Things That Make You Go Hmmm: Bad Reputations and Bad Breaks

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Mar 112013
 

Yahoo Sports

I’ve been busy moving but I haven’t stopped watching hockey… well, when I can find it, which, in LA, isn’t easy. Over the last few weeks, there have been a lot of things that have me going “Hmmm”. Hockey fans’ inability to forgive, Kesler’s latest injury, and the debate about visors top the list.

Hockey Fans Hold Grudges

Matt Cooke is the devil. He could cure cancer, save orphaned kittens from a burning house and get Gary Bettman fired and people would still hate his guts. I get that the old Matt Cooke was a monster. No two ways about it. But the new Matt Cooke – the post-2011 Matt Cooke – isn’t. He’s changed his ways drastically. Need proof? Last season Matt Cooke had 42 PIMs. Henrik Sedin had 52. And I’m talking last year’s Hank, not the enforcer we’ve seen this season.

But it seems hockey fans do not forgive and forget. Because when Matt Cooke’s skate sliced Eric Karlsson during a game, fans everywhere – mostly but not just Ottawa fans – wanted him executed.

Was the angle weird? Yes. Was the leg up? Yes. But was it on purpose? No. I get Sens fans being angry because they’ve already lost Jason Spezza and they can’t afford to lose Karlsson. I know how easy it is to judge someone on their past – but just because it’s easy, doesn’t make it right. Matt Cooke has changed. The experts, and ultimately the NHL, agreed the laceration accidental. It amazes and disappoints me that a lot of hockey fans refuse to give Cooke the benefit of the doubt, even though he’s earned it.

Kesler is the New Salo

Ryan Kesler sure has a pretty physique, too bad it’s made of glass. I don’t know what is happening to this poor guy, but he can’t stay healthy. It’s infuriating because he’s got such a hefty contract and he can be a key player when he’s focused and in the zone. I guess we’ll have to blame this on bad luck, but there’s still a reason to be concerned. Kesler’s injury apparently happened in his very first game back. Now I’ve broken bones in my foot – it’s not easy to ignore. But Kesler did it.  His agent confirmed, Ryan knew there was something wrong and chose to ignore it. That’s not cool. Did he make it worse? We need him to play but we need him to do it healthy not with broken parts.

His injury and predicted 6-week recovery time means the Canucks are in a pinch on the second line once again. The problem with him being injured, for me, is we’ll probably learn to play without him.  If someone else shines in the second line spot, are we willing to give that up (in a short season) for Kesler’s return? Luckily for Canucks fans Alain Vigneault isn’t big on sticking with what works. If a line does start clicking, he’ll likely scramble it up like his morning eggs before Kes even gets back anyway.

Visors

Marc Staal is out indefinitely after taking a puck directly to the eye in a game between the New York Rangers and the Philadelphia Flyers. The accident looked as severe as Manny Malholtra’s in 2011, although the Rangers, the doctors and the Staal family are saying he should make a full recovery. Sadly, I’m not so sure because as a Canucks fan I’ve seen Malholtra’s struggles and I know that hockey teams tend to give the best case scenario to fans and media, not the actual truth.  I’m a huge fan of all things Staal and I have wondered for a long time why none of them wear visors – and not just because I find their faces particularly adorable and worth protecting. Jordan Staal took a fairly serious puck to the face a few years back. That would have scared me into a visor if I were Jordan, any of his siblings or his teammates.

Marc Staal’s injury has reignited the debate on whether visors should be mandatory. What makes me go ‘hmmm’ about this whole thing is why there is even a debate.

Visors should be mandatory – end of story. It’s a safety issue. It’s owners protecting their investments and players protecting their careers. Obviously, it’s not impossible to see through a visor. The guys that usually lead the league in scoring – Crosby, Giroux, Malkin, Stamkos – all wear visors. As for the old guys, or the “tough guys” that aren’t used to it, I say get used to it.  According to Bill Daly, the NHL is in favor of a mandatory visor rule and wanted to incorporate it into the most recent negotiations. The NHLPA wants the players to have a choice. This is the first time I’ve ever said I agree wholeheartedly with Team Bettman. It feels dirty and uncomfortable, but in this case it’s right.

Clay’s Canucks Commentary: Making Matt Calvert Look Like Sidney Crosby

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Mar 082013
 

I look at the good, the bad, and the interesting from the Canucks’ 2-1 overtime loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets from Thursday, March 7 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus.

The Canucks tied the game in the early stages of the third period, only to have Matt Calvert channel his inner Sidney Crosby in overtime – going around both Henrik Sedin and Alex Edler on the winning goal.

In the video, I touch on Cory Schneider, the defensive pairing of Jason Garrison and Dan Hamhuis, our lack of scoring, the poor effort on the game-winning goal, and the Canucks’ less-than-stellar record through 23 games.

CHB TV: Tough Guys and Tweetups

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Mar 052013
 

When it rains, it pours.

With the Canucks in a bit of a slump, they also learn that they’ve lost Kevin Bieksa and Ryan Kesler (again) to injury, and Aaron Volpatti to waivers. But have no fear, as the team picked up tough guy, Tom Sestito from the Philadelphia Flyers, via waivers to kinda, sorta make up for it.

Clay, Chris, Ed and special guest, Gladys talk about these roster changes, the “new” Vancouver Millionaires jerseys, an upcoming CHB Tweetup, and much, much more in this episode of CHB TV.

CHB’s Top 10 Reasons Why Detroit Fans Were Chanting “USA! USA!”

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Feb 252013
 

In a strange scene from Detroit’s Joe Louis Arena yesterday afternoon, the Red Wings fans began to chant “USA! USA!” during the last 30 seconds of their team’s 8 – 3 defeat of the Vancouver Canucks. 

For better or for worse, I know that this has happened in other hockey arenas before. 

And while there’s nothing wrong with showing a bit of patriotism from time to time, there is indeed a time and place for such showings. 

I’m not convinced that Red Wings fans picked the right place nor right time given that only 5 of the 20 players dressed for Detroit were born in the USA.

Thus, after much thought, research, and coin-flipping, I have come up with the Top 10 Reasons Why the Detroit Fans Were Chanting “USA! USA!”:

10.  They got tired of singing along to Don’t Stop Believing and Sweet Caroline (credit to @transcendwebs).

9. They are still bitter at Roberto Luongo and all of Canada for beating Team USA at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

8. Related to #9, they were cheering for their US-born netminder Jimmy Howard (and his American backup Tom McCollum for that matter).

7. They really wanted to affirm their US-born players: the 2 goalies (as mentioned above), Justin Abdelkader, Drew Miller, and Brian Lashoff…at the risk of insulting their 6 Canadians, 4 Swedes, and one each from Switzerland, Russia, Finland, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic.

6. Chanting “United Nations! United Nations!” doesn’t have the same ring to it (credit to @lyteforce).

5. They were being very considerate and wanted to cheer up Canuck Americans Ryan Kesler, Chris Higgins, Keith Ballard, Jordan Schroeder, Andrew Alberts, and Cory Schneider.

4. They were inspired by a video tribute to Hacksaw Jim Duggan (see below) during the previous stoppage in play (credit to @DaveLeeSon1).

3. None of them were in their seats for the Star Spangled Banner prior to the game.

2. They wanted to do something fun before leaving the arena only to find that their cars are gone (credit to @browntobure).

1. They were giving a special shout-out and welcome to CHB writer @concretefluff who moved to Los Angeles last week.

CHB TV: Milestones, Manny and Music

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Feb 192013
 

On Friday, Henrik Sedin passed Markus Naslund as the all-time leader with points as a Canuck, Ryan Kesler returned from injury, and Canucks fans were getting a chance to vote on what they felt the boys in blue should skate out to.

Clay, Chris, Ed and back again as a special guest, Alan from the Hogshack in Steveston, ponder these and more in this latest episode of CHB TV. Apologies in advance for the singing.

The Game According to Twitter: Canucks 3 vs Blues 4 (SO)

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Feb 182013
 

Having throughly erased the third period of Friday night’s game from our collective memory, we’re back for a Sunday night game against the Blues.

Read more #TGATT goodness past the jump.

The Game According to Twitter: Canucks 3 vs Stars 4

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Feb 162013
 

The Canucks look for a win against Dallas after a pedantic win over Minnesota.

And back after a spell with Chris Golden & Victoria Pattison behind the CHB TGATT desk tonight, you know Lizz will be bringing here A game. Just like Aaron Freaking Rome:

Read more #TGATT goodness past the jump.

CCC – Clay’s Canucks Commentary: Scenes from Opening Weekend

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Jan 222013
 

The Canucks waiting to give away their jerseys

For my first CCC of the 2013 NHL season, I share some of the sights and sounds from the Canucks’ opening weekend at Rogers Arena. Unfortunately, the weekend consisted of two losses: 7-3 to Anaheim on Saturday night and 3-2 to Edmonton on Sunday night.

It was certainly an intriguing weekend as both Cory Schneider and Roberto Luongo got starts. As well, the Canucks’ secondary scoring (or lack thereof) was quite evident.

My buddy Mike also captured some neat footage from ice level as he was chosen to receive the jersey off of a player’s back.  He ended up getting the jersey of David Booth and had a pleasant exchange with him.  As well, we got footage of Chris Higgins removing his jersey…much to the delight of numerous female fans.

CHB Contest: Pick the 2nd Line and Win Canucks Tickets!

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Jan 172013
 

If there was one thing clear about the Canucks early exit from the post-season, the lack of secondary scoring and production from the second line was a large issue. So it’s definitely worrisome that Ryan Kesler is still on the mend (with no schedule to return yet) from off-season surgery AND David Booth has encountered a temperamental groin, leaving him on the shelf for four to six weeks.

David Booth and Ryan Kesler

Photo Credit: Jeff Vinnik/Getty Images

So how do you replace two-thirds of your second line for close to a third of the shortened NHL season? This is where you come in.

We want you to tell us what your answer to the Canucks second line woes. If the hockey gods like your answer, we and our friends at the Vancouver Canucks have a pair of tickets to Saturday’s home opener to give to you.

To enter:

  • For one entry: In the comments section of this post, tell us what you would do to plug the holes in the Canucks second line. Maybe it’s a combination of existing players or a deal you pull the trigger on. (Make sure you enter your email address when you log-in so we can contact you if you win.)

  • For a bonus entry – Tweet the following:

I entered and RT to win #Canucks tickets from @canuckshockey @VanCanucks & @lyteforce nucks.co/42 #CHB #OTOW

You have until 6:00 PM on Friday, January 18th to enter. Once the contest closes, we will randomly pick one lucky entrant who will become the proud owner of a pair of upper bowl tickets to the home opener on Saturday, donated by our friends at the Vancouver Canucks. You must be able to pick the tickets from Will Call at Rogers Arena (they will be available after 6pm) prior to puck drop.

You don’t have much time. What are you waiting for?

UPDATE: Congratulations to Shawn Car (@ShawnVanCity) with her comment (and line) of Higgins/Malhotra/Hansen. She’s won the pair of tickets to the game tomorrow night!

The Year That Could Be (or Where Luongo Needs a Job)

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Jan 012013
 
Bure Scores Another Goal

Photo credit: The Canadian Press – Dave Buston

After trying out Tom’s Rum & Egg Nog recipe last night and getting your New Years Eve party on, we here at CHB thought we would regale you with more thoughts & prognostications on what we think is in store for the Canucks in 2013.

Matt Lee (@mattlee61)

Which brings about what to expect in 2013. Will there be a shortened 48-game season? My guess is yes; I’m an optimist by nature and I think both the owners and players would hate to see another full season flushed down the toilet. But the journey to this point has been like a roller coaster; one very ugly, scary, and sickening roller coaster you can never get off of.

If there’s a season, I’m looking forward to it. Instead of writing what to expect, here’s a brief list of questions I’m interested in seeing answered:

  1. Will Cory Schneider be able to handle a season as the new king of the Canucks crease?
  2. Can Jason Garrison and Zack Kassian live up to the monumental expectations placed upon them as new arrivals?
  3. What version of Ryan Kesler will show up when he returns? The guy who called himself “Bull” in his early days, or the player we saw flopping his way to a first round playoff exit?
  4. Are the Canucks going to retire Pavel Bure’s #10 or has that ship sailed?
  5. Will the Sedin twins production soar or sag after a lengthy layoff?

Anyone have a crystal ball?

Victoria Pattison (@concretefluff)

As for 2013, I can see the Canucks being undefeated for the first half of January (hahaha, had to be said!).

In all seriousness, I don’t see anything happening for the Canucks in 2013 because I don’t see the lockout ending in time. If the hockey Gods’ pull out a miracle and there is a season, my money is on the Canucks to win the Cup. A season this short would leave no room for burnout and hopefully less chance for injuries (I’m looking at you Ryan Kesler), which, in my opinion, has been the Canucks biggest problems.

But to be very honest here, I don’t want the Canucks to win the Cup on a short season. Because, as some of you know, I married the biggest Canucks hater on the planet and if we win the Cup on a shortened lockout season all I will hear for the rest of my life is “It doesn’t count because the season was short”. I know it’s selfish but I would rather avoid divorce than win a Cup on a short season.

Clay Imoo (@canuckclay)

What can Canucks fans look forward to in 2013?

Firstly, I truly believe that there will still be a 2012-2013 (well technically 2013) season. Having said that, I think the shortened season will work towards the Canucks’ advantage. They can’t afford a slow start as a losing streak of 4 or 5 games could conceivably put them out of the playoffs early. There is enough veteran leadership to hopefully help the team get out of the gates quickly.

I’m very interested in what becomes of Roberto Luongo. Does he turn into a second-line centre? Perhaps a couple of depth players? A prospect or two? Luongo’s fate will undoubtedly be the biggest story surrounding the team until something is done. Thus, the Canucks will need to rely on their veteran leadership to help the team remain focused on the task at hand: a strong start in a shortened season.

Look for the Canucks to hold off the improved Minnesota Wild and surging Edmonton Oilers to secure yet another Northwest Division title.

Ed Lau (@edlau)

2013 looks to be a big year with the Olympics of competitive facial hair growing, the World Beard and Moustache Championships held in Germany. Will Wolfgang Schneider use home field to his advantage to defend his natural moustache crown? Can Evan Gillespie of Canada take the championship away from freestyle moustache juggernaut Keith “Gandhi Jones” Haubrich? Will we see a surprise in the Fu Manchu division, which is always a bloodbath, and we never know what to expect from the freestyle sideburns guys…those dudes are crazy.

Controversy surrounds the full beard group after the performance enhancing drugs scandal that shocked the world in 2012 but the bans allow for new stars to emerge. Personally, I predict that Elmar Weisser will take Best in Show all over again although no word yet on what his beard will be shaped like for 2013. He hasn’t yet responded to my repeated suggestion do one inspired by The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air theme song, complete with dice in the taxi’s mirror and guys up to no good spinning Will Smith around their heads.

No word on whether there will be an NHL season in 2013 but who needs it when there’s all this competitive bearding going on?

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