[PGT] Canucks (4) @ Flames (1)

[CaptainCrunch]

Originally Posted by Barca

Here's the Canuck's core players. If that's an aging team then you can say that for just about every team in the NHL. Also, the Sedins take care of themselves really well, I can easily see another good 4-5 years from them.

Sedins (31) Kesler (27) Burrows (31) Bieksa (31) Garrison (27) Hamhuis (29) Edler (26) Schneider (26)

Don't worry about the Canucks cap issues, we have a capologist whose a genius at making everyone fit under the cap.

If we cant keep everyone, we'll simply buyout Booth and Ballard plus Luongo gone next summer = 15m of cap space freed up.

Also Alberts 1.2m will be gone, Derek Roy 5m that give us 21m.

The Canucks have no cap issues.

You might want to save one of the buyouts for Loungo.

That core might get you first place this year in the NW, but next year in the realignment things are going to get interesting for the Canucks. I think that's at best a 4th in the West core and a steady slide down.

We said the same things as you before the slide started happening.

Kesler is already starting to look a little frayed around the edges injury wise.

[eddly]

Originally Posted by nik-

Tanguay was here for Iginla, it's no surprise, which is why they should have moved him out.

He is signed for three more years at 3.5 million. At that price, he evidently had no value at the trade deadline.

[mouz]

Originally Posted by djsFlames

Also, Canucks fans who turn their backs to the rink as soon as they score just to be big ####y showboats really are the epitome of their fanbase. Great, your team just got us a step closer to our next franchise player, now why don't you actually watch the rink and cheer on your damn team? Man, you think they'd pipe down a bit considering the circumstances of the game.

You seem really upset. Are you ok?

[Barca]

Originally Posted by zamler

Uh huh.

Logic = rant

ok im out

[MisterJoji]

Originally Posted by Table 5

Before this team is successful, whenever that may be, they'll have to find the next Regehr.

Hi.



He's even got the ears.

[Dienasty]

Originally Posted by Pierre "Monster" McGuire

Horak, Rhino, and Brodie were beasts tonight.

Unfortunately Sven was a non-factor completely.

I disagree, the best shift of the game was him controlling the puck down low and cycling with cammy and horak in the first period. He set backlund up in the slot on one pp, and I thought he was skating with the puck very well. He got a couple shots in traffic, was going to the net hard (too bad our d can't get picks through *cough* wideman.) on top of that his last shift of the game he was again the best player on the ice.

[$ven27]

Originally Posted by Barca

Here's the Canuck's core players. If that's an aging team then you can say that for just about every team in the NHL. Also, the Sedins take care of themselves really well, I can easily see another good 4-5 years from them.

Sedins (32) Kesler (28) Burrows (31) Bieksa (31) Garrison (28) Hamhuis (30) Edler (26) Schneider (27)

Don't worry about the Canucks cap issues, we have a capologist whose a genius at making everyone fit under the cap.

If we cant keep everyone, we'll simply buyout Booth and Ballard plus Luongo gone next summer = 15m of cap space freed up.

Also Alberts 1.2m will be gone, Derek Roy 5m that give us 21m.

The Canucks have no cap issues.

Fyp, some Canucks fan you are, doesn't even know their age.

[djsFlames]

Yeah, the Canucks' window is closing fast. You can't even really consider them favorites anymore. Just not nearly as overwhelming as their '11 team was. When the current Flames have the upper hand in zone time, shots and play for two straight games, despite the end results, you can just tell they've lost a step since a couple seasons ago. Unless Kesler can become a real difference maker again, they're not going any deeper than the second round this year imo. Even Minny has enough weapons with Pominville to do some damage in a potential series, although I wouldn't bet on them.

The Sedins are what, 33 now? Jarome was 33 when he had his 43 goal season, and we've witnessed a fairly steady decline in each season since. Judging by that and the age of the rest of their core, they probably only have 1-2 seasons left atop the division, then I think we'll see them fall into the same boat Detroit is in now in the 7-8 seed range. Then, it's likely they'll be where we've been since '09 in about 3 seasons. Excluding Kassian and Shroeder, who aren't really prospects anymore, they've got next to nothing in the farm, and not much helping them down the road besides a young Schneider.

Edit: Oh 32, nvm... but they're coming on 33 haha.

[Captain_Obvious]

Originally Posted by Barca

Sedins (31) Kesler (27) Burrows (31) Bieksa (31) Garrison (27) Hamhuis (29) Edler (26) Schneider (26)

It's been well documented that those without hearts break down much quicker than the normal person.

[flamesrule14]

Thought the young guys were all really good. Brodie is just a stud. Backlund continues to play well. Horak is quiet, but just plays a solid all around game. Love Reinhart's hockey sense and he is always moving. Sven was probably the worse of the young guys, but you can see it is there, just a matter of it coming all together for him.

Absolutely hate losing to that team. Those fans and that whole team just piss me off.

[FAN]

Tanguay's overall work rate and compete level has been inconsistent from season to season since his last years in Colorado. I thought playing with Iginla motivated him, but I guess that was just one season.

[getbak]

They need to put #23 on Reinhart so I can go out and buy the two-generation retro jersey.

[Frequitude]

Originally Posted by stignasty

As much as I hate the Canucks, I hate their fans even more.

While I agree with this sentiment in general, I thought they were great tonight.

Most in my section nodded in approval and clapped after Kipper's ridiculous blocker save in the second. The pair beside me took my jab about Roy's dive in stride and seemed genuinely embarrassed.

All in all, they were a worthy foe this evening.

[Jbo]

Just got back from the game...had a blast. Was a very close game most of the way through and enjoyed watching the young guys play.

We snuck down from Press Level to Row 1 after my buddy told us some fans left after the first period (?). Was amazing down there, and I caught TJ's stick after he was selected as the 2nd star.

All in all, I love having no expectations and just being a fan for now. Watching the young guys play has been a blast.

No longer mad, sad or angry...just kinda content. I think this is called acceptance.

Go Flames Go!

[renny]

Originally Posted by Barca

Here's the Canuck's core players. If that's an aging team then you can say that for just about every team in the NHL. Also, the Sedins take care of themselves really well, I can easily see another good 4-5 years from them.

Sedins (31) Kesler (27) Burrows (31) Bieksa (31) Garrison (27) Hamhuis (29) Edler (26) Schneider (26)

Don't worry about the Canucks cap issues, we have a capologist whose a genius at making everyone fit under the cap.

If we cant keep everyone, we'll simply buyout Booth and Ballard plus Luongo gone next summer = 15m of cap space freed up.

Also Alberts 1.2m will be gone, Derek Roy 5m that give us 21m.

The Canucks have no cap issues.

How would you buyout 3 players when there are only 2 amnesty buyouts?

[Da_Chief]

Good effort, just need to mature and add more skill.

Brodie, Backlund, Horak, Reinhart, Sven, Cervenka are 6 good young guns positioned to be here next year.

Cervenka not as young but he's basically part of the young guns, really like where his game going, lets re-sign him.

We know Gio and Glencross aren't going no where. Just 12 more spots to fill and we're set.

Didn't notice Jones too much, how was he?

[djsFlames]

I just like how Reinhart is getting plays to the net by sheer will.

Maybe by the time the puck gets on the net there's not much of a shot, but eventually he'll get more finish to his game. Hope he stays up on the big club the rest of the way.

Sven to me looks like he's always trying to be a difference maker with some pretty play when he should simplify his game and not be trying to do too much each time. I'd like to see him work on his two-way game at this level, then when he has the basics down he can start to focus on making the offense happen, kind of like Backlund.

[Calgary4LIfe]

I am just glad that the majority of the team showed up tonight.

The biggest knock against this team since the lockout has always been the same thing - not a lack of skill, or a 1st line center, or enough defence, or enough offence, or enough grit... It has been a continuous lack of consistent play where they show up every night.

There are definitely some guys on this team that aren't. I don't care how much I like them, or how important they are - if they don't start putting in CONSISTENT EFFORTS in, ship them out. This team needs to eradicate that one major flaw.

Backlund is going to be a good piece for the Flames. Reinhart - not bad for his 3rd NHL game. Kid is going to make some big mistakes out there, but he does good work as well. I bet he stays on the team next season. Sven will get it together. Too much movement between the NHL/AHL and also the injuries. Hope he gets a good off-season in and just builds from there. These games will be great for him. Brodie is good. Simple as that. Kid has surpassed anyone's (but the most crazy) expectations here. Who knows where his ceiling really is? Pure speculation until he is around 27 or so. Top 4 definitely this year, and fairly reliable at that.

I was hoping that Cammy would have been gone at the deadline, but I am actually glad he is sticking around. I think it is a toss-up to whom is providing more leadership out there - him or Giordano.

Glencross is too sulky for my taste - but the really nice thing with his game is that he slots in well from the 1st line through to the 4th, and is a good PK'er. Flames will be able to use him next season to help shelter their kids, as well as Stajan and Stempniak (both of which have exceeded expectations not only offensively, but defensively as well).

Canucks aren't going to nosedive just yet. They still have a couple more competitive seasons left in them. I think the biggest question mark revolves around Kesler. Can he be that strong 2-way presence any longer and stay healthy? Sedins.. what do you do with them when they start sliding? Tough to try and make a 'deadline deal' when that time comes for a team adding 2 highly-priced vets. Pittsburgh was an aberration in that department this year.

Canucks are no longer a favorite though, and that is a fact. Going to be tougher for them with realignment next season for sure.

[T@T]

Originally Posted by Barca

Here's the Canuck's core players. If that's an aging team then you can say that for just about every team in the NHL. Also, the Sedins take care of themselves really well, I can easily see another good 4-5 years from them.

Sedins (31) Kesler (27) Burrows (31) Bieksa (31) Garrison (27) Hamhuis (29) Edler (26) Schneider (26)

Don't worry about the Canucks cap issues, we have a capologist whose a genius at making everyone fit under the cap.

If we cant keep everyone, we'll simply buyout Booth and Ballard plus Luongo gone next summer = 15m of cap space freed up.

Also Alberts 1.2m will be gone, Derek Roy 5m that give us 21m.

The Canucks have no cap issues.

You do realize the cap goes down to $64.3m next year right? Roy's 5m means nothing as he is a late addition rental for sure.

Here's something to chew on, The Canucks have 15 players signed next year with a $62.9m cap hit,this leaves $1.4m for at least 7 players.(only a 22 player roster)
Lets say you somehow get someone to take Luongo's contract without taking a contract back(good luck) and buy out Booth and Ballard you'll still only have $15m in cap space for 10 players, say goodbye to Raymond, Alberts and Lapierre.

BTW, the Sedins will be 33 years old to start next season. Toilet team in 2 years.

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by Barca

Here's the Canuck's core players. If that's an aging team then you can say that for just about every team in the NHL. Also, the Sedins take care of themselves really well, I can easily see another good 4-5 years from them.

You're delusional. The Sedins last season and in this shortened lockout year already look to be a step behind where they were when they were one of the best offensive pairs in the league. The Canucks need to the Sedins to be +90-point players, and those days are most assuredly past.

Originally Posted by Barca

Sedins (32) Kesler (28) Burrows (31) Bieksa (31) Garrison (28) Hamhuis (30) Edler (26) Schneider (27)

You say that like it's a good thing. To further add to the problems with your inaccurate post, the Sedins will both be 33-years-old before the start of next season. So, the great Canucks "core" here boasts two defensemen under the age of thirty, and no single true #1 defender in the lot. Their two best players are now squarely in their mid-thirties (only a single year behind Alex Tanguay), and look to be embarking on a natural regression. Their sole impact forward under the age of thirty appears to be breaking down physically, and is realistically not capable of playing the same hard-edged game that has made him successful in the past.

Really, things for the Canucks do NOT look very good at all over the next few years. The window is closed.

For the record, I really can't wait until the Canucks are fully entrenched in the mire of first-round playoff fodder. Here's hoping in a year or two that the Vancouver expats in Calgary will begin slipping off the bandwagon soon, and we will no longer have to listen to the insufferable "LOOUUUUUUUU" chant at the Dome.