Game Day Preview Canucks vs. Senators: If You’re Happy and You Know It Score A Goal

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Nov 282013
 
I sacrificed a cookie to the Hockey Gods today, hopefully it's enough to make scoring happen. Photo credit: canucks.nhl.com

I sacrificed a burrito to the “Hockey Gods” today, hopefully they like Mexican and make scoring happen.
Photo credit: canucks.nhl.com

Looking to get back on the good side of the Hockey Gods, the Vancouver Canucks take on the Ottawa Senators tonight at the Canadian Tire Centre (formerly Scotiabank Place). The first of a 4-game road trip, the Canucks are looking to correct their offense, which has been downright offensive during their current slump.

The Senators won a hard-fought game against the Washington Capitals last night, rallying back from an early 2-goal deficit to win 6-4. The tired Senators have only won 4 of 12 home games this season so home-ice advantage may not be as much of an advantage, especially considering the visiting Canucks have won 7 of their 13 road games.

For all their recent struggles, a quick road trip may be what our Canucks need. The optimist in me thinks this game could be different. Maybe some time away from Fin’s constant manhandling of his drum or the “I-bought-this-ticket-but-now-my-kid-can’t-go-to-college” crowd can help relieve some pressure from the mounting losses. Since a 4-game win-streak a month ago, the Canucks are a woeful 3-5-4, including their current stretch of just 1 win in their last 8 games.

Who’s Hot

In some Freaky Friday sort of thing, set-up man Henrik Sedin has 4 goals in 5 games, while sniper Daniel has 4 assists in 3 games.

Who’s Not

The Sens’ Craig Anderson, who garnered some Vezina attention last season, has an .899 save percentage (36th in NHL) and a 3.36 GAA (42nd in NHL). He’s let in 4 goals or more in 6 of his last 8 games, including in each of his last 3 games. But before the Canucks start salivating at the possibility of putting some pucks past Anderson, he did start against the Caps last night so chances are Robin Lehner will get the start tonight.

Who’s Out

Jordan Schroeder remains out with his ankle injury for the Canucks, while Ottawa’s Mark Borowiecki is not expected to play with a strained neck.

CHB Countdown: Top 5 Swedish Canucks of All Time

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Nov 272013
 

Henrik Sedin, Daniel Sedin and Markus Naslund, Vancouver Canucks

Photo credit: National Post

With only a few months before NHL hockey stops and Olympic hockey begins, predictions are a plenty on which players will be playing in Sochi on their respective national teams and who will be left behind to cheer. The Crosbys and Ovechkins are locked into place but others like Matt Duchene and Jamie Benn are making a push for a roster spot. The Vancouver Canucks are, traditionally, a big part of Olympic hockey with many European (cough!-Swedish) players participating. This year should be no different with a handful of Canuck players from around the world making a case for themselves with solid play.

As so discreetly mentioned above, Swedes are often the main ingredient for a successful Canuck recipe. Here we take a look back at some of the all-time great meatball-loving, IKEA- shopping Canucks.

Here are the top 5 Swedish Canucks of all time:

5) Mattias Ohlund - Picked by the Canucks in the first round of the 1994 draft , Mattias Ohlund was with the Canucks organization until the 2008-2009 NHL season. A quiet man who played a solid two-way game, Ohlund was reliable and pitched in with offense when needed, like this PP marker  in a game against Toronto.

4) Thomas Gradin - The player whose name all Canuck fans know, but who’s face most couldn’t pick out of a crowd, Gradin is one of the more offensively skilled players in Nuck history. He played 613 games and put up a respectable 550 points for a point-per-game average that is second only to Pavel Bure in terms of Canuck statistics.  He was also a crucial cog in the cup run of 82′amassing 19 points in 17 games.

3) Markus Naslund - In his prime one of the most dominant players in the league, Naslund was the prototype sniper in the early part of the 2000′s. If not for his arch-rival and compatriot Peter Forsberg, Naslund would have surely garnered a Hart Trophy. The third leading scorer in Canuck history and long-time captain, Naslund put up an impressive 346 goals for the Canucks-still a franchise record.

2) Daniel Sedin - One of the most consistent goal-scorers in Canuck history, Daniel is one of two Canuck players ( the other being his twin brother) to win the Art Ross Trophy. Daniel is the second highest scorer in Canuck franchise history and has an endless supply of highlight reel plays including this one against Calgary which should be considered one of the greatest goals of the past decade.

1) Henrik Sedin - The only Canuck in history to win the Hart Trophy, Henrik has numerous Canuck records including the highest single season point total with 112. Henrik has led the NHL in assists numerous times and is well-known as one of the most gifted passers in the league today. Both Henrik and Daniel are likely to get Hall of Fame recognition by the time their career is over and will certainly see their jerseys rise to the rafters.

The Game According to Twitter: Canucks 2 vs. Kings 3 (OT)

 Blog, TGATT  1 Response »
Nov 262013
 

After outplaying the Los Angeles Kings for much of the game and carrying a lead late into the third period, the Vancouver Canucks, thanks to a couple of miscues, dropped a 3-2 decision in overtime. It was perhaps one of the best games they’ve played in this homestand but it wasn’t enough. Instead, they ended their 6-game homestand with 5 losses, and since dominating the Toronto Maple Leafs on Pavel Bure night, have now lost 8 of their last 10 games.

Yes it does.

Read more #TGATT goodness past the jump.

Game Day Preview Canucks vs. Kings: A Forgettable Homestand

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Nov 252013
 

187518764_slide
(source: nhl.com)

Vancouver Canucks (12-9-4)
Los Angeles Kings (15-6-3)

The Los Angeles Kings are in town tonight to take on the Vancouver Canucks. This is the second of five meetings between the two teams. In their first meeting on November 9th at the Staples Centre in LA, the Kings beat the Canucks 5-1.

The Canucks are mired in a bad stretch right now with only 1 win in their last 7 games (1-4-2), including 4 losses in the first 5 games of this current 6-game homestand. Meanwhile, the Kings have lost their last 2 games, but have managed their losses and have earned at least a point in their last 9 games.

The Canucks did end a 5-game winless streak on Friday against the Columbus Blue Jackets with a 6-2 win; however, they reverted back to their losing ways on Saturday night with a 2-1 loss against the Chicago Blackhawks. Their offense continues to struggle with their lone goal against the Blackhawks being scored on a 2-man advantage.

If we were looking at the positives though, that powerplay goal snapped a 2-game drought with the man-advantage. It was also scored by Ryan Kesler, who had gone 7 games without scoring a goal, and was assisted by Jason Garrison, who had gone 14 games without a point. Kesler now has 3 points in 4 games (1 goal and 2 assists). Daniel Sedin, who also drew an assist on Kesler’s goal now has 4 points in his last 3 games (1 goal and 3 assists).

Who’s Out

For the Canucks, forward Jordan Schroeder (ankle) is still out.

For the Kings, starting goaltender, Jonathan Quick, is out with a groin injury, though Ben Scrivens, who has been in net the last 7 games, has been doing very well. Scrivens hasn’t allowed more than 2 goals a game in his past 6 starts, and has a .955 save percentage during that span.

Besides Jonathan Quick, the Kings are executed to play without forwards Jeff Carter (broken foot), Trevor Lewis (lower body) and defensemen Matt Greene (upper body)

The Game According to Twitter: Canucks 1 vs. Blackhawks 2

 Blog, TGATT  No Responses »
Nov 242013
 

Still high from the feeling of euphoria after beating the Columbus Blue Jackets – yes, it’s come to that – the Vancouver Canucks squared off against their arch-enemies, the Chicago Blackhawks, last night.

And things were going well too. The Canucks stopped the first shot (!), opened the scoring (!!) on the powerplay (!!!), and took a lead into the third period against the Blackhawks.

Roberto Luongo was playing well too, making some big saves when the Canucks gave up numerous Hawks odd-man rushes and keeping his team’s precarious 1-0 lead intact even when Chicago started dominating play.

Or at least he was until a 9-second span early in the period in which the Blackhawks scored twice, claimed the lead and never relinquished it.

*sob*

Read more #TGATT goodness past the jump.

CHB’s Top 10 Things You Can Accomplish in 9 Seconds

 Blog, CHB Top 10  No Responses »
Nov 242013
 
Photo credit: Reuters

Photo credit: Reuters

One night after handily defeating the Columbus Blue Jackets 6-2, the Vancouver Canucks were seemingly in control of their matchup vs. the Chicago Blackhawks last night.  The game was a fast-paced affair and while both sides traded decent chances, Roberto Luongo was extremely sharp.

Then, in the blink of eye, the Blackhawks potted two quick third-period goals and the Canucks fell into a hole from which they couldn’t climb out of.

The time between the two goals?  Nine seconds.

It was shocking, disappointing, and disheartening.  Despite a valiant effort for the rest of the game, the Canucks couldn’t solve Corey Crawford and lost by a familiar 2-1 score.

I’ve compiled some other things that can happen quickly in this new CHB Top 10:  The Top 10 Things You Can Accomplish in 9 Seconds:

10: Compose a tweet asking for submissions to the CHB Top 10.

9: “The Blackhawks can almost win two Stanley Cups!” – submitted by @puckjim

8:  “Win a hockey game…if you’re Chicago.” – submitted by @MitchEmDee

7: Finish 69.2% of your first shift with the Canucks…if you’re Mats Sundin (his first-ever shift with the team was 13 seconds long).

6: “Draw a straight line. Oh wait, does erasing count for 2 seconds?”  – submitted by @elmeebaterina

5: Set the world record for the 100 metre race.

4: “Have me play a better shift than Zack Kassian… and I can’t skate.” – submitted by @jasonclowers24

3: “Listen to Jonathan Toews without falling asleep.” – submitted by @wronsweeney

2: Complete one speed stacking cycle – if you’re Jacob Imoo (see video below).

1:  “Make a baby (brown chicken brown cow).” – submitted by @geoff_heith

Game Day Preview Canucks vs. Blackhawks: Bring It On, Chicago!

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Nov 232013
 
Shoot, score, win! (credit canucks.nhl.com)

Shoot, score, win!
(credit canucks.nhl.com)

The Vancouver Canucks had a huge win 6-2 last night against the Columbus Blue Jackets – their first win in 5 games (1-2-2) – and inched back to within 4 points back of a playoff position in the tough Western Conference.

The Canucks, who are 2-3-3 in their last 8 games, are hoping that last night’s game was a bit of a turning point, but a win tonight against the Chicago Blackhawks won’t come easy. The Blackhawks, who beat the Winnipeg Jets in Winnipeg by a 6-3 score on Thursday, have lost just 3 of their last 12 games, though 2 of those losses came on the road.

This is the first of three meetings this season between the two teams. Nothing like a Saturday night Hockey Night in Canada showdown to ignite their longtime rivalry. Tonight’s game should be intense, and it should be interesting to see the impact coach John Tortorella will have on these often-heated games.

The Canucks are looking to maintain some momentum after last night’s offensive outburst against the Blue Jackets. They 6 goals they scored matched their total from their previous 5 games combined. The Sedins played particularly well, especially after Torts reunited them after a brief period apart, and they combined for 5 points. Without Dave Bolland to pester them all game, they should see some time against Chicago’s top line.

For the Blackhawks, this is game 3 of their 7 game-road trip. They’ve broke even so far with a loss to the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday before their win in Winnipeg on Thursday.

Forward Patrick Kane leads the team with 24 points, 13 of which have come in his last 9 games. Marian Hossa returned to the Blackhawks lineup Thursday after nursing a lower body injury for 3 games, and promptly scored a goal and added an assist.

Who’s Out

Jordan Schroeder remains out with an ankle injury. And also, speculation continues to surround David Booth as he was again a healthy scratch last night.

Chicago’s Bryan Bickell and Nikolai Khabibulin are both out with lower body injuries, and Michal Handzus is on injured reserve with an upper body injury.

The Game According to Twitter: Canucks 6 vs. Blue Jackets 2

 Blog, TGATT  No Responses »
Nov 232013
 

Well, that was a big monkey of their backs.

After 5 consecutive losses, a stretch in which they scored a grand total of 6 goals, the Vancouver Canucks busted out of their slump in a big way, and beat the Columbus Blue Jackets by a 6-2 score.

Here’s hoping this is the start of some good puck luck for the good guys.

Read more #TGATT goodness past the jump.

Game Day Preview Canucks vs. Blue Jackets: Please Beat the Blue Jackets

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Nov 222013
 

185443526_slide
(source: nhl.com)

Vancouver Canucks (11-8-4)
Columbus Blue Jackets (8-11-3)

The Blue Jackets are in Vancouver to take on the Canucks for their second and final meeting this season. In their last meeting in Columbus on October 20th, the Blue Jackets won 3-1. Blue Jackets goaltender Curtis McElhinney, was impressive with 37 saves.

The Canucks are looking for their first win in 5 games. Their current 5-game losing streak is their longest since an 8-game losing streak back in January 2009. And we all remember how they bumped that slump, right?

As for the Blue Jackets, they have won 2 out of their last 5 games.

Who’s Hot

Blue Jackets forward RJ Umberger has recorded a point in the last 3 out of 4 games (2 goals and 1 assist). Defensemen James Wisniewski is the Blue Jackets leading point scorer; he also has 3 points in the Blue Jackets’ last 4 games.

Despite the Canucks’ recent play, goaltender Roberto Luongo has been doing well with a 0.924 save percentage in November, including a 0.933 save percentage in his last 3 games.

Who’s Out

The Vancouver Canucks are still without Jordan Schroeder (ankle), who’s on IR and not expected back until late December.

The Columbus Blue Jackets are missing quite a few players. Brandon Dubinsky, the Blue Jackets second-leading scorer (5 goals) injured his foot in Tuesday’s game and will be out. The Blue Jackets are still without Nathan Horton (shoulder), Cody Bass (thumb), Matt Calvert (abdomen), Dalton Prout (back) and Marian Gaborik (knee).

The Game According to Twitter: Canucks 2 vs. Panthers 3 (SO)

 Blog, TGATT  No Responses »
Nov 202013
 

Another game, another loss. With their 3-2 loss to the Florida Panthers (!), the Vancouver Canucks have now lost 5 games in a row for the first time in nearly 5 years.

The good news is, they scored more than a single goal in a game for the first time in almost 2 weeks. And Roberto Luongo again had a solid game, stopping 34 of 36 shots in regulation and 2 of 3 Panthers in the shootout. But the Canucks’ offensive woes extended into the shootout, and again, no Canucks shooter was able to beat Tim Thomas mano-a-mano; in 4 games that went to the shootout this season, they’ve only scored on 2 of 15 shootout attempts.

Yeah, sure, let’s go with that.

Read more #TGATT goodness past the jump.

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