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Canucks continue to slide

Associated Press

Latest comment posted at 1:27 PM EDT 27/03/08

Luongo pulled as third straight loss has Vancouver clinging to its postseason life ...Read the full article

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  1. M Poland from Canada writes: Canucks shelled; two losses in a row now--whatever are they going to do? Luongo pulled, Vigneault with no answers--Canucks are toast!
  2. Jasper the Black Lab from Vancouver and Elsewhere, Canada writes: Go, Senators, Go!
  3. dan vanman from vancouver, Canada writes: Come on you bandwagoneers! There's 6 games left, 2 against Calgary. They can still finish 1st, but even if they finish 8th, they match up well against the Wings, and have better goaltending...I, for one, am looking forward to it.

    They did suck tonight though...
  4. Dman West Coast from Canada writes: Dan Vanman<

    I have been a Canuck fan all my life.
    Even when the Canucks are winning, I really dislike almost everything about this team.
    N o character, and it starts with their captain. I like Nazzy, but as a 2nd line player now not a captain.
    The Sedins are great 2nd line players too, thats the problem, Canucks are missing a full bonafide 1st line.

    The Sedins and Naslund, like most swedes, play the same way every night. Unfortunately, at this time of year the game is more up tempo and emotions play a big role in getting intop the playoffs. The Swedes on this team are playing like its game 10!
    The playoffs are exactly the same. These guys disapear faster than cookies in a kindergarten class.

    I feel really bad for Roberto........he deserves better than what Nonis perceives as a good playoff team. Ihope they dont make it and force changes next year.

    The Sedins disapear in the rough going and virtually no on on this team plays with any emotion, except Burrows and Bieksa.
  5. Michael Sharp from Victorious, Canada writes:

    I don't like the chances of any team that backs into the playoffs.

    Not good.
  6. Dman West Coast from Canada writes: Sharp,

    The reality is that of all the teams they could play, I say they have the best chance against Detroit.

    The Red Wings cannot push these guys around. The way they have lost lately boggles my mind. Calgary outhit the cra out of them in a game that you would deem one of the most important of the year. What does that say about the Canucks????
    Character, Character, Character.......................

    Anaheim, Calgary, San Jose, and Dallas will all destroy these guys. Minnesota is similar, but have some good goal scorers who can step it up when need be. Oddly, they are plagues by the same thing the Canucks are, players that play the same all the time. Gaborik and Demitra have one way to play regardless of the implications of the game.Backstrom too...........
  7. dan vanman from vancouver, Canada writes: Dman...appreciate your opinion, I am another long suffering fqan of this team, but I have to point out a few things.

    Nazzy is a great player, but a lousy captain. He IS a first liner, he just needs the right linemates. He is a sniper, not a creator. But its irrelevant, because he and his 6 mil are probably gone next year, unless he resigns for what you percieve as 2nd line dough. I shudder to see what would happen if he was on a team like Detroit, where all he'd have to do is play...

    The Sedins have grown by leaps and boundfs, and while they need to improve their toughness, they are not 2nd line players. They are the leading scoreers on the team.

    I have to disagree the most strongly with your assertion about emotion. You are kidding right. Bieksa and Burrows, sure. But what about Kesler? What about Linden? Rypien, Ritchie,Weaver, and I am sure some others. They play as a team. They just need more scoring...which they'll get with the money they save on Nazzy...and (maybe, hope not!) Morrison.

    They'll be fine man...keep the faith...
  8. warren standerwick from North Vancouver, Canada writes: D Man West

    Tell me what it's like to be the victim of propaganda. The Sedins score four points, Naslund one, Longo sucks. But you blame "the Swedes" and feel sorry for Luongo and his 6.5 million. By the way, have you checked recently to see what team has the Olympic gold in hockey?
  9. Dman West Coast from Canada writes: Dman,

    Correct, I forgot about Kesler. Linden has had a great career, and will be one of the bestif they make the playoffs, but I think he is done after this year. They should get him in the front office ASAP.

    As for Rypien, lots of try, but inconsistent. He didnt show any emotion tonight. Why dont any of these players get Pi _ _ed off when they get embarassed like this the 2nd night in a row??

    Keep Morrison for a little less money hopefully. Pay for Naslunds cab to the airport, unless he takes a massive pay cut ($2.5 M ) and gives up the captaincy.
    Look to trade the Sedins for similar players with heart and soul.
    Yes they are good players, but not in any way first liners this time of year or in the playoffs. You know I am right on that one.

    Vignaults philosophy is speed. I like that, but we need some bigger guys with an edge that can skate and elevate their game when the emotions run high.
  10. Robert Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Michael Sharp from Victoria:

    You can crash at my house if Sid Crosby or JS Giguere bring the Cup back to Nova Scotia for a Stanley Cup parade across the Halifax and Dartmouth bridge...

    I think it may actually do you some good to get away from the daffodils and crocuses in Victoria..

    Go Habs!
  11. Dman West Coast from Canada writes: Warren S<

    I was referring to the Canuck team as a whole, not just this game.
    Like I said, I am a fan, but the Canucks are wasting Luongo big time with the team Nonis has decided to stick with.

    The "swedes" are in the leadership role on this team and quite frankly, have no business being there. The Sedins, are 2nd line players. When cranked up against by other teams, and played physical, they wither away and are mostly innefective. The Canucks need a first line that can allow the swedes not to be keyed on so much. As for the way they play??? Same every night, no emotional lift to their game whatsoever. Even Naslund tries to pick his team up and his play.

    Tonight Luongo did suck..................but withouthim, they would be in the bottom 3 of the division.......
  12. evelyn robinson from Canada writes: canucks suck.
    Luongo over rated or this team should be doing better in the shootouts.
    sad/ sure glad we turned in season tickets.
    Carter was the catslyst doe re sedins and without him they are not nearly as productive
    Naslund has not had decent linemate or consistent lie mates.
    I like nazzie but think he is too meek to be captain.
    get rid of the coach
  13. Dman West Coast from Canada writes: Warren S,

    As for the swedes and their gold medal team..............I didn't say all swedes were as soft as the ones we have, and do ya think the big ice surface may have had just a little to do with their success???
  14. Dman West Coast from Canada writes: Evelyn,

    The Canucks need to score to win shootouts..............do you remember the leader of this team missing the puck on his way in for a shootout shot this year?

    I still am a big Canucks fan, all I'm saying is the makeup of this team needs to be drastically changed. I do not think Nonis is the guy to do it to be honest, although I like the local boy thing.

    With a surplus of dmen, why in the world would nonis not listen to any offers that included one of our young guys????

    How good would Richards look on this team????
    I would have given up #23, Cory Shcneider, and a couple first rounders. then I would let Naslund go or make him take a huge pay cut.
  15. Robert Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: We had Vigneault as a coach in Montreal once upon a time...

    Until we realized what an ejeet that he was, that is...
  16. Dman West Coast from Canada writes: R miller,

    Not a habs fan anymore (I did grow up idolizing Pete Mahovlich for some reason though )_

    But I have to say, hats off to what Gainey and Charbonneau have done with that team in the short time they are there.

    I still think the West will take the East no matter who gets to the final. San Jose, Anaheim, and Dallas all have great, tough, fast teams.

    (notice I left Detroit out of that category )

    Nice to see the Habs showing their class!
  17. Dman West Coast from Canada writes: I don't mind Vignault so much. Montreal hashad some pretty sub par teams for the most part ove rthe last decade. Vignault had little to work with.

    I agree though that his shelf life as a coach is 3 yrs max hear.............even less if they dont gas Nonis in the offseason.
  18. Robert Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Dman West Coast from Canada:

    Your point about Brad Richards (Murray Harbour, Prince Edward Island) is an excellent one... Richards has unfortunately been playing in Lecavalier's shadow in Tampa Bay, but is definitely a franchise player as evidenced by his winning of a Conn Smythe Trophy... Good Canadian kid as some might say...

    The other interesting thing is Crosby, Richards and Lecavalier all played for the Rimouski Oceanic in junior -- here's an interesting stat on their best years:

    Best Year:

    186 points -- Brad Richards (1999-2000)
    168 points -- Sidney Crosby (2004-2005)
    115 points -- Vincent Lecavalier (1997-1998)

    I think whatever team that adds Richards next year will be much better for it. For the record, I am not Richards' agent and don't get any cut of his contract... :(

    Cheers.
  19. dan vanman from vancouver, Canada writes: D man...love your passion...I know what you are saying about the Sedins, but I disagree with letting them go...too much time inversted to let another team benefit. But yes, we need a new and improved 1st line.

    Morrison gets a pass this year. I would resign him right away, the free agent pickings are very little this year.

    Nazzy...yes...massive paycut and /or goodbye. It hurts, cuz the guy is a prince...and a great player...sometimes.

    BTW Dman...evelyn has been shouting for Carter to come back all year. That tells you all you need to know about her hockey prowess.

    Once agains evelyn...to answer your "shootout/Luongo continual query...its all luck in the shootout. The shooter has the advantage, he knows where he is going to shoot...the goalie just has to guess right.

    Just like in soccer shootouts...guess right, make the save...guess wrong...and...well...you can figure it out.
  20. Robert Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Dman West Coast from Canada writes:

    "Vigneault had little to work with..."

    Also agree with that point -- That's putting it a bit mildly....

    Oh wait!

    Are you talking figuratively or about the players that he had on the bench?
  21. K Kennedy from Toronto, Canada writes: Last year we saw the Sedins crater in the playoff run and this year looks no different. This is not a championship team and I have to agree with those that say players like the Sedins and Naslund are 2nd line. The bottom line is that Naslund and the likes of Linden are washed out has-beens. Their careers are over, particularly Linden who will never see a Stanley Cup championship before he hangs up his skates for good.

    What we saw against Calgary and Colorado tonight just proves it. Calgary (and I'm Flames fan) can beat the chit out of Vancouver and I suspect we'll see similar outcomes in their next two match-ups. All the better as I don't desire to see Vancouver in the playoffs anyways.
  22. Dman West Coast from Canada writes: K Kenndy,

    Canucks fan but I agree that they may not nor should not make the playoffs. Seeing as you have brought Calgary up, They will make the playoffs, however other than the Canucks I cannot think of a more up and down team in the West.
    Calgary will get bounced early. i hope they win one round. Whats not to like about Iginla? That it the prototype captain if there ever was one. Wish we had him. Phaneauf is good, and I like the edge he plays with, and is a guy that hates to lose!
    Regeir I must say, in my opinion is one of the most overrated players in the league. i think he is barely a top 4 d man.

    Kipper is not as good as he used to be, and like most teams , the flames will live and die by how he plays in the playoffs.

    Keenan!............What can I say. Shocked he was hired, and his shelf life will be a short one, but.............his team is going to make the dance this year!
  23. Dman West Coast from Canada writes: I just saw the highlights of the goals again. My goodness, the Cancuks D hit no one tonigt. There is no one on this team that wants to pay the price or give it.

    3 goals were scored while 4 or 5 Canucks stood around watching the guys dig for the puck.

    we hit no one...............so bloody soft, so uninspired, so emotionless........in big games to boot!!

    What is wrong with these guys!

    Better yet, what is right with this team. I am embarrassed to be a fan at this point.
  24. dan vanman from vancouver, Canada writes: Mr Kennedy...while I agree the Flames handed the canucks their hats that last game...I doubt very much they get that walk. The 3 toughest teams in the league, at least by the definition of fights, have been Ducks/Flames/Canucks...The Canucks are proud players, and they will bounce back those two games...I assure you.

    The Sedins are fine.Top scoreers on the team. Nazzy is past his best before date, but there is much talent in the guy. He'll be fine on another team...you watch. Linden...while he is reaching the end...will play the rest of the way, and the playoffs, and surprise many...Pride...remember?

    I am sure you calling them washed out hasbeens is just hyperbole. Otherwise...it only shows your idiocy in regards to hockey in general...and you aren't an idiot...are you?

    Have a great day...
  25. Blair . from Vancouver, Canada writes: Is it too late to make a play for Stamkos? Send Roberto to be with his wife, play Sanford, ratchet up the ice time for Bourdon, Edler, Jaffries, Shannon, and Raymond to see if the kids can do a better job then the supposed veterans and "gritty, difficult to play against energy guys" with unflattering /-?
  26. Michael Peters from Toronto, Canada writes: This hasn't been touched on yet, but what about the total regression of Kevin Bieksa? This probably isn't fair because of the injury and all, but my goodness he looks horrible out there.

    It's all been said by others, but I agree with the criticisms of Naslund and the Sedins. No toughness, no grit, no passion. Marcus checked out a long time ago. The Sedins are an interesting case. H & D rank 22nd and 23rd in the league in points and both are 11. They are almost point-a-game players, but I still don't think too much of them. Flashes of brilliance at times, but too often they disappear - especially when the going gets tough. I like to think they'd benefit from a change in leadership on this team.

    Agree with Dman - gawd I love Jerome Iginla. Then again, I'd take just about any other C in the league besides Naslund.
  27. Jasper the Black Lab from Vancouver and Elsewhere, Canada writes: I have been a Canucks fan since 1970. But the rational side of my brain cannot fully support this organization until some of the basic facts begin to penetrate the thick skulls of Nonis and Vigneault.
  28. warren standerwick from North Vancouver, Canada writes: Michael Peters writes:

    The Sedins are an interesting case. H & D rank 22nd and 23rd in the league in points and both are 11. They are almost point-a-game players, but I still don't think too much of them.

    I suggest that comment says more about Peters than it does the Sedins.

    BTW- can somebody explain how anybody can call themselves a rational human being who says that the 22nd and 23rd ranked scorers in the league, with very good plus-minus stats, are not "first liners"? After all, there are 30 teams in the league- therefore 90 "first liners"- and the 22nd and 23rd leading scorers aren't amongst them?
  29. Bill Smith from Canada writes: It's amazing how much confidence a couple of genuine heavy weights can give a team. The Canucks don't even have one. In too many games they are being pushed around and appear to be timid. Dave Semenko made Gretzky a much better player, and he alway's played with a body guard. When the Sedin's or Naslund get in trouble and are being intimidated who's going to take care of business? Nonis has done nothing to adress this problem and at the start of the season was saying this team had toughness when he was questioned about it. I don't know what he was seeing that no one else could see.
  30. Michael Peters from Toronto, Canada writes: Sorry warren - I simply disagree with you - I don't think the Sedins are that great, you seem to think they are. I've never said they suck - they clearly don't - I just don't think they are that great. You can pick and choose all the stats you want, but when I watch them play, sometimes they look great, but too many times they disappear. Good and great players have more consistency than they do and bring other intangibles to their teams than the Sedins do.

    Stats do not tell the whole story. Sure the Sedins rank 22nd and 23rd in scoring, but what have they done for us lately down the stretch drive? That's great they can rack up points at the beginning and middle of the season, but they've all but disappeared over the last 15 games or so it seems. Did you watch the playoffs last year? Where were they? If they're such great players, why don't they produce when the chips are down?

    Of players that have played 50 games or more this season, 71 of them have a better plus/minus than the Sedins. Good, but not great. If you think the Sedins are the first liners for this team and players to build your team around, I respectfully disagree.
  31. Rain Couver from Canada writes: The Canucks is one of those teams that may come close occasionally, but will never win a Stanley Cup. From mismanagement to putting hope in players who don't perform as well as they are paid, the Canucks will always be a second rate expansion team. Anyway, I will continue to cheer for Les Canadiens, they are doing well this year, maybe not Stanley Cup well, but at least they are more fun to watch.
  32. Hugh Draper from Vancouver, Canada writes: Maybe they're resting for the playoffs.
  33. Larry Hill from Canada writes: I think it very interesting that the media does not even quote Nazzy any more, even if he is nominally the captain. They go directly to Trevor.

    The media knows who the real leader of the team is, even if Vigneault
    doesn't get it.

    I am still on the band wagon, but this is so tough when the Canucks do not play with any guts or determination.
  34. buzz fazbert from surrey, Canada writes: I find it interesting that the Canucks can garner so much national interest. Sadly, no Canadian team is a serious contender this year for the hardware. The Canucks are in the toughest division by far, and they continue to be WEAK DOWN THE MIDDLE. They have been so since 1994.
  35. warren standerwick from North Vancouver, Canada writes: Michaael Peters writes: Sure the Sedins rank 22nd and 23rd in scoring, but what have they done for us lately down the stretch drive? That's great they can rack up points at the beginning and middle of the season, but they've all but disappeared over the last 15 games or so it seems. In the last five games, which I suggest would qualify as being part of the "stretch drive", and not part of the "beginning and middle of the season". Henrik Sedin has 2 goals, 5 assists, 7 points and is even in the plus minus. Daniel Sedin has 3 goals, 4 assists, 7 points and is plus 2. I know you won't know that if you don't watch the games, but rely on the media for your opinions. They are focusing on how, in spite of the sterling play of Luongo (2.68 ga .910 SV% 0 shutouts in his last five games) the Canucks are toast. BTW- that shut out stat is a doozie. Since Luongo had his last shutout on Jan 3 (definitely not part of the "stretch drive"), here are the shut out results for the Western Conference. 1 Detroit 5 2 Nashville 4 3 Columbus 4 4 Dallas 3 5 Phoenix 3 6 Chicago 3 7 Colorado 3 8 Calgary 2 9 San Jose 2 10 Edmonton 2 11 Anaheim 2 12 Minnesota 1 13 St Louis 1 14 Los Angeles 1 15 Vancouver 000 And all those teams did it with inferior goal tending, while Vancouver has allegedly the best goalie on the planet. Amazing!
  36. Michael Peters from Toronto, Canada writes: warren, you kill me. Yet again. You choose to cover the last 5 games where at least the Sedins have done something as your support for their sterling play and their "clutchness?" Uh...okay. Thanks again for your amazing insight, insight that only you seem to provide, because heaven knows that the mainstream media (you know, guys that acutally know something about hockey) doesn't know jack-all.

    And while Lunogo has not played as well as he did last year, you've seen the defensive support he's been getting, right? Like Bieksa v. Calgary vacating his post and letting Dion Phaneuf blast a laser past Luongo. Like Bieksa last night giving the puck away behind his own net, then falling down in the corner and having a guy score from right beside the net, the area he should have been covering. Like Weaver and Edler covering the same side of the ice allowing Cody McLeod (Cody McLeod!!!) walk in alone. Now I'll admit, Luongo looked horrible on that goal (like I think he often does one-one one), but to pin the suckyness of the Canucks on Luongo is bogus. Totally bogus.
  37. warren standerwick from North Vancouver, Canada writes: to pin the suckyness of the Canucks on Luongo is bogus. Totally bogus.

    Not as bogus as pinning it on the Sedins.
  38. buzz fazbert from surrey, Canada writes: Alas, Warren, you are looking for scapegoats. The team can't score in bunches. Their system is now totally scoped out. Luongo must stand on his head for them to win. He now has a headache from the blood rushing to his head and needs a break from Alain's system and Nonis' roster cheapskating.
  39. warren standerwick from North Vancouver, Canada writes: the mainstream media (you know, guys that acutally know something about hockey)

    Is that the same mainstream media that says the Bertuzzi-Luongo trade was one of the worst in NHL history?

    Reality check.

    Bertuzzi is doing just fine with Anaheim, defending cup champions and considered a good bet to repeat.

    Florida has done better without Luongo since he left.

    If you want to know what one of the "worst trades in NHL history" really looks like, check out what it cost the Canucks to get Naslund from Pittsburgh. To compare the Luongo-Bertuzzi trade with that is laughable.
  40. Michael Peters from Toronto, Canada writes: warren - I have never pinned the suckyness of the Canucks on the Sedins alone. Go back and read my posts. I state that I don't think much of the Sedins. I think that despite their stats, I don't think they're that great. This opinion does not equate to pinning the suckyness of the Canucks on the Sedins. I pin the suckyness of the Canucks on the following:

    1) a lack of leadership from the captain.

    2) the lack of offensive talent on the team as a whole. The Canucks leading point-getter is 22nd in the league. Whoop-deee-dooo.

    3) a banged-up defence that has missed over 100 games this season. The regression of Kevin Bieksa. Edler, who started out great, has hit a wall and is not playing at the same level he did earlier in the season.

    4) lack of physical toughness - how many battles do the Canucks win in the corners? How many times do you find yourself saying "wow they're playing tough"? This team wilts in the face of pressure.

    5) Luongo not carrying this team like he did last year - although tough to do given the flaws above.
  41. Jasper the Black Lab from Vancouver, Canada writes: Sedin, Sedin, and Luongo are most definitely NOT what is wrong with this team.
  42. Michael Peters from Toronto, Canada writes: "Florida has done better without Luongo since he left." There are no other variables that enter into this equation than Luongo leaving?

    Are you saying that the Bertuzzi-Luongo trade was NOT one of the worst in NHL history? Everone else has it wrong except you?

    Since he was traded after the 06 season, Bert has played at total of 79 games over just about three seasons with a total of 49 points. You think there is more value there than what Luongo has brought to the Canucks? Is that what you're saying? Are you saying that the Canucks would have been better off keeping Bertuzzi? Bert was not part of that Stanley Cup winning team. But of course, you knew that.

    You need to understand the difference between the phrases "one of the worst trades" and "THE worst trade". You might be surprised to learn that BOTH the Luongo-Bertuzzi trade AND the Naslund-Stojanov tade can each be considered to be "one of the worst trades" in NHL history. Note the use of the plural of the word "trade" in the phrase you used - twice. That means that several trades can be included as being among the worst trades in NHL history. If you don't put the Luongo-Bertuzzi trade in this group, that's your opinion.
  43. buzz fazbert from surrey, Canada writes: The "system" put too much pressure on the defense, not just to keep the behemoths in the division from the crashing the crease but also to make up the points that the offense cannot produce. No wonder they're all walking wounded back there. Nonis knows that fornt line D-man are cheaper than frontline forwards, so he's invested his money there. Trevor Linden is a stand up guy but could not hope to be on the roster of any other team than this one. What this team needs is a twenty-two year old Trevor Linden. Brendan Morrison, Alex Burrows, and Trevor make up the weakest Centre Corps in the conference.
  44. Sam Salmon from Vancouver-by-the-Sea, Canada writes: While it's true that many older players could be performing better the malaise starts at the top.

    Canucks management is mediocrity personified, a ragtag collection of misfits and nobodies.

    George McPhee in particular is little short of an cretin the man has never had any idea how to run the team as evidenced by his decision to hire Alain Vigneault a man with no imagination or talent whatsoever.

    Note the poor management is endemic in the NHL and the Canucks are in no way unique-too many ex-jocks are hired/kicked upstairs-look at the post above about hiring Trevor Linden to work on the front office-what is his degree in?
  45. Michael Peters from Toronto, Canada writes: Sam - I don't disagree. Dumping Burke was a beaut move by the ownership at the time. Not that he acutally built the Anaheim team that won the Cup last year, but I'd take him over Nonis!
  46. K Kennedy from Toronto, Canada writes: D Vanman...from Vancouver So while you say on the one hand that Naslund is past his best-before date, you still think there is something left for other teams to benefit from? He may still have a couple of years left but like Linden who is 38 this year, his best days are behind him. It's been acknowledged out here already that Vancouver could benefit from a younger roster of players of the calibre Linden and Naslund were in their prime. In my books, that makes them washed out here or on any other team. And unlike Naslund, and as has been already pointed out, Linden couldn't get traded anywhere else if he was the last man standing. I agree he may be a more valuable asset in the front office at this rate and should call it a career at the end of this season. Linden is good for a shoot-out run and that's about it.

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