Let the Sparks run Wild! - Canucks V Wild GDT

[rustybadcock]

http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=223372&hubname=

Many are saying this will be a dud game based on the fact that many times in the past when teams have shot at each other in the media nothing has actually come of it. My stomach tells me a very different story, like the tale it told me last night where there would be plenty of goals. This games gonna get chippy, tempers will flare. ;)

If the boys expect to win both battles, the one on the score board and the other that I believe will come to them I think they had better bring a far better effort than last nights soso affair. They'd be well advised to take the battle to the Wild IMO. Don't just wait around and let the game evolve. Take control of the situation and put a deep down scare into the rest of the Wild....get Boogard out of the game early. Then let the rest unfold. Boogard has repeatedly shown signs of stupidity, I say, work that against him and the Wild. My thinking is, the Gaborik's of this team won't want anything to do with it.

And another note, I heard on the spac today that Sanford will go tonight. I like this move for a few reasons. Luo needs a well deserved break, the D and forwards will all have to pay attention on a different level, could be a plus in a game like this. And God knows Boogard might take this all the way to the idiot farm with a specially planned run of Luongo....you just never know with a dumb ass of this caliber.

Interesting thing I noticed today, the Stars have assigned Fedoruk to the farm...wonder what it would take to get him from them...? We could use a player like this IMO. Someone to add a ball size or two to Cowan....I mean we all need back up now and then...;) :wicked: Speaking of Cowan...he looks a step behind of late....he needs to skate harder and faster cause last night he was slowing his line down, out of position and all around sloppy. Understandable I suppose, when guys miss games it takes more than a few sometimes to find themselves....I suppose first game's back are no judge of a players "place". My bad.

Enjoy the game...3-2....not sure which way either...:slant:

RB

[flyerfan2]

Intimidation will play a big part in this game. Unfortunatly for the Canucks it will not be them doing the intimidating. The lack of team toughness will be evident in this game especially when Boogard comes calling. Poor Cowan will feel his wrath, and Naslund and Sedins will be invisible early in this game.I have a very bad feeling about this game 6 - 2 wild.

[AtLossForWords]

I think with Sanford starting, you're going to see a very resonsible defensive game.

After a poor effort last night, I'm expecting this team to have more energy to give than most think.

I don't think anything interesting is going to happen tonight. Everyone knows Collie Campbell and company are going to watch this game with their fingers on the suspension button. I bet you'll see a veterean officiating crew tonight to handle any mess, they won't let it get out of hand.

The Wild have no depth at centre right now, and that is going to work in the Canucks favor, I see us winning this one by a close score of 3-2.

On Fedoruk, I'd like to see him come to this team. He's a true heavyweight in the NHL, but he has some hockey sense as I remember him putting in some good minutes playing alongside Selanne and McDonald in Anaheim a couple seasons ago. That being said he doesn't produce numbers, but he's a quality presence on the ice.

[TimmyTabasco]

Canucks will buckle down defensively, receive a strong game from Sanford, and a really strong game from the twins

Expect a tight game, 3-1 Canucks final

BTW, whats this about Isbister? He'll be lucky to get 5 goals by seasons end.

[rustybadcock]

Canucks will buckle down defensively, receive a strong game from Sanford, and a really strong game from the twins

Expect a tight game, 3-1 Canucks final

BTW, whats this about Isbister? He'll be lucky to get 5 goals by seasons end.

Naw, Izzy bags 15 to 20 my friend....:eek: :thumb: :coffee:

RB

[rustybadcock]

Nice all around effort tonight! :thumb: This is a nice way to move into first place...even if they're tied in points with Minnie now, still a great way to do things.

I liked the Brown fight. However, you guys were right who said there really wouldn't be much brewhaw after all. The Twins and Naslund looked fantastic...Naslund, way to get back in the saddle. ;)

I liked Kesler once again. I also liked Edler and not just because they couldn't stop raving about him between periods...:laughing: He's really a nice find by our scouting...It's also further complementary that the Wings were talking to him initially too! Says a lot about him...

Sanford did a fine job I feel. Perhaps he would like chance to play his old mates in St. Louie in a couple nights ;) however I have a feeling Roberto will be back on shift. :thumb:

I really like how this team is coming together as a team. They're really buying into the system once again and the results are hard to argue with. They're a really good team when they work together and trust each other. Whatever issues were holding them back 10 games ago look to be resolved which is essential to success IMO. They keep these efforts up and they might find themselves in really good shape, as in challenging for tops in the West never mind the division come xmas.

Great work boys!

RB:pimp:

[KB in Kelowna]

So Tuesday night I had a toastmasters meeting and missed the game. Last night it was on PPV and the local radio rights holder, is also the home of the Rockets of the WHL who played,and lost to, Tricities last night. Additionally my son had beavers last night so I could not follow the game on my computer.I figure I will watch the highlites with Don taylor at 10:00 PM, except at 10:00 PM Sportsnet has a NBA game on with 6 minutes to play in the forth, and since I didn't have 2 hours to wait, I went to bed and only saw them this morning.:laughing:

[gordphish]

I wouldn't waste my time with Fedoruk, RB. I've said it before, this team doesn't need a goon. You have to go back to the 70s to find another team besides the Ducks that lead the league in fighting majors and won the Stanley Cup. They were an aberration. What the Canucks need to show at times like this is what Vigneault has already talked about, and that's team toughness. A knuckle dragger that plays 3 minutes a night won't give you that.

A nice win for the guys, a real testament to their character. They didn't get into their hotel until about 4am yesterday, so going into one of the tougher buildings to win games in and playing an almost pefect road game is certainly impressive.

And now, lo and behold, they are just a point out of second in the west and are 8th overall in the league. But just as I wasn't pushing the panic button a month ago, I'm not getting too high right now. It's a long season, and they've just passed the 1/4 mark.

For me, the most impressive element right now is their depth. The way they are able to reach into their system and get the help they need right now, I'd have to say that this is the deepest they've ever been. Hopefully, the young forwards will catch up with the defensemen in this regard. What a treat it would be to go into next season with guys like Hansen, Grabner, Raymond and White all too good to demote.

Now, I have to admit that I've had my reservations about keeping Naslund on the Sedin line (and still do; I question how effective that line will be when the playoffs roll back around). But Naslund is now on pace for 39 goals. In fact, they have 5 players currently on pace for 20 or more (including Henrik), and if Kesler can pick up the pace just a little bit, they'd have 6. Not bad for a team that is supposed to lack scoring.

I know I'm all over the map here...bear with me, I've had a headache since last Friday.

I was never all that impressed with Bowness as a head coach, but I sure am finding a lot of respect for him in how he is bringing along young defensemen for this team. Bieksa, Edler, Bourdon, Weaver...big time kudos to him and Arniel.

We'll see how it goes in St. Louis tomorrow. Luongo is not typically sharp in the games back after having time off. And Andy Murray's teams always seem to play the Canucks tough. But it's a 'winnable' game', so let's hope they finish the trip on a high note.

[rustybadcock]

I wouldn't waste my time with Fedoruk, RB. I've said it before, this team doesn't need a goon. You have to go back to the 70s to find another team besides the Ducks that lead the league in fighting majors and won the Stanley Cup. They were an aberration. What the Canucks need to show at times like this is what Vigneault has already talked about, and that's team toughness. A knuckle dragger that plays 3 minutes a night won't give you that.

A nice win for the guys, a real testament to their character. They didn't get into their hotel until about 4am yesterday, so going into one of the tougher buildings to win games in and playing an almost pefect road game is certainly impressive.

And now, lo and behold, they are just a point out of second in the west and are 8th overall in the league. But just as I wasn't pushing the panic button a month ago, I'm not getting too high right now. It's a long season, and they've just passed the 1/4 mark.

For me, the most impressive element right now is their depth. The way they are able to reach into their system and get the help they need right now, I'd have to say that this is the deepest they've ever been. Hopefully, the young forwards will catch up with the defensemen in this regard. What a treat it would be to go into next season with guys like Hansen, Grabner, Raymond and White all too good to demote.

Now, I have to admit that I've had my reservations about keeping Naslund on the Sedin line (and still do; I question how effective that line will be when the playoffs roll back around). But Naslund is now on pace for 39 goals. In fact, they have 5 players currently on pace for 20 or more (including Henrik), and if Kesler can pick up the pace just a little bit, they'd have 6. Not bad for a team that is supposed to lack scoring.

I know I'm all over the map here...bear with me, I've had a headache since last Friday.

I was never all that impressed with Bowness as a head coach, but I sure am finding a lot of respect for him in how he is bringing along young defensemen for this team. Bieksa, Edler, Bourdon, Weaver...big time kudos to him and Arniel.

We'll see how it goes in St. Louis tomorrow. Luongo is not typically sharp in the games back after having time off. And Andy Murray's teams always seem to play the Canucks tough. But it's a 'winnable' game', so let's hope they finish the trip on a high note.

I suppose you're right where the goon's are concerned. When you think of it, what real good is Boogard for the Wild? I mean the toughest guy in the game couldn't help the Wild in 2 games against the Ducks last post season. However, I think we need someone a little more willing to drop them...I totally agree with team tough. Totally.

They have shown the character of champs IMO. This is the best team I've ever witnessed them to be since becoming a follower. I was concerned they were trying to run V out of town early this year however I think possibly it was merely a multitude of issues compounded to make one lousy team effort night in and out, all seems well now.

The Blues are hit and miss these days. Perhaps Kesler will be assigned the role of shadowing Kariya? Should be fun!

RB

[KB in Kelowna]

I wouldn't waste my time with Fedoruk, RB. I've said it before, this team doesn't need a goon.


Well for some reason the Wild want him: http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=223433&hubname= :shrug:

[AtLossForWords]

Naslund bags three. How interesting. Seems when I was talking about how the Snazzy line would perform for this team a year ago I was onto something.

If they keep the Nazzy line togethor, you could easily expect that line to score over 30, 20, and 40 goals and notch about 50, 60, and 40 assists with three guys scoring over eighty points. Naslund is also the perfect player to help the Sedins score off the rush and not be too dependant on the cycle.

The real concern is going to be the second line. Lately we all like the look of Pyatt, Kesler, and Isbister, but I'd like to see Morrison play more with a scorer like Pyatt than grinders like Burrows and Cooke.

Burrows, Kesler, and Cooke would be an excellent shut down line for this team. However you have to give up that big line of Pyatt, Kesler, and Isbister which can still score goals and play good defensive hockey.

[rustybadcock]

Well for some reason the Wild want him: http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=223433&hubname= :shrug:

Well there you have it, ole RB ain't alone in his thoughts...;) :laughing: :laughing:

jokes aside, there is two things about this guy that are a concern; he doesn't win fights with regularity and he did get his face smashed in pretty bad just last year so....I admit I did forget these points earlier. :confused: Further, what are the Wild thinking? I mean, to me they don't seem to be too complete of a team right now and scoring and D are both showing weakness. Perhaps their making further changes...

RB