Let The Bodies Hit the Floor
Amidst the chaos and stampede caused by the bandwagon emptying on Saturday, one thing was overlooked. It’s something that has killed the Canucks in the first two games and has subtly been a difference maker in the series so far. Hits.
One of the main reasons that the Blackhawks are coming back from 2 and 3 goal deficits is largely due to their hits, but it starts with their forchecking and playing of the body. The Canucks by no means boast a small roster, Hordichuk, Salo, Mitchell, Bieksa, and Rypien all know how to throw those big bone jarring heavy hits, and yet they’ve been quiet. Where has Shane O’Brien’s body been? On Saturday the biggest hit by a Canucks player was by Mason Raymond. Think about that for a second, then think about how horribly wrong that is.
The Canucks are playing a finesse team that they should be able to take the body to, yet they’re letting the liks of Burrish, Byfuglien and Eager push and throw them around. The Blackhawks are coming back because they’re able to win the battles to the puck (because of their forechecking and hitting) and they’re able to break the Canucks off the puck. The Canucks just aren’t asserting themselves physically at all and it’s hurting them.
Where’s Rypien been? After coming back full of energy and throwing his body into people like a runaway car, he’s been silent. Horidchuck was brought in for the rough stuff, and he’s quieter than the Sedins back when they were regularly referred to as the Sedin Sisters. Burrows who usually also catapults his body into players against the boards has been pretty tame. They have got to start beat Chicago up a little. I’m not talking about going head hunting, or taking lessons from Brashear, Downey, or Mike Brown on how to perfectly line up your elbow with the temple of someone’s head, but I do expect the Canucks to start playing some solid physical hockey. If that means subbing in Davison for Salo instead of Vaananen then so be it. The Canucks need to set the tone in the first period in Game 3 and it’s going to start with some hard hits.
And as pump of for game 3, nothing better than the song which aptly fits the title of this post. Get Amped! – http://twisten.fm/l/3QJF
Side Note: Guts McTavish takes on the Chicago writers.
It’s time for the Men to be Men and show those young boys a thing or two… my thoughts is they have just been sizing the lads up and know exactly what to do to end up back here for a game 5 win in Vancouver !!
It’s time for the Men to be Men and show those young boys a thing or two… my thoughts is they have just been sizing the lads up and know exactly what to do to end up back here for a game 5 win in Vancouver !!
Here here! Although I believe the Canucks need to be smart, I could live with some “high energy” penalties if they were to be called, so long as the tone is set that the Canucks do not fade into the dark of night. Right now, the Hawks think they are better simply because they have been able to intimidate Vancouver.
That all being said, might it be time to see if inserting Cowan for Hordi doesn’t light the fuse?
Here here! Although I believe the Canucks need to be smart, I could live with some “high energy” penalties if they were to be called, so long as the tone is set that the Canucks do not fade into the dark of night. Right now, the Hawks think they are better simply because they have been able to intimidate Vancouver.
That all being said, might it be time to see if inserting Cowan for Hordi doesn’t light the fuse?
I’m loving your articles Mozy! So glad you joined the CHB.
I think the Canucks are going to play well tonight. I’m hoping it’s going to be a tough, physical game.
Canucks need to get a little more hussle in their step!
I’m loving your articles Mozy! So glad you joined the CHB.
I think the Canucks are going to play well tonight. I’m hoping it’s going to be a tough, physical game.
Canucks need to get a little more hussle in their step!