As we reach the end of the regular season, Clay, Chris, Ed, and our special guest, Jordan Bowman from the Legion of Blog, talk Keith Ballard, pirates, astronauts, old media, new media, and oh, Zack Kassian, in this, the 6th episode of CHB TV.
Listen to the following exchange between Chicago Blackhawks defenseman, Duncan Keith, and TEAM 1040 reporter, Karen Thomson: audio link to TEAM 1040
Karen Thomson: Well, there was something there it looked like maybe it was a penalty.
Duncan Keith: Oh no, I don’t think there was anything. I think he scored a nice goal. The ref was right there. That’s what the ref saw. We should get you as a ref maybe, eh? First female referee.
KT: Yeah, maybe. I can’t skate though.
DK: Can’t play probably either, right? But you’re thinking the game like you know it. Okay, see ya.
I know Keith was pissed off. I would be too if my team got beat in a big game and if I was on the ice and the Sedins burned me on a couple of goals.
For context, here’s the play in question:
Maybe it’s not enough to swing his stick like a baseball bat at Daniel, but what a jerk way to respond to a reporter.
Was Keith being sexist in his remarks? Was he being a dick? You be the judge.
Ryan Kesler didn’t mince any words after the Canucks blew two, third period leads to the last place Colorado Avalanche yesterday. “We played like shit for 40 minutes,” he said. “We gave them everything they got with turnovers and miscommunication and not getting the puck out. It was shit,” he added.
Just about sums it up perfectly.
“The Switch” was off today apparently. #Canucks #Tgatt
— Justine Galo (@Aviewfromabroad) April 13, 2013
Here’s how you, Canucks fans, saw the game.
In this latest episode of CHB TV, Chris, Ed, Caylie and I went to Library Square in Downtown Vancouver and wondered whether or not the Canucks did enough to get prepped for the playoffs and whether or not retiring Pavel Bure’s jersey was the right thing to do. Damon Holowchak, Marketing Coordinator for the Donnelly Group, also joins us on the panel.
But also, Jay Jones, Executive Bartender and Brand Ambassador for the Donnelly Group whipped up some Canucks-themed drinks – the No. 5 Garrison, Dirty Higgins and Honey Badger – that will be on their menus at Library Square, Cinema and the Lamplighter on Canucks game days until the end of the playoffs.
The drinks were amazing and Jay kindly shared with us – to share with you, our loyal readers – how to make them.
No. 5 Garrison
Local boy, Jason Garrison has come home. This cocktail stands to represent his strong character and play. Based around the design of a classic Old Fashioned, spiced whisky defines the depth and boldness of the drink, while brown sugar mellows the bite and whisky barrel-aged bitters lend further complexity. Orange zest creates great aroma and flavor in pairing with the vanilla of the whisky. Served ‘on the rock’ as a nod to his hometown of Whiterock, BC.
Recipe
1.5 oz Canadian Club Dock
no. 57 Spiced Whisky
1 Brown Sugar Cube
3 hard dashes Fee Brothers Whisky Barrel-Aged Bitters
1 large Orange Peel Zest
Method
1. muddle sugar with whiskey & bitters in a mixing glass
2. stir without ice to dissolve sugar
3. add cracked ice & stir to chill
4. loose strain into a small rocks glass (8 oz capacity)
5. place 1 oversized ice ‘rock’ in the glass
6. zest heavily with a large slice of orange peel
*garnish with spent orange peel
Dirty Higgins
Gritty Canucks forward Chris Higgins isn’t a ‘dirty’ player, but he certainly gets his hands dirty fighting for pucks, goals and wins with relentless tenacity. The ‘Dirty Higgins’ pays respect to that character. The Bloody Caesar is a classic Canadian savoury cocktail and inspiration for this creation – Clamato juice creates the body, but instead of vodka, the strength of character at the core comes from Bourbon, an American classic, just like Higgins himself – Jim Beam ‘Devil’s Cut’ acknowledging his devilishly determined style of play. This drink gets dirty with traditional seasoning of Tabasco & Worcestershire sauces, but with the added flavor of pickle brine to create a truly unique flavor profile. A touch of lime juice freshens the palate, while baby pickles and balsamic onions make for a crunchy and tangy garnish.
Recipe
1.5 oz Jim Beam ‘Devil’s Cut’ Kentucky Straight Bourbon
1 oz Pickle Brine
4 oz Motts Clamato® Juice
25 oz Fresh Lime Juice
3 hard dashes Worcestershire sauce
2 hard dashes Tabasco sauce
Method
1. combine all ingredients and roll between mixing glasses
2. pour into a large rocks glass (12 oz capacity)
3. fill with large ice cubes- stir to chill
*garnish with cornichon and a balsamic onion
Honey Badger
The Honey Badger is revered as the fiercest of all creatures – underestimated because of it’s appearance and size. Our beloved Dane, Jannik Hansen earned this nickname for the ferocious and fearless style of play he exhibits every single shift. Over the past seven years as a Canuck, his two-way skills and tireless drive have made him one of the most appreciated and respected players on the team. Somersby Danish apple cider is a nod to Hansen’s home country. Melon liqueur and vanilla-flavoured Galliano combine to add fruity, delicious honey-like tastes – in combination they pack a surprising wallop. The resultant colour is reminiscent of Canucks green – an easy-drinking and refreshing reward after hard work, or play.
Recipe
1.5 oz Bols Melon Liqueur
.25 oz Galliano Liqueur
Somersby Danish Apple Cider
Method
1. combine liqueurs in a draft beer glass
2. pack glass full with ice cubes
3. add ice and top with cider
*serve with a straw
(All photos courtesy of Jay Jones.)
Photo credit: CBC
Sometimes, life gets in the away. So my trade deadline thoughts are a bit belated. Here they are:
| Luongo retires in: | Penalty to Canucks | Penalty to other team | Penalty duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 (age 39) | $1,857,500 | $1,725,833 | 4 seasons (2018-19 to 2021-22) |
| 2019 (age 40) | $2,476,667 | $2,301,111 | 3 seasons (2019-20 to 2021-22) |
| 2020 (age 41) | $3,715,000 | $3,451,667 | 2 seasons (2020-21 to 2021-22) |
Luongo’s contract starts diving after the 2017-18 season. If he retires after that (he turns 39 in 2018), the Canucks will incur a cap penalty of $1,857,500 in each of the 4 seasons left in his contract (2018-19 to 2021-22); the team that acquires him will incur a cap penalty of $1,725,833 in each of those same 4 seasons. IMHO, these are fairly insignificant amounts, and even more insignificant when you consider the salary cap may well be in the mid-to-upper $70 million (if not more) by then.
Photo credit: Sportsnet
Not that GM Mike Gillis needed to be reminded of the Canucks’ lack of depth at center, but just to be sure, it was put in plain view in their 3-2 loss to the San Jose Sharks last night. Alain Vigneault tried Alex Burrows, Chris Higgins and his pack of gum at center. Even Henrik Sedin took some defensive zone faceoffs, which, if you’re aware of the team’s use of zone starts, flies in the face of their *ahem* process.
Gillis finally pulled the trigger on a trade this morning, acquiring Derek Roy from the Dallas Stars. In return, the Canucks sent prospect Kevin Connauton and a 2nd round draft pick to the Stars.
At 5’9″, Roy is a small center, but can provide offense for the offensively-starved Canucks. Despite his size, he’s averaged 0.77 points per game in the NHL, including a 4-season stretch with the Buffalo Sabres in which he recorded 20+ goals and 40+ assists in each one. This season, he has 18 assists and 22 points in 30 games with the Stars, including an active 4-game point streak in which he has 6 points (1G-5A). More importantly, it gives Vigneault additional options, especially with Ryan Kesler expected back in the next week.
The Canucks do give up a once-promising offensive prospect on defense in Connauton. But with the defense core of Dan Hamhuis, Kevin Bieksa, Jason Garrison and Alex Edler all signed long-term, Chris Tanev sure to re-signed to an extension this summer, and 2011 5th rounder Frankie Corrado progressing leaps and bounds this season, Connauton’s opportunity to move up to the big club was limited.
Roy is a rental player. His contract, which carries a $4 million cap hit, expires at the end of the season, and he’s expected to test the free agent market this summer. In the end, the Canucks gave up some future depth to hopefully fill a present need.
You be the judge: Was this a good trade?
Another game, another 3-goal deficit.
Still ravaged by injuries, the Canucks couldn’t muster enough emotion to keep up with the San Jose Sharks until it was too, too late.
Just like the #Canucks, I didn’t wake up til the third period #TGATT
— Elmee Baterina (@elmeebaterina) April 2, 2013
The Canucks eventually lost 3-2; here, in your tweets, is how you saw the game.
Photo credit: Vancouver Province
A question as the NHL trade deadline approaches: Are the Edmonton Oilers buyers or sellers?
On the one hand, the Oilers, with their big four up front consisting of Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Nail Yakupov, and prized defenseman signing, Justin Schultz, have slogged their way through just 13 wins in 33 games this season.
On the other hand, after back-to-back wins against the the St. Louis Blues and Columbus Blue Jackets, they’re only 3 points out of a playoff spot heading into tonight’s game against the Vancouver Canucks.
It’s no secret the Oilers need to add some sandpaper to complement the skill in their lineup. Earlier this season, they traded for enforcer Mike Brown. More recently, there have been rumors linking them to the Boston Bruins, who may be willing trade partners and may be interested at the likes of Ales Hemsky, Magnus Paajarvi and Ryan Whitney. Presumably, the Oilers would receive a power forward type to replace what they tried to make Ben Eager bring to the first line.
Or maybe the Oilers would want an upgrade in goal where Devan Dubnyk is 29th in the NHL in GAA (2.69) and 16th in save percentage (0.918). Not that Dubnyk has been absolutely horrid, but bringing in a Ryan Miller or even a Miikka Kiprusoff could provide a security blanket of sorts should the team make the postseason.
Or, for better or worse, perhaps they want to simply ride out the season – and maybe the postseason – and get as much future help in return for vets like Hemsky, Whitney, Shawn Horcoff and Eric Belanger.
Including tonight’s game, the Oilers have two games before Wednesday’s trade deadline. (They play the Calgary Flames on Monday.) Looking at the rest of the Western Conference schedule, it’s not at all inconceivable that they, currently in 12th place, could be in a playoff spot by then, and in which case, GM Steve Tambellini and company have some interesting decisions to make.
Canucks Record
19-9-6, 44 points (1st in Northwest Division, 3rd in Western Conference)
Season Series
The Canucks and the Oilers split their first 2 meetings this season: the Oilers won in a shootout at Rogers Arena in the first week of the season, and the Canucks won in OT at Rexall a couple of weeks after. In the Canucks’ OT win, Chris Tanev played hero, scoring his first career goal in the extra frame.
After tonight, the two teams meet twice more before the end of the regular season.
Who’s Hot
The kid line of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins between Taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle have been smokin’, combining for 14 points in their last 3 games – RNH (5 assists) and Hall (2 goals, 3 assists) have 5 points each, and Eberle has 4 points (3 goals, 1 assist).
After being separated for a couple of games, the Hank – Dank – Burr line were reunited against the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday and combined for 6 points; each had a goal and an assist in the Canucks’ 4-1 win.
Who’s Not
Chris Higgins scored on the empty net on Thursday, but it was only his first goal since he potted one against the Minnesota Wild back on March 10 – a span of 9 games.
Quickies
Photo credit: penguins.nhl.com
Every year, there always seem to be a team that gets a jump on their trade deadline shopping. This year, the Pittsburgh Penguins are that team. On Sunday, the Pens traded top prospect, Joe Morrow, to the Dallas Stars for veteran and former 30-goal scorer, Brenden Morrow. Shortly afterwards, they acquired defenseman, Douglas Murray, from the San Jose Sharks for a 2nd round draft pick and another conditional draft pick, the latter depending on how far the Pens go in the playoffs and whether or not they re-sign Murray after the season.
Certainly, Morrow and Murray fill some needs, but they paid some steep prices to get them. And perhaps, it gives us a glimpse of what it’ll take to load up for a lengthy playoff run in this shortened NHL season.
J.J.: Safe to say the Pittsburgh Penguins are going for it. But man, did they pay some hefty prices. I mean, is Brendan Morrow worth a Joe Morrow? Is this the “market”?
Matt: I refuse to live in a world where Brenden Morrow is worth a top defensive prospect and Douglas Murray is worth two 2nd round draft picks, so maybe I should see if the NHL has expansion plans for another planet. But that said, this IS the market; Ray Shero just got his Christmas shopping done early and all he has to do is put his feet up while the other GMs panic up to the deadline. I remember reading one GM’s comments that trades are harder to make more than ever. In this whacky, short season, do you agree?
J.J.: It’s definitely a seller’s market. With so many teams still in playoff contention – only 6 points separate 8th and 14th place in the West and only 7 points separate 8th and 14th place in the East – the cost of acquiring reinforcements for the playoffs are at a premium. I like Brenden Morrow, but his play – and his production – has declined drastically over the last couple of years, and the Pens still had to give up a good prospect to get him. And Douglas Murray is essentially a bottom-pairing guy and he still cost a couple of 2nd round draft picks (although the second pick has conditions attached to it). Can you imagine if the Canucks gave up 2nd round draft picks like water at a rave and all they got in return was, say, Keith Carney?
Matt: Wouldn’t that be a little foolhardy? What kind of GM would be stupid enough to do that? Or pay a 2nd round pick for four games of Mika Noronen?
No, but in all seriousness, this indeed is the market for trades these days. I can’t see the Canucks be willing to move picks in what is expected to be a deep draft this June. And stow the Iginla rumours because I don’t think that will happen either. That said, I think the Canucks should be taking a look at a serviceable second line centre this trade deadline.
J.J.: The Canucks definitely need some center depth. At this point, it seems that unless you wrap Chris Tanev’s body around Ryan Kesler, Kes’ health will continue to be a big unknown, and I would think that having to deploy wingers as centers for any extended period during the playoffs should be a huge concern. On top of that, it would be nice to get some added scoring punch and defensive depth.
But are they willing to pony up to acquire these kinds of players? Or do they even have the assets to acquire them? You’re right the Canucks probably aren’t willing to move a lot of draft picks, especially high ones, in a deep draft, and I’d hate for them to part with promising prospects like Nicklas Jensen, Brendan Gaunce and Frankie Corrado. So if these are what teams are looking for in return for depth players, what do they do?
Matt: I think at the end of the day we can’t expect too much out of Mike Gillis when next Wednesday’s trade deadline comes and goes. Like we’ve established, this is a seller’s market (with the exception of the goalie market, which is ice cold at this point). More importantly, the Canucks have all their draft picks for the first time in a long time; that importance can’t be understated in a deep draft.
Sure, Gillis and Gilman will kick the tires on a few potentially blockbuster type of trades involving players like Derek Roy, Steve Ott, or even Sean Couturier. But I’ve got this haunting suspicion that after the deadline passes and Gillis faces the media, he’ll simply say that they made some calls to see if there was a way to improve this team, realized that the asking price was too high, and decided to stand pat. He’ll follow that up by saying he’s confident in the team he has now, he’s looking forward to adding Ryan Kesler when he returns from injury, and they’ll see what they can do in the offseason to both improve his team and get under the $64.3 million salary cap.
It was a nice and sunny Saturday afternoon when CHB held it’s first #chbtweetup of the season at the Hog Shack in Steveston. On tap, some award-winning BBQ, craft beers, and of course, our very own Vancouver Canucks beating the Los Angeles Kings.
As you’ll see in this special episode of CHB TV, good times were had by all!
