Canucks Vs Flames GDT.

[rustybadcock]

The Calgary Flames knew they had to play better on the road this season. In accomplishing that, however, their play at home has slipped.

Calgary looks to match a franchise record with its seventh straight road victory Thursday night when it faces the Northwest Division rival Vancouver Canucks.

The Flames won a league-best 30 home games last season en route to the eighth seed in the Western Conference. As impressive as that total was, it was offset by a dismal 13-20-8 road record.

Calgary seems to be working in reverse this season, going 10-6-1 on the road while posting a disappointing 7-7-1 mark at home.

That trend has been very evident recently, with the Flames coming off back-to-back overtime losses at home against Dallas and New Jersey after completing a perfect six-game road trip with a 3-1 victory at Columbus on Dec. 18.

"We have to improve especially with the race being as tight as it is right now," Flames defenseman Robyn Regehr said. "You have to win hockey games and you have to do it consistently."

A victory Thursday would give Calgary (17-13-7) seven consecutive road wins for the first time since Nov. 10-Dec. 4, 1988.

Despite going winless in their last two contests, the Flames have at least a point in 11 straight games (7-0-4), tied for the third-longest run in team history. The record of 13 was established from Nov. 10-Dec. 8, 1988.

Miikka Kiprusoff was perfect until allowing Patrik Elias' goal 25 seconds into overtime Sunday in Calgary's 1-0 loss to the Devils.

"Certainly we did have opportunities, particularly with six power plays and didn't capitalize," coach Mike Keenan said. "We weren't able to score a power-play goal, which would have been paramount in this particular contest in view of the way Martin Brodeur was playing."

Flames captain Jarome Iginla has been held without a point in back-to-back games for the first time this season. He has eight goals and three assists during a five-game road point streak.

Iginla has no goals and two assists in three games - all losses - this season against Vancouver.

The Canucks have won seven of the last nine meetings, including a 4-1 home victory on Nov. 18 in the most recent matchup.

Vancouver (20-13-4), tied for the Northwest lead, had a three-game win streak snapped with a 3-1 loss to Colorado on Sunday.

Taylor Pyatt scored for the Canucks, who were playing their third game in four nights and were coming off a shootout win in Phoenix on Saturday.

"I thought our guys did everything they could," coach Alain Vigneault said. "We gave ourselves a chance, 1-1 going into the third and we had a couple of mistakes there. There was just not enough left in the tank for a team that was just waiting for us."

Pyatt scored a rare power-play goal for the Canucks, who are 2-for-22 with the man advantage in the last five games.

Adding to that problem is the absence of defenseman Mattias Ohlund, who sat out Saturday with back spasms. Ohlund has six of his 13 points on the power play.

Roberto Luongo is expected to start against the Flames for the fourth time this season. He is 3-0-0 with a 1.95 goals-against average in the first three meetings.

[AtLossForWords]

I think the Canucks will win this one after coming back from the break. They've owned the the Flams and their home ice lately, and a little rest was just what this team needed.

Kesler and Ohlund due to miss the game, and that is really bad news.

[rustybadcock]

I think the Canucks will win this one after coming back from the break. They've owned the the Flams and their home ice lately, and a little rest was just what this team needed.

Kesler and Ohlund due to miss the game, and that is really bad news.

wow, no kidding. That is terrible news. :( We're running thin on people who can step up. This might be a silent blessing. Nonis is going to have a front row seat to the fact that the center position is suddenly super vulnerable with the absence of Morrison and Kes. Say what we will about Mo he was 4th in scoring on this team up until he got hurt.

RB

[KB in Kelowna]

Much has been made of the Flames recent winning streak, but it was mostly against the South East and Central. That being said the Canucks are missing to key guys and the rest of the team needs to start playing and preforming, Luongo can't win them all himself.

[AtLossForWords]

Wow a rare night of scoring. I knew this team was going to come out hard with a good effort tonight at home.

Just imagine a line of Pyatt, Arnott, and Raymond, three guys who all have scoring tough with a drive to the net playing behind the Snazzy line. Arnott is seriously a player Nonis should be in hard pursuit of.

The top lines squared off and one came up big and one didn't even really show up tonight.

Luongo was excellent when he needed to be tonight. He made some big saves at the right time despite giving up the lead once tonight. It was really a tough luck night for him with three excellent deflections moving past him.

Another two points for Naslund tonight, its a better year for him and say what you will about him, he's been producing and contributing this year.

[rustybadcock]

Well, I enjoyed myself while watching this one. I knew once they went up 3-1 that the Flermies would fight back. Of course! What I didn't think I would see is Iron mike pull the kipperman!

I liked a lot of peoples efforts tonight. In no order: The top line. The fight in Isbisters eye. Raymond! Edler, even though he was going top shelf on Luo. Krajciak. Ritchie.

I am not sure I enjoy watching the boys beat anyone more than the Flames.

RB

[KB in Kelowna]

Is it just me or has Pyatt been playing very well since about the time Morrison went down?

I know other team's fans will mock me for saying this, but Willie Mitchell is a very effective shut down guy, case in point the only real sniff Jarome Iginla gets is on the power play when Mitchell is in the box.

A New Years Eve rematch in Cowtown awaits.

[rustybadcock]

Is it just me or has Pyatt been playing very well since about the time Morrison went down?

I know other team's fans will mock me for saying this, but Willie Mitchell is a very effective shut down guy, case in point the only real sniff Jarome Iginla gets is on the power play when Mitchell is in the box.

A New Years Eve rematch in Cowtown awaits.

I think you're right about Pyatt. I always said, when he uses his frame he's effective. And that shot of his aint too shabby either. I also like when he drops the mitts now and then.

RB

[AtLossForWords]

Pyatt's play might have something to do with two hungry youngsters playing on his side rather than a guy with a wrist in too bad of shape to set up a play or an agitator who has lost any sort of hockey sense.

Raymond is finally starting to look like we all expected him to when he was originally called up this season. I hope after the deadline deals or when the forward group if healthy again he gets to stick with this team and continue to put up some numbers.

Willie Mitchell is one of the most effective shutdown men in the league, but he'll never get that attention because he doesn't play early enough in the day for the East to see what he does. Between Mitchell, Ohlund, Kesler, and Burrows the Canucks have some of the best defensive players in the league to matchup against any team's top unit. It is going to take secondary scoring to beat the Canucks and Roberto Luongo.

[gordphish]

Wow a rare night of scoring. I knew this team was going to come out hard with a good effort tonight at home.

Just imagine a line of Pyatt, Arnott, and Raymond, three guys who all have scoring tough with a drive to the net playing behind the Snazzy line. Arnott is seriously a player Nonis should be in hard pursuit of.

The top lines squared off and one came up big and one didn't even really show up tonight.

Luongo was excellent when he needed to be tonight. He made some big saves at the right time despite giving up the lead once tonight. It was really a tough luck night for him with three excellent deflections moving past him.

Another two points for Naslund tonight, its a better year for him and say what you will about him, he's been producing and contributing this year.

Myself, I don't mind the way Jaffrey has played on that line. Yeah, he only has 3 points in 8 games, but he is also a plus 3 and is over 47% in the circle. Those aren't bad numbers for a guy playing his first games in the NHL. I guess what I mean is that while he hasn't been a standout for the right reasons, he hasn't been a standout for the wrong reasons, either. Time will tell. You usually get a better sense of what a forward can really do at this level around game 20, when the adrenaline has worn off and other teams get a sense of how best to play against him.

Like I've said before, I'm hoping that Jaffrey and Raymond will be given the same time and patience that the young defensemen have been given lately. I think Jaffrey has the tools to play at this level; now he just needs the experience. As long as he's not hurting them defensively and doesn't completely disappear from the scoresheet, give him until February before making a decision on a deal. If he does turn out to be the second line scoring centre they need, the Canucks have hit paydirt. He's a little small, but having a youth scoring line of him with Raymond and Pyatt that can be an effective secondary threat makes Vancouver a very dangerous team.

IMO, Raymond is here to stay. He gives them a much needed infusion of speed, and Pyatt seems to have found a player not named Sedin that he can work with effectively. I think Raymond's speed forces Pyatt to move his feet every night to keep up, and that's usually the key for big guys like Pyatt.

An interesting note about Raymond besides his speed and scoring touch...he has exactly zero PIMs in 17 games so far. That tells me we have a player that is playing with his brain as much as with his hands and feet, and I like that a lot.

[AtLossForWords]

Myself, I don't mind the way Jaffrey has played on that line. Yeah, he only has 3 points in 8 games, but he is also a plus 3 and is over 47% in the circle. Those aren't bad numbers for a guy playing his first games in the NHL. I guess what I mean is that while he hasn't been a standout for the right reasons, he hasn't been a standout for the wrong reasons, either. Time will tell. You usually get a better sense of what a forward can really do at this level around game 20, when the adrenaline has worn off and other teams get a sense of how best to play against him.

Like I've said before, I'm hoping that Jaffrey and Raymond will be given the same time and patience that the young defensemen have been given lately. I think Jaffrey has the tools to play at this level; now he just needs the experience. As long as he's not hurting them defensively and doesn't completely disappear from the scoresheet, give him until February before making a decision on a deal. If he does turn out to be the second line scoring centre they need, the Canucks have hit paydirt. He's a little small, but having a youth scoring line of him with Raymond and Pyatt that can be an effective secondary threat makes Vancouver a very dangerous team.

IMO, Raymond is here to stay. He gives them a much needed infusion of speed, and Pyatt seems to have found a player not named Sedin that he can work with effectively. I think Raymond's speed forces Pyatt to move his feet every night to keep up, and that's usually the key for big guys like Pyatt.

An interesting note about Raymond besides his speed and scoring touch...he has exactly zero PIMs in 17 games so far. That tells me we have a player that is playing with his brain as much as with his hands and feet, and I like that a lot.

Very good points, but I'll be disappointed if this team doesn't add another top six forward. You want to talk about depth at center, and I say that's what I really want this team to have. Sedin, Kesler, Morrison, Ritchie, Jaffray, and another skilled guy could make this team very deep up the middle, and still deep on defense. Let's say you have to move Morrison to make a deal, so then you've likely added more size to your lineup with scoring touch, that gives three of your four centers a very good two way game. The guy I'm still really hoping for is Jason Arnott. He shoots the puck alot, uses his size, and doesn't let the grit dry out of his game. He's been like that in the playoffs two.

Raymond's penalty in minutes numbers are very impressive, but do you think that a guy with those minutes doesn't play with an edge very much? Not that I think Raymond needs to play that way, he just needs to move his feet.

I'll still have to Tabasco your Jaffray idea though, I don't want him to be the full time second line center for this team come playoff time. He is an excellent extra forward.

[gordphish]

Very good points, but I'll be disappointed if this team doesn't add another top six forward. You want to talk about depth at center, and I say that's what I really want this team to have. Sedin, Kesler, Morrison, Ritchie, Jaffray, and another skilled guy could make this team very deep up the middle, and still deep on defense. Let's say you have to move Morrison to make a deal, so then you've likely added more size to your lineup with scoring touch, that gives three of your four centers a very good two way game. The guy I'm still really hoping for is Jason Arnott. He shoots the puck alot, uses his size, and doesn't let the grit dry out of his game. He's been like that in the playoffs two.

Raymond's penalty in minutes numbers are very impressive, but do you think that a guy with those minutes doesn't play with an edge very much? Not that I think Raymond needs to play that way, he just needs to move his feet.

I'll still have to Tabasco your Jaffray idea though, I don't want him to be the full time second line center for this team come playoff time. He is an excellent extra forward.

The problem with getting Arnott is, who are you going to give up? With Bieksa and Morrison both hurt and not due back until well after the trade deadline, that leaves Schneider and Bourdon as their two best bits of trade bait. And with their defense being as injury prone as it is, I'm not sure you move Bourdon without getting a defenseman back in return. So that leaves Schneider, and the Preds seem pretty set with their youth in goal. Not to mention that Arnott makes 4.5 milllion per through the 2010/11 season. The Canucks could fit him under the cap as is, but that would push them right up against the ceiling. And does Nonis want to commit 4.5 million per season to a player who will be 36 at the end of that contract?

If you are going to use Jaffrey as an extra forward, then you may as well send him back to the Moose. He's a scoring forward, and to use him as anything else will just stunt his development and condemn him to a career in the AHL.

Nonis has talked about this ad nauseum, Vigneault has said it before as well. This team will be focussed on drafting well and will rely heavily on developing its youth. They need their young players to step up when called on. Barring another serious injury at centre, this is what we're going to see for the time being. If Jaffrey struggles and must be demoted, then we'll see Kesler move back into the second line centre role with Pyatt and Raymond, Ritchie move up to play with Cooke and Burrows and Linden centre the fourth line. In fact, we'll likely see Kesler move onto that line when Morrison comes back, with Mo on the Cooke / Burrows line and Ritchie back on the fourth line.

As for Arnott coming here, I'm not holding my breath.

I'm going to add a best case scenario to this post that doesn't involve Nonis making a single deal.

The Sedins and Naslund find a way to be an effective primary scoring unit in the playoffs. Morrison comes back motivated enough that he fits into the line with Raymond and Pyatt and scores on a 60 point pace the rest of the way. That leaves Kesler where he is best suited right now, centering the third line. Burrows is on pace for his best offensive year, but Cooke has been horrible offensively. The linchpin, as much as I hate to say it, may be Trevor Linden. If Vigneault can put him on that third line with Kesler and Burrows and Trevor once again finds his magic post-season touch around the net, that would give them three solid scoring lines. And we all saw how important that third line scoring was for the Ducks last spring. That leaves them with Cooke, Ritchie, Cowan, Brown and Isbister with which to piece together a workable 4th line.

[AtLossForWords]

Nonis is pushing hard for a center Gordo, and I think he's going to get one, and it could very well be from a place that a lot of us don't expect it to come from.

The way I see it is that you might see Schnieder, Cooke, and a pick go the other way. This could be a number of players like Jordan Staal, Jason Arnott, or maybe Slava Kozlov or Erik Perrin. But if Nonis going to deal with Atlanta, Waddel will most likely want Bourdon instead of Schnieder, because of the promise he thinks Pavelec has.

I'd love for this team to deal Matt Cooke, he can't scrap out the odd goal any more, and our bottom six already has enough pain in the pass players like Kesler, Burrows, Ritchie, Cowan, Hansen, and Brown that can do as much as he does for this team.

The problem for Nonis is Bieksa's injury. He'd have the best piece to deal if he could get him healthy and dependable come the deadline. It wouldn't be a bad thing though if Nonis can still make a deal for a top six center along with keeping Bieksa, but that looks to be very tough.

[gordphish]

Nonis is pushing hard for a center Gordo, and I think he's going to get one, and it could very well be from a place that a lot of us don't expect it to come from.

The way I see it is that you might see Schnieder, Cooke, and a pick go the other way. This could be a number of players like Jordan Staal, Jason Arnott, or maybe Slava Kozlov or Erik Perrin. But if Nonis going to deal with Atlanta, Waddel will most likely want Bourdon instead of Schnieder, because of the promise he thinks Pavelec has.

I'd love for this team to deal Matt Cooke, he can't scrap out the odd goal any more, and our bottom six already has enough pain in the pass players like Kesler, Burrows, Ritchie, Cowan, Hansen, and Brown that can do as much as he does for this team.

The problem for Nonis is Bieksa's injury. He'd have the best piece to deal if he could get him healthy and dependable come the deadline. It wouldn't be a bad thing though if Nonis can still make a deal for a top six center along with keeping Bieksa, but that looks to be very tough.

If this is true, then you have to wonder how long Feaster will sit on his hands while the Lightning free fall in the east. First step would likely be canning Tortarella. However, even if he were reaching a point where he was willing to deal Richards, how do the Canucks make room for Richards' 7.8 million dollar salary without moving Morrison?

But let's ignore the cap issue for a moment. Would you give up both Schneider and Bourdon in a package to get Richards?

[rustybadcock]

The biggest fish out there is Vinnie in TBay IMHO. And I think he's more available than most might consider. We have everything they need in a D man and a future goaltender and more. ;) And before anyone jumps up me arse about this....we did land Luongo so anyone and anything is possible.

Vinnie's coming....:thumb:

RB

[gordphish]

The biggest fish out there is Vinnie in TBay IMHO. And I think he's more available than most might consider. We have everything they need in a D man and a future goaltender and more. ;) And before anyone jumps up me arse about this....we did land Luongo so anyone and anything is possible.

Vinnie's coming....:thumb:

RB

I dunno. I think Vinny has once again reminded people that he is probably the best forward in the league right now. If he weren't playing in that shanty little hockey outpost in Florida, I don't think anyone would argue that one bit. To get him away from the organization when they've spent the last part of a decade building around him? It's a long shot, Rusty. You'd have to think that if Feaster were looking to move one of his top 3, he'd shop St. Louis first, Richards second and Lecavalier a very distant third.

Not that I'd complain at all if Nonis were to swing a deal for him. But I'd think Feaster would demand Luongo, and that isn't going to happen.

[AtLossForWords]

Could any of you even imagine just how amazing it would be if this franchise had any of Tampa's big three. Imagine St. Louis and the Sedins in front of a deep blueline core which is still in front of Roberto Luongo.

I think if it were as easy as to package Schnieder, Bourdon, and a thrown in ranging anywhere from Mason Raymond to Matt Cooke Nonis would've done it already if the numbers added up.

[rustybadcock]

I dunno. I think Vinny has once again reminded people that he is probably the best forward in the league right now. If he weren't playing in that shanty little hockey outpost in Florida, I don't think anyone would argue that one bit. To get him away from the organization when they've spent the last part of a decade building around him? It's a long shot, Rusty. You'd have to think that if Feaster were looking to move one of his top 3, he'd shop St. Louis first, Richards second and Lecavalier a very distant third.

Not that I'd complain at all if Nonis were to swing a deal for him. But I'd think Feaster would demand Luongo, and that isn't going to happen.

He's in no position to demand anything really aside from a deal that improves his teams future. Luo's out of the question and Feaster knows it, he also knows it's his team that needs the overhaul, not ours. We have just as good a package of youth to offer him on a multiple level than any others in the league IMO. Both Richards and St. Louis have NTC's I believe, that makes Vinnie essentially the easiest to move.

TBay needs D men, they need goaltending and they need a balanced attack. We can make that happen for them tomorrow.

RB

[rustybadcock]

Could any of you even imagine just how amazing it would be if this franchise had any of Tampa's big three. Imagine St. Louis and the Sedins in front of a deep blueline core which is still in front of Roberto Luongo.

I think if it were as easy as to package Schnieder, Bourdon, and a thrown in ranging anywhere from Mason Raymond to Matt Cooke Nonis would've done it already if the numbers added up.

He needs something to replace Boyle now. I hate and I mean I hate to say it but Bieksa is that man. Or (fingers crossed) he likes Salo and bam...you offer up Schneider and maybe you can get Mo in the deal as long as Feaster's convinced Mo would sign an extension immediately. One might be surprised what Pitt Meadows would do if he accepted the reality of not being a Canuck anymore. In a perfect world this trade only costs your future franchise goalie with plenty of time to draft another...

RB

[gordphish]

He needs something to replace Boyle now. I hate and I mean I hate to say it but Bieksa is that man. Or (fingers crossed) he likes Salo and bam...you offer up Schneider and maybe you can get Mo in the deal as long as Feaster's convinced Mo would sign an extension immediately. One might be surprised what Pitt Meadows would do if he accepted the reality of not being a Canuck anymore. In a perfect world this trade only costs your future franchise goalie with plenty of time to draft another...

RB

I can't see many teams that would give up much of anything for Morrison knowing that he won't be back in the lineup until March AND with him being UFA next summer, even as a throw in. If Nonis feels he has to dump Morrison's salary to make room for a bigger contract, he might just have to dump Mo off somewhere for a draft pick.

Remember, Salo has an NTC. And Feaster would be stupid to take Salo in a deal like that. This is an injury prone defenseman who has 3 points in 22 games so far and carries a 14 million dollar contract strapped to his back.

Bieksa I can see being moved, even while hurt. But if the deal is Bieksa, Schneider and Bourdon, they've just dealt away a tonne of depth at defense. Look at what dealing young defenseman on mass has done to the Islanders and the Flames. IMO, you deal Bieksa or Bourdon, not both, and you try to get a defenseman back, either in that deal or another one.

Cooke, I can see him being dealt, but I cringe at the idea. He's been one of their most consistent playoff performers, and when he has games like he did last night against the Ducks, you get an idea of how valuable he can be. He scored the game winner and absolutely crushed Doug Weight with a hit. He's the type of player that comes up with big goals in the crunch in the playoffs, and we all remember how much they missed him in last year's playoffs.

[rustybadcock]

I can't see many teams that would give up much of anything for Morrison knowing that he won't be back in the lineup until March AND with him being UFA next summer, even as a throw in. If Nonis feels he has to dump Morrison's salary to make room for a bigger contract, he might just have to dump Mo off somewhere for a draft pick.

Remember, Salo has an NTC. And Feaster would be stupid to take Salo in a deal like that. This is an injury prone defenseman who has 3 points in 22 games so far and carries a 14 million dollar contract strapped to his back.

Bieksa I can see being moved, even while hurt. But if the deal is Bieksa, Schneider and Bourdon, they've just dealt away a tonne of depth at defense. Look at what dealing young defenseman on mass has done to the Islanders and the Flames. IMO, you deal Bieksa or Bourdon, not both, and you try to get a defenseman back, either in that deal or another one.

Cooke, I can see him being dealt, but I cringe at the idea. He's been one of their most consistent playoff performers, and when he has games like he did last night against the Ducks, you get an idea of how valuable he can be. He scored the game winner and absolutely crushed Doug Weight with a hit. He's the type of player that comes up with big goals in the crunch in the playoffs, and we all remember how much they missed him in last year's playoffs.

Mo's a fine center. Not a number one but he's been a 60 point guy for a while now. He was 4th in scoring on our team before getting sidelined. People underestimate him always. Myself, I grew tired of his up and down play but understand it more now that I realize he's been hurt for so long. This iron man streak BS really peeves me off frankly. He should have been out 100 games ago to deal with his problems. That hip injury he played with forever :confused: :rolleyes: gimmie a break. However they learned something from it by forcing Kesler into surgery last year. Deal with this muscle and tendon issues with surgery, you lose you man for 8 to 10. However, let it nag on and he's gonna under perform for the next 100 games...you get my point. Mo would be a fine addition to this trade and would be one of the only ways I am interested in doing anything. I like you, do not want to deplete my depth on the blue line. Salo might waive his NTC, you never know. I am still not crazy about moving Kevin. People forget to soon don't they. :conspire: This guys awesome, he's tough, can hit and make big plays. He's easily one of the best young guys in the game. And with the Edler is coming along I think it's safe to say most all phone calls Nonis gets are for him. This kid is Calder trophy caliber with that +/- of his.

Anyway, basically Feaster's got himself a boat load of problems and as the clock runs down he's gonna take the best deal for the FUTURE of the bolts. If not he's nuts. However, he could land a franchise goalie and a blue chip D man in Bourdon from us. Everything after that is bonus. I think it's more doable than meets the eye.

I am totally not into losing Beiksa, I think a lot of this guy. Agreed on Cooke. I know I've lost patients with him in the past but I've got to see your point. And that hit on that "douch bag Weight who cheap shotted Henrik in the face with a pussy cross check four years ago" was an awesome hit! I loath Weight and he got what's been coming his way for many many years. I like that Cooke's mitts are off a little this year too. Big time. I mean, face it, he's not gonna be a knock out punch fighter but if he dreams of taking his game over the top he's simply got to fight. There's not other way.

RB

[gordphish]

Mo's a fine center. Not a number one but he's been a 60 point guy for a while now. He was 4th in scoring on our team before getting sidelined. People underestimate him always. Myself, I grew tired of his up and down play but understand it more now that I realize he's been hurt for so long. This iron man streak BS really peeves me off frankly. He should have been out 100 games ago to deal with his problems. That hip injury he played with forever :confused: :rolleyes: gimmie a break. However they learned something from it by forcing Kesler into surgery last year. Deal with this muscle and tendon issues with surgery, you lose you man for 8 to 10. However, let it nag on and he's gonna under perform for the next 100 games...you get my point. Mo would be a fine addition to this trade and would be one of the only ways I am interested in doing anything. I like you, do not want to deplete my depth on the blue line. Salo might waive his NTC, you never know. I am still not crazy about moving Kevin. People forget to soon don't they. :conspire: This guys awesome, he's tough, can hit and make big plays. He's easily one of the best young guys in the game. And with the Edler is coming along I think it's safe to say most all phone calls Nonis gets are for him. This kid is Calder trophy caliber with that +/- of his.

Anyway, basically Feaster's got himself a boat load of problems and as the clock runs down he's gonna take the best deal for the FUTURE of the bolts. If not he's nuts. However, he could land a franchise goalie and a blue chip D man in Bourdon from us. Everything after that is bonus. I think it's more doable than meets the eye.

I am totally not into losing Beiksa, I think a lot of this guy. Agreed on Cooke. I know I've lost patients with him in the past but I've got to see your point. And that hit on that "douch bag Weight who cheap shotted Henrik in the face with a pussy cross check four years ago" was an awesome hit! I loath Weight and he got what's been coming his way for many many years. I like that Cooke's mitts are off a little this year too. Big time. I mean, face it, he's not gonna be a knock out punch fighter but if he dreams of taking his game over the top he's simply got to fight. There's not other way.

RB

There's no way they deal Edler. People are going to jump all over me for this, but I can see him being a Nick Lidstrom type talent. I know Lidstrom was a prolific scorer from day one of his NHL career, but don't overlook the era he started his career in, nor the offensive talent he had to work with up front.

Really, unless they hit a prolonged losing streak or suffer another long term injury, I don't see Nonis doing much unless the perfect deal comes along. There isn't any point in dealing your blue chip prospects for rentals, most especially with 11 million of salary becoming free next summer. He's not going to move guys like Kesler and Edler, and those are the two guys everyone wants (my mailman is a Habs fan, and he seriously proposed a deal that shipped us Kovalev for those two).

They'll get Morrison and Bieksa back for the playoffs, so that will be like making a major deadline deal (how effective Bieksa will be right away after that kind of injury and that long of a layoff is open to debate). And keep in mind, Nonis gathered this depth on defense because of the injuries they've sustained at that position down the stretch over the last two seasons. He's not about to deplete it now, at least not for anything less than a top tier scorer.

What I think will happen is that he'll try to make a few minor depth moves at the deadline just as he always does and see how Morrison looks after he gets back. He may look to move Morrison or Naslund at the draft, and then he'll go into the summer with his sights set on finding a permanent, premier winger for the twins (think Hossa). How the rest of the summer plays out will depend on his ability to get that winger.

[grim]

There's no way they deal Edler. People are going to jump all over me for this, but I can see him being a Nick Lidstrom type talent.

http://www.malaspina.com/jpg/homer.jpg

[grim]

There's no way they deal Edler. People are going to jump all over me for this, but I can see him being a Nick Lidstrom type talent.

Here's a smaller Homer you can use as your avatar. No don't thank me. ;]

http://www.malaspina.com/jpg/hsm.jpg

[gordphish]

Here's a smaller Homer you can use as your avatar. No don't thank me. ;]

http://www.malaspina.com/jpg/hsm.jpg

Give it another year and then, instead of eating your words, you can just stuff that Homer bust where the sun don't shine. Dry.

I just love it when you guys do this. Who was the one who told everyone a year before the deal happened that Nonis was looking to get Luongo in a deal for Bertuzzi? Who was the only one that picked Vancouver to make the playoffs last season and finish in the top 4 in the conference when the rest of you were writing them off? Who said Kesler was going to have a breakout year this season? Who said Raymond was going to be the forward prospect that stuck with them this season?

Who is that? That's right. Gordo, Gordo, Gordo and....Gordo.

[grim]

Give it another year and then, instead of eating your words, you can just stuff that Homer bust where the sun don't shine. Dry.

I just love it when you guys do this.

Uh, I'm just one guy. You know, people are going to jump all over me for this, but I was thinking that Antoine Vermette is going to be the next Mario Lemieux. I know Lemieux was a pretty good scorer and everything, but don't overlook the era he started his career in, nor the talent he had to work with up front. ;]

[rustybadcock]

There's no way they deal Edler. People are going to jump all over me for this, but I can see him being a Nick Lidstrom type talent. I know Lidstrom was a prolific scorer from day one of his NHL career, but don't overlook the era he started his career in, nor the offensive talent he had to work with up front.

Really, unless they hit a prolonged losing streak or suffer another long term injury, I don't see Nonis doing much unless the perfect deal comes along. There isn't any point in dealing your blue chip prospects for rentals, most especially with 11 million of salary becoming free next summer. He's not going to move guys like Kesler and Edler, and those are the two guys everyone wants (my mailman is a Habs fan, and he seriously proposed a deal that shipped us Kovalev for those two).

They'll get Morrison and Bieksa back for the playoffs, so that will be like making a major deadline deal (how effective Bieksa will be right away after that kind of injury and that long of a layoff is open to debate). And keep in mind, Nonis gathered this depth on defense because of the injuries they've sustained at that position down the stretch over the last two seasons. He's not about to deplete it now, at least not for anything less than a top tier scorer.

What I think will happen is that he'll try to make a few minor depth moves at the deadline just as he always does and see how Morrison looks after he gets back. He may look to move Morrison or Naslund at the draft, and then he'll go into the summer with his sights set on finding a permanent, premier winger for the twins (think Hossa). How the rest of the summer plays out will depend on his ability to get that winger.

That's a lot of what I am getting at. Edler's not going anywhere and honestly, as it stands this is a decent group in need of a tweak here or there. What is doing the most good is they're playing as a team. It doesn't always take the most talented bunch to win it all, it takes the tightest team. Just look at last year...One could argue the talent level of the Sens was higher than the Ducks . And they got their jocks handed to them rather nicely. ;)

I am not interested in moving anyone gord, not unless it's a superstar coming this way I am not listening. Yes, depth guys, sure. We can always use black aces. I thought we were talking about Vinny, in that case, I am listening to whomever and whatever out of shear curiosity. Regardless, whoever should happen to land here had better be ready to be a part of a team or phuck it, I don't care who they are and I mean that. I'd turn down Vinny if the truth was that he was a total douch bag non team guy. (which I know isn't true but you get my drift.)

Teams win cups, players with big egos win a BJ at the bar after the game...whippidy do :rolleyes: And as for you mailman and his buddy Alexi...tell him Rusty Badcock from Winnipeg says "phuck that!...:no: :laughing: "

RB

[AtLossForWords]

One thing I will say that I really like in Alexander Edler is that you can tell that he makes other plays around him look better both in the offensive zone and in the defensive zone. He has a good ability to make a first pass out of his zone to start the rush, and he is not afraid to fight in the corners and throw a hit around his own net. In the offensive zone he holds the puck in at the line and gets his shots on net. More than that though, he's able to really put pressure on the other team by making passes to his wings on the tape. He just doesn't throw the puck deep down behind the net and let them fight for it. He gives them a good pass on the tape that allows them to continue making a fluid play or cut to the net.

Alexander Edler is not the flashiest guy on the ice, but he positions himself well and he makes plays that make his teamates look better. I really like the way this guy has played for our team this year.

[gordphish]

One thing I will say that I really like in Alexander Edler is that you can tell that he makes other plays around him look better both in the offensive zone and in the defensive zone. He has a good ability to make a first pass out of his zone to start the rush, and he is not afraid to fight in the corners and throw a hit around his own net. In the offensive zone he holds the puck in at the line and gets his shots on net. More than that though, he's able to really put pressure on the other team by making passes to his wings on the tape. He just doesn't throw the puck deep down behind the net and let them fight for it. He gives them a good pass on the tape that allows them to continue making a fluid play or cut to the net.

Alexander Edler is not the flashiest guy on the ice, but he positions himself well and he makes plays that make his teamates look better. I really like the way this guy has played for our team this year.

And who does that sound like?

If you take a look both players, there isn't a lot of difference between Edler and Lidstrom's SEL/Junior numbers (Edler put up 53 points in his one year in the Dub playing in the tightest defensive system in the CHL at the time). Both are third round picks. Edler is even a little bigger.

I'm telling you, watching this guy progress as he has, he has the potential to be one of the league's elite defensemen over the next 10 to 15 years.

[grim]

And who does that sound like?

If you take a look both players, there isn't a lot of difference between Edler and Lidstrom's SEL/Junior numbers (Edler put up 53 points in his one year in the Dub playing in the tightest defensive system in the CHL at the time). Both are third round picks. Edler is even a little bigger.

I'm telling you, watching this guy progress as he has, he has the potential to be one of the league's elite defensemen over the next 10 to 15 years.

Dude!

http://www.watchthis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2006/12/homer_simpson.gif

[AtLossForWords]

Grim you didn't learn to socialize very well as a child did you? Your phone never seems to ring does it?

[grim]

Grim you didn't learn to socialize very well as a child did you? Your phone never seems to ring does it?

Growing up... my only friends were Labatt's 50 and some stick puppets made from dried paste.

[rustybadcock]

Growing up... my only friends were Labatt's 50 and some stick puppets made from dried paste.

RONTFLMAO :laughing:

Labatt's 50.. .I love that stuff. :nod: :thumb:

RB

[gordphish]

That's a lot of what I am getting at. Edler's not going anywhere and honestly, as it stands this is a decent group in need of a tweak here or there. What is doing the most good is they're playing as a team. It doesn't always take the most talented bunch to win it all, it takes the tightest team. Just look at last year...One could argue the talent level of the Sens was higher than the Ducks . And they got their jocks handed to them rather nicely. ;)

I am not interested in moving anyone gord, not unless it's a superstar coming this way I am not listening. Yes, depth guys, sure. We can always use black aces. I thought we were talking about Vinny, in that case, I am listening to whomever and whatever out of shear curiosity. Regardless, whoever should happen to land here had better be ready to be a part of a team or phuck it, I don't care who they are and I mean that. I'd turn down Vinny if the truth was that he was a total douch bag non team guy. (which I know isn't true but you get my drift.)

Teams win cups, players with big egos win a BJ at the bar after the game...whippidy do :rolleyes: And as for you mailman and his buddy Alexi...tell him Rusty Badcock from Winnipeg says "phuck that!...:no: :laughing: "

Yeah, I countered with Bieksa and Morrison for Ryder and Komisarek, but no go. Apparently Komisarek is untouchable...(insert toungue and cheek emoticon for the sake of our intellectually challenged members).

I can't see Lecavalier being moved now unless he goes to Feaster and asks for a trade. There are no apparent issues between him and Feaster or Torts, and certainly no contract issues to speak of, so I can't see that happening. As desperate as Feaster might get, he can still get pretty decent return on Richards or St. Louis and not have to move his franchise player. And I would think that with his commitment level to those three, the coach will go first.

IMO, the best bets for a deal that sees a 'superstar' talent come back the other way right now are with Atlanta and San Jose. Hossa because of his contract issues and Marleau or Cheechoo because it appears as if they have tuned out Ron Wilson and all indications from Doug Wilson are that he will stick with his coach. The Canucks have a centre in Morrison that might appeal to Atlanta, and have a young puck moving defenseman in Bieksa that can give the Sharks the boost from the backend that they are looking for, but who will not be out of place in Ron Wilson's system and philosophy.

Hossa for Morrison and another asset makes the most sense because the risk is equal; both players are UFA after this season. The Thrashers get some much needed depth at centre and the Canucks get some much needed scoring depth. But again, with Morrison out unitl March, I see that as more of a draft day deal, if it gets done at all. Nonis can always target Hossa in the offseason, rather than give up ANY assets for a player that clearly won't be resigning in Atlanta, the way the Thrashers did for Tkachuk last year. Nonis will have the money, for one thing, and word is Hossa's main reason for not resigning in Atlanta is that he wants to be on a contender. Luongo makes one hell of a selling point in that regard.

[grim]

Bieksa and Morrison for Ryder and Komisarek

Hossa for Morrison and another asset

http://blog.kir.com/archives/homer-simpson.jpg


http://www.gizmodude.com/2007/09/27/entry_images/0907/27/Homer%20Simpson%20Floating%20Radio.jpg

[gordphish]

http://blog.kir.com/archives/homer-simpson.jpg


http://www.gizmodude.com/2007/09/27/entry_images/0907/27/Homer%20Simpson%20Floating%20Radio.jpg

If I had less of a life, this is where I'd scour the internet for a picture of a puckered arsehole.

[grim]

If I had less of a life, this is where I'd scour the internet for a picture of a puckered arsehole.

That's okay. It's probably enough that you know you are one. Oh oh... Linden and Morrison for Vincent Lecavalier. Yeah man that's it. Tampa is desperate. Desperate. They know value when they see it. They won't be able to say no.

[gordphish]

That's okay. It's probably enough that you know you are one. Oh oh... Linden and Morrison for Vincent Lecavalier. Yeah man that's it. Tampa is desperate. Desperate. They know value when they see it. They won't be able to say no.

You know, it amazes me that site administrators put up with you as long as they do. You never contribute anything of value to sites, at least when it comes to discussing the one thing that draws us all here in the first place, and that's hockey. I've seen you post on a couple of sites now, and over a 5 year period I can't recall a single post that had one thing to do with hockey.

As I've explained to others in the past, I have no problem with you disagreeing with my points and opinions. But how about manning up and doing it like an adult that might actually have half an original thought every now and then?

Buy hey, I guess every village needs its idiot, right?

[AtLossForWords]

Yeah, I countered with Bieksa and Morrison for Ryder and Komisarek, but no go. Apparently Komisarek is untouchable...(insert toungue and cheek emoticon for the sake of our intellectually challenged members).

I can't see Lecavalier being moved now unless he goes to Feaster and asks for a trade. There are no apparent issues between him and Feaster or Torts, and certainly no contract issues to speak of, so I can't see that happening. As desperate as Feaster might get, he can still get pretty decent return on Richards or St. Louis and not have to move his franchise player. And I would think that with his commitment level to those three, the coach will go first.

IMO, the best bets for a deal that sees a 'superstar' talent come back the other way right now are with Atlanta and San Jose. Hossa because of his contract issues and Marleau or Cheechoo because it appears as if they have tuned out Ron Wilson and all indications from Doug Wilson are that he will stick with his coach. The Canucks have a centre in Morrison that might appeal to Atlanta, and have a young puck moving defenseman in Bieksa that can give the Sharks the boost from the backend that they are looking for, but who will not be out of place in Ron Wilson's system and philosophy.

Hossa for Morrison and another asset makes the most sense because the risk is equal; both players are UFA after this season. The Thrashers get some much needed depth at centre and the Canucks get some much needed scoring depth. But again, with Morrison out unitl March, I see that as more of a draft day deal, if it gets done at all. Nonis can always target Hossa in the offseason, rather than give up ANY assets for a player that clearly won't be resigning in Atlanta, the way the Thrashers did for Tkachuk last year. Nonis will have the money, for one thing, and word is Hossa's main reason for not resigning in Atlanta is that he wants to be on a contender. Luongo makes one hell of a selling point in that regard.

Patrick Marleau is a guy that I would like to have on this team. He makes a good 1a/1b center along with Henrik Sedin. A lineup of Sedin, Marleau, Kesler, and Ritchie up the middle makes this a very tough team down the center of the ice. And imagine the speed of having Marleau on a line with Raymond. Pyatt will have to skate to keep up with those guys, so I think Patrick Marleau would immediately make our second line scoring better.

The problem with the Canucks that we all know right now is that their best assets to trade other than Cory Schnieder are hurt. If you had Bieksa back in the lineup this month, I'm sure a deal with San Jose or Atlanta would not be far off.

Let me ask you this do you move Bourdon with Schnieder and then keep Bieksa on your team? Do you think any team would jump at the chance to add Luc Bourdon to their system who looked much more matured and capable during his last callup, or do you think that even after his injury Kevin Bieksa is a more valueable asset in trade?

Hossa is a guy Nonis is guaranteed to make a pitch or in the off season. I think Hossa is a guy who would like the chance to play in a hockey market again and behind a goaltender like Luongo, who wouldn't be confident in the team he's playing on.

[grim]

You know, it amazes me that site administrators put up with you as long as they do. You never contribute anything of value to sites, at least when it comes to discussing the one thing that draws us all here in the first place, and that's hockey. I've seen you post on a couple of sites now, and over a 5 year period I can't recall a single post that had one thing to do with hockey.

As I've explained to others in the past, I have no problem with you disagreeing with my points and opinions. But how about manning up and doing it like an adult that might actually have half an original thought every now and then?

Buy hey, I guess every village needs its idiot, right?


Awww. Isn't that cute. You little homers make such fun chew toys. Tell me to jam something up my ass (dry) again. Or call me a "phuck" again. I like that. Is there somewhere in the Vancouver area where I can learn to be a rude little humourless homer nitwit like you? Thanks in advance.

http://www.creaturecomfortsdubai.com/imgs/pucci-jimmy-chew-dog-toy.jpg

[gordphish]

Awww. Isn't that cute. You little homers make such fun chew toys. Tell me to jam something up my ass (dry) again. Or call me a "phuck" again. I like that. Is there somewhere in the Vancouver area where I can learn to be a rude little humourless homer nitwit like you? Thanks in advance.

http://www.creaturecomfortsdubai.com/imgs/pucci-jimmy-chew-dog-toy.jpg

I don't know, grim. Wherever you went to school should suffice.

[gordphish]

Patrick Marleau is a guy that I would like to have on this team. He makes a good 1a/1b center along with Henrik Sedin. A lineup of Sedin, Marleau, Kesler, and Ritchie up the middle makes this a very tough team down the center of the ice. And imagine the speed of having Marleau on a line with Raymond. Pyatt will have to skate to keep up with those guys, so I think Patrick Marleau would immediately make our second line scoring better.

The problem with the Canucks that we all know right now is that their best assets to trade other than Cory Schnieder are hurt. If you had Bieksa back in the lineup this month, I'm sure a deal with San Jose or Atlanta would not be far off.

Let me ask you this do you move Bourdon with Schnieder and then keep Bieksa on your team? Do you think any team would jump at the chance to add Luc Bourdon to their system who looked much more matured and capable during his last callup, or do you think that even after his injury Kevin Bieksa is a more valueable asset in trade?

Hossa is a guy Nonis is guaranteed to make a pitch or in the off season. I think Hossa is a guy who would like the chance to play in a hockey market again and behind a goaltender like Luongo, who wouldn't be confident in the team he's playing on.

I'm sure there are a lot of teams that would love to add Schneider or Bourdon to their stables. You could make a Bourdon for Brule swap in 5 minutes if you wanted. The problem is teams aren't go to offer you guys like Staal or Lecavalier for those players unless their hands are forced. The guys available are guys like Tucker or Axelsson, or players that carry heavy long term contracts like Arnott and Glen Murray. You likely could get Hossa for Schneider and Bourdon, but why? The Canucks are roughly 5 mil under the cap now and will have roughly 16 million freed up as of July 1st. There is nothing right now that is forcing Nonis to jump at a deal where he gives up his blue chip prospects for a player he can attempt to sign in July. Because it is now highly unlikely that Hossa will resign in Atlanta, the Thrashers no longer hold the hammer on that deal. Waddell will be forced to part with Hossa for a return that is closer to the Jagr and Smyth deals of recent years than the Forsberg or Tkachuk deals of last year. And that means Hossa will most likely play out the year in Atlanta.

Now, there is still over a month and a half until the deadline, and a lot can change. But right now there just aren't any GMs getting enough pressure from their owners to start moving their assets, therefore there just isn't a deal out there that makes sense for Nonis at this point. Were the team wearing Tampa's socks right now, it might be different a story.

[grim]

I don't know, grim. Wherever you went to school should suffice.

Thanks Pucci. I'll check their website, but I'm sure all of the programs are non-homer/nitwit related.

[gordphish]

Thanks Pucci. I'll check their website, but I'm sure all of the programs are non-homer/nitwit related.

Anytime, Gump.