View Full Version : Last chance for Canucks?
MadDevil
10-31-05, 11:16 AM
Something I've been wondering about the Canucks, and I thought it would be nice to get a Canucks' fan point of view on this. Do you think this is the last chance for the Canucks to make a serious run at the Cup?
They've had pretty much the same core for a couple of years now, and they seem to have very good regular seasons, but for whatever reason can't seem to carry that over to the postseason. If (and this is just hypothetical) the Canucks make the playoffs and lose in the first or second round again, do you think it's time they cut ties with the group they've had for the last several years (Naslund, Bertuzzi, Ohlund, Cloutier, Linden, Cooke, the Sedins, Ruutu, Salo)? Or do they try to retool around that group and give it another go?
Iced Tea
10-31-05, 12:28 PM
Something I've been wondering about the Canucks, and I thought it would be nice to get a Canucks' fan point of view on this. Do you think this is the last chance for the Canucks to make a serious run at the Cup?
They've had pretty much the same core for a couple of years now, and they seem to have very good regular seasons, but for whatever reason can't seem to carry that over to the postseason. If (and this is just hypothetical) the Canucks make the playoffs and lose in the first or second round again, do you think it's time they cut ties with the group they've had for the last several years (Naslund, Bertuzzi, Ohlund, Cloutier, Linden, Cooke, the Sedins, Ruutu, Salo)? Or do they try to retool around that group and give it another go?First of all, I don't think this is the last chance. Until Bertuzzi lost his mind and assaulted Steve Moore, the Canucks were on their way, IMO, to at least the Western conference finals if Cloutier played well.
Secondly, the main core of Naslund, Bertuzzi, Morrison, Ohlund, Salo, the Sedins, and Cooke are signed to multiple year deals. The top line, the Sedins, Ohlund and Salo are playing well and once they all click at the same time, the Canucks are going to kick butt.
As for the current team, there are several weaknesses at the present moment:
1. Quality goaltending in the playoffs. Cloutier is in the first year of a two year deal. From what I've heard, the deal was a vote of confidence but if Cloutier doesn't stand on his head and steal games during the playoffs, I hope he's gone next summer.
2. A quality 7th defenseman. With the salary cap, the Canucks have for some reason used up precious room to keep Wade Brookbank on the team. The two losses to the Avs showed that Brookbank, as an injury replacement, is useless because he can't play more than 5 minutes per game and that screws up the other 5 defensemen with new pairings, poor communication and bad mistakes. Goons and enforcers that can't do anything else, aren't playing in the NHL anymore. Bryan Allen can beat the crap out of anyone picking on Naslund or the Sedins. Get rid of Brookbank and bring up someone from the farm team who can play 5 or 6th defenseman minutes.
3. PP and PK need to be worked on. Not doing well in either category.
4. Faceoff percentage is bad, real bad. Time to bring in a faceoff consultant.
Goaltending is the number one key to winning. The Canucks don't have a solid number one goaltender and I'm scared before every playoff games when Cloutier starts. Frankly, I believe that if the Canucks had a better starter, someone nearly as good as Brodeur, Luongo, Theodore (when he's on his game), or even a Fernandez, Roloson or Vokoun, the Canucks would have made the Stanley Cup final in one of the last few seasons.
Right now, the Canucks are still adapting to some aspects of the new NHL and it shows a lot in certain games. Maybe later in the season, I'll be able to add more points to this post but for now, this is how I see things.
To answer the retooling question; it is a ways down the list. If the Canucks lose in the first round this season, I'd question goaltending first, depth on the defense second, Crawford third, Nonis fourth, the need for a serious retooling fifth.
KB in Kelowna
10-31-05, 1:28 PM
With the exception of Linden, who is in his mid to late 30's and on the down side of his career, this is a group that is in thier prime age wise, mid to late20's and some very early 30's. The unkown is wether Dan Cloutier can be healthy and consistent enough in the playoffs to carry the team through a couple of series. The vote of confidence, a two year $2 million+ contract, from management was not a deal I would have done. If he goes so should Nonis who made the deal and Crawford who either supported it or didn't protest it behind the scenes. I suspect that if the season ends badly or disappointingly that Salo and Jovo will be gone. For a real shakeup so will Bertuzzi. I believe Naslund, Ohlund and the Sedins are not going anywhere, but the rest of the cast is expendable also. Hopefully I will not be engaging in this speculation in May or June of 2006.
Don't see any reason to get rid of Salo, Ohlund, Naslund, Allen, Sedins, Kesler. Cloutier for sure, Joopsi and Linden hopefully, Bertuzzi maybe, Cooke maybe, the rest, who really cares.
TimmyTabasco
11-01-05, 4:31 PM
Don't see any reason to get rid of Salo, Ohlund, Naslund, Allen, Sedins, Kesler. Cloutier for sure, Joopsi and Linden hopefully, Bertuzzi maybe, Cooke maybe, the rest, who really cares.
Do you have any insight, for your reasoning? :thumb: :nod:
TimmyTabasco
11-01-05, 4:38 PM
No, this isn't the last chance for the Canucks.
They have built a solid team, and will have a few chances after this season.
Some areas that need improvement
Defense:
Say what you will, but it needs attention. Getting rid of Jovo is the easy way out. Even if you did, who would replace him?
They need atleast one solid veteran defenseman to be added.
Goaltending:
This season is Cloutier's last chance. If he does falter, the Canucks will go with someone else.
Auld is not the answer. Capable backup, but not a starter for a supposed "elite" team.
Faceoffs:
The Canucks sorely miss Lindgren and Chubarov. Sure, he was injured..but he was great on faceoffs. Chuby was above average on faceoffs.
Penalty Kill:
It appears Linden is doing all of it :laughing: . The Canucks lost Arvedson, and he was a very good PK'er. Also, Rucinsky..say what you will..was a very good PK'er.
The current PK group are not very solid.
Coaching:
Perhaps this is the year of the crow? ;) Crawford suits the team for offensive play. However, the Canucks perhaps need someone who can coach defense..and offense.
Take Mike Babcock in Detroit for example.
BTW, I do think this will be Linden's last season. Expect him to stay as a asst. coach, or in the organization
Do you have any insight, for your reasoning? :thumb: :nod:
Do you have any particular points you'd like addressed?
Defense:
Say what you will, but it needs attention. Getting rid of Jovo is the easy way out. Even if you did, who would replace him?
They need atleast one solid veteran defenseman to be added.
It appears Linden is doing all of it :laughing: . The Canucks lost Arvedson, and he was a very good PK'er. Also, Rucinsky..say what you will..was a very good PK'er.
What's wrong with the "easy way out"? Anybody who can play defense would replace Jovanovski nicely.
Linden has done nothing so far this season, literally. I won't be the least bit surprised (or disappointed) if he retires before season's end.
TimmyTabasco
11-01-05, 6:17 PM
Do you have any particular points you'd like addressed?
Well, perhaps a little more info on your choices to stay..and your choices to go. Insight is a beautiful thing
:thumb: :D
TimmyTabasco
11-01-05, 6:20 PM
What's wrong with the "easy way out"? Anybody who can play defense would replace Jovanovski nicely.
Linden has done nothing so far this season, literally. I won't be the least bit surprised (or disappointed) if he retires before season's end.
Its not that easy with Jovo. First, he makes alot of money. Second, if the team would trade him..they would be off to get someone above average in return.
Jovo also puts up points, so who will replace those points? Patience is a virtue
On Linden. He has played alright for his duty. The guy blocks shots, is good on the PK. Plus, he brings veteran leadership. Is he overpaid? Yes. Is this his last season? Yes
Well, perhaps a little more info on your choices to stay..and your choices to go. Insight is a beautiful thing
:thumb: :D
Allright, well, how anybody could find fault in those I mentioned to stay, I can't see, especially so far this season, they are the core and consistent contributers, forgot to include Morrison, unless they want to go after a better #1 center, but that'd be tough under the cap, unless they make room by offloading the likes of Jovo and/or Floatuzzi. Onthose two, Joopsi's consistent liabilities make him a no-brainer to move,preferrably with something in return, at his age, he ain't likely to learn how to play D. Flaotuzzi has been a hollow shell of himself for most/all of last season and this, if he turns it around he might be worth keeping, otherwise, same as Joopsi, get something while they can. If Cooke can improve his offensive output, and/or find a place on the top 2 lines, he might be worth $1.5M, but to me that's a lot for a 3rd line agitator.
Clutzier is a choke artist, and Linden has been useless so far this season, time to hang em up before he embarrasses himself (any more).
Nuff insight for you?:)
Its not that easy with Jovo. First, he makes alot of money. Second, if the team would trade him..they would be off to get someone above average in return.
Jovo also puts up points, so who will replace those points? Patience is a virtue
On Linden. He has played alright for his duty. The guy blocks shots, is good on the PK. Plus, he brings veteran leadership. Is he overpaid? Yes. Is this his last season? Yes
The Canucks have plenty of O on the blueline, not to mention up front, they need big minute defensemen who can play both ends, not just act like 4th forwards, his play is way too risky.
Again, Linden contributed some last season, but has done sh!t this year.
TimmyTabasco
11-09-05, 5:05 PM
What the Canucks are missing
-Faceoff specialist
-Defensive defenseman
-Coaching
What the Canucks are missing
-Faceoff specialist
-Defensive defenseman
-Coaching
But by FAR their greatest need, is a proven playoff goaltender, with that, all the rest might become irrelevant.
Fixed. :D
TimmyTabasco
11-09-05, 6:09 PM
Fixed. :D
The only goalie that comes to mind..would be Kolzig ;) :D
Kolzig has alright playoff stats
28-24
2.14 GAA 930 % SP
6 shutouts
The only goalie that comes to mind..would be Kolzig ;) :D
Kolzig has alright playoff stats
28-24
2.14 GAA 930 % SP
6 shutouts
So if Kolzig's are just "alright", how would you describe Clutzier's, especially considering the teams each played for? ;) :D
TimmyTabasco
11-09-05, 6:34 PM
So if Kolzig's are just "alright", how would you describe Clutzier's, especially considering the teams each played for? ;) :D
:laughing:
I'd say Cloutier's have been terrible. His playoff numbers aren't acceptable.
However, the last playoffs..he did post a 2.17 GAA, and 922 SP
But did he post low numbers, because he didn't play much?
I wouldn't be surprised if Kolzig does become a canuck at the deadline. But then that all depends on the year Cloutier has
:laughing:
I'd say Cloutier's have been terrible. His playoff numbers aren't acceptable.
However, the last playoffs..he did post a 2.17 GAA, and 922 SP
But did he post low numbers, because he didn't play much?
I wouldn't be surprised if Kolzig does become a canuck at the deadline. But then that all depends on the year Cloutier has
Right, so Clutz's best year's #s (definitely because he didn't play much ) are worse than Kolzig's career #s, and Clutz has played for better teams overall.
I hope you're right and he does become a Nuck, but I would wonder at how they'd get him under the cap, unless it's something like Kolzig & Witt for Clutz & Joopsi :boogie:, but the only reason I can think for the Caps to make that trade would be if they're trying to go after Kessel. ;)
TimmyTabasco
11-10-05, 4:01 PM
I hope you're right and he does become a Nuck, but I would wonder at how they'd get him under the cap
Yeah, I'm not sure how that works
If they did get him at the deadline, how much of his salary would they have to take on?
Yeah, I'm not sure how that works
If they did get him at the deadline, how much of his salary would they have to take on?
I think it's on a per game basis, so salary/82 games x # games for each team?
vBulletin® v3.6.3, Copyright ©2000-2008, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.