Superman?

As some of you may or may not know, I'm a bit of a gamer. I enjoy playing sports games like Madden and NHL. I got an invite to the 1st ever Madden Ultimate Team (MUT) online league. Which doesn't sound amazing unless your a Madden gamer. This is no ordinary league. It has some of the best Madden players in the world in this league. How did I get in? I just applied. And maybe because I'm a nice guy and sent ask good questions on the stream and am encouraging they let me in. Whatever the reason, I'm in. Yes, I'm WAY over my head but I love it. How many games will I win? I'm not sure but I'm enjoying it as long as it lasts. 

So let me share with you about my 1st game (I'm super pumped I got to be my Packers):

Newton = Superman? 
In the 1st game of the year, Green Bay came into Seattle not knowing what to expect. Is the Seahawks good or not? Am I going to lose 35-0, like others are, or am I going to hold my own? Walking into the game I'm aware that my MUT team is only a 80 ovr while his is 87 ovr.  I'm worried...

But once the game begins I realize, I can hold my own and if I play right, I can win. The confidence is rising but I still need to execute. It's a hard fought battle but Seattle starts a great drive down the field. It ended with a beautiful pass by Peyton Manning to D.Thomas to open the scoring. With little time left my Packers get the ball and go to work. Getting all the way down to field goal range and cut the lead by 4. It's 7-3 at half time. 

The 2nd half open with Seattle starting a drive in their own end. But on a 2nd and 10 play Bobby Wagner picks off a Peyton Manning throw right down the middle. Wagner sees day light but can't make it to the end zone. Seattle's Def had 3 great stops. Why kick the field goal on 4th and 2? I know right? They left D.Jackson uncovered and I call a quick audible. Unfortunately it gives Seattle enough time to get Ha Ha Clinton-Dix over there to pick off the quick out. Ha Ha is GONE! 98 yard pick 6! Seattle's up 14-3. 

But there is no quit in Packerland. Green Bay gets the ball back in the 3rd quarter with lots of time on the clock but I got to get 2 scores to win this thing. I start marching down the field but have a difficult time getting 1st downs quickly and waste a lot of the clock. I get down to the goaline and this time I'm not calling any audible but hand it off to Alfred Morris for the TD. His celebration is pretending to hit a baseball and watch it fly out of the park. 

It's now 14-9 Seattle and coach tells me to go for 2. I do it and then something amazing happens. Newton huts the ball then jumps into the air and flies over the Oline & Dline and lands in the end zone. For the 2 point conversion. Seattle 14 Green Bay 11. Is this guy really Superman? I thought Clark Kent was the real Superman? Apparently not. 

With little time left, Green Bay believes they can get one last stop. And Peyton is having trouble moving the ball but wastes enough time to run the clock below 30 seconds. But there is still hope for the Green & Yellow. Seattle punts the ball down and we call for the fair catch. 1st down on the Packer 20 with 20 seconds left. And NO timeouts remaining. 2 plays do nothing...it's 3rd down with 17 seconds left. Time for a prayer...

Newton snaps the ball and sees Desean Jackson beat his man down the sidelines. He chucks it up. The 12th man goes quiet as the whole play goes into slow motion. D.Jax is open, he's gone, what a comeback!!! Desean takes his eyes off the ball and into the Promise Land. He's thinking all the fans back home who will think he's a great hero, maybe even a legend. He sees his mom in the stands and gives her a little wave. But then he realizes, "I got to catch this ball and run like the wind to win this." As he looks up the ball is right there. The ball hits his hands and he drops it. ARE YOU KIDDIN' ME!!!!!!!! One play, for all the marbles, and you drop the pass??? 

He turns from hero into zero. That's right, zero yards, zero touchdowns because he had zero catches.  Seattle wins 14-11. 

SHOCKER in Seattle!

A LOT has happened since the 2013 season where the Seattle Seahawks defeated the Green Bay Packers on Monday Night Football. After the controversial 'catch', the replacement refs were no more and the striking refs went back to work. Both teams went on to have good seasons and make the playoffs. And we all know about Seattle's run to the Super Bowl where they dominated the best offence in football. 

But this play still bothers Packer fans around the world. As it has been titled by some as "The WORST call EVER". Now that might be a bit extreme but it shows the passion and outrage of Packer fans. I have watched this play a 100+ times and I still can't understand how they ruled that Golden Tate had possession of the ball. Not only did the Packers defender (Jennings) have possession 100% through, Tate obviously pushed the defender (Shields) out of the way to have a chance to get the ball. Here's the play...

Now all Packer fans need to get over this...it was in 2012. It didn't really effect everyone that much as both made the playoffs. Both teams weren't good enough to win the Super Bowl but that season was significant in the transformation of the Seahawks. They got 2 important characteristics in the season, confidence and a winning attitude. 

But the good news for both teams and the league is it leads to this season. Opening night, in Century Link Field these two teams will face each other once more. And I know it's only Week 1 but it means something significant to both teams. Of course, they down play it and say it's only 1 game and the controversial call was in the past but we fans are not stupid and the NFL isn't either. That's why they are hyping up this game on their site calling it "The REMATCH". 

Many believe that Seattle can repeat and win another Super Bowl. And I wouldn't be surprised if they did especially because of their incredible Def and solid QB play. But here's the shocking news, I'm saying and calling it right now (been saying this for 2 months now) that Green Bay will roll into town and pull out the victory. I'm not sure of the score but I believe the Packers will be ready. 

Of course I could be wrong but I doubt it. 

I want to go to this game but the prices of tickets are insane. This week I looked on the Seahawks website for opening night. The cheapest 2 seats together is $295 US each. Get this, section 326 Row Q. The cheapest option for 4 tickets together is $295 US each in section 319 Row BB. These are terrible seats. The best 4 seats in the Lower Bowl (end zone) are $470 each section 124 Row T. Unless you want to sit in the Crows Nest it’s $375 each (section 147 Row RR). Hence, I'm not going.  No way I’m paying that kind of money. I would love to be there and see my prediction come true but I’d rather watch it on TV. 

King James is COMING HOME!!!

This is insane!!! The best basketball player in the league (LBJ) is coming home to Cleveland. I can't believe he pulled the trigger. 

People need to understand it's his total right to do this. He does not need to be loyal to any team. Once his contract is up he doesn't have to sign back. He is free to go wherever he chooses. But people will say, in essence, he messed up two teams. 

Below is the article from James in SI. It's a very good explanation of why he's leaving Miami and choosing Cleveland. Great reasons to return in my opinion.

Click here for Sports Illustrated's article from LeBron!

When it comes to sports, this is shocking and great news. Poor Miami but the fans of Cleveland have to be celebrating!!! Plus Irving + Wiggins + LBJ = Super entertaining, highlight reel, basketball. 

I hope they win a championship in the years to come. Lots of rumours that Kevin Love is heading to Cleveland as well. Where's Bosh going, Houston? Carmelo might just want to head to Miami.

I could be wrong but I doubt it. 

I love this picture... It makes me laugh. :)

We want ANSWERS

It's great to use all the status quo answers. "We want to win" or "We want a more exciting style" or "We need to have a winning culture" or "We want to make the playoffs". 

So how will Vancouver do this? 

Well the Canucks held their annual Summer Summit with season ticket holders and fans. It's an hour and 20 minutes long and they explained what 'the plan' is and how they will accomplish these goals. 

Here are some of the answers:

My question about tanking the season and trying to draft Conner McDavid was asked & answered at 37:00 minutes. (It wasn't me but there are other brilliant sport minds out there too). What do you think about the answers given? 

How are we going to improve scoring? 

Benning's answers were we got Bonino from the Kesler trade and Vrbata will be great on the PP. He was also very excited about Linden Vey as a top prospect. 

Linden added that they needed to get our current players like Burrows back to their scoring ways. 

Scoring just doesn't happen. It's about the structure. Offense and Defense. 

Where's Santorelli? 

Why didn't they sign our hardest worker back? I thought that was a great question that didn't really get answered. 

What's the plan with Eddie Lack? 

Supposed he was 'thrilled' to have Ryan Miller on the team. Yeah right. That's a great thing for Eddie to say. And imagine if Trevor told us Eddie's totally ticked off and smashed up the dressing room. 

I really like how they got the draft picks up there to introduce them and answer some questions. 

Virtanen is a scoring stud but he's rehabbing his injured shoulder. 

McCann wants to be like Ryan Kesler. That would be awesome as a two way forward. 

Demko has all the tools to become great. He just needs another 5 years as goalies develop slower. I don't think it's a bad thing his dad is a Kings fan because if he wasn't his son probably wouldn't have played hockey. 

Tryamkin looks pretty big for a young prospect and tries to model his game after Zdeno Chara. PLEASE let that come true! Chara's a beast on the ice. 

The Canucks theme is CHANGING IS COMING.  This organization and team has been radically changed. It's what is needed after such a horrific season. Still so glad Gillis is gone. Who trades 2 #1 goalies? Tortorella didn't fight our team. Booth & Ballard got bought out (don't feel too bad for them bec that's A LOT of $). Garrison got moved. Kesler got his wish out of town. Can we please change it to CHANGE HAS COME?

Was the change good? The answer is yes and we will see. We will not see the answer to this question for 2-3 years. But there is hope and excitement again. Will we win the Cup this season? Nope but we are now building toward that goal. 

What I like about Benning is his expertise in scouting and drafting. And this is an area we have desperately needed some changes. 

There's something we all need to remember, other teams are trying to do the same thing and won't give way their players. So Linden and Benning need to draft well, build from within and add pieces to the puzzle. It's not like the EA Sports NHL 15 video game where you can manipulate the trade offers with draft picks to get who ever you want. If it was easy everyone would be successful. It takes a lot of hard work to get the right pieces to fall into place to have a chance to win the Stanley Cup. We've been close (3 Finals appearances, 2 Finals Game 7's) but haven't won. 

After watching this, I'm starting to get excited about the direction our Canucks are heading in. Go Canucks go! 

Canucks: Is this a playoff roster?

Believe???

Okay, I'm loving the discussion around the Canucks. At least there is something to talk about. I'm sorry if I'm coming across as a pessimist but I've always admitted that I'm a realistic when it comes to sports. And just because the Canucks are my favourite team doesn't mean that I look at the team or their chances with rose coloured glasses (do rose coloured glasses exist or even work better? lol). 

As much as I love the Canuck draft, the Ryan Miller & Radim Vrbata signings I can't see this team making the playoffs. We didn't make it last year and have we improved enough to make the playoffs? It's possible but very unlikely. My main point is that we don't have enough fire power to be in the top 8 in the West. The West has significantly gotten better and Vancouver is similar or slightly better. 

That's why I was suggesting that we tank the season to get the top pick or to be in the top 3 to get a significant addition to a team that really needs to rebuild or get younger talent who actually play on our roster. You can read all about that here: Lose Honour. Get Conner.

Let's look at the possible line combo's for the Canucks. 
It seems like Vrbata signed here because of promises to play with the twins. 

Line 1:
LW - D.Sedin
C - H.Sedin
RW - Vrbata

Line 2:
LW - Higgins/Burrows
C - Bonino
RW - Kassian

Line 3:
LW - Matthias
C - Richardson
RW - Higgins/Burrows

Line 4:
LW - Sestito
C - Horvat
RW - Dorsett/Hansen

Is this a playoff roster? Considering how strong the West is, no way. 
Are we going to generate enough goals to make a playoff push? I don't think so. 

Where are our young guys going to play? Jensen (RW), Horvat (C), Shinkaruk (RW), and even Virtanen need opportunities to make this roster. We just traded for the RW Linden Vey from LA. Where's he going to play? My guess it's another year in the minors or their CHL teams for most of these guys. Which is super frustrating. I would send Schroeder to the minors and put Horvat to C that line with Shinkaruk on the RW with Sestito or Hansen on the LW.  

I totally understand that if you make the playoffs anything can happen. But how are we making the playoffs? Don't tell me our Dmen are going to miraculously pick up the scoring. Here's my bold statement on July 3rd, the Calgary Flames will end up higher in the standings than Vancouver. The Flames have done a great job drafting and rebuilding plus the addition of Bennett & Hiller will help them win more games. You watch...

Of course I could be wrong but I doubt it. 
I hope I'm wrong but I doubt it. And when I'm right and we get 10th or 11th in the West and Conner McDavid and Jack Eichel are taken in the top 3 picks we will be wishing that the Canucks listened to me about tanking the season. :)  

Side notes: 
We need more legit LWers and giving Vrbata $5 mil a season is a lot of dough. 
Again I'm cheering for them but I'm a realist. 

LOSE HONOUR. GET CONNER.

Well after the NHL draft it was quite apparent that the Canucks were rebuilding. But GM Jim Benning insisted that wasn't the case. And after the 1st day of the free agency, I believe him. At the Ryan Miller press conference Benning said that Vancouver's goal is to make the playoffs every year. So the idea of rebuilding is not on their radar. They want to keep a winning culture in Vancouver. It's more of a change on the fly like Detroit has done so successfully over the years. Only a few teams have been able to do this. Most have to rebuild and even SJ has started that process too.

Did you know that Jim Benning was in Buffalo when they drafted Ryan Miller? It's true. Benning obviously is sold on Miller and Benning said, "Goaltending is the most important position on the team." 

And I believe that Ryan Miller got blamed unfairly on St.Louis' playoff lose to Chicago. The Blues wouldn't have gone to Game 7 if it wasn't for the good play of Ryan Miller. But their loss is our gain. And I'm super happy the Canucks landed him. It was for a good length of term and a reasonable price for an elite goalie. And thanks to Gillis we don't have a legit #1 (#fireGillis)

And I love this signing especially if we are truly trying to make the playoffs and compete. 

My question is, why? 
Look at the West, everyone added scoring except for Vancouver. 
Stastny went to St.Louis
Iggy wisely when to Colorado.
Spezza landed in Dallas. 
Kesler to Anaheim.
Plus Chicago and LA are built to win.

Our team right now does not have the players to keep up with the West. If you look at our team right now who's going to produce or scare the opposition? 
The twins are our best offensive players.
Bonio will be good on the PP. 
Burrows? Kassian? Higgins...okay you get the picture. 

I appreciate the desire to keep or make a winning culture in Vancouver but when you have a superstar like Conner McDavid in next year's draft you have a shot to get him, why not unofficially tank the season, develop your young kids, and select the best prospect on the planet? 

I can't take credit for this but my buddy @Stuology101 and hard core Canuck fan came up with this slogan...

LOSE HONOUR. GET CONNER. 

I agree with his idea so much so I tweeted Canucks President Trevor (great name by the way) Linden. 
@trevor_linden if you had this team & could lose to draft a player like #crosby would you tank the season? LOSE HONOUR. GET CONNER!

And why not...what if he lives up to the hype and becomes similar to Crosby, Stamkos or Kane. Wouldn't it be worth it? I think it would. 

I love our draft...
Virtanen is a very gifted player. An Abbotsford boy who's whole family is a Canucks fan. My friends who watched him in Calgary with the Hitmen said he's dynamic and we are going to love him. 
McCann is a good 2 way C. He models himself after Kesler or Bergeron and he's not afraid to drop the gloves. 
Demko is supposedly the best goalie in the draft. 
The best move was the trade that got rejected. SO GLAD that Florida said no to the Vancouver's insane trade offer, #6 & #24 overall and last years 1st round pick Hunter Shinkaruk.

Side note: I tweeted Hunter this message of encouragement. 
@H_S_9 I get your name was in trade talks today but I'm glad u didn't get moved bec I believe u r going to light it up for Van! #Canucks

Speaking of Hunter, let's not forget we have at least 2 excellent players on the horizon who I hope make the team this season in Horvat and Shinkaruk.  
Here's Shinkaruk's top 10 goals, #3 and #1 are amazing
Here's Bo Horvat's Top 10 goals. So many good ones...

To summarize, I appreciate the desire of Canuck leadership to win and the signing of Miller but without significant help offensively we don't have a shot. And who wants to draft #5 overall when you can draft #1? Not me.  

Lose honour. Get Conner.

Of course I could be wrong but I doubt it. 

Supposedly the Canucks are NOT rebuilding...

The Philadelphia fans get the privilege to host the NHL entry draft tonight. Usually the draft isn't that exciting because there are very few players in the 10 top that actually play the following season but this year there is a lot of talent and trade rumours. 

My Canucks have made the biggest splash today by making 3 trades. 

Here's the down low about Kelser: 
- Fan favourite and a great face off guy.
- Hard worker and gave it all he had.
- Fact: Injured A LOT!!!
- Scored 41 goals but I think he don't do that again or come close. 
- He lead our team in goals last season with only 25. With a whopping 43 pts. It was a bad year of offence for the Canucks (Burrows had 5 and D.Sedin had 16). 

What we got in return: 
26 year old Bonino who had a break out year with 22 goals and 49 pts.
Sbisa who missed most of the year (only 30 games) and had 6 pts and 0 +/-
The 24th overall pick (McCann)
And the 3rd round pick which we traded for Dorsett. (We also give up a better 3rd round pick)

Then we trade D Garrison to TB for the 50th overall pick (2nd rd) 
Garrison is a solid did but is know for his big shot. My point is he rarely scored. So who cares if he has a big shot if he can't score on the PP. Elder and Garrison both only had 7 goals but Elder was -39 and Garrison was -5. 

But why trade Garrison? Was it to clear up space ($4.6 million) to go after Ryan Miller or Tyler Myers? Both guys I would LOVE on Vancouver. 

Or maybe it's all about Conner McDavid...say what? 

Yeah I said it, maybe the goal is not to be better but to be lame. Lame enough to get the #1 pick. I know it sounds crazy but what's crazier is what just shook down in the last year and a half. 

Instead of firing Gillis, AV gets fired (goes to NYR and in SAME year he goes to the Cup final). Then we think let's get a veteran coach who has had success but has a temper like no other and can't control himself and the team doesn't perform AND 2 of our best players want a trade out of town (I get this is an incorrect sentence but I'm proving my point here). Not only that but we trade both our #1 goalies. Our ROOKIE goalie (who I like BTW) is now our starting goalie. Morale is at it's lowest and we finally fire Gillis then to clean house we get ride of Tortorella (losing millions of dollars in the process). In the process we hire Linden, then Benning, and our new coach Desjardins has zero NHL experience (good resume considering). Actually none of these guys have any experience in the roles that they are in currently (but I'm all for giving people a chance to prove themselves). We have to trade Kesler and do it but don't get significant playable players in return. We dump a decent D who can help our cause. We are clearing up cap space like it's no one's business for a rainy day. 

And I'm the one who's crazy to think we are tanking the year to get the stud (next Crosby, Ovie, Hall???). What I think is crazier is that we believe Benning's propaganda that we are adding pieces to stay competitive. 

"I wouldn't say it's a rebuild. We acquired players that are going to have an impact on us winning this year" - Benning

I get he has to be political and can't share the master plan. And I'm cool with it if we are rebuilding and tanking this season. I really am. I get the big picture stuff. But correct me if I'm wrong but when you are trading your top goal scorer and not getting enough in return and your dumping salary to gain draft picks...isn't that REBUILDING? Because it looks like a rebuild to me. We are not retooling. We are not adding to make a run. And if we are adding or retooling we are delusional. haha

I could be wrong but I doubt it. 

Overall it was fun to be a Canucks fan today. We were the talk of the day. I had a blast on FB, Twitter,  Texting & calling friends. 

Here's how the 1st draft day ended...
We traded Kesler and our 3rd pick for Bonino, Sbisa, McCann and Dorsett. We sent Garrison to sunny TB and we also drafted Virtanen. 

I wish we could have traded up for #1 and got Reinhardt but I'm extremely happy with who we drafted and looking forward to the rest of our draft. 

Virtanen is a scoring machine and has heart. Injured shoulder and played through the playoffs with the Hitmen.

McCann was ranked really high on TSN's board 16 and we landed him at 24. We need another young C and still plan and hope Horvat turns out. 

And I give Linden and Benning an A for effort. Supposedly they had offered our 6th pick, 24th pick and Shinkaruk for the #1. But thankfully they didn't accept it. 

I'm not mad or disappointed about what has happened at the draft but I'm excited about the future. 

Good bye Ryan Kesler, I don't blame you for wanting to leave. Thanks for the memories and playing your heart out every night. 

Good bye Gillis HELLO Linden

Yesterday Mike Gillis got fired and today Trevor Linden got hired. 

Bad for Gillis but the ownership thought it was best for the organization and many fans, including me, absolutely agree. 

I'm officially back! After I wrote the "I'm done with the Canucks post" I stopped wasting my time watching games, I didn't wear Canucks gear, didn't even watch the highlights. I said, I'm done watching until Gillis is fired. Today I put my gear back on and I'm excited for the future. I took a 23 day break.

But yesterday there have been a few articles written say that Gillis was a good GM and was unfairly fired. 

Articles like these: 
Pass It to Bulis - Vancouver Sun and Justin Bourne from The Score

I hear what they are saying and yes Gillis did some things well but the trades and resistance to pull the trigger at the right time cost Gillis his job. 

You tell me if the Rangers traded Lundqvist or the Kings traded Quick or the Habs traded Price wouldn't the fans be upset? Yes, and rightly so. 

So think of 2010, the Bruins have Tim Thomas and Rask and they traded them both in one year don't you think Boston would go crazy! 

Vancouver trades both #1 goalies in Luo & Schneider in one calendar and for little in return and Gillis is deemed as a good GM or that he did a good job? 

Not to mention, the horrific Hodgson for Kassian trade. 

Also, since Gillis has taken over, not only did we go to the Cup final, which he can deserve some of the credit for, but both Luongo and Kesler have both asked for trades. 

Actually with all the difficulties I'm surprised Gillis has had this job for this long. If I made as many mistakes at my job as he did (especially at a multimillion dollar level), I would have been fired a long time ago. I believe they made the wrong decision a year ago by letting go coach AV and not Gillis. 

This is a great change by Vancouver because it needed new leadership. The morale, as demonstrated at the game with the fire Gillis chant, is very low. Fans are not happy and neither should the owners be. 

As a person, I like Gillis. But we can't feel too bad for him as he just made $8 million dollars (due to his contract).  That's another reason why I think John Tortorella will be back as the Canucks coach next season as he's due $8 million in his contract. 

Today the Canucks have announced that Trevor Linden will be the new President for the Canucks which is a great move for the franchise as he's one of the Canuck ions and he won't be the GM. He will bring hope and stability to the organization. And we all know that in sports, hope makes money. That's why the Canucks have pushed the season tickets renewal deadline back which was due today. It is a very political and financial move bringing in Linden. 

Linden (who's only 43 years old), will be in charge of all hockey operations dealing with GM, coaching staff, contracts, players, and free agents. Which in Trevor's words at the press conference is, "It's more than a full time job...We will do what we need to do to make this a winning organization." He said that he wants a new GM in by June or the middle of June. He has a profile for what he's looking for in a GM and what the team will look like. 

Here are some of my thoughts moving forward:
I'm hoping this move, will keep Kesler in Vancouver. 
I'm a believer in Eddie Lack and am hopeful he will become a very good #1 goaltender. He reminds me of Schneider as he is calm in the net. 
I hope we draft better, let's lose the remaining games to get a better draft pick.
but also allow the young prospects in Jensen, Horvat, and Shinkaruk to play consistently with the big club next season.
As for the GM, I think we need someone with good experience not named Feaster. ;) 

I believe yesterday was a good day when Gillis was fired and today is a better day with Linden as the President. Good job Mr.Aquilini, you just saved the franchise. 

Of course, I could be wrong but I doubt it. 

Go Canucks Go! 

I'm done with the Canucks!

I'm serious, I'm done with the Vancouver Canucks. I'm so sick and tried of the drama. Vancouver is not only the laughing stock of the NHL but they are disgusting. I have no idea what's happening. I'm so confused and frustrated. I'm usually extremely faithful to a team but in this case, how can anyone stay positive. 

Let's look at the hard facts: 
1. We lost 9-1 to Anaheim. NINE to one! 
2. We lost 6-1 to Dallas in a 'must win' game.
3. We have been horrific since Christmas. 
4. We took a 3 goal lead into the third period and allowed SEVEN GOALS! vs the loly Islanders who didn't have their best player (John Tavares). 
5. We couldn't trade Luongo so we traded Schneider for a 9th round draft pick. 
6. So in Luongo we trust, then Tortorella sits Luongo in the heritage classic even though Luongo only played one game in the Olympics. He also sat the other two games previous. So Luongo says, "I'm done!" (And who can blame him after the last year and a half) so we trade him for at best 3rd line C and a backup goalie. The Canucks have treated Luongo bad enough for a long time, I'm happy for him.
7. As much as I like coach Tortorella, he has lost the room, he's tried to fight the opposing coach in between periods, and his style on the ice is so boring. We can't win 1-0 or 2-1 games when we can't score. 
8. The Canucks have given up. Have you watched a game lately? They lack effort and heart. If they have decided to pack it in, I will refuse to watch any longer. 
9. After last season, Gillis fires AV and hires Tortorella? Why didn't Gillis get fired??? I can't think of one thing Gillis done really well in his tenure as the GM. Santorelli or Stanton were flukes...no one thought they were going to be any good. Plus even if you count them it pails in comparison to the MASSIVE mistakes with Luo's contract, the lame Schneider trade, the terrible trade with Florida to move Luo, and who can forget Hodgson for KASSIAN! 

Who wants to play in Vancouver with all this garbage and a tough coach like Tortorella, and a terrible GM in Gillis? What Free Agent will willingly want to come to Vancouver? Only the desperate ones who won't improve our hockey club.

Let's look at the rumours: 
1. Supposedly Kesler has asked for a trade (again can we blame him?). 
2. Supposedly we had 2 Kesler offers on the table. 
a) A deal was done with Anaheim for only 2 draft picks. 
b) A deal was done with Pitts for B.Sutter and 2 draft picks. 
* Supposedly our ownership stepped in and veto'd both or the main deal. If that is true, BRAVO to our owners. 

Is it okay to have a 2nd team?
People make fun of me all the time that I have a second team to cheer for...really? After 38 years of pain, it makes perfect sense. We have made the finals 3 times. We got lucky in '82 to even be there...and in '94 we should have won game 7 and in 2010 we should have won Game 6 but didn't and got embarrassed in the 7th game (not scoring 1 goal) 4-0. 
It's been well documented that I like the Flyers as well. Why the Flyers? Well when I was young I loved Lindros (didn't love the whole snubbing Quebec thing but it is what it is). I really enjoyed the Legion of Doom. Loved the drafting and direction they have heading in. Loved Briere, LeClair, Hextall, Coburn, Richards/Carter, and most recently Vorachek and my boy Giroux! I like cheering for a team in the West and the East to make things interesting. 

Heart to heart, father-son conversation
I had a conversation with my 4 year old son. I said to him, "Son I like the Canucks jersey you are wearing, it looks good on you. But maybe it's time for us to cheer for a different team." (After all it's been one big roller coaster ride being a frustrated, loyal Canucks fan. And I don't want him to go through all the pain with no to little joy.) 
He replied, "I do like Pittsburgh." 
I answered, "Yeah, that's a good choice." 
And as hard as it was for me to have that conversation with him about it, it was settled. I knew what I was asking of him was in the end the right call. Sometimes the right thing isn't the easiest thing to do.

As for me...I'm moving on to my second team. Who MIGHT just become my 1st team. I'm done with Vancouver...at least for this season. Or until Gillis gets fired. 

They say in sports, you can make money and get a good fan base if you can sell hope. Well the longer this goes on, the more hope is dying or has been lost. 

Of course I could be wrong but I doubt it. 

Time to Rebuild or Change on the Fly in Vancouver?

When all in the hockey universe is perfect (Team Canada wins GOLD)...the Olympic break causes Canuck fans to go into a frenzy tonight. Our beloved Ryan Kesler supposedly asked for a trade...not recently but earlier in the year. 

















Say what??? Earlier in the year? Wow. It looks like a real possibility and no better time to tell everyone a week before the trade deadline.


Check out this shocking video... 




A brilliant sports mind and Canuck fan @Stuology101 probably summed up the Canucks fans general thinking and worry by posting this tonight...


Dear Canucks,

Can't say I'm surprised one bit in Kesler asking for a trade, however with your recent history of trades I make myself clear:

Don't. Screw. This. Up. 

Sincerely,

A unmotivated but optimistic Canucks fan.


The problem is Gillis. Will. Screw. This. Up. His track record is terrible: 

Luongo stays and Schneider goes for Horvat. Hodgson goes and Kassian comes. Signing Higgins to a long contract and no Limited No Trade Clause. Signing Booth for $4.2M a year.The best thing we can do as a team is fire Gillis. 


So what should Vancouver do? Rebuild, Retool or Change On The Fly. 


Let's rebuild? 

I hate this idea...rebuilding is so easy to suggest. We have been through one already and if it wasn't for Brian Burke we would have not been able to do this. The Flames are in a rebuild process...who's the man in charge? Burke! But look at the Oilers and the Islanders. How many decades does it take to rebuild? A LONG time. You don't just magically draft well. Conner McDavid doesn't just show up on your roster. Plus with all our No Trade or Movement Clauses it would be very difficult to move our guys. 


Let's retool? 

Retool reminds me that our window is still open...let's be honest the window has closed. We have some key pieces but we aren't retooling for an incredible Cup run. 


Let's change on the fly?

I can't take the credit because this was said by @jeffaroo . This is the best option. We have some key pieces that will keep us competitive but we need to change on the fly to keep fans interested and not become the next 20-30 year rebuild. Detroit and Chicago did it why can't we? Okay that's not fair question but it's a nice dream. haha 


I wouldn't mind trading Elder or Higgins but let's keep Bieska and Hamhuis as the core of the D. Luongo and Lack are great goalies to start the change on the fly process. I'm so impressed with Lack, no wonder they wanted to move Schneider or Luongo. Let's get Horvat and Shinkaruk on the roster next year. Let's land a good FA or two. The twins are fine...they are not soft but they are legit. Not as dominate as they once were but fine enough to do a change on the fly. 


So where is Kesler going? 

@Stuology101 suggests these as real possible landing spots:  

I would say Philadelphia (remember the 1 year/1.9M offer sheet they made Kesler 8 years ago too) has interest.

Minnesota (Kesler = Big North Stars fan growing up). 

Detroit (Home state). 

Columbus (OSU connection).

St. Louis (Midwest contender) would be where Kesler would waive his NTC too.


What are we going to get in return? 

No idea but not much considering Gillis' GM history. I say let's talk to Colorado and ask for Duchene or O'Reilly. 

I do agree that Philly could be place he lands because he is the style of player they look for. 

I can't see him heading to St.Louis. They do not want to mess up their chemistry.

TSN suggested Columbus, NYR, or Chicago. No way with Chicago. NYR I could see, there's lots of Callahan Kesler rumours flying around. Maybe CBJ does make a move for him. 

Maybe we could send him to Edmonton for Eberle or Nugent-Hopkins.


Honestly, I don't think Kesler moves any where before the trade deadline. But if he's requested a trade and been telling people at the Olympics he wants out then I think we can get something significant for him at the deadline or draft. The time is now. It will be sad to see him go but that's sports! Thanks Ryan for all your effort and leadership. 


Of course I could be wrong but I doubt it.

Time to Rebuild or Change on the Fly in Vancouver?

When all in the hockey universe is perfect (Team Canada wins GOLD)...the Olympic break causes Canuck fans to go into a frenzy tonight. Our beloved Ryan Kesler supposedly asked for a trade...not recently but earlier in the year. 

Say what??? Earlier in the year? Wow. It looks like a real possibility and no better time to tell everyone a week before the trade deadline.


Check out this shocking video... 




A brilliant sports mind and Canuck fan @Stuology101 probably summed up the Canucks fans general thinking and worry by posting this tonight...


Dear Canucks,

Can't say I'm surprised one bit in Kesler asking for a trade, however with your recent history of trades I make myself clear:

Don't. Screw. This. Up. 

Sincerely,

A unmotivated but optimistic Canucks fan.


The problem is Gillis. Will. Screw. This. Up. His track record is terrible: 

Luongo stays and Schneider goes for Horvat. Hodgson goes and Kassian comes. Signing Higgins to a long contract and no Limited No Trade Clause. Signing Booth for $4.2M a year.The best thing we can do as a team is fire Gillis. 


So what should Vancouver do? Rebuild, Retool or Change On The Fly. 


Let's rebuild? 

I hate this idea...rebuilding is so easy to suggest. We have been through one already and if it wasn't for Brian Burke we would have not been able to do this. The Flames are in a rebuild process...who's the man in charge? Burke! But look at the Oilers and the Islanders. How many decades does it take to rebuild? A LONG time. You don't just magically draft well. Conner McDavid doesn't just show up on your roster. Plus with all our No Trade or Movement Clauses it would be very difficult to move our guys. 


Let's retool? 

Retool reminds me that our window is still open...let's be honest the window has closed. We have some key pieces but we aren't retooling for an incredible Cup run. 


Let's change on the fly?

I can't take the credit because this was said by @jeffaroo . This is the best option. We have some key pieces that will keep us competitive but we need to change on the fly to keep fans interested and not become the next 20-30 year rebuild. Detroit and Chicago did it why can't we? Okay that's not fair question but it's a nice dream. haha 


I wouldn't mind trading Elder or Higgins but let's keep Bieska and Hamhuis as the core of the D. Luongo and Lack are great goalies to start the change on the fly process. I'm so impressed with Lack, no wonder they wanted to move Schneider or Luongo. Let's get Horvat and Shinkaruk on the roster next year. Let's land a good FA or two. The twins are fine...they are not soft but they are legit. Not as dominate as they once were but fine enough to do a change on the fly. 


So where is Kesler going? 

@Stuology101 suggests these as real possible landing spots:  

I would say Philadelphia (remember the 1 year/1.9M offer sheet they made Kesler 8 years ago too) has interest.

Minnesota (Kesler = Big North Stars fan growing up). 

Detroit (Home state). 

Columbus (OSU connection).

St. Louis (Midwest contender) would be where Kesler would waive his NTC too.


What are we going to get in return? 

No idea but not much considering Gillis' GM history. I say let's talk to Colorado and ask for Duchene or O'Reilly. 

I do agree that Philly could be place he lands because he is the style of player they look for. 

I can't see him heading to St.Louis. They do not want to mess up their chemistry.

TSN suggested Columbus, NYR, or Chicago. No way with Chicago. NYR I could see, there's lots of Callahan Kesler rumours flying around. Maybe CBJ does make a move for him. 

Maybe we could send him to Edmonton for Eberle or Nugent-Hopkins.


Honestly, I don't think Kesler moves any where before the trade deadline. But if he's requested a trade and been telling people at the Olympics he wants out then I think we can get something significant for him at the deadline or draft. The time is now. It will be sad to see him go but that's sports! Thanks Ryan for all your effort and leadership. 


Of course I could be wrong but I doubt it.

3-1 vs Norway

I just finished watching the Canada Norway game from this morning (7:54 pm haha). 

Here are things I loved: 
1. We won...granted I thought it was going to be 10-1 but I'll take 3-1. It's a good warm up game. 
2. LOVED all 3 Canada goals. My favourite was Weber's blast from the point. LASER! Doughty's backhand and Benn's goal were nice too. 
3. I liked how they played St.Louis. Great move by Coach Babcock.
4. I enjoyed the Sharp, Toews and Nash line. Looked like they were gelling. 
5. Our defensemen were fantastic. Really impressed with Pietrangelo. What a beast! I was surprised Hamhuis played so many minutes. He was solid. 
6. Price looked good. He didn't look great but he wasn't tested too much. Thank you Dmen! 
7. Thought Getzlaf & Bergeron played solid minutes at C. Their experience and face-off effectiveness will be needed.
8. Loved Tavares out there...he's a sweet player. 

Things that concern me: 
1. Why in the world is Jeff Carter playing significant minutes with Crosby? Carter looks average at best. 
2. Duchene wasn't dressed? Why? I hope he plays vs Austria and proves he belongs. 
3. Overall we didn't look dominant. I think most people were expecting more. Give some credit to Norway who played better defensively than I thought they would. 
4. Crosby and Knutiz were okay...they need to play better. 
5. Not surprised but Marleau didn't impress, he needs to step it up. 

Of course I could be wrong but I doubt it.