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Canucks 2016 NHL Draft Thoughts As Promised Change Continues

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Just-saying  By Andrew Phillip Chernoff  April 28, 2016

 

Canucks ownership promised “Change Is Coming” at the end of the 2014 season.

And it did:

  • the addition of Trevor Linden, who played 16 seasons as a Canuck and earned the nickname “Captain Canuck”,  as President of Hockey Operations for the Vancouver Canucks by team owner Francesco Aquilini on Wednesday, April 9, 2014;
  • the hiring of Jim Benning on Wednesday, May 21, 2014, a former teammate of Linden, to be the Canucks 11th general manager;
  • the announcement of Willie Desjardins as the 18th coach of the franchise on Monday, June 23, 2014, who led the AHL’s Texas Stars to a Calder Cup championship on Tuesday, June 17, 2014;
  • the signing of goalie Ryan Miller on July 1, 2014 to a 3-year contract.

demonstrated aggressive leadership by Canucks ownership and new management to put the club right and demonstrate to the media, fans and the league, that the Canucks were prepared to be competitive, relevant and put the pieces in place to once again be one of the elite teams in the NHL.

The trading of Ryan Kesler, before the start of the 2014 NHL Draft, ensured that Kesler would not be an issue with the Canucks moving forward and the moving of Jason Garrison which freed up cap space, continued the theme of “Change Is Coming”.

This past season was a struggle, disappointing, frustrating, and it is in the past now.

The 2016 NHL Draft  continues the theme of “Change Is Coming”, as the Vancouver Canucks continue to add pieces on their climb back to become one of the top teams in the NHL.

The Draft Lottery is on April 30th and Vancouver will find out where they will be slotted for their first pick of the draft.

The Vancouver Canucks can select as high as first and as low as sixth in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft June 24-25 in Buffalo.

My choices for the Canucks first pick of the 2016 NHL draft, in order of preference, are:

1)-Auston Matthews – Center

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Auston Matthews is an American professional ice hockey player. Matthews is currently playing for the ZSC Lions of the Swiss National League A. Previously, Matthews played for the U.S. National U18 Team in the USHL. Wikipedia

A high octane dynamo that thrives under the microscope, Auston Matthews is a complete offensive forward who consistently boasts quick hands, feet, and thinking at both ends of the ice. Naturally nimble skater that accelerates to top speed very quickly. An unwavering focus on fine tuning elements of his own game facilitates confidence and competence in his young, but mature, mind. Prolific goal scoring ability and doesn’t wait for opportunities to show themselves. He makes his own luck, so to speak, maximizing the use of his body and stick to gain leverage against the toughest of opponents. All-in-all, a generational talent that has the potential to develop into a top flight franchise center.

Uncle: Wes Matthews(NFL Player – external link)

Source: http://www.eliteprospects.com/

2)-Matthew Tkachuk – Left Wing

Matthew Tkachuk of the London Knights. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images

Matthew Tkachuk of the London Knights. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images

Matthew Tkachuk is an American ice hockey player. He is currently playing with the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League. Tkachuk is a top rated prospect who is projected to be a possible Top 5 pick at the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. Wikipedia

A multi-dimensional energy winger that plays a pro-style, adaptive game. Well-versed as a guy who can consistently put up points, but also as an agitator who plays with a little bit of bite and nastiness. Skates with excellent balance and speed, outclassing many in his age range. No lack of offensive instincts and knows how to score in many different ways. Confidence in his abilities and playing to the extent of his capabilities strengthens his work ethic and creativity. All-in-all, a unique and effective forward who defines his own limits and seeks to exceed them, along with all on-ice expectations.

Brother: Brady Tkachuk
Father: Keith Tkachuk
Cousins: Casey Fitzgerald, Ryan Fitzgerald, Scott Fitzgerald, Tom Fitzgerald, Jimmy Hayes, Kevin Hayes

Source: http://www.eliteprospects.com/

3)-Jesse Puljujärvi – Right Wing

MONTREAL, QC - DECEMBER 27: Jesse Puljujarvi #13 of Team Finland skates during the 2015 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship game against Team Slovakia at the Bell Centre on December 27, 2014 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Team Slovakia defeated Team Finland 2-1. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)

MONTREAL, QC – DECEMBER 27: Jesse Puljujarvi #13 of Team Finland skates during the 2015 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship game against Team Slovakia at the Bell Centre on December 27, 2014 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Team Slovakia defeated Team Finland 2-1. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)

Jesse Puljujärvi is a Finnish ice hockey player, currently playing with Kärpät in the Finnish Liiga. Puljujärvi is rated as a top prospect who is expected to be a top 5 pick in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. Wikipedia

Puljujärvi is a big winger who combines size, skating and skill. A strong skater who can blast past the opposition in full speed. Able to use his size, reach and stickhandling skills to retain the puck in speed. A smart player at both ends of the ice, both on and off the puck. Great work ethic and positive attitude. More of a playmaker than a scorer and could improve his shooting skills. Doesn’t shy away from physical play, but could use his size more to his benefit.

A truly dominant two-way force that consistently demonstrates elite hockey sense, proactive defensive awareness, and a full array of offensive tools. Comparable to Jamie Benn of the Dallas Stars, Puljujärvi owns a dangerously accurate shot, as well as exceptional playmaking ability that pairs up quite nicely with his superb vision and enthusiasm. Has the ability to absolutely dominate by using his size and speed to keep possession of the puck until he determines it to be the right time for the rubber to hit the back of the net. Everything that he does, he does well, to the fullest of his ability; there are no empty holes in this electrifying and hard-nosed forward’s game.

Source: http://www.eliteprospects.com/

4)- Jakob Chychrun – Defenseman

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Jakob Chychrun is an American-born Canadian ice hockey defenceman. He is currently an alternate captain for the Sarnia Sting of the Ontario Hockey League. Wikipedia

An unyielding two-way defenceman, Jakob Chychrun is a rising star with a toolbox bursting at the seams. Consistently displays elite four-way skating ability and is not afraid to throw his weight around physically. Plays with poise and composure through high pressure situations and, with the puck on his stick, can direct the play up-ice. Exhibits a particularly potent shot that works its magic on the power play and on the forecheck. Excellent first pass and uses his vision and awareness to keep the puck moving in the direction of the opposition’s tail or to a teammate with more time and space. Defensively adept at tracking the puck and staying a step ahead of the opposition. Proactive with his stick and body, exerting pressure on the opposition and forcing them to make hurried decisions.

All-in-all, a well-rounded two-way defender that competes with pro-level drive and makes his authoritative presence felt at both ends of the ice.

Father: Jeff Chychrun
Uncle: Luke Richardson
Cousin: Morgan Richardson

Source: http://www.eliteprospects.com/

5)-Pierre-Luc Dubois – Left Wing

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Pierre-Luc Dubois is a Canadian ice hockey player. He is currently playing with the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles of the QMJHL. Wikipedia

A dexterous and driven competitor that has all the makings of a dynamic two-way winger. Not the most electric skater, but is shifty and plays to the extent of his physical capabilities; he knows his limits and plays within them, which facilitates a student-like approach to the growth of his game. Possesses high hockey-IQ and is consistent in his efforts. Not the most physical player, but is when he needs to be. All-in-all, Dubois is an invaluable all-around player who plays in all situations and exceeds expectations when the opportunity arises. (Curtis Joe, EP 2016)

A top-end talent that impacts all aspects of the game from different angles. May well be the most complete player in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. His multidimensional play and elite offensive prowess reminds scouts a little bit of James Neal. Competitiveness marks his game and he consistently proves to be a high impact player when he is on the ice. [EP]

Father: Éric Dubois

Source: http://www.eliteprospects.com/

6)-Patrik Laine – Right Wing

2014_10_15_patrik_laine_leki-1x

Patrik Laine is a Finnish ice hockey player. He currently plays with Tappara in the Finnish Liiga. Laine is rated as a top prospect in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, and is expected by hockey analysts to be a top-two overall selection. Wikipedia

A natural scorer, Laine’s greatest asset is his intimidating shot. He’s not a speedy skater, but possesses power and a long stride, and protects the puck well with his large frame and longer stick. Overall, skating has been a minor issue through Laine’s development but has improved with some help from his ability to read the game. Laine has the hunger to create chances on his own from the wing and actively looks for and creates opportunities to use his shot. His elite wrist shot is notable for its quick release and his powerful one-timer from the top of the circle is a constant threat on the man-advantage.

Source: http://www.eliteprospects.com/

As for their other picks, the Canucks should take a good look at these available players, in no particular order:

Defensemen:

Forwards:

As of now, the Canucks have seven draft picks, and could have eight:

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The Canucks need size, great skaters and skillful players, both up front and on the back end.

The 2014 draft choices the Canucks made were: left wing Jake Virtanen sixth overall, centre Jared McCann 24th overall, goaltender Thatcher Demko 36th overall, defenceman Nikita Tryamkin 66th overall, defenceman Gustav Forsling 126th overall, centre Kyle Pettit 156th overall and defenceman MacKenzie Stewart 186th overall.

Right wing Linden Vey from the Los Angeles Kings was also acquired in exchange for Vancouver’s 50th selection in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.

Virtanen, McCann and Tryamkin were on the Canucks roster this past season; Linden Vey has been in and out of the Canucks line-up since he was acquired. Thatcher Demko signed with Vancouver a couple of weeks ago after an incredible 2015-16 college season.

The Vancouver Canucks selected a total of seven players in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft: right wing Brock Boeser 23rd overall, defenceman Guillaume Brisebois 66th, centre Dmitry Zhukenov 114th, defenceman Carl Neill 144th, centre Adam Gaudette 149th, right wing Lukas Jasek 174th, and defenceman Tate Olson 210th. The 66th overall selection was acquired by trade from Carolina, plus a 7th round pick in 2016 for Eddie Lack and the 210th pick was acquired from San Jose in exchange for Patrick McNally.

It is possible that one or more of the 2015 Canuck draft picks could see time on the Canucks playing roster next season depending on training camp and injuries.

With the current Canucks roster in a state of flux regarding cap space, free agency and change of direction regarding personnel, the 2016 NHL Draft Lottery on Saturday will be the start of an interesting summer for the Vancouver organization.

The Canucks said change was coming, it definitely has, and continues. It remains to be seen how that change will continue to shape the team and its fortunes for the coming season and beyond.

 

 

Challenges, Adversity Face Canucks On Eve Of 6-Game Road Trip

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Just-saying  JUST SAYING….     By Andrew Chernoff    December 12, 2015

 

Vancouver faces a 6-game road trip against some stiff competition, over the next two weeks before their next home game on Boxing Day, December 26 against the Edmonton Oilers.

The road trip starts against Chicago tomorrow night, ending on Tuesday, December 22 against Tampa Bay.

In between they play, Minnesota on December 15; Philadelphia on December 17; Detroit on December 18; Florida on December 20.

Vancouver has infused the line up with some youth this season with the likes of rookies Ben Hutton, Jared McCann, Jake Virtanen,  Sven Baertschi, and Brandon Sutter but clearly the Canucks  have been led by seasoned veterans like the Sedins, Ryan Miller, along with defensemen Alexander Edler, and Dan Hamhuis.

The Canucks though will be without Dan Hamhuis who is expected to be out at least two months after surgery Friday to repair a facial fracture, coach Willie Desjardins told the Canucks website on Friday.

Vancouver continues to be without young center Brandon Sutter who has been sorely missed since November 10, 2015 and recently had sports hernia surgery on December 2 and is not expected in the line-up again until the latter part of January at the earliest.

Sutter has already missed 14 games, and could miss as much as 15 more games before returning; Hamhuis could miss as much as 28 games.

Vancouver is also without Luca Sbisa (hand injury) and Jake Virtanen (conditioning assignment with Utica Comets).

Hamhuis and Sutter are pivotal to the Canucks success and their experience, intensity, skills and leadership are hard to replace especially when Vancouver has to make up for a less than acceptable 30 game record, and take their game up a notch or two, and start now to make a run for a playoff position.

If Vancouver continues to demonstrate their inability to win against some of the top teams in the league on this road trip, the Canucks could be in last place in the Pacific division, when they face Edmonton on Boxing Day.

One of the other consequences of a poor showing on the road trip will be their inability to fully be masters of their own destiny in getting a playoff spot at the end of the season. They may have to pray for divine intervention.

Canucks are 4-4-2 in their last 10 games since the end of the 7-game road trip in November.

First 10 games of the season, Vancouver was 4-2-4. Next 10: 3-5-2.

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The Blackhawks began a 4-game homestand with a 2-0 shutout of Winnipeg on Friday, in which Patrick Kane picked up a point for the 25th straight game, matching the longest streak among active players, set by Sidney Crosby in 2010-11.

chic

The Blackhawks have lost 3 of their first 6 games of December to Minnesota, Ottawa and Nashville  and are 5-3-2 in their last 10 games. Chicago has at least one power-play goal in seven of its past 10 games.

As coach Willie Desjardins pointed out in his post-game interview after the 4-0 loss to Boston, no team is going to feel sorry for Vancouver.

Vancouver has to adopt the adage of ‘One For All, And All For One’. Simply put, each teammate should act for the benefit of his team, and the team should act for the benefit of each teammate.

Other teams have been written off at Christmas in previous seasons: Calgary, Minnesota, Los Angeles, San Jose, Winnipeg, Ottawa.

You have to go in convinced at what you’re doing and you have to go hard. That’s the only way you’ll be successful in this league. So, mentally, we have to accept where we’re at and we have to be prepared to play hard. We know what we’re doing. The guys know the systems,they just have to have confidence that if we play hard we’ll get our opportunities. Willie Desjardins after the Dallas loss.

“It’s like playoff hockey for us, and we need to recognize that. Our urgency level has to be higher. I think the guys know that, so I would expect us to be battling.  Saying that, I do believe in the character of this group, and I don’t believe there are many nights that they haven’t given everything they have.” Willie Desjardins, prior to the Canucks taking on Minnesota in the first game of their last road trip.

The above comments by coach Willie Desjardins still ring true for Vancouver as they prepare for each team on their road trip. The players would be wise to heed the words and apply the expectation.

Just saying….

CANUCKS JOTTINGS

  • The Sedin twins combined for nine points against Chicago in their first meeting of the season at Rogers Place on November 21—Daniel notched a hat trick, while Henrik posted a career-high five points, including four assists.
  • Both Sedins have been point-per-game players for the Canucks this season
  • Daniel Sedin has 22 points (9-13-22) in the last 15 games. He recently had a seven game point streak from Nov. 14-27; it was the longest point streak of any Canucks player this season and his longest since a seven game streak from Oct. 22 – Nov. 5/13. He currently leads the team in points (33), goals (13), assists (20), ppg (5) and ppp (13). He is 5th in NHL scoring.
  • Henrik Sedin has 20 points (6-14-20) in the last 15 games. He recently had a six game point streak from Nov. 16-27. He also had a five game point streak earlier this season from Oct. 29 to Nov. 7. Last season, the Captain recorded points in three or more consecutive games on 10 different occasions. Henrik ranks second on the team in points (29), goals (9), assists (20), ppg (4), and  ppp (12). He is 9th in NHL scoring.
  • Chris Tanev leads the team and ranks 6th in the League in blocked shots with 74. His defence partner Alex Edler ranks 18th in the NHL with 59 blocked shots.
  • Alex Edler, with his power play goal on December 9 surpassed Rick Lanz for sole possession of second place for most PPG by a Canucks defenseman, with 38.
  • Rookie forward Jared McCann is t-14th in rookie scoring with 6-goals and 3-assist for 9-points. Among rookies, he ranks 8th in goals; 9th in shots-on-goal with 50; 9th in shooting percentage at 12%.
  • Rookie defenseman Ben Hutton is t-14th in rookie scoring with 9-points on 9-assists. Among rookies, he ranks t-4th in assists; t-18th in shots-on-goal with 34; 3rd worst among rookies this season in plus/minus with a -8.
  • Ryan Miller, has seen action in 24 of 30 possible games this season. His record is 9-9-6, with a .914 save percentage, his highest in three seasons.
  • Miller stopped 64 of 67 shots over his last two starts to help Vancouver break out of their 5- game losing slump.
  • Vancouver power play goals in a nutshell this season:
    • 1 goal in 14games;
    • 2 goals scored in 2 games;
    • 3 goals scored in 1 game;
    • no goals scored in 13 games (streaks of 5  in a row; 4 in a row).
    • Streaks of games in a row with 1 or more: 8 games and 5 games.
  • Power play opportunities in a nutshell this season:
    • 1 opportunity: 3 games;
    • 2 opportunities: 5 games;
    • 3 opportunities: 7 games;
    • 4 opportunities: 7 games;
    • 5 opportunities: 2 games;
    • 6 opportunities: 4 games;
    • 5 opportunities: 2 games;
    • 6 opportunities:  4 games;
    • 7 opportunities: 1 game;
    • 8 opportunities: 1 game.
  • Power play summary:
    • Of 4 or more opportunities: 15 for 77 in 15 games: 19.4%
    • Of 3 or less opportunities: 6 for 34 in 15 games: 17.6%
  • They wrapped up a four game home stand on December 9 with two straight wins. Canucks record: 11-11-8. The two wins helped Vancouver claim second place in the Pacific division, as they begin a 6-game road trip on December 13.
  • The last time the Canucks won two straight games was when Vancouver defeated Arizona and Philadelphia, October 30 and November 2, respectively. The Canucks record: 6-2-4. Vancouver would lose their next game to Pittsburgh, ending their win streak at 2 games.
  • Vancouver was  tied with Los Angeles for first place in the Pacific division, as they embarked for their November 7-game road trip
  • Canucks road trip in November started with a Vancouver power play that was 1 for 9 in three previous games
  • The road trip this month starts with the Canuck power play 2 for 16 in its last 4 games.
  • The Canucks penalty kill had only allowed 1 goal on 7 man advantages in three previous games prior to the November road trip.
  • Vancouver’s penalty kill has killed all 11 man advantages in the last 4 games.
  • Vancouver lost 6 of their 7 games on the November road trip.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No Shortage Of Advice For The Canucks To Shake The Doom And Gloom Naysayers….Just Saying

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By Andrew Phillip Chernoff   November 22, 2015   Just Saying….

 

Just-saying

The Vancouver Canucks returned from a disappointing seven game road trip, arguably their toughest road trip of the entire 2015-16 season.

Many people had their opinions as to what went wrong and what needed to be done to salvage the rest of the season, where competition is stiff, and very few points can be given up in a short period of time and still make a successful season. What is a successful season? Well, for the Canucks, it would be making the playoffs.

The Canucks have not had so few wins after 20 games since the 1997-98 season. The Canucks started 4-13-3 that season under former head coach Mike Keenan and finished the year with just 65 points. Brad Ziemer,Vancouver Sun, Nov 20, 2015

Media covering the Canucks, as well as Jim Benning, Ryan Miller, Daniel Sedin, Henrik Sedin, wasted little time in making their opinions known November 19-21.

Some key things for the Canucks remainder of the season according to those that voiced their thoughts include:

  • Play inspired, not intimidated.  A visit from the defending Cup champs usually brings out the best in a team wanting to use the game as a measuring stick. The Canucks might not be feeling too confident lately but they still should be fired up and wanting to show they can be competitive against the league’s best. Canucks website, Nov 21, 2015.
  • Prust brings some life. Brandon Prust may not be the guy you’re counting on for goals and points, but when it comes to energy he brings it every night. The Canucks have sorely missed the veteran winger and his expected return tonight should galvanize a team that desperately needs something positive right now. Canucks website, Nov 21, 2015.
  • “You need to manage the puck properly,” Benning said. “I think in some instances we haven’t been focused on managing the puck, getting it out at our blue line and making sure when we get to their blue-line, not losing the puck and getting it in and chasing after it. BRAD ZIEMER, Vancouver Sun
  • Need to get the big goal when they need it. Offensively, the Canucks can’t seem to get a big goal when they need it most. Radim Vrbata, who had a team-high 31 goals last season, has just three despite being tied for seventh in the NHL with 74 shots on net. BRAD ZIEMER, Vancouver Sun
  • Need to close—–finish. Whatever spin you choose to summarize a sobering 1-4-2 road trip — including losing two one-goal games in regulation and two more in overtime to sink to 0-for-6 in the new 3-on-3 format — one thing is clear after 20 games. The Vancouver Canucks are good enough to keep games close, they just can’t close. Ben Kuzma, The Province
  • Ryan Miller needs to maintain focus and reduce distractions. He was rightly feted in his long anticipated return to Buffalo and understandably upset following an overtime loss in New Jersey.Willie Desjardins loves that his starter rarely gives up rebounds, has a high level of compete and studies the game like a professor. That’s where the smarts kick in and that’s where Miller can be better. . Ben Kuzma, The Province
  • Horvat has to step up against better opposition. Even before training camp, Bo Horvat spoke of and was well aware of the sophomore jinx. He knew players who went through it, knew what to expect.Really? He’s only 20. Add power-play and penalty kill responsibilities this season and it shouldn’t be that surprising that the centre has two goals through 20 games after 13 as a rookie.Is he pressing and missing great scoring chances? Absolutely. Has he been anxious to get in transition and not been as diligent in his own zone or the faceoff circle? Probably. And with Brandon Sutter injured, Horvat has to step up against better opposition and it’s a long way from being a fourth line rookie centre with limited expectations and even-strength minutes.He’s gone from 12:15 of average ice time and a 51.4 per cent faceoff efficiency to 16:20 and 49.2 per cent in the circle and a minus-9 rating. That’s a lot to shoulder. . Ben Kuzma, The Province
  • A team is only as good as its goalie. Vancouver shot out of the gates on the back of Miller, who started the team’s first 10 games until Richard Bachman spelled him off on Oct. 30. Miller had a 2.16 goals-against average and a .923 save percentage in those 10 games. Not surprisingly, the Canucks went 4-2-4 and were tied with the Los Angeles Kings for first in the Pacific Division.Since then, however, Miller — unsurprisingly — has come back to earth. He has been, well, less than stellar in six starts so far in November, with a 3.04 GAA and an .892 SP, and the Canucks have gone just 1-4-1 in those six starts. Perhaps the most telling statistic is that he has allowed three goals or more in 10 of his 16 starts. Ronnie Shuker, The Hockey News
  • Eliminate the silver-platter scoring chances they are presenting (Iain MacIntyre, Vancouver Sun). Keep it simple. Stick to basics. No need to be flashy. Have the shot, shoot. Go to the net. Don’t have the shot, look for somebody. Put the puck on net, good things can happen.
  • Get better on special teams play. Need to finish around the net on the power play. Need to be more disciplined on the penalty kill.
  • Get points, get points, and get points!!! The Canucks are home, but their schedule isn’t getting easier. After spending two weeks on the road, Vancouver plays the Chicago Blackhawks and New Jersey Devils back-to-back, Saturday and Sunday at Rogers Arena, then travel again for games in Minnesota, Dallas, Anaheim and Los Angeles. November could decide their season.Iain MacIntyre, Vancouver Sun
  • Leave no points on the table.No team has left more points on the table than the Vancouver Canucks have this season. “It could be a big part of defining our season,” Vancouver GM Jim Benning told The Province. “Because last year, in games that went to overtime and the shootout we were (12-5). That’s the difference between making the playoffs and not making the playoffs.” Jason Brough
  • You create your own breaks. Positives are not results. Raise the intensity level. Attention level to detail has to go up. Mistakes need to go down. Gotta have confidence and bring it. “We keep saying we’re close,” said Miller, who made 30 saves. “We’ve got to make the turn here. It’s not ideal mentally for this group to be really close [in] games. We’ve got to park it. We’ve got to find a way to keep coming with energy and believe it’s going to turn. The only thing you can do in this situation is work hard and believe that hard work will translate. ” Daniel Sedin found some positives with the road trip but admitted that the Canucks need results. “I think we’ve got to turn it around now,” he said. “We need some wins. But at the same time, I think we need to look at the big picture. We’re playing better than we were before. That’s a good sign. But right now we need a win.” Henrik Sedin concurred. “I don’t think you can question the way we battled, but our intensity has to go up, and our attention to detail needs to be there,” he said. “It’s a game of mistakes. We’re still making a few too many to win the close games.” Patrick Williams NHL.com
  • Play with urgency in the moment. You can’t do anything about what has past. The future is yours to write. So excel in the moment. Andrew Chernoff, andrewchernoff.wordpress.com

The game on Saturday night against the defending Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks provided Vancouver with a perfect opportunity to pull a true Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and show a side of themselves that was reminiscent of the start of the season when they were firing on all cylinders and looking like they were going to be a playoff contender in the Western Conference. Not a pretender.

The leaders—–the Sedin brothers, Ryan Miller, Jannick Hansen, Alex Edler, Chris Tanev, Brandon Prust, Alex Burrows, Chris Higgins, to speak of a few; the youth—–Bo Horvat, Jared McCann, Jake Virtanen—–reminded the coaches, the general manager, the president of the Canucks, and all Canuck fans…..how this team could actually play if inspired, focused, disciplined and able to fight off distractions and stay with the game plan.

The result was there last night against the Blackhawks, a 6-3 victory that ended a four game losing streak, but one game does not make a season or make up for the points left on the table.

Great individual efforts such as exhibited by Daniel and Henrik Sedin, are to be praised in the moment and used for inspiration, for future upcoming games.

The team had the confidence and brought it. They raised their intensity level, created their own breaks, reduced their mistakes and were rewarded for it all.

There are 61 games left, including tonight against the New Jersey Devils and the upcoming four game road trip.

The Canucks have not had so few wins after 20 games since the 1997-98 season. The Canucks started 4-13-3 that season under former head coach Mike Keenan and finished the year with just 65 points.

Vancouver, more now then ever, have to turn up their game as they did against Chicago, and sustain it for the rest of the season, if they are going to seriously compete against the leading Western Conference teams and achieve their goal of making the playoffs next Spring.

Standings seldom alter to a great degree after U.S. Thanksgiving. Catching teams after that date is one thing, passing them is another. And with Brandon Sutter, Luca Sbisa and Radim Vrbata injured to varying degrees, the climb will be more arduous if areas of considerable concern aren’t immediately addressed. Ben Kuzma, The Province, Nov 20, 2015

Canucks have to play with urgency in the moment. You can’t do anything about what has past. The future is there to write. So excel in the moment….Just Saying….

Wins Make A Difference….Montreal Have Nine….Canucks Need Another…Just Saying

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By Andrew Phillip Chernoff  October 26, 2015 Just Saying….

Just-saying

The Canucks end their disappointing 5-game home stand Tuesday, October 27, 2015 against the Montreal Canadians.

The Canucks have lost four games in a row (three of them in regulation play), all of them at home.

The Canadians come into the game on a nine game winning streak from the start of the season; all wins in regulation.

Frustration from Vancouver reporters and Canuck fans stemming over blown leads entering the third-period; and questions on coach Willie Desjardins strategy behind proportioning game minutes, is providing interesting fodder for hot discussion.

The Canucks lost only four games last season when taking a lead into the final period, going 30-1-3.

Vancouver has already lost three games by blowing 3rd-period leads in their first 5-games at home, and they have only played eight games so far this season.

The loss of Kevin Bieksa, G Eddie Lack,  F Nick Bonino, D Adam Clendening, F Shawn Matthias, F Brad Richardson; the injection of youth in the likes of Jarred McCann, Jake Virtanen and Sven Baertschi; and the line juggling to find those productive line combinations, is proving difficult, more so than anticipated.

The injury of Chris Higgins as well has not helped.

The youth movement, an unproven back-up goalie, and the inability of the Canucks to score timely goals were identified by myself in their season preview as areas of concern. I would like to add problems with player chemistry, injuries (more so later in the season) and the power play.

The Canucks do not have the same team in the locker room and on the ice they had last season. For good or bad, reporters and fans alike knew there was a real chance the Canucks may not come out at the start of the season moving on all cylinders’. Yet alas, all that is out the window….so much for patience and long suffering.

Have not heard much about the Canuck’s power play which is currently 14.8 per cent, good for 22nd in the league. As for penalty killing the Canucks are at 87 per cent, 8th place.

The Canucks 3-on-3 effort in overtime has also been a learning curve for Desjardins and the players: the effort put out is at the end of the game when the players have already expended plenty of calories, energy and water at a high paced level. Tough to hold something back when the object is to win….normally….in regulation.

The adjustments to be made entering the season were obvious, but like most things, being aware of needs, things to be done; and how things should work out, are different from actual game execution results.

By the way, how about those Los Angeles Kings?

Five game winning streak, after losing their first three games of the season…Amazing….Just need to get that one win, and good things happen….Just Saying….

Are Canadians “fickle, wing nuts”? Is Trudeau “unprepared, gaffe prone”? Former U.S. Senate Aide Says They Are

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October 21, 2015   Andrew Phillip Chernoff  Just Saying….Just-saying

Trudeau Victory Bad For U.S., World At Large: Sean Kennedy

Sean Kennedy did not like the 2015 Federal Election result.

He  is all sad and crying tears for the nation of Canada, after years of having a man crush on Stephen Harper.

“The downfall of the Harper government is a defeat for a conservative admired by many on the right in U.S. politics,” according to Kennedy.

Who is Sean Kennedy?  Sean Kennedy is a writer based in Washington. Previously, he was a U.S. Senate aide, television producer and a fellow at public policy think tanks. He lived in Canada and observed the last federal election in Canada firsthand., according to CNN.

I think his head was in the cloud on some wacky-tobacco, and in reruns of his favourite Richard Nixon home movies, when he coined his dribble.

In his article for CNN, titled “Justin Trudeau victory in Canada is bad news for U.S. conservatives”, Kennedy let’ it all hang out, not flattered in the least about the Canadian election outcome;  sulking over the Harper conservatives loss  and his disdain for the Canadian voters for getting his man in Canada,  “…booted out of office after nine years of steadily manoeuvring the ship of state.”

Steadily manoeuvring Canada? Maybe, over Niagara Falls.

On how and why Canadians voted for Justin Trudeau and the Liberals in resounding fashion, Kennedy explains it this way:

The fickle Canadian voters were tired, though. Tired of the scandals and unforced errors that come with years of unchecked power (Canada’s parliamentary system is a unitary executive-legislative branch). Political appointees and friends of Harper’s couldn’t resist feeding at the taxpayers’ trough. Though the trail never led directly to Harper, the scandal only fed a public perception that the cool-to-a-fault, calculating (and yes, even Nixonian) Prime Minister was up to no good.

We fickle Canadians…..The majority of the Canadian electorate punted Harper to the sidelines, and did not vote for the  Lord and Saviour Stephen Harper. Canadians instead were:  patriotic, tried, responsible, true, pertinacious, tenacious, secure, staunch,  incorruptible,  nationalistic, unalterable, sure.

Kennedy just can not understand it. His American peanut-sized brain just can’t put his head around it.

Harper was defeated by, “ the unprepared, gaffe-prone but well-coiffed son of a former prime minister, Justin Trudeau.” , Kennedy writes, probably after another puff of his wacky tobacco.

How is that possible?  How was it that the Harper punch bowl just did not have enough of that elixir to make us all Harperites and submissive to his voting will at the ballot box from coast-to-coast-to-coast?

After all, look what  what Harper and the Conservatives did for Canadians,eh:

Canada under Harper’s leadership was a conservative wonderland with balanced budgets, increasingly low taxes and a robust foreign policy aimed at taking on terrorists and bullies the world over.

Harper’s fate is all the more shocking when you consider how well Canada weathered the 2008-2009 financial crisis under his watch. He didn’t bail out anyone (except the U.S.-based auto industry), no financial institutions failed and the Canadian economy hummed along.

With sky-high oil prices and other resources reaching record highs, Canada got rich as other industrial powers paid top dollar (or top loonie, if you will) for the raw materials they needed to grow. As oil prices fell off a cliff, the Canadian economy slowed, even briefly dipping into recession this year. But Harper made the necessary cuts and kept taxes low. Amazingly, he balanced the budget ahead of schedule as the commodity markets nosedived.

When Harper introduced anti-terror legislation called C-51, or “Canada’s Patriot Act,” after prominent attacks inspired by radical Islam, the wing nuts of Canada’s left came out of the woodwork, painting the Prime Minister as a tyrant in the making.

Harper took a stand for an inclusive, but fully Westernized and assimilating Canada — banning the niqab, or face veil, from being worn at citizenship swearing-in ceremonies.

Canada is in for it now. Prepare for end times. The world will now turn its back on Canada.

According to Kennedy, Harper and the Conservatives,  were the authors and implementers of, “Canada’s Miracle”, which was:

….surviving the financial crisis, balancing budgets, slashing red tape and taxes while maintaining a healthy welfare state….

According to Kennedy, “The Conservative Party’s loss is to the detriment of its neighbours to the south and the world at large…”

Well, in the Great White North, in a country called Canada, on October 19, 2015, the Canadian voters took back Canada from Stephen Harper and the Conservatives.

Stay within your borders United States and Global community; or be prepared to suffer the consequences of challenging Canadian sovereignty, if you dare; upon which every disobedient nation  will be subjected to the unleashing of hundreds of thousands of hockey pucks.

My advice to Kennedy, the United States of America, and the rest of the Nations in the world, who have issue with democracy at its finest,  as demonstrated by the massive, historic, resounding landslide of Justin Trudeau and the federal Liberal Party: Most unlearned reviewer! fortunate would it be for your own sakes and ours, could you but fix your eyes upon the stifling smoke issuing from your own home, instead of keeping them busy with your spy-glasses in watching our  motions across in Canada.{Note: thanks be to Louisa Susanna Cheves McCord, and her book Political and Social Essays for assistance in the advice}

Just Saying…..