CHB’s Top 10 Reasons Why Torts is a Better Coach for the Canucks (Right Now) Than AV

Photo credit: cbc.ca

There was much anticipation for last night’s meeting between the Vancouver Canucks and New York Rangers for one obvious reason: the first showdown between head coaches John Tortorella and Alain Vigneault since taking over as new bench bosses of their respective clubs.

Despite it being a preseason game, there was an undeniable buzz in the city, in the arena, and of course, on Twitter.

Thus, after the Canucks 5-0 win, I put a simple question out to the fans:  “Why is Torts a better coach for the Canucks (right now) than AV?”

A couple of quick notes:

• I would have asked this question regardless of the result of last night’s game
• I have respect for Alain Vigneault the person and the coach and certainly for all of his accomplishments.  Having said that, it was obviously time for a change at the end of last year.

So sit back and enjoy your (unedited) submissions in The Top 10 Reasons Why Torts is a Better Coach for the Canucks (Right Now) Than AV:

10. AV was an awesome coach and a great guy but it was time for the #Canucks to get a new perspective & Torts would give them that (@elmeebaterina)

We start off with a nice one from my friend Elmee, who shares my sentiment of AV being a good coach but that it was indeed time for a change.  Great minds think alike!

9.  He lowers amount of money in the budget allotted to purchasing gum. (@CaptToeDrag)

Indeed.  Too bad these savings can`t be added on to the salary cap.

8. because he makes the team play hard for fear of a bag skate the next day and his wrath (@tpoole00)

Fear can be a great motivator.  My wife uses it on me all the time.

7a.  easy. one word. guts…to make decisions, call it like it is, and tell off those who need it. (@brianna2shoes)

7b.  demands results, holds players accountable stars or not. Won’t accept mediocrity. (@codybarendregt)

7c.  canucks had become complacent after the boston game in 2012. Needed a new voice that would push. So far impressed (@drchill49)

7d.  Hands on, straight forward, brutally honest. Opinionated and demanding. A breath of fresh air. (@Showbot)

7e.  passion front line coach. Talks the truth instead of beating around the bush. #shootsfromthehip #pride (@TheGoodGnu)

These 5 responses share similar themes:  the team needed a change and it needed someone who isn’t afraid of speaking his mind.  I believe they got their wish.

6.  with Torts u can see the D-Men actually take care of the zone and let #luongo see the puck.Simple, effective hockey by #Canucks (@sdhaliwa)

5.  agressive forecheck, 3 F below the goalline vs AV 3rd man in slot. Not often canucks should get out manned in puck battles (@PPGoose)

#5 and #6 talk about some of the differences in game play and strategy under Torts.  Will be interesting to see if these trends continue.

4.  because AV can’t grow facial hair. (@TucoSalamanka)

I can relate as it takes me 2 years to grow a beard.  I’m guessing that @TucoSalamanka doesn’t have that problem.

3.  Because he’s Italian and we’re better at everything. (@BrowntoBure)

Never one to shy away from polarizing comments, @BrowntoBure doesn’t disappoint this time around.  I wonder this is related to #4.

2.  Press conferences. Duh. (@SirCanuckles)

Enough said.

1.  “Under Alain Vigneault…Vigneault…Vigneault…Eh, Eh, Eh” doesn’t have quite the same ring to it.

You just knew I was going to work this video in!