NorthWest Sports Blog brings you daily features on Oregon, Washington State, and BC amateur and pro sports teams.
NWSB Insider and Vancouver Canucks’ blogger Richard Hodges is back to give you his love ‘em and hate ‘em from Vancouver’s win over the Edmonton Oilers. Richard points out that the power play is still a struggle for the Canucks. On the bright side, Cory Schneider is shutting teams out, making the battle for starting netminder an interesting one. Oh yeah, Zach Kassian finally scored – his first since January!
Richard Hodges previews the Edmonton Oilers vs. Vancouver Canucks April 4th matchup. Richard says the Canucks addressed their biggest need and there’s no reason to believe this team isn’t better than last week. Derek Roy gives this line-up some scary flexibility. You can bitch about the lack of depth moves until you’re blue in the face, but the Roy acquisition is significant. Yes Roberto Luongo hates his contract, its his birthday today, Cory Schneider is in net. Deal with it.
NWSB Vancouver Canucks writer Josh Hall slams GM Mike Gillis, calling Wednesday’s NHL Trade Deadline MG’s worst day on the job yet. But it hasn’t always been doom and gloom according to Josh. It’s just when you sign a guy like Roberto Luongo to a 12 year contract, he probably deserves a little more respect than what he’s gotten throughout this nightmarish process. Roberto’s post practice depressing and strangely endearing Q&A session was the raw truth.
NWSB Insider and Vancouver Canucks’ blogger Richard Hodges is back to give you his love ‘em and hate ‘em from Vancouver’s tough loss to the San Jose Sharks on Monday night. Richard points out Henrik Sedin & Daniel Sedin collectively this season, are slumping. When’s the last time they’ve scored a goal that grabbed you from your seat? The only thing worse than the league’s worst powerplay is not having any chances at all for the second time in three games.
NWSB Insider and Vancouver Canucks blogger Bryan McFarlane weighs in with his Nucks three stars post. Here are the few noteworthy performers from March March 25th to April 1st during the Canucks 2013 campaign. Daniel Sedin, Henrik Sedin, and Alexandre Burrows make the list this week. Bryan points out things will certainly not be any easier in the final stretch of games this season, so here’s hoping they sharpen up those skates and get down to business.
Richard Hodges previews the Vancouver Canucks vs. San Jose Sharks April 1st matchup. Richard says injuries are mounting for Van City. Add Mason Raymond to a list that includes Dale Weise and Keith Ballard. Kevin Bieksa didn’t take the morning skate either but there’s no word yet on him not playing. The Sharks open a four game homestand at HP Pavilion tonight where they’re 11-1-4. Also for the Sharks, Jason Demers didn’t play Saturday and will be a game-day decision.
Richard Hodges previews the Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Vancouver Canucks March 26th matchup. Richard asks Is a four game winning streak enough to erase the doom and gloom that persisted in early March? Most of the credit is due to Cory Schneider, who has been brilliant during those four games. Van City won’t have David Booth, Ryan Kesler, Steve Pinizzoto, Dale Weise and Zack Kassian tonight…
Richard Hodges previews the St. Louis Blues vs. Vancouver Canucks March 19th matchup. Richard says the Blues will get a boost tonight when Andy McDonald returns after missing four games. Exactly what the Canucks didn’t want to hear. Yes, the Canucks are in a tailspin, having lost 11 of their last 16. Last time these two met you may remember Jake Allen’s beautiful save off Alex Burrows in overtime. Season turning point? Who knows.
Richard Hodges previews the Nashville Predators vs. Vancouver Canucks March 14th matchup. Richard says the Canucks are back in town, which means the traditional first game home trap is in play tonight. The Preds will miss Paul Gaustad, Colin Wilson and Patric Hornqvist while the Canucks are essentially healthy with Kevin Bieksa if you try not to think about Ryan Kesler. Thankfully, Bieksa will be back tonight.
Richard Hodges previews the Vancouver Canucks vs. Columbus Blue Jackets March 12th matchup. Richard says Kevin Bieksa will miss yet another game with his groin troubles while Keith Ballard appears to be over his charley horse but still in the doghouse. Its tough times right now for Van City. Mike Gillis traded Cody Hodgson for Zack Kassian last trade deadline, so anything is on the table here. This team needs to start winning. NOW.
Richard Hodges previews the San Jose Sharks vs Vancouver Canucks March 10th matchup. Richard says the Wild are coming off Ryan Suter’s emotional return to Nashville, where they took two points in a shootout. Zach Parise had Minnesota’s only regulation marker. The Canucks are limping into this one he says. They’ll have to win today with a banged up line-up that will miss Ryan Kesler, Kevin Bieksa and Tom Sestito.
Richard Hodges previews the San Jose Sharks vs Vancouver Canucks March 5th matchup. Richard says the Sharks defeated the Canucks 4-1 in their only other game this year. Joe Pavelski had a pair while Patrick Marleau was going through his insane goal-scoring stretch. Meanwhile goaltenders around the league are getting injured in droves and the trade deadline is just a month away, If not a goaltender (Roberto Luongo / Cory Schneider, then Keith Ballard?
