Sharks and Canucks game 1

well the Canucks were off to a rough start that night trailing 2-1 after 40min. but came into the 3rd as the comeback kids we knew they'd be. In the end Canucks won 3-2 Henrik Sedin with the game winner along with goals from Kevin Bieksa and Maxim LaPierre who pulled a reverse Bobby Orr! (the jump one...) Lui had a rough start and to the fans it was evident that Niemi was getting in his head but pushed through and gave a vintage performance in the 3rd. Canucks now lead the series 1-0. Next game will be on Wednesday at 6pm

The green men also had a great performance putting Don Cherry in a green suit! they also had several fans tough the glass for them. those guys are so creative coming up with better things every game!

Canucks and Preds game 3-6

okay well i'm not going to bother talking about the games we lost even the games we won. I'm gonna try and keep this short and sweet. Kesler was in on 7 of 11 goal this series - assists and a few goals. Henrik had his first goal in the playoffs and the Sedins finally have some points. Mason Raymond finally scored and Luongo was great. So Canucks take it in 6 games turning Smashville into Keslerville and finally advance to round 3 first time in 17 years. hello conference finals I'm happy to see you again! :D Canucks menu consists of fish or chicken but nothing has been decided yet. Canucks may be cheering for the series to get to game 7 so they can have some to rest. AND we sent OB golfing yay!!!!

Canucks and Preds game 2

well if you think of it the proper title for this blog would be Canucks VS Refs game 1 because the officiating was absolutely criminal! so many calls that weren't called and so many things called that shouldn't  have been called. and it was so convenient to call an offside on Hansen's breakaways when he clearly onside! not to mention when Luongo was tripped in the 1OT. thats all i have to say, the fact is that the Preds didn't win the Refs did and because i do not work for the NHL i can say this and not get fined like GM Mike Gillis when he spoke out to the media regarding game 7 against the hawks. all i have to say is i'm ticked of how criminal the reffing was that game and i hope that the NHL will improve on their reffing.

Canucks Vs Preds Game 1

What an excellent performance by Bobby Lu with a shutout! Chris Higgins had the lone goal for the Canucks in the 1st period. Preds came in 
confident but later left defeated after a 1-0 game. Canucks open the series 1-0 over the preds and hope to continue on that trail. Sami Salo didn't play due to a lower body injury. Lets hope that he'll soon be able to play i wanna see his sniper shot again. 
It's been a busy for proud father Alex Burrows after 24hrs of scoring the game winner against the Black Hawks his wife gave birth to newest addition Baby Victoria, and straight away another game. But its clear that the lack of rest wasn't an issue as the only reason why it was a 1-0 game was because of the Preds' goalie.


Canucks take on the Preds at Rogers Arena on Saturday.

Daniel Sedin nominated for the Hart Memorial Trophy!

Daniel Sedin has been nominated for the Hart Memorial Trophy and is a finalist! Along side Perry and St.Louis. If Daniel wins the Sedins will make NHL history being the 1st brothers to win the Art and Hart back-to-back! History is being made in Vancouver!!!

the demons are defeated!

i'm not even going to mention game 6 not even the details of game 7 you guys watched it and know very well what happened and if not well....i guess i can give you the short story.
Canucks win 2-1 in OT. The game looked a lot like the 2010 Olympics as Luongo let one in late in the 3rd. Burrows had both the 1st and last goal. Redeeming himself in OT after serving a 2min minor for holding. But all in all WE WON!!!! WE HAVE FINALLY DEFEATED THE BLACKHAWKS! and yes revenge is sweet but #3venge is so much sweeter! The Canucks take on the Preds Thurday at 6pm at Rogers Arena.

Canucks and Black Hawks GAME FIVE

though loss, the guys weren't comfortable. i'm really not going to go on because it hurts to blog about games we lost. but i've said it before and i'll say it again - it's not that we lost it's how we lost. we have 2 do overs. this is crunch time  and i believe we can still do this. 

Canucks and BlackHawks GAME FOUR

the heartbreak! 
i'm not going to day who scored, how many saves, assists or hits. all i'm gonna say is Canucks lost 7-2 on Tuesday. am i sad yes a little but most importantly i am still OPTIMISTIC! ;D although i wanted a sweep and would have loved one i wasn't expecting it. what team wants to loose the series at home? no team. this is most likely the shortest post i have ever done but i am going to finish with this: 


                               it's not because we lost, it's how we lost.

Canucks and Black Hawks GAME THREE

the 1st away game for the Canucks this post season. Fans across the nation not wanting to hear that certain song *i will not mention the title*. Unfortunately we were forced to hear it twice as Bobby Lu let 2 of 32 shots in. although the Hawks had a 1-0 lead after 20 the Canucks fought back in the 2nd with 2 quick goals by Christian Ehrhoff from the point during the power play assisted by Hank and Dank and Daniel Sedin who was assisted by Alex Edler and Kevin Bieksa. Mikael Samuelsson had a goal in the 3rd and he was assisted by Henrik Sedin and Christian Ehrhoff. 


Roberto Luongo by far was the reason the Canucks stayed in this game. making critical saves in the 1st during the 5 on 3. and once again the players that were so called in a slump rosed to the challenge and the Sedins ended up with a combined 3 assists and 1 goal, Ryan Kesler also had 6 shots on goal - more than any Canucks that game. 

although the Canucks started out a little shaky the proved to not only them selves but to fans that there is no longer a "psychological" issue when it comes to playing the black hawks. they have not only shown but proven that they are number one for a reason. BUT we do have to give so credit to Chicago, of they hadn't spanked us back in November we wouldn't have had the same season, they brought to worst of us out but because of that they brought out the best of us.  
so..... thank you Chicago! ;D 

Canucks and Black Hawks GAME TWO

Although it wasn't the shut out that we all wanted from Bobby Lu a win is a win and i will gladly take it. 
Jannik Hansen once again had the 1st goal of the night followed by Daniel Sedin and Alex Edler in the 2nd and once again Daniel Sedin in the 3rd. Roberto Luongo made 22 saves. Resulting in a 4-3 win over the what many fans like to call the "chicken" hawks. 


i though that the Canucks had a great start. Jannik Hansen setting the mood of the game early and the fans definitely did their job the energy level at the arena was absolutely amazing just when you thought it couldn't get louder after the first game it did! the fans were showing that this was truly what they lived for, they've said it before and they'll say it again they love the fan base here! it's an encouragement to them *so fans...keep doing your job!* after several critics asking where the Sedins went low and behold they came emerged out of the so called slump with 2 goals (Daniel) and an assist (Henrik). Ryan Kesler also started to emerge out of his slump and had an assist. Edler came back hard after a long break after back surgery back in January and had a goal and a few great hits (even in the 1st game). Although the 3rd period wasn't the greatest the defensive end really kept the lead by not panicking - like we would of in the past. but rather kept their composure and that is what kept us in the game. 


The evolution of the team from what they were last year is absolutely amazing! they went from a team that would always panic in the defensive end and chock during the playoffs to a team that can and will keep their composure and do whatever is takes to win weather that means taking a hard it or blocking a shot with an ankle. they mean business this year. this isn't just a game for them anymore this is what THEY live for this is what they have been dreaming for all their lives.  


they want #3venge!    

Canucks and Black Hawks GAME ONE

the streets of Vancouver were completely empty as every Vancouver citizen was watching the long awaited playoff game. What was days seemed like an eternity, then the game finally began.

the Canucks won 2-0 against the Hawks goals by Hansen and Higgins both in the 1st. Luongo gave a vintage performance robbing every goal in sight along with some help from our little friend the post! the hawks hit the post 4 times out of 25 shots. close call but NOT good enough. Luongo was given the 1st star 2nd star was given to Jannik Hansen and Patrick Sharp was given the 3rd star.
Jannik Hansen had a break away and Higgins was assisted by KB3 and Ryan Kesler.

Canucks and Black Hawks play again tomorrow in hopes of winning both home games.

Round 1 of 2011 playoffs- what I think.

yes we all know that we are versing our arch nemesis the Chicago Black hawks.  but honestly i'm not as worried as I was last year. Last season we were known for panicking in our defensive zone but after a season full of injuries - our defense being hit the hardest we've done really well and we have had our best season in franchise history! all in all theres really nothing to worry about. Both teams aren't the same as last season in fact the hawks had to get rid of the majority of their star players due to something the NHL likes to call the "Salary Cap". The only thing that is really hindering us is the psychological issue. As long as the Canucks can get over that little voice in their head that says "you can't do it" they'll be able to! when it boils down to it the fans can believe all they want but it won't mean anything unless they believe they can do it too. When it comes down to this series it boils down to whats in your head- the mental preparation is key. 

i believe do you? 

Canucks VS Flames

The Flames and the Canucks met today for their final game of the regular season. Vancouver was off to a slow start in the first but the Flames played hard from the beginning, but the 1st period ended scoreless. The second period came and the people wearing the Canucks jerseys were not the same people we all know and love. the period resulted in a 2-0 Flames lead and the Canucks drawing 5 penalties. The Canucks however showing no nervousness staying confident throughout the entire game. Kesler did tweak his leg and will get it checked out tonight after the interview with Scott Oak. "I'm pretty sure it's nothing serious" Kesler stated with his interview with Oak.  Burrows and Kesler tied it in the third and weren't able to win it in regulation. Ehrhoff won it OT. And of coarse I can't leave out the salmon who found its way on the ice.... AGAIN. 
Iggy had a temper tantrum and decided to call Burrows "Chicken poo" several time in the sin bin as fights began to break put in the third Burrows simply replied "have a nice summer." which really set him off. the refs did not however let them really get into the fights (good because we wanna get into the playoffs HEALTHY) 


The Canucks now have 50 regulation and OT wins. As they prepare to get into post season and the Flames well... they'll have to get their golf clubs out. 

President's Trophy and a pleasant surprise

On Thursday the Vancouver Canucks versed the Wild which lead to a 5-0 Canucks win. 3 of which were from Ryan Kesler. Before the game the Vancouver Canucks had an award ceremony


MVP- Daniel Sedin
Best Defenceman- Christian Ehrhoff
Most Exciting Player- Ryan Kesler
Unsung Hero- Jannik Hansen
Most Molson Cup Selections- Roberto Luongo
Leading Scorer- Daniel Sedin


after those awards where presented they brought out the President's Trophy and Henrik Sedin was the representative for the team to accept the trophy but low and behold a familiar smiling face came out to accept the award yes it was a healthy and happy looking Manny Malhotra who accepted the award on behalf of the team with Henrik Sedin.
 After the ceremony the Canucks went straight to business against the Wild showing no mercy
1st Period:
goals by Mason Raymon assisted by Jannik Hansen and a goal by Ryan Kesler who was assisted by both Hank and Dank
it was 2-0 canucks after 1
penalties by- Aaron Rome (tripping), Alexander Edler (interference) and Kyle Brodziak (cross checking)


2nd Period:
goals by Ryan Kesler who was unassisted and Mason Raymond who was assisted by Daniel Sedin and Kevin Bieksa
penalties- Kyle Brodziak (roughing) and Kevin Bieksa (goaltender interference)


3rd Period:
goals by Ryan Kesler assisted by Chris Higgins
penalties- Jannik Hansen (roughing), Brad Staubitz served by Pierre-Marc (cross-checking), Brad Staubitz (10min misconduct)


Bobby Lu had a spectacular performance refusing to give up one late the the third resulting in 29 saves, Ryan Kesler also ended up with a third career hat trick and his 40th goal of the season- a career high!


The Canucks face the Flames tonight for their final game of the regular season the canucks are 26-10-4 away from home.

WCBC Live: Live Streaming from West Coast Baptist College

i know that this blog is about hockey but i am a Christian 1st then hockey fan and if you guys wanna hear some great preaching go to this live stream!

WCBC Live: Live Streaming from West Coast Baptist College

Manny Malhotra - GONE

Team doctors and specialist have determined that Manny Malhotra will be our for the regular season AND the playoffs. no further comments will be made. 


This is a HUGE lost for the Canucks like HUGE! but thats important is that he gets healthy - i'd rather loose him now and have him for the next 2 season than have him come back prematurely and loose him for good. 
Manny has been a huge asset for the Canucks this season both on and off the ice he has been and still is a leader on and off the ice. As our top face-off guy he has a big shoe to fill in but i'm positive that out guys can and will step up to the plate just like they did when our D was hurting. 


but what to do now? Canucks havecalled up Alex Bolduc to sill in for Tanner Glass (rib) he will practice with the team in Detroit - the 1st preactice he's had in a week. Kevin Bisksa will play on Wednesday against Detroit as well - Juice has missed 15 games due to a broken foot.  


Anything can happen in this game it's the fastest sport in the world and i'm happy to see that the league is doing more the make this game safer. I think that the league should however make visors mandatory to prevent more accidents like this happening. At the end of the day accidents happen and theres nothing we can do about it but sometimes you just wish it'd happen to the player that you hate rather than one that you love. 


All i can really say is... Get better Manny hope to see you next season!  


http://canucks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=556729

PHX VS VAN 3/18/11 - my thoughts.

     its gonna be okay because like the guys always say "you can't win them all" and besides who has the division title? we do, and who is 1st in the NHL? we are, and who has a playoff spot? we do! don't worry we'll get'em in Detroit and wipe the smile right off Burtuzzi's face :D


     don't get me wrong i totally thought that we could have gone on and won 8 in a row but a small part of my heart slightly doubted because we are missing one of our greatest players- Manny Malhotra who is out with an eye injury from Wednesday's game when he took a puck to the eye. (no set timeline for his return) AV: " Talked with Malhotra last night. No timeline set." 


    i admit that its gonna be tough with out Malhotra but we have a great team and I know that they'll step up to the plate just like they did when our D was hurting. 
    
    Last night's game well just like a few of our past games have been filled with a ton of bad reffing.
i'll use last night's game specifically. Alex Burrows' "hit" on Fiddler, i understand the new rules and that hits like that are not tolerable in the league anymore but the fact of the matter is- Burrows barely laid his hand on him! Fiddler skated into the boards on his own. Due to the rule i would understand a 2min minor for boarding but honestly a 5min major? And later that period Daniel Sedin was tripped deep in the Coyotes' end and low and behold NO CALL! During the game against Colorado no PP for the Canucks till the 3rd period and there were a few things that should have been called. 


Luongo did a decent job last night for a 3-1 loss, 1st goal he was scrambling 2nd goal a screen- not much you can do about it, the open net... well D could have done a little more but you really can't do much about it. We had a TON of chances last night but unfortunately LaBarbera did really well last night and its clear that they wanted it more than we did. 


All in all i think we did okay not great but okay. and life i said it's only one game and we are already have the division title a playoff spot and we're still #1 in the league. It's not the result that matters it the way they play (in my mind at least.) 

Canucks now....

now yes i will be the first admit that we were off to a rough start and i admit i didn't see a play off spot in our future but like any good fan would do i watch game after game and then we finally pushed our way to the top. so what do we need to improve on? are we going to be able to keep our 1st place? 
FACT: only 3 teams in NHL history have stayed in 1st after the NHL All Star and only one of those teams have gone on to win the Stanley cup that year (Detroit) 
So my question is are we going to be like Detroit? are we going to win the cup? i have no doubt in my team don't get me wrong there is always room for improvement (goalie consistency, PP...) but what are they going to do to ensure that we will win the Stanley Cup? 
BUT let's concentrate on where we are now 
lets see where to begin 
1st in our Conference: 97 points
1st in NHL: 97 points
1st in PP%: 24.2%
1st in PK%: 86.3%
Daniel Sedin leading in points with 86 points and Henrik not to far behind with 81 points 
Henrik leading the league in Assist
Manny Malhotra 2nd in Face off's
Daniel Sedin 2nd in Goals


looks pretty good to me.....