukowich - Alexander Edler
Shane O'Brien - Aaron Rome
Christian Ehrhoff - Sami Salo

Roberto Luongo

For Vancouver there are really three guys to watch. Shirokov gets the sweet spot on the first line while Hodgson and Grabner hope to find some preseason relevancy before the next round of cuts come around. I don't see Glass or Bliznak making the roster though each have had good preseasons.

The Flames have their own prospects looking to land some NHL employment, including old friend Jason Jaffray.

We'll drop more updates in as they become available.

2:32 PM ET Update: Hey remember that stuff about Jaffray from before? Forget it. Calgary is icing a pretty veteran line-up so Hodgson and company have their work cut out for them. Here are the lines:

David Moss - Olli Jokinen - Jarome Iginla
Nigel Dawes - Daymond Langkow - Rene Bourque
Curtis Glencross - Craig Conroy - Fredrik Sjostrom
Eric Nystrom - Dustin Boyd - Brandon Prust

Robyn Regehr - Jay Bouwmeester
Mark Giordano - Dion Phaneuf
Adam Pardy - Anton Stralman

Miikka Kiprusoff

3:52 EST Update: The Flames are not taking this game lightly and are looking to "set a tone."

Canucks' defense looks solid, but who makes the roster?

nucksandpucks — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 21:39:17 -0000

In one glorious day in late-August the Canucks' blue-line went from patchy to solid, and fans who feared that the defence corps would be Vancouver's Achilles heel in 09/10 began to breathe much easier.

By adding Mathieu Schneider, Christian Ehrhoff and Brad Lukowich to a blue-line that already features Kevin Bieksa, Alex Edler, Willie Mitchell and (65% of the time) Sami Salo, GM Mike Gillis went a long way to effectively addressing the Canucks' most pressing needs. Oh yeah, we also have Shane O'Brien.

Suddenly the Canucks went from praying that Aaron Rome could settle into full-time NHL employment and that Sami Salo would miraculously survive a season without serious injury (hey, Martin Havlat finally pulled it off last season with Chicago, so miracles can happen) to salivating at the prospect of Top 6 that is good enough to exclude O'Brien, Rome and Lawrence Nycholat instead of banking on them to step up. Nothing against those guys - or Evan Oberg for that matter - but counting on surprising breakout performances is kinda like going all-in in poker with 2-7 and hoping for the best. Sure it could work out, but more often that not you'll be screwed.

So, as the preseason concludes its final week, what will the Canucks blue-line look like to start the season? Does O'Brien crack the Top 6? Does Alain Vigneault reward Oberg for a strong preseason with a roster spot? What happens with Lukowich? Does a veteran d-man get sacrificed, either through trade or banishment to the minors, to clear salary cap space?

Here is who I see in the Canucks' defensive corps come opening night: Bieksa, Edler, Mitchell, Salo, Ehrhoff, Schnider (assuming he's good to go). Yeah, kinda obvious selections I know - but can you really see the two prize acquisitions not in the line-up or anyone unseating one the four Canucks blue-line vets? I have a tough time imagining it.

Assuming that this is the case, the Canucks will presumably carry one extra d-man. I would give the edge to O'Brien, but give Oberg an outside shot at taking this spot. Would Vigneault carry eight defensemen? That's a possibility, but will it do Oberg any good to sit in the press-box when he could be getting quality minutes in Manitoba?

Obviously the play of bubble players will dictate the answer to many of these questions. Oberg could force the coaching staff's hand with a strong week. But then what happens to O'Brien? And what about Lukowich? Would a strong push by the veteran this week land him a roster spot as a depth guy? Anyone else who you think could still crack the roster?

Clearly I am raising more questions than I am answering. However, unlike a month ago, I am excited to be asking questions. Mike Gillis has given his coaching staff a whole whack of blue-line options and suddenly an area that looked to be a potential weak spot has become a potential strength for this club. And hey, it's good to have depth - 'cause I'm putting the over/under on games for which both Salo and Schneider are injured at 15.

Poll

Which of these defenceman will be on the Canucks' roster to start the season?

Shane O'Brien

210 votes

Evan Oberg

47 votes

Aaron Rome

40 votes

Michael Funk

3 votes

None of the above

55 votes

355 votes | Poll has closed