Oh. My. Goodness. Best hockey of the season tonight.
I've been able to see two games so far under the Muller regime, and I have to say I love it. The hockey I saw was absolutely amazing. It was entertaining, it actually used our offensive talents, it's creating a chemistry within the team that I hadn't seen up to this point.
Love love love love love it!
Tonight's game was great. The Canes beat the Canucks 4-3 - and the Canucks are no slouch of a team this season. Drayson Bowman had two goals and the offense overall seemed to be clicking and getting legitimate chances. Cam Ward was amazing. Finally I see the Ward that Caniacs have come to expect - making the tough saves to keep his team in the game.
Everything would appear to be coming together for this team system-wise. Finally! If only this had happened before the Canes were deep into a 'rebuilding season'.
Unfortunately, everything isn't coming together on the injury front. Both Joni Pitkanen and Jeff Skinner are out with concussions - I'm very disappointed, as I always love to see Skinner do his work on the ice. I really hope that they both come back soon. There seems to be a rash of concussions in the league recently, especially those which put players out for long periods of time.
I'm still in awe about tonight's play though. For the first time in a very long while I felt excited watching this team play. I've definitely missed this look from my favorite team.
Showing posts with label Vancouver Canucks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vancouver Canucks. Show all posts
Friday, December 16, 2011
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Hockey is over. Sadness ensues.
So the 2010-2011 season is over. Complete. And not the premature "over" that us Caniacs experienced in April - despite our team's failings, there was at least hockey to be seen. Not anymore - no more hockey games until October.
Congrats, I suppose, to the Boston Bruins and their fans. I was cheering them on throughout the playoffs, and it's nice to see them win. I would make some sort of crack about how I'm glad that Canada doesn't have the Cup for another year... but after seeing the riots in Vancouver, I'm beginning to think war might occur if they don't get one soon.
On the home front, there's actually been some Canes news since I last posted. The biggest news is the shuffling of the front office and who's behind the bench. Ron Francis is back at a desk, Tom Rowe is a scout, Brind'Amour is an assistant and newcomer Dave Lewis is also an assistant. Rather unfortunately, we're still stuck with Paul Maurice as head coach for another year. I'm thrilled, and by thrilled I mean that I really hope they don't re-up his contract. I am also sick of my team doing mediocre, so I would like them to do better this year. Just, maybe better because of Jeff Skinner or something and not because of the coach.
Players-wise, apparently contract negotiations have been going on. Today an article was put out on the Canes site about possibly trading for some people because it's not looking positive for Jokinen or Pitkanen returning. Chad LaRose and Erik Cole might be looking to test the market. If both of them go... man, there goes both of my favorite players.
For which I say to Jim Rutherford: Please Please Please Please Please SIGN ERIK COLE!!!! I honestly don't think I could stand him going to some horridly cold non-North Carolina place again. Hopefully he and the team can work something out.
And that's it for now I guess. I'll keep up with whatever little news trickles in this summer.
Congrats, I suppose, to the Boston Bruins and their fans. I was cheering them on throughout the playoffs, and it's nice to see them win. I would make some sort of crack about how I'm glad that Canada doesn't have the Cup for another year... but after seeing the riots in Vancouver, I'm beginning to think war might occur if they don't get one soon.
On the home front, there's actually been some Canes news since I last posted. The biggest news is the shuffling of the front office and who's behind the bench. Ron Francis is back at a desk, Tom Rowe is a scout, Brind'Amour is an assistant and newcomer Dave Lewis is also an assistant. Rather unfortunately, we're still stuck with Paul Maurice as head coach for another year. I'm thrilled, and by thrilled I mean that I really hope they don't re-up his contract. I am also sick of my team doing mediocre, so I would like them to do better this year. Just, maybe better because of Jeff Skinner or something and not because of the coach.
Players-wise, apparently contract negotiations have been going on. Today an article was put out on the Canes site about possibly trading for some people because it's not looking positive for Jokinen or Pitkanen returning. Chad LaRose and Erik Cole might be looking to test the market. If both of them go... man, there goes both of my favorite players.
For which I say to Jim Rutherford: Please Please Please Please Please SIGN ERIK COLE!!!! I honestly don't think I could stand him going to some horridly cold non-North Carolina place again. Hopefully he and the team can work something out.
And that's it for now I guess. I'll keep up with whatever little news trickles in this summer.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Western Roadtrip Recap
So, the Canes finished up their yearly October roadtrip last night, and I saw or listened to exactly none of them, so let's just do a brief recap.
The obvious stat after this period of time is the record. Currently the Canes have a 4-3 record, which isn't really that great... until you consider that last season the Canes got their fourth win 21 games into the season. From that perspective, the Canes are absolutely amazing this season. Also, considering that the Canes opened up overseas and then went straight into the Western Conference road trip, traveling something like 15,000 miles, I think that their record is spectacular.
Going back through the games, the Canes lost to Ottawa, lost pretty badly to the Canucks, won against the Sharks, lost to the Kings, and finally won last night over the Coyotes in OT.
Obviously, the bright parts are the wins against the Sharks and Coyotes, although the Sharks have not started out as great as last season, having not won a game at home yet. But even the losses don't look too alarming to me - the LA game sounded close and I'm not surprised that the Canes lost to the Cup-favorite Canucks. Perhaps the game against Ottawa should be a win, but, again, I'm just happy that the Canes weren't blown out. Last year definitely does put a perspective on losses.
The best news to me is the distribution of scoring. So often last year, our offensive production (and therefore wins) depended on a few people being able to score *cough*Staal*cough*. This year, we seem to be more well-rounded in the scoring department, only two people on the roster having not notched a point. This is especially shown in the San Jose game, where eleven different Canes got on the scoreboard. A specific player to commend (beyond my two favorites whose stats are at the bottom of the post) would be Eric Staal, who after a slow start in Helsinki, has stepped it up, with 6 points in 5 games. I do think it is a good sign for our season that he is currently at the top of our leaderboard in points.
But just because the road trip is over, doesn't mean that it gets any easier for the Canes. The home opener this Wednesday is against the C[r]apitals, who are never easy to beat, then they must play the Rangers and then the Penguins in a back-to-back. If the Canes can play with Washington and Pittsburgh, then I think we might actually have a worthwhile team this year. If not, well, I'm not pinning the whole season on two games - I just won't be as blindly optimistic.
Erik Cole stats (Oct 14th): 1 assist
(Oct 19th): 1 goal
(Oct 20th): 1 assist
On the season: 1 goal, 3 assists
Chad LaRose stats (Oct 19th): 1 goal, 2 assists
(Oct 20th): 1 goal
On the season: 2 goals, 2 assists
The obvious stat after this period of time is the record. Currently the Canes have a 4-3 record, which isn't really that great... until you consider that last season the Canes got their fourth win 21 games into the season. From that perspective, the Canes are absolutely amazing this season. Also, considering that the Canes opened up overseas and then went straight into the Western Conference road trip, traveling something like 15,000 miles, I think that their record is spectacular.
Going back through the games, the Canes lost to Ottawa, lost pretty badly to the Canucks, won against the Sharks, lost to the Kings, and finally won last night over the Coyotes in OT.
Obviously, the bright parts are the wins against the Sharks and Coyotes, although the Sharks have not started out as great as last season, having not won a game at home yet. But even the losses don't look too alarming to me - the LA game sounded close and I'm not surprised that the Canes lost to the Cup-favorite Canucks. Perhaps the game against Ottawa should be a win, but, again, I'm just happy that the Canes weren't blown out. Last year definitely does put a perspective on losses.
The best news to me is the distribution of scoring. So often last year, our offensive production (and therefore wins) depended on a few people being able to score *cough*Staal*cough*. This year, we seem to be more well-rounded in the scoring department, only two people on the roster having not notched a point. This is especially shown in the San Jose game, where eleven different Canes got on the scoreboard. A specific player to commend (beyond my two favorites whose stats are at the bottom of the post) would be Eric Staal, who after a slow start in Helsinki, has stepped it up, with 6 points in 5 games. I do think it is a good sign for our season that he is currently at the top of our leaderboard in points.
But just because the road trip is over, doesn't mean that it gets any easier for the Canes. The home opener this Wednesday is against the C[r]apitals, who are never easy to beat, then they must play the Rangers and then the Penguins in a back-to-back. If the Canes can play with Washington and Pittsburgh, then I think we might actually have a worthwhile team this year. If not, well, I'm not pinning the whole season on two games - I just won't be as blindly optimistic.
Erik Cole stats (Oct 14th): 1 assist
(Oct 19th): 1 goal
(Oct 20th): 1 assist
On the season: 1 goal, 3 assists
Chad LaRose stats (Oct 19th): 1 goal, 2 assists
(Oct 20th): 1 goal
On the season: 2 goals, 2 assists
Sunday, December 06, 2009
Erik Cole is so AWESOME!
Canes win! Canes win! Canes win!
The Canes won 5-3 over the Canucks yesterday, largely thanks to an Erik Cole hat trick.
The Canucks opened up the scoring, but for once the Canes didn't give up immediately. Ray Whitney had a nice backhand goal to tie up the game 20 seconds later. Then in the second period, the Canes scored three goals to make it 4-1, including a strange goal that was credited to Cole, but looked like it was knocked in by one of Vancouver's own players.
Of course, then came the third period, which had been ill-fated for the Canes of late. And, they did allow the Canucks to come within one goal, which I'm sure had every Caniac just waiting for the inevitable tying goal and then loss. But, luckily for us, it didn't happen, thanks to an Erik Cole empty net goal!
Erik Cole had a hat trick! He is playing amazing right now - tearing up the wings like the Erik Cole of old. Obviously, I am thrilled about this upswing in play.
Canes had an interesting trade this week. They traded their first-round pick of this past draft Philippe Paradis for Toronto's Jiri Tlusty, a first-round draft pick back in '06. It doesn't affect either team right away, but I find it interesting that we would trade a first-rounder so soon in development.
Next game is tomorrow at Penguins. Too soon to hope for a win streak?
Erik Cole stats: 3 goals
On the season: 6 goals, 2 assists
The Canes won 5-3 over the Canucks yesterday, largely thanks to an Erik Cole hat trick.
The Canucks opened up the scoring, but for once the Canes didn't give up immediately. Ray Whitney had a nice backhand goal to tie up the game 20 seconds later. Then in the second period, the Canes scored three goals to make it 4-1, including a strange goal that was credited to Cole, but looked like it was knocked in by one of Vancouver's own players.
Of course, then came the third period, which had been ill-fated for the Canes of late. And, they did allow the Canucks to come within one goal, which I'm sure had every Caniac just waiting for the inevitable tying goal and then loss. But, luckily for us, it didn't happen, thanks to an Erik Cole empty net goal!
Erik Cole had a hat trick! He is playing amazing right now - tearing up the wings like the Erik Cole of old. Obviously, I am thrilled about this upswing in play.
Canes had an interesting trade this week. They traded their first-round pick of this past draft Philippe Paradis for Toronto's Jiri Tlusty, a first-round draft pick back in '06. It doesn't affect either team right away, but I find it interesting that we would trade a first-rounder so soon in development.
Next game is tomorrow at Penguins. Too soon to hope for a win streak?
Erik Cole stats: 3 goals
On the season: 6 goals, 2 assists
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Canes lose, hopefully will win tonight
Canes lost 4-3 to the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday. Previously, the Canucks had lost nine straight at home, and eight straight in general.
*facepalm*
Well, it certainly looks like that wonderful win against Atlanta was a fluke. Granted, I didn't watch any of the game, but comments like these taken from the TSN.ca article don't make me feel warm and fuzzy about this game:
Oh boy. Yeah, I'm pretty glad that I was fast asleep when this game was on. I think a shorthanded goal against to lose the game would have put me in an absolutely horrible mood.
The real test, though, is tonight against San Jose, the leader of the Western Conference. If we can play with them and win (heck, normally I'd say just play with them, but that won't help us come April) then I feel that the Canes have a good shot. If we get steamrolled, I'm not going to be too optimistic about our playoff chances.
The Canes are going to be without Rod Brind'Amour in the game tonight. Apparently he came back to Raleigh because of "nagging lower body issues", and Jakub Petruzalek (best name ever!) was called up in his place. I'm not entirely sure that this is a bad thing, considering the captain's lame play pretty much the entire season.
Apparently, the Canes are also going to be going with Michael Leighton in goal tonight, a move I find somewhat peculiar, as Cam has started the last sixteen or so games. Why the change, and specifically, why the change against the best team in the West? Maybe they're looking for a change to spark the rest of the lineup. Whatever, I just hope it works out.
*facepalm*
Well, it certainly looks like that wonderful win against Atlanta was a fluke. Granted, I didn't watch any of the game, but comments like these taken from the TSN.ca article don't make me feel warm and fuzzy about this game:
[Alex Burrows] beat Carolina goaltender Cam Ward with what he has previously described as his ''only'' move faking a forehand and roofing a backhand. It was a move that Burrows has made many times before, but Ward went the wrong way and could not recover quickly enough.
''I like coming down that side when I go to my go-to move,'' said Burrows, a left-handed shot who raced down left wing. ''I think everybody in the building knew I was going to do that, but obviously Cam Ward watches Eastern Time games and he doesn't stay up late at night to watch our games.''
Oh boy. Yeah, I'm pretty glad that I was fast asleep when this game was on. I think a shorthanded goal against to lose the game would have put me in an absolutely horrible mood.
The real test, though, is tonight against San Jose, the leader of the Western Conference. If we can play with them and win (heck, normally I'd say just play with them, but that won't help us come April) then I feel that the Canes have a good shot. If we get steamrolled, I'm not going to be too optimistic about our playoff chances.
The Canes are going to be without Rod Brind'Amour in the game tonight. Apparently he came back to Raleigh because of "nagging lower body issues", and Jakub Petruzalek (best name ever!) was called up in his place. I'm not entirely sure that this is a bad thing, considering the captain's lame play pretty much the entire season.
Apparently, the Canes are also going to be going with Michael Leighton in goal tonight, a move I find somewhat peculiar, as Cam has started the last sixteen or so games. Why the change, and specifically, why the change against the best team in the West? Maybe they're looking for a change to spark the rest of the lineup. Whatever, I just hope it works out.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Canes win over Canucks
Canes won 3-1 against the Canucks last night.
This was a great game. The Canes outshot Vancouver 16-6 in the first period - it's amazing there were no Cane goals! Of course that's probably due to Roberto Luongo who proved again that he can keep teams in games. (Further reference: all games ever against the Florida Panthers with Luongo in goal)
Canes scored in the second on the powerplay. But the best goal of the game came in the third from Chad LaRose off of a seriously sweet pass from Rod Brind'Amour to give Chad a breakaway. So nice to see Chad get a goal. I think I'm going to have to keep track of his points like I do Cole's from now on...
Commodore totally kicked rear in his fight in the second against Rick Rypien.
I think that's about it for that game. Really nice to see the Canes win one in regulation...
Tomorrow they play the Buffalo Sabres (boo!).
Chad LaRose stats: 1 goal
On the season: 2 goals, 3 assists
This was a great game. The Canes outshot Vancouver 16-6 in the first period - it's amazing there were no Cane goals! Of course that's probably due to Roberto Luongo who proved again that he can keep teams in games. (Further reference: all games ever against the Florida Panthers with Luongo in goal)
Canes scored in the second on the powerplay. But the best goal of the game came in the third from Chad LaRose off of a seriously sweet pass from Rod Brind'Amour to give Chad a breakaway. So nice to see Chad get a goal. I think I'm going to have to keep track of his points like I do Cole's from now on...
Commodore totally kicked rear in his fight in the second against Rick Rypien.
I think that's about it for that game. Really nice to see the Canes win one in regulation...
Tomorrow they play the Buffalo Sabres (boo!).
Chad LaRose stats: 1 goal
On the season: 2 goals, 3 assists
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
326th and Second Round Predictions
This is the 326th post of The Life and Times of a Caniac!!!! A momentus occasion, to be sure.
Sadly, there is no Canes news today. The second round starts tonight and, believe it or not, the Canes somehow missed the playoff exit, and the First-Round bypass, and are reported to be safely on the Offseason Road.
So... My first round predictions were okay, batting a whopping .429. This time, not only am I going to post my predictions, but also ones that come up when I use a random generator (the one that comes up first in the list is what the generator chooses). We'll see who wins! (I'd put my money on the random, if I was you...)
East
#1 Buffalo v. #6 NY Rangers
I say: *sigh* The Rangers didn't impress me when I saw them... Buffalo in 6
The Random says: New York in 5
#2 New Jersey v. #4 Ottawa
I say: Jersey in 6 ½.
The Random says: Ottawa in 6
West
#1 Detroit v. #5 San Jose
I say: San Jose in 6
The Random says: San Jose in 4
#2 Anaheim v. #3 Vancouver
I say: Vancouver in 7
The Random says: Vancouver in 5
As for who I'm cheering for? I have no idea. I hate pretty much all of them. But the one with the least hatred is Vancouver. Or Ottawa, but I don't want to cheer for them.
The bummer? I'll never get to see any of their games because they're all at 10:00. I fall asleep at 10:00.
Scratch that - the real bummer is that the Canes aren't in the playoffs to start with. But it is entertaining to listen to Sean Avery. Dude almost makes me want to root for Buffalo, just to see him and his annoying mouth go down.
Almost. I still haven't forgotten the champagne comments. Get the gag order out!
Sadly, there is no Canes news today. The second round starts tonight and, believe it or not, the Canes somehow missed the playoff exit, and the First-Round bypass, and are reported to be safely on the Offseason Road.
So... My first round predictions were okay, batting a whopping .429. This time, not only am I going to post my predictions, but also ones that come up when I use a random generator (the one that comes up first in the list is what the generator chooses). We'll see who wins! (I'd put my money on the random, if I was you...)
East
#1 Buffalo v. #6 NY Rangers
I say: *sigh* The Rangers didn't impress me when I saw them... Buffalo in 6
The Random says: New York in 5
#2 New Jersey v. #4 Ottawa
I say: Jersey in 6 ½.
The Random says: Ottawa in 6
West
#1 Detroit v. #5 San Jose
I say: San Jose in 6
The Random says: San Jose in 4
#2 Anaheim v. #3 Vancouver
I say: Vancouver in 7
The Random says: Vancouver in 5
As for who I'm cheering for? I have no idea. I hate pretty much all of them. But the one with the least hatred is Vancouver. Or Ottawa, but I don't want to cheer for them.
The bummer? I'll never get to see any of their games because they're all at 10:00. I fall asleep at 10:00.
Scratch that - the real bummer is that the Canes aren't in the playoffs to start with. But it is entertaining to listen to Sean Avery. Dude almost makes me want to root for Buffalo, just to see him and his annoying mouth go down.
Almost. I still haven't forgotten the champagne comments. Get the gag order out!
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