Canucks Nation

Translated from Corus Sports.com, a Montreal sports site: Bob Gainey said: "It's hard to be optimistic. We haven't had much contact with him. It appears he's not interested. He hasn't asked many questions about the organization." "We haven't spoken to Sundin's camp for at least a week. There's nothing new, he hasn't decided anything yet. He told me he'd decide in August and today's the 26th. We'll know, provided he respects his own due date, his decision should come sometime throughout the next week. " "We're going to wait for his decision until September if we have to. On paper, we have the perfect team for him. There's certainly room for him with our team." "I know that certain other teams are presently over the salary cap. We'll have to see...If Mats doesn't join us, maybe we'll discuss things with those teams." Bwaha! I still don't see Sundin going to Montreal anyway. Never have believed he'd go to the most fierce rival of the Leafs.
I wonder if Gillis is feeling the same way that Gainey is.
Sundin, as Gainey had mentioned, had said that he would make his decision in August. Well, there are only 5 days left in August, Mats. Hope you got your ducks in a row.

Also, the Canadiens have unveiled a logo for this season celebrating their 100 year anniversary. The logo will be displayed at center ice and as a patch on Canadiens jerseys. It is pictured below.




T Tags: Sundin+not+talking+to+Canadiens no+decision August+deadline

"Here you can't go five or 10 games without a point without anyone noticing and there you can go under the radar a little bit," Bertuzzi said. "That's one thing that I think is going to benefit not just myself but this team. I think you are under the gun here and under the pressure of having to perform." Big Bert is looking forward to the extra ice time he'll get in Calgary. He stated basically that he couldn't get his game going in Anaheim while playing only 10-12 minutes per game.
So what do you predict Bert will do in Calgary playing with Cammalleri and Iginla?
I guess about 25 goals and 50 points. Nothing boosts a player's output like playing with Iginla.
But we'll see. Bert has been on the decline. This is his big chance to re-stake his name as a premier power forward.
Canucks fans are going to see a lot of him this year.
Notice how he's wearing #7. A changeup there. Jim Vandermeer wears #4 and Rhett Warrener wears #44.
Mike Cammalleri, Rene Bourque, Curtis Glencross and Andre Roy were also introduced today.
More on the Bertuzzi intro plus a clip at TSN.

T Tags: Todd+Bertuzzi+introduced+to+Calgary+media Flames news+conference

Based on personal opinion mostly, in regards to off season acquisitions or losses, or just potential to turn it all around this coming season.

1. San Jose Sharks. Plenty of talent up front plus adding Boyle, Lukowich and Rob Blake on defence AND a new coach gives the Sharks a new feel and outlook, plus a feeling of a complete team. Will Thornton take his game to the next level in the playoffs though?

2. Detroit Red Wings. Adding Hossa has everybody jumping on the wagon for a repeat. But not so fast. I am not one of those people. Detroit may kick teams' butts in the regular season, but come playoff time I think hungrier teams will come into play, like San Jose and Dallas, and we'll see if Detroit can match that hunger after having just won the Cup. It's tough to repeat in today's NHL.

3. Dallas Stars. Pushed the Wings almost to the limit in last year's playoffs. The Stars continue to excel every year. A healthy Zubov in the post season will help, and I don't care what anyone says....the addition of Avery was a good one. Giving Brad Richards a full season with the Stars under his belt will help him.
These guys are my super early pick to win the Cup this year. I'd pick San Jose, but Thornton has yet to really step it up in the playoffs.

4. Philadelphia Flyers. Just keep maturing and getting better and better. I got these guys making the Finals this coming season. Bold huh?

5. Montreal Canadiens. Tough call here. A lot of pressure will now fall upon the shoulders of a young Carey Price. Can he handle it? The rest of the team is solid. I like the acquisition of Tanguay, a francophone. Francophones play hard for their home province. Montreal doesn't even need Sundin, really. They will have to keep Kovalev happy for another year and Koivu healthy.

6. Carolina Hurricanes. Ready to erase last season's disappointing performance. These guys boast a heavy offence, but can the defence core help out Ward enough? My answer to that is: look at the not-so-big names that were on their defence when they won the Cup. You don't always need big-name players on D to succeed.

7. Boston Bruins. I hope Ryder finds his scoring touch back in Beantown. Add a healthy Patrice Bergeron and my god, the Bruins have no excuses anymore. They should make some noise.

8. Edmonton Oilers. Adding Cole and Brule and Visnovsky just proves that Lowe is the man for the job in Edmonton. Add a healthy Souray with Visnovsky on the PP and that is one massive blueline presence. The Oilers' PP is going to be awesome. I really doubt that Sam Gagner or Andrew Cogliano will suffer from a sophmore slump. They should only get better. And Horcoff needs to stay healthy. I really like the Roloson/Garon combo in net as well.
The Oilers seem to be headed down the same path as the Flyers had when they revamped their team and gutted it.

9. Pittsburgh Penguins. Once again, I'm not buying into the hype. Sure, Crosby and Malkin are on the team and that counts for a lot. But losing Hossa, who was a playoff monster and adding Satan and Fedotenko just doesn't translate into playoff (or maybe even regular season) success in my mind. Or, I should say that it doesn't put the Pens over the hump to make the Finals again.

10. Chicago Blackhawks. The Windy City fans SHOULD be excited about the Hawks. They boast a solid core of youth complemented by the sweet additions of Huet and Campbell.
Finally, a Hawk playoff berth is attainable at long last!

Other Power Rankings out there:

- Davis21Wylie at Armchair GM.

- Ross McKeon at Yahoo Sports

T Tags: NHL+Power+Rankings projections

From the Vancouver Province: "It's a hit or miss with me," Wellwood acknowledged Monday after skating with a few of his new teammates at Burnaby 8 Rinks.

"I'm either going to bounce back and play really well and put up points and they'll have a player they are looking for for nothing, or I'm just not going to do it. It's all in my hands and I know training camp and the start of the season is going to be pretty big for me." Now now, Kyle. Keep your chin up! Be positive. Good boy.

T Tags: Kyle+Wellwood+interview Vancouver+Province

Slow news day, but here are a few more links and laughs to check out.

Terry Frei is reporting at the Denver Post that Joe Sakic will address the media this coming Thursday and will take on any questions. But don't get your hopes up. He will probably be talking more about his charity golf tournament than whether or not he has decided to play this coming season.
Blue Jackets' GM Howson to Nikita Filatov: "Stop playing exhibition games in Russia."He doesn't want his rookie star to get hurt.
Oh sweet lord in heck...check out this photo.....



Ahem...**choke** Check out Sex, Sports and Rock n'Roll for some form of explanation of this, en francais.

I am not glorifying the Red Wings as potential repeat Cup champs again this year. The Ottawa Citizen's James Gordon provides one example of why this is, and I agree. Something to do with a hangover.

T Tags: Sakic+press+conference+Thursday Filatov+stop+playing+in+Russia Celine+Dion+Canucks Red Wings+repeat+Champs

The Nigerian-born Aliu scored 28 goals and 61 points in 60 games with the London Knights last season, ranking him 3rd on the team. He also had 133 penalty minutes.
He was drafted 56th overall by the Hawks in the 2007 Entry Draft.
Aliu is one tough customer. He will become a household name this season, probably more for his rough antics.
I profiled him lastJune. Check that article out here. It has a pretty good Aliu clip as well.

T Tags: Blackhawks+sign+Akim+Aliu three+years profile fight+video

This past Friday, Chelios reportedly sounded "pretty darned good" singing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" at the Cubs game, but when given the honor of throwing the first pitch, he threw it high over guest catcher Eddie Vedder. He was given a second chance and threw that pitch a little high as well. However, Vedder reached high and least caught that one. The crowd gave Chelios a "rousing" ovation when he was introduced. He even had the Cup beside him on the pitcher's mound.
But that isn't the really big news of the day of Chelios in Chicago. What Chelios said after the ball game (a lopsided loss by the Cubs by the way) is what is somewhat controversial.


"I know I bring it (Stanley) with the wrong team, but at least I brought it home." "You don't want to hurt anybody's feelings. I've found a new home with Detroit, but Chicago is always going to be home and my parents are here," he said. "I intend on coming back here someday and living the rest of my days whether it's as a player or just somehow maybe involved with the Blackhawks." Well, Chelios is 46 now, the oldest person to win the Stanley Cup, and reportedly already has a verbal deal in place with the Red Wings that just has not been announced by Wings' GM Ken Holland yet. His agent has confirmed that. The former Hawk had great things to say about the current Blackhawks team.


"They've made all the right moves," said Chelios. "They've got a great young nucleus with this team and the management, with what they've done is just tremendous for the fans.
It's been a long time coming since you felt that buzz. I can't say I wish I was a part of it right now because I'm a Red Wing, but it's great to see the fans excited about Blackhawks hockey."So, as careful as Chelios may have sounded, he just couldn't avoid some Blackhawks and even Sox/Cubs fans' backlash by bringing Lord Stanley to a city that is the enemy of his current team Detroit. Examples:

- This writer from the Chicago Sun Times suggested that Chelios may have brought bad karma with him, as both the Sox and Cubs lost their games. Funny, but I don't believe in Karma.

-Fan Backlash #1: ...just remember the nasty,deliberate, try and knock him out hit he made last season against the Hawks' Kane.
He lost me there, he should have been booed Friday by any hawks fans attending fridays game at wrigley.

-Backlash #2: Class is Hull, Makita and Esposito not a cheap shot artist like Chelios, i remember his first game back after the trade when he was booed off the ice, the same thing should have happened at Wrigley. Hopefully he will never be associated with the Hawks again in any capacity.

-Backlash #3: He could take it to schools to friends, but to use it as a Chelios congratulatory party at Wrigley showed chelios doesn't care about us..he cares that chelios is still in the limelight. He didn't cause the Cup drought but he doesn't feel our pain either.
I tried to hear Detroit sucks in the background, but didn't. You don't know how much I wished that I could have be at Wrigley because HE WOULD HAVE HEARD ME yelling DETROIT SUCKS!

-Backlash #4: CC can stick the Cup where the sun don't shine. He wants to come back to Chicago? Yeah when he's in his 60's...The Hawks can use him like they're using Hull,Makita and Espo...I don't care what he's done he's a fricken Red Wing...

The above comments are from the Daily Herald.

I can understand the bitterness of the fans. They have endured so much shit over the past decade or so. When Wirtz Sr. traded Chicago-born Chelios to the Wings in 1999 in exchange for Anders fricking Eriksson and 2 first round picks (one turned out to be Sandy McCarthy), it was just another added blow. Two years earlier he had traded Ed Belfour to the Sharks for Chris Terreri, Ulf Dahlen and Michal suck Sykora.
The previous year, he traded the man Jeremy Roenick to Phoenix for Alexei Zhamnov, Craig Mills and a 1st round pick: Ty "who?" Jones.
Years of mediocrity ensued. But to trade the great Chelios to the enemy was a serious blow.
And that creates hate. Long-lasting hate. Especially when he has success with the enemy.
As an outsider, I would think that Chelios' presence on the Hawks' young team would be welcomed. He can still play. But this scenario is becoming more and more unlikely. Chelios looks to finish his playing years with the rival Wings and it will take years for some fans to get over the 'hate' part. That's what's beautiful about hockey and sport. Rivalries are awesome! You can be a star and saviour for your team for years, but damn you if you ever choose or are successful with an enemy team!
Personally, I know Chelios is easily hated on the ice. But I was a major fan of his especially when he played for Chicago. But I didn't like him going to the Wings either. I hate Detroit!
Regardless, here are some great Chelios memories from his days in Chicago (plus a few others):

CheliTube

-Ooo. Caught on tape, Chelios says to a host of a show that he would NEVER play for Detroit.

-Chelios fights Recchi in 1996.

- Chelios fights Glen Anderson (?). Never seen Anderson fight before. Looked like a boxer here. Landed nothing though.

- Chelios, with the Red Wings, had 4 assists against Vancouver this night. Watch him gloat to the fans in GM Place when he was given #1 star of the game. Sorry Nucks fans, but that was pretty funny.

-Chelios as a Hab destroys Brian Propp with a viscious elbow. Dirty, Cheli.

-Ron Hextall can't contain his anger anymore and attacks Chelios in an act of revenge for the Propp hit.

Images from the Chicago Tribune.

T Tags: Chris+Chelios+Wrigley+Field Stanley+Cup Chicago 2008 first+pitch

Yeah I know there are plenty of Eklund haters out there and this shouldn't qualify as news. I am not a hater, I just think he's a master fabricator of rumors and is successfull at it. It is what it is, as Temujin would say.
But this Sundin to NYR and Gomez being traded to Vancouver rumor (rated e4)is bunk for several reasons.

1. Sundin is tight-lipped and has not made a decision yet if he even will play again. There is no news on that front and nothing has changed. I will admit that I have been reading online Swedish newspapers a lot lately waiting for some development there. Nothing yet.

2. Gomez has a no movement clause on his contract. Actually, both Gomez and Drury do. I hear there are a few different types of no-movement clauses, but I don't know what category Gomez's falls into. I would expect Gomez does not want to leave New York city regardless. No way. He's the man there.

3. The Gomez trade makes sense geographically, because Vancouver is the closest NHL city to his native state Alaska. And that is probably a big reason why the dumb rumor is fabricated that way. Because someone assumes that Gomez would like to live closer to his summer home. He does spend most of his summers in Alaska, where he holds an annual charity celebrity golf game in Anchorage to raise money for the Scotty Gomez Foundation. But still, refer to #2. You don't put a no-movement clause in your contract for nothing.

4. Is Glen Sather that mad that he would move his #1 center Gomez, who is only 29 years old, and take on 37 year old Sundin's contract? Sundin may only play for 1 year. Gomez has 5 years left on his contract. He will produce nearly or equal what Sundin will produce. He is a hell of a play maker. Oh and by the way, yes, I think Sather is that mad. But refer to #2 again.

Hey, I'd rather have Gomez than Sundin in Vancouver, but this just isn't going to happen.
Refer to reality, which is that Sundin has not made his mind up yet, for the 100th time....

T Tags: Sundin+to+Rangers Gomez+traded+to+Canucks lies rumors bullshit

Canucks.com has a sneak peak at a 3rd set of fan generated mask concepts for the Canucks' backup goalie. Some people have mad skills. My favorite 2 from batch 3 are pictured here. But there are so many other great creations out there. Damn, Sandman, this was one heck of an idea!
Click here to go to the Sanford mask generator page.

T Tags: Curtis+Sanford mask+design fans contest

It's a great sign to see Bernier practicing with some of his new teammates already. Especially considering that his weight and conditioning has come into question in the past. Bernier seems poised to prove something this year. From Sportsnet:
"This is the first time, actually, that I have come this early," the 23-year-old Bernier said after his Friday morning skate. "I am very, very excited to be in Vancouver. I want to make sure to be as ready as I have ever been before to make sure I have a good start to the season. That's why I came so early and also it's always nice to meet the guys you are going to play with and also meet the fans and get to know the city a little bit better. So far, so good. I love being here and I am happy to be here."Sounds good doesn't it? I'm excited about what Bernier can bring. Already speculated as a good fit for the Sedins, Bernier could score over 30 goals this season.
"What I am going to do is create space for them, go get the puck in the corner, give it to them, be in front of the net, screen the goalie, take rebounds, that is going to be my job," Bernier said. "Even if I play with two other guys, that's my job anyway. My game is not going to change."Reminds me of Anson Carter, or what Taylor Pyatt was supposed to succeed at.

Bernier image from Canucks.com

T Tags: Steve+Bernier+practicing+early Canucks

Looks like Lou Lamorielli is trying to shave some salary, to the tune of $1.4 million as the rough and tough Vishnevski was put on waivers today. Any takers? We'll see. He was a career-worst -12 with the Devils last season. He was benched by coach Sutter, and was basically the 7th defenceman.
He's not known for putting up a lot of points, but he can sure kill guys pretty well.

VishTube

- Brett McLean feels the wrath of Vishnevski.

- Boyd Gordon turns around to play the puck and bango! Vitaly shows him how to lay down real quick-like.That was a suicide pass wasn't it?

- Vishnevski sends Tjarnqvist into the boards.

- Karma. Ovechkin runs over Vishnevski. What a collision! Vitaly can take that kind of hit though. He's tough.


Marcus Nilson wants to get away from the Calgary Flames and Mike Keenan, but he just can't get out of his contract. According to HockeyExpressen.se, a team from the KHL is interested in Nilson, but he has one more year (at $1 million) left with the Flames.
According to the article, Nilson wanted to have his contract bought out but the Flames are not willing to do so. "They do not want to buy me out. It was a little pity. But they can do whatever they want."
This change in attitude from Nilson contradicts how he was talking about playing in Calgary and under Keenan early last season (November). By December, he was a healthy scratch about 6 times.
He finshed the season having only played 47 games, scoring 3 goals and 5 points. He also suffered a concussion injury, by the way.
The gritty winger was mostly reduced to checking-role duty. At one point he was complaining about not being allowed to play enough 5-on-5 and was being used as a penalty killer mostly.
I don't think this news has not even hit the North American papers yet, but I'm sure it will soon.

MarcusTube

- Nilson drops the gloves with Marty "beyond all" Reasoner.

T Tags: Devils+put+Vitaly+Vishnevski+on+waivers Marcus+Nilson+wants+out+of+Calgary buyout

Firstly, the Predators want Alexander Radulov to make up his mind by September 1 on whether or not he'll honor (which is a word not in Radulov's vocabulary) the rest of his contract with Nashville. “We know he signed over in Russia but we are asking him to reconsider and to make a decision to come back,” Preds GM David Poile said. “… We feel Alex is a very, very good young player with a great future ahead of him. We feel he got some bad advice in this situation and hope eventually he will want to return to play with best players in the world in the best league in the world.

“But having said that, we don’t want to force him to come back until he wants to come back. That is not good for Alex or for his teammates. As of Sept. 1, we’re moving on.” Tough place for Poile to be in. He also tells the Tennessean that if Radulov signs a 1 year deal with Russia, that Nashville would re-address Radulov coming back next season. Say what? If he bails on his current contract, why the hell would Poile take him back again? Let the dishonorable bugger go, or become someone else's problem. Easy for me to say though.

Secondly, Flyers' GM Paul Holmgren has now made it clear publicly that he is basically tired of Waiting for Sundin. From the Vancouver Sun, of all places: "Personally, I'd like it to all go away," Holmgren told the Philadelphia Inquirer. "What's the sense when we don't even know if he's going to play yet?" It appears Mike Gillis has much more patience than Holmgren. Some are saying that maybe Gillis should put the heat on as well. I wouldn't. Let Holmgren run his mouth. Gillis can be the nice guy. Like that makes any difference, right? Nice guys finish last don't they?
What the hell would Holmgren possibly do to shed enough salary to take on a Sundin contract? Obviously, he must have a few potential deals in limbo while he waits for Mats. Those deals could, or would have to resemble blockbuster status. That is probably where the impatience is coming from.
Some people wonder why all of this attention about indecisiveness is focussed on Sundin and less on Joe Sakic and Teemu Selanne. Well that is an easy answer. Sakic is great, yes. But his loyalties lie solely with the Avalanche. So there isn't much mystery there except mostly for Avalanche fans. As a Canucks fan, I hope he doesn't come back because I want the Avs in the Northwest Division basement.
Teemu Selanne still has a lot left in the tank. But he has already pulled this hooplah before. So he's a repeat offender of indecisiveness. Blah, blah, been there done that, who really cares that much about Buzz Lightyear anyways?
Want some speculation? Maybe the Avalanche will lure Sundin if Sakic decides to retire (e2...ha). Lord knows they can't afford both Sakic AND Sundin at the same time. But the loss of Burnaby Joe would have Avs GM Giguere in need of a #1 center. We also know that the Avs have little problem luring high calibre players. So cue the Sundin-to-Colorado rumors. It would make sense, if the Swede decided he wants to play and would make much more sense than him going to Montreal, the Rangers or Flyers. And don't forget that Forsberg is loyal to Colorado if he returns a few months into the season. Hey, you'd have to think that Sundin and Forsberg have at least discussed that since they've been golfing so much lately.
If Sundin does end up in Colorado, we will have the right to assume/speculate that he was waiting for Sakic's decision all along.
Just throwing that concept out there.
Either way, Holmgren getting tired of waiting and maybe "putting some pressure on" Sundin won't affect Mats' timeline. But we do know that the last thing Sundin said was that he would like to make a decision by the end of August.

T Tags: Mats+Sundin Alex+Radulov decision+time Flyers Avalanche Predators

In case you have been hiding under a rock....No one captures hockey stories (especially, he covers several sports) better artistically than BC-boy Ken Henderson. His latest Gillis cartoon (pictured) is just plain ol' bloody hilarious. It's humorous, true and saddening all at the same time.
Henderson can put together side-splitting comic pieces as well as fascinating memorial imagery (aka Bourdon and Lupil).
He contributes to the Georgia Strait and has his own site.
Henderson is no slouch, and he comes loaded with creds too, as his bio points out.
Keep up the great work, Ken!
PS- Love how Bettman always has basketball imprints on his head!

T Tags: Ken+Henderson+art NHL humor Mike+Gillis skill

Whether Moreau and co. hit a motorbike and bolted or not really doesn't matter. Hey, I've done that once before. I'll admit it. Dishonorable it was. But that jackass shouldn't have parked that little Honda Civic behind my Chev pickup. I couldn't see it in my mirror!
In other NHL news today, Scott Niedermayer took a dump this morning and used thin toilet paper. Should have used Scotties.



T Tags: Ethan+Moreau hit+and+run Vancouver motorbike picture image Photoshop

Finally bought the mag yesterday. If you have not bought it yet or are not going to buy the issue, then this post is for you. I will give you what The Hockey News is saying and projecting for each Canucks player and then I'll throw my own 2 cents in, because that's what I do.

DEFENCEMEN

1. Kevin Bieksa. After a breakout season, Bieksa was out most of last year with injury. He returned before the end of the season, but a fresh start in the fall will benefit him.
THN projected output: 80 games played, 10 goals and 35 points.
Zandberg's projection: 82 games played, 15 goals, 45 points. Plus a bunch of errors in his game. Oh well. :)

2. Alex Edler. No projection by THN.
Zandberg's projection: A reduced role if the blueline stays healthy, yet he is ready to play in the top 2.
82 games played, 7 goals and 20 points.

3. Lukas Krajicek. No THN projection here either. WTF.
Zandberg's projection: Poised for a breakout. In 2006-07 Krajicek scored 16 points in 78 games. In 2007-08 he scored 11 points in 39 games. I see a pattern: Increased ice time and a few more points, especially whenever Salo gets injured.
74 games played, 5 goals and 25 points.

4. Willie Mitchell. No THN projection.
Zandberg's projection: Has never scored more than 14 points in the NHL. Has never played a full season either.
70 games played, 1 goal and 11 points

5. Mattias Ohlund. THN: Never too high, never too low. Ohlund is at least consistent in that respect. He also scores a lot of goals for a defenceman but doesn't get many assists.
78 games played, 12 goals and 32 points.
Zandberg's projection: I'll agree with THN's point projection.

6. Sami Salo. Good thing Salo doesn't get paid by the game.(ha!), he's one of the most frequently injured players in the league. But when he does play, he's a high-scoring defenceman.
THN projection: 65 games played, 10 goals and 30 points.
Zandberg's projection: 65 games played, 15 goals and 38 points.

FORWARDS

1. Henrik Sedin. After 5 seasons of increases, Sedin finally leveled off. It had to happen some time. For the foreseeable future, expect both brothers to hover around the 80 point mark.
THN projection: 82 games played, 17 goals and 74 points.
Zandberg's projection: The twins need a sniper on their line. Maybe Bernier is that guy.
82 games played, 16 goals and 84 points.

2. Daniel Sedin. So, the Sedins maxed out at around 80 points. Not a bad level at all. The Canucks don't have enough auxiliary scoring to produce more and not enough to score less, either.
THN projection: 82 games played, 33 goals and 78 points.
Zandberg's projection: THN is not taking into account that the Sedins had their best offensive season playing with Anson Carter. I miss that guy until a suitable replacement is found.
82 games played, 35 goals and 82 points.

3. Pavol Demitra. Playing with Marian Gaborik should have been a gold mine for Demitra, but it was far from it. Too many years, too many injuries, too many disappointments.
THN projection: 70 games played, 17 goals and 52 points. Still have him listed as a free agent though.
Zandberg's projection. Disappointment indeed. Anyone that picks Demitra in a hockey pool is mad or a sucker for punishment.
67 games played, 25 goals and 64 points.

4. Ryan Kesler. Kesler had a breakout season last year, but don't expect him to be a huge goal scorer. He's a 2-way player who will likely find a home on a checking line.
THN projection: 79 games played, 15 goals and 38 points.
Zandberg's projection. If Kesler wasn't a 2-way player and just a scorer, he could get over 60 points. Alas, checking is his game and he likes it. But he is a player on the rise.
80 games played, 25 goals and 48 points.

5. Mason Raymond. It's full time duty for Raymond this season. Depending on who the Canucks pick up this summer, he can be on a scoring line or the 4th line.
THN projection: 70 games played, 16 goals and 35 points.
Zandberg's projection: I think a scoring role is in order here. Can he avoid a sophmore slump? He has plenty of skill.
76 games played, 22 goals and 45 points.

6. Kyle Wellwood. Wellwood looked like he'd go to the next level before last season, but not anymore. The oft-injured forward is very close to fading into oblivion.
THN projection: 70 games played, 10 goals and 37 points.
Zandberg's projection: Easy now, THN. A fresh start for Wellwood should benefit him. More and more Canuck fans will love him as the year goes on I predict.
78 games played, 13 goals and 49 points.

7. Alex Burrows. Burrows is an energy line agitator who can score a little too. If your fantasy league counts penalty minutes, Burrows is a pretty decent consideration.
THN projection: 80 games played, 10 goals and 24 points.
Zandberg's projection: Contract year. Should be an increase in points for Alex.
82 games played, 15 goals and 30 points.

8. Steve Bernier. The Canucks have tried everyone on the right side with the Sedins. Bernier will be the next option. He has terrific offensive instincts, but admits he has to batlle an issue with conditioning and weight.
THN projection: 75 games played, 23 goals and 47 points.
Zandberg's projection: I don't care if he eats too many potato chips, I think this guy is going to impress. He is also in the final year of his contract I believe.
78 games played, 30 goals and 60 points.

9. Taylor Pyatt. Pyatt has had plenty of opportunity on Vancouver scoring lines and still hasn't scored regularly. It's not going to get any better as he moves down the depth chart as the Canucks improve.
THN projection: 78 games played, 15 goals and 29 points.
Zandberg's projection: I agree with THN assessments of Pyatt. However, this is the final year of Pyatt's contract as well, so expect some extra motivation. If not, I think he's going to get waived or traded.
80 games played, 20 goals and 37 points.

10. Matt Pettinger. No THN projection.
Zandberg's projection: Another player in the final year of his contract. But pettinger is going to fall down the depth chart as well. He could also fall past #12 on the depth chart or get traded.
74 games played, 8 goals and 18 points.

11 & 12 spots: Jeff Cowan is in the final year of his contract, but he seems expendible with the acquisition of Darcy Hordichuk. I think Cowan the former Brabarian is going to be shown the door at some point and Hordichuk and Ryan Johnson will take the 11 & 12 spots.

GOALIES

1. Roberto Luongo. Luongo can do it all on his own, just not all the time. He's playing at his best and his stats are great. His win totals could be better, but the team needs to help out more.
THN projection: 39 wins, a 2.31 GAA, a .920 save percentage, and 6 shutouts.
Zandberg's projection: May see a few more games off this season which he hinted at a few weeks back. But he won't have any distractions this time and is driven to improve from last season.
40 wins, a 2.21 GAA, a .920 save percentage, and 5 shutouts.

2. Curtis Sanford. It's not that difficult to back up Roberto Luongo. Your main job is patting Luongo on the back after the game. Anything more than 10 or 15 games and the Canucks have serious issues.
THN projection: 5 wins, a 2.77 GAA, a .903 save percentage and no shutouts.
Zandberg's projection: 9 games played, 5 wins, a 2.65 GAA, a .900 save percentage and 1 lucky shutout.

T Tags: The+Hockey+News+Ultimate+Fantasy+Pool+Guide Vancouver+Canucks+player+projections predictions

Can't say I've seen footage of this before. This is either a Polish tornado chasing tour or a bus driver who doesn't know what it means to evacuate the area.
Personally I am fascinated by twisters, so I can always appreciate this kind of clip.


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T Tags: Tornado+hits+bus Poland

Or cut back the maximum allowable European drafted players in a season......from two to one. From the Toronto Star:
Citing a difficulty in signing them (European players) and a decline in the quality of their play, a movement is gaining traction to eliminate European hockey players from Canada's major junior hockey teams.This concept is in discussion-mode amongst the OHL (already) and soon to follow with the QMJHL, WHL, etc.
This isn't a bad thing. It's officially overdue. European hockey is gaining strength (more-so in certain areas), and I don't think they would mind if they could keep their top young players to continue that trend. The headaches of some Euro players not necessarily wanting to come here, plus a growing compensation argument from Euro teams can easily go away if this notion is passed. Current compensation value for drafting a European? $2400. Seriously. European teams are demanding more and rightfully so.
I believe there were around 120 Europeans drafted in Canada's major juniors last season. Eliminate that and 120 more Canadian kids get a chance to move up. I'm in full support of that. (I would imagine Don Cherry is jumping up and down right now over this possibility as well).
I'm not being racist. I just support my country first. Yet I also support hockey globalization and want it to thrive everywhere.
More from The Star's Kevin McGran:
...the European hockey federations wouldn't mind it at all if the CHL cut back on the number of imports.

They've been arguing for years that European players who come to the CHL are no further ahead in their goal of making the NHL than those who remain behind with their club teams.

The Euros have further said that the CHL draft and the NHL's propensity for taking 18- and 19-year-olds weakens the quality of hockey in European leagues, to the detriment of the sport.Let me say something about the second sentence in that quote. Not all Europeans think that way. Take Pär Marttila, coach for the Swedish J20-national team for example, who said to Swedish paper Sportbladet recently: "It is a tougher environment over there (in the CHL). You play before large audiences and the demands are greater. There are players who derive benefit from it, for example, we see Robin Figren (next season in Djurgården), which has made very well and come home as a better player, "says Marttila.
So that would be the flipped side of the coin on this whole issue. European players that play hockey in Canada, or even the US, generally become better overall players. I think they become more NHL-ready as well, especially with the physicality part of the game. But even that part of the game is growing in Europe isn't it? Where did Ovechkin learn how to crash and bang like that? Remember when the Russians couldn't handle physicality in hockey? The Russians aren't "going home" for that reason anymore. It's the money. Hello KHL.
I'm drifting off topic a bit.
The fact that 18-19 year old Euro players become better players here shouldn't be a factor in a decision to eliminate or reduce the amount of Europeans that a CHL team can draft at the annual European Draft. The reasoning for the elimination of the Draft is clear.
"I think it (the European Draft) was a great idea, but right now we're in a different situation," said Brian Kilrea, coach and GM of the Ottawa 67's and one of the forces behind the elimination of the European draft. "In the old days, players wanted to come over to play. Now, once their European clubs realize that these players we've drafted are on their team, they want to keep them, or sell them to the highest bidder."Kilrea also mentioned to the Star that he is having difficulty getting Yakov Vorobyov released out of Kazakhstan. This problem is becoming all too common.

The IIHF also approves of the idea.
"We strongly advocate cutting out Europeans from major junior in Canada altogether or at least reduce the Euro quota to one," said Szymon Szemberg, spokesperson for the International Ice Hockey Federation. "We understand that the CHL has totally different reasons than us for initiating this discussion.
"But, from our standpoint, as long as the number is being reduced or eliminated, we are convinced that this is best, both for European as well as for Canadian development, regardless of what prompted the rule change."Shit simple reasoning here. The Europeans want to keep their young stars and the CHL is tired of being stood up by imports.
But that's not even all of it. The GM's in the CHL are also citing an "uneven playing field" amongst eachother in regards to who gets their Euro drafted player to come to North America and who doesn't. There is an imbalance there. Some teams either have better connections or use bigger guns to entice their pick to head over the ocean.
Bottom line: One big headache. Time to throw down the Advil and put a stop to this mess.

T Tags: CHL+talks+about+eliminating+European+Draft

Spotted at Collector's Den, probably the sports store in Metrotown, according to a CDC dude. Hilarious! That's the best Photoshop I've seen in a while. Or maybe......... Sundin's coming to Vancouver! Woo! (I kid). This image has to be more fake than Pam Anderson's chest.











T Tags: Mats+Sundin+Canucks+jersey+spotted+in+store Collector's+Den

The pictured image is my favorite so far. But there are a lot of submissions. Check them out here.

A very close 2nd place:




T Tags: Curtis+Sanford+fan+mask+design+contest submissions

Let me quote some of a Canucks.com article from yesterday that falls under the above title (minus the question mark):
On July 1, Vancouver Canucks general manager Mike Gillis stood waiting.
With an elevated heart rate, heightened senses and sweaty palms, Gillis, alongside 29 other GMs aligned on the dock of NHL free agency, waited.
Rod and reel in hand, the new leader of the Canucks baited his line and waited…and waited…and waited.
Day one of free agency flew by, so did day two, day three followed suit. Each day of the next week was a carbon copy of the first, Gillis had a few nibbles, but no one took the bait.
Then, out of nowhere, Gillis reeled in a keeper.
Name: Pavol Demitra
Size: 6-feet, 200-pounds
Skill: In abundance
Without question Gillis landed a prize catch.Talk about glamorizing a "good" signing. No, not a "great" signing. Demitra is not necessarily a "keeper".
He is not necessarily a prize catch. He has 2 goals in his last 11 playoff games (with the Wild). He has only played 2 full seasons in his 10 year NHL career. He is a .93 points per game player. His last great season was with the Blues in 2002-03 (when he actually played a full season.)
Oh and speaking of the Blues, Demitra alluded to them in an interview with Canucks.com. “I just like to have freedom on the ice,” said Demitra, adding that his numbers dipped last season in Minnesota because he was bogged down as a result of their defensive minded offence.

“I played my best hockey when I was in St. Louis and I played with guys like Keith Tkachuk and Scott Mellanby. Those guys always want to be the best and I like guys that drive to the net and who work hard and I like guys who give me the puck as soon as possible so I can make a play.” OK, I have a few issues with those statements:

1. He likes guys that drive to the net. So what does Pavol do... clean up the garbage? If he doesn't like to go hard to the net then he may not gel with the Sedins, right? Isn't that type of player what the Sedins need (Carter/Pyatt)?

2. He likes to have freedom on the ice and he scored less in Minnesota because he was "bogged down because of Minny's defensive minded offence". So what the hell do you call Alain Vigneault's system then? He doesn't allow freedom on the ice. His forwards have to backcheck and be defensively responsible.
Is Mike Gillis encouraging a new system from Vigneault? I hope not. Did you see Datsyuk and Zetterberg having "freedom on the ice"? No, they played a tight system. And it worked. I can't see Van being any different than Minny in terms of playing styles, unless a change is going to happen.

OK, back to the "prized catch" thingy. This is (and I may be overreacting a bit), the bullshit that I hate about politically correct, say-no-evil writers from team sites. It's a far fetch to be blowing smoke up Demitra's ass already. To me, he has something to prove still. He has to stay healthy AND put out AND play the system...without complaining.I don't care if he says he loves the city, and that it's good for his kids, and that he and Gillis are buddies. It means nothing unless he is a difference-maker for the Canucks. The happy-schmappy fluffy stuff be damned.
Oh, and I'll tell you what a "prized catch" forward would have been:

1. Brian Rolston. Signed for 4 years at just over $5 million per season. He scored 31 goals in each of his last 2 seasons with the "defensive" Wild.
2. Andrew Brunette. Underrated forward signed for 3 years and $7 million with the Wild.
3. Marian Hossa. Yeah, a traiterous bastard, but more proven offensively.
4. Sundin. Nuff said.

But those are the fish that Gillis couldn't catch or has not yet caught, obviously.

Until Demitra proves himself with the 4 things I mentioned above, I am not calling him a prize catch. The same goes with Wellwood and Bernier. Jeez, is Vancouver a therapy session or what? Gillis is believing that those 3 players are going to turn their fortunes around. And I hope he's right. I am cautiously trusting that he is right.

Check out the Canucks.com article here.

T Tags: Pavol+Demitra Canucks overrated injury+prone Canucks.com