NorthWest Sports Blog brings you daily features on Oregon, Washington State, and BC amateur and pro sports teams.
NWSB Insider and Vancouver Canucks blogger Mitch Dyck brings us up to speed on the storylines he’s following with regards to the Round 1 Stanley Cup playoffs clash between the San Jose Sharks and our Canucks. Mitch says
in order for Vancouver to take this series, and he thinks they will, it will take four complete games, no relying on anything other than outplaying their opponent. And Cory Schneider must lead by example.
NWSB Playoffs Gambling insider Dave B previews the San Jose Sharks vs. Vancouver Canucks game Wednesday night. His headline: Canucks Begin Cup Quest Wednesday Night. Offensively the Canucks generated just 2.54 goals per game this year – a far cry from the teams we’ve seen the last few years. Cory Schneider should return to the lineup for Game 1 and he will be crucial after Roberto Luongo melted down in his last two starts.
NWSB Insider and BC Lions’ blogger Andrew Deutschmann talks about the never-ending saga of Khalif Mitchell, a thankfully former BC Lion. His talent and tenacity are just about unmatched throughout the CFL and when he’s on, he is the best defensive player in the league, in my mind. He didn’t always have huge numbers, but he always attracts attention from the other team and opens up opportunities for his teammates to make plays.
NWSB Insider and BC Lions blogger Phil “The Bartender” Slater tells us that the Leo’s have reloaded their roster in advance of trying to win the 2013 Grey Cup. Anthony Reddick, the veteran outside linebacker was released, most likely to give Lin-J Shell or Solomon Elimimian additional playing time. Khalif Mitchell & Geroy Simon are also gone. In are Justin Harper, Elvis Akpla, Adrian Awasom, Adrian Awasom and DJ Woods. Lets go!
NWSB Insider and Vancouver Canucks’ blogger Richard Hodges takes a look at the form of the Vancouver Canucks as they head into their first round matchup with the San Jose Sharks. The Canucks have just as good a chance as every other team says Richard, but they will need the lucky bounces to go in their favor. A Cup run is unlikely, Richard thinks, but playoff hockey brings the unexpected right to our living rooms.
NWSB Insider and Vancouver Canucks blogger C-Mac weighs in on the overachievers and underachievers in Van City for the end of the 2012/13 regular season. Jason Garrison was on the underachiever side of this list at the quarter season mark, but he made a superb turnaround. Alex Edler is the single most disappointing player that the Canucks have had to endure this season. David Booth could well be the victim of Vancouver’s buyout amnesty.
NWSB Insider and BC Lions blogger Phil “The Bartender” Slater tells us that the Leo’s preseason is in full effect. Coach Benevides has the offense working extra hard this spring, with Travis Lulay and the WR corps getting extra reps with the new offense. Gone is Geroy Simon, but who needs him anyways (trader). But the Bartender wants to know who will step up? Who will be the next go to guy for the Lions?
NWSB Insider and Vancouver Canucks blogger Bryan McFarlane weighs in with his Nucks three stars post. Here are the few noteworthy performers from April 14 to April 21 during the Canucks’ 2013 campaign. Alexander Edler, Ryan Kessler and Derek Roy make the list this week. Roy also earns credit for his goal of the week in his return to Dallas.
NWSB Gambling insider Dave B previews the Vancouver Canucks vs. Stars game tonight. His headline, For The Gamblers! Canucks Aim For Ninth Straight At Home Thursday Night. Offensively, the Canucks will enter the playoffs as an average team – 2.59 goals for per game. But the presence of Ryan Kesler and the return of Chris Higgins to join the second line has made a world of difference. Roberto Luongo is in net tonight.
NWSB Insider and Vancouver Canucks blogger Mitch Dyck brings us up to speed on the storylines from last nights Canucks win over the Chicago Blackhawks. If there was ever a perfect example of baptism by fire, for Frank Corrado his first NHL game would be just that. What happens now is anyone’s guess. Mitch thinks Corrado’s play last night warrants another look in Thursday’s game against the Ducks. Kevin Bieksa and Chris Tanev take your time.
For The Gamblers! The Vancouver Canucks and the Chicago Blackhawks play the rubber match in their three games series Monday night when the Hawks, who are coming off a rare loss (albeit in a shootout) invade Rogers Arena to take on a Canucks team that came up with what can best be described as a [...]
NWSB Insider and Vancouver Canucks’ blogger Richard Hodges is back to give you his love ‘em and hate ‘em from Vancouver’s loss to the Dallas Stars. Richard points Derek Roy is good. He says he’s not being used exactly right, but so far he’s above Bryan Smolinski on the trade deadline bell curve. He also asks an interesting question. Is it hyperbole to say when Kevin Bieksa comes back the Canucks will never lose? (Probably.)
