Friday, April 8, 2011

Kesler Scores, Bobby Luo Stands On His Head, Here Come The Playoffs

First off a couple quick notes. I am posting this from my phone because I am back home in Kesler Kountry (aka Michigan) where this is my only means of internet and my computer is done for. However, a new one is on its way as I type this. Second I will not be tweeting for tomorrows game either for the very same reasons, but you can be assured it will continue once the playoffs start. I am sure you are all releived now. On to the important stuff.

Kesler gets a hat-trick and a 40 goal season all in the same game! For someone who grew up in Michigan, is an Ohio State fan (I know doesn't make much sense), and is a Canucks fan, this was perhaps the highlight of the regular season for me. Loved every second of it. I am sure it is in no small part to me purchasing a Kesler jersey at Rogers Arena in November either. Nice to sign a guy to an extension, then just have him tear it up.

Bobby Luo also looked great in this game. He made some great saves, per usual, and grabbed another shutout in what has been a stellar season. Still not happy he is playing, but he responded well and I hope this will carry over.

It was also trophy night in Vancouver. Nice to see all the alumni, some we had seen already this year (Haaarrrooolllddd) and some not. But the obvious highlight of the evening was Manny Malhotra coming out to accept the President's Trophy with Henrik. Great to see him, and the fans went nuts. Miss that guy in the face-off circle and PK, but just hoping he gets healed soon, regardless of his professional future.

One more game tomorrow, then its playoff time. I hope Calgary shows a bit more class then they have in the past when it comes to missing the playoffs, you would think they are used to it by now. I am going to attempt a playoff preview at some point early next week.

*I apologize for any grammar or spelling mistakes*
Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.7

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Late Season Loses, Bad Coaching, And Injury Update


Late season loses are nothing to worry about right now. They have locked up the division, conference and President's Trophy. They have set a multitude of franchise records, and are having one of the greatest seasons of any team in recent memory. So why is your franchise goalie, whom plays too many games as it is, playing against the worst team in the league in game 79?! This made no sense whatsoever. 

I know Cory Schneider didn't look his sharpest in his meeting with the Oilers on Saturday night, but he had until Tuesday to get over it. Because I am sure if the Oilers had a chance to ruin the Canucks playoff chances they wouldn't. I am not suggesting they tried, or would ever intentionally do it, but one guy cuts to the net hard and goes into Luongo the playoffs could look grim.

This was stupidity on the highest level by Alain. Obviously he wasn't concerned about winning because the team laid an egg in both games. So if you are not concerned with getting the rest of the team up, why play Luongo?! It makes no sense.

Dan Hamhuis is still out from his second concussion of the season, which he sustained in Columbus on March 27. Early reports suggest he should be ready to go by the start of the playoffs. This is good news considering they have lost Chris Tanev as well. Edler has been continuing his off-ice training and is ready for a full practice with the team.

Last and definitely not least a Manny Malhotra update. Manny released a statement today thanking everyone for their support. After two surgeries, one in Vancouver the other in New York, Manny seems like he will regain at least some vision in his eye, which is some really great news. Two more games until the 

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Kings, Cheap Hits, Oilers And More Injuries


The Green Guys were out in full force on Friday night, and they didn't disappoint. As a wrestling fan, the Hulk Hogan stuff was priceless. I realize this is from the playoffs last year, but this hangover is killing me, so extra searching will not be happening. The "Hockey Loving Homos" was pretty funny as well. What wasn't funny is the way the Kings played when down.

Another defenseman, Chris Tanev, is out because a crappy team can't lose well. When is this crap going to stop?! At the end of every season, playoff teams have to put up with teams cheap-shoting them. Its a joke. So now Tanev is out, who was having a pretty decent rookie campaign. The NHL has to do something about this.

Thursday against the Kings it was the same old tale of going down early, not panicking and winning. I can't stop enjoying that. Saturday was a different story. Sauve and Glass made their returns to the line-up, with Glass not disappointing, 10 minutes played, even rating, and a fight. Sauve on the other hand was a minus 2, that was tough. I am still looking forward to seeing more out of him, he looked impressive earlier in the year and I think he can turn into something pretty damn good. Schneider didn't look as sharp as he had in the past, but at the pace he was playing he was due for a let down.  

On Friday the Canucks of course captured the Presidents Trophy. Just one more accomplishment in a season full of franchise records. The 40th anniversary season has truly been one for the record books. But there is one accomplishment yet to go, and thats the one that matters. There will be plenty of time for looking back on regular season accomplishments in July.