Canucks 2011 Playoff Run

[TheLionKing]

The Booins have suckered the Canucks into playing their games. Canucks need to refocus and play their game - speed, transition game rather than getting into a hitting game. If they can find their power play they can make Boston pay for their transgressions. They're getting alot of shots at Thomas but not alot of quality shots.

[Rammer]

The Booins have suckered the Canucks into playing their games. Canucks need to refocus and play their game - speed, transition game rather than getting into a hitting game. If they can find their power play they can make Boston pay for their transgressions. They're getting alot of shots at Thomas but not alot of quality shots.

YEEEEEPP!!!!

I thought that the Canucks would have addressed this between games 3 and 4, not so much. The Canucks are definitely losing the one on one battles, even with Thomas, the last two games were as difficult to view as the Chicago first two wins.

[jcalhoun]

Hey all,

I don't really like hockey --I mean, it's okay... but it's not football. Count me as one of the minority that was tuned in to 1410 listening to the training camp show while the rest of the country was watching the first period. I've been watching the playoffs with a certain level of indifference; ultimately I'd like the Canucks to win, but I want to see the series go seven games.

As a sort of outside observer, the Stanley Cup run has been fascinating to witness: the mass euphoria after each win, the car flags, the gathering downtown, etc. The Canucks have permeated every possible niche to such an extent that they have marginalized everything else. The two Vancouver daily newspapers, (particularly the Province) have more or less ceased reporting the news and have filled nearly every section with Canucks related stories. I understand the playoffs are a big deal to a lot of people, but it strikes me as a little over the top. The last weekend in May saw the Royal wedding, the mission to kill OBL, and a historically significant Canadian election (Tory majority, NDP oppostion, Libs reduced to 3rd, destruction of the Bloc, and a Green MP!) --less ink was spilled on those three major events combined (in Vancouver anyway) than on a hockey team. I think that says something about our society. It has also been interesting to see how everyone, from politicians to businesses are trying to align themselves to the Canucks in some way --a bond that will no doubt evaporate quickly should the team not win this series.

As far as the actual games are concerned, I've been shocked to discover the level of incompetence of NHL referees. Missed calls are going to happen in any sport, especially in one as fast as hockey. But what has become evident, to me at least, is that the NHL refs don't actually know all the rules. How is that possible? How can a league be hosting a championship, and still be clarifying what a goalie is, and is not permitted to do? How can a late hit delivered by Chara against that Montreal player not be subject to suspension and Rome's hit merit four games? It seems that the refs and the NHL are making it up as they go along and frankly, that strikes me as bush-league. Of all the sports I've watched, the NHL has the most arbitrary enforcement of the rules. I'm surprised there haven't been bribe-related scandals in the NHL as a result of this lack of enforcement.

Anyway, I hope the series goes seven games. As an outsider, if I'm going to be subjected to all this hockey-madness, then the end result should come with a maximum amount of drama, and I think that is what we're going to witness. Or what the rest of you will witness, because I'll be watching the Lions preseason game versus the Stamps on Wednesday the 15th on TSN2.

Cheers,

James

[Sir Purrcival]

Canucks playing the Bruin's game is one thing but the other is the fact that our high priced goaltender is looking very ordinary at the moment. He had some bad luck in Game 3 but in Game 4, he was just piss poor. Your goaltender has to come up big for you at this level and Luongo hasn't. How many breakaways has Thomas stopped for the Bruins compared to Luongo? He let in a soft second goal, again didn't come up big with the 3rd and I couldn't even watch the 4th. This make 4 games in these playoffs where he has literally been roasted by the opposition. That unfortunately doesn't really rate as top of the line goaltending regardless of "how good" he was playing between those games. Win or lose, Luongo will never be able to shake the questioning of his level of play. Even goaltenders the likes of Chris Osgood were able to get cups in front of a good team. The idea that Luongo can carry this team is sadly laughable at this point and in the off season, I think Gillis would do well to try and move him and keep Schneider. That may not be an easy task or even possible but I can't ignore the fact that Luongo is just not steady enough. I would rather have a goaltender with a higher GAA but who doesn't periodically crumble than a goaltender who swings wildly between very good and gawd awful.

[Rammer]

Canucks playing the Bruin's game is one thing but the other is the fact that our high priced goaltender is looking very ordinary at the moment. He had some bad luck in Game 3 but in Game 4, he was just piss poor. Your goaltender has to come up big for you at this level and Luongo hasn't. How many breakaways has Thomas stopped for the Bruins compared to Luongo? He let in a soft second goal, again didn't come up big with the 3rd and I couldn't even watch the 4th. This make 4 games in these playoffs where he has literally been roasted by the opposition. That unfortunately doesn't really rate as top of the line goaltending regardless of "how good" he was playing between those games. Win or lose, Luongo will never be able to shake the questioning of his level of play. Even goaltenders the likes of Chris Osgood were able to get cups in front of a good team. The idea that Luongo can carry this team is sadly laughable at this point and in the off season, I think Gillis would do well to try and move him and keep Schneider. That may not be an easy task or even possible but I can't ignore the fact that Luongo is just not steady enough. I would rather have a goaltender with a higher GAA but who doesn't periodically crumble than a goaltender who swings wildly between very good and gawd awful.

Still you have to wonder why the Canucks look like the 2009 and 10 teams playing against the Blackhawks, getting beaten physically and moving away from their game. I thought that this edition of Canucks had moved past that, not so much. Even the targeting of the Sedin's and Kessler seem eerily similar, as the replays show the extra stick or shove as they are headed off the ice. Time to stop sitting on the ice and get the Bruins grasping at you from behind. Then if the PP would show some life, all would be fine.

As for Luongo, I always could knock him until the last half of the season, he hasn't allowed that ugly goal per game. Then the two games in Boston and the puck is finding the back of the net like nobodies business. Some you can chalk up to lack of concentration as the game gets out of hand, but he does need to make the big save when the game is on the line, so far not so much while in Boston. Hope that home ice is the Canucks advantage now, well that and the hope that they are more well suited to deal with the travel than their counterparts.

[Sir Purrcival]

Agreed, Luongo is not completely at fault but the truth is that your goaltender is the last line of defense and he needs to step up. It is a lot easier to play with passion when you are only down a goal. By the time you get to 3-0 and the other goalie is playing lights out, it is hard to keep the ship pointed in the right direction. That breakaway in the first was a killer. Straight through the legs. Not a great deke, just straight on shot, and boom at the back of the net. 2nd Goal, from way outside the face off circle and boom, back of the net. Then you fail to bail out your patchwork defense on the 3rd. Boom, back of the net. Not goal tending worthy of a 6 million dollar a year goaltender. We could have the same goal tending for far less than that and in fact better. I'm not a Luongo hater but the simple fact is that he has a marginal glove hand and seems to leave lots of openings positionally. He simply isn't worth the money he is being paid. You don't get second chances at this stage. If we go on to lose, who knows when, if ever, we get back again. To end up giving it away because in large part your marquis goaltender can't match the guy at the other end of the ice is pretty disheartening especially when he was supposed to be a much lauded plank of your effort to get the cup.

Anyway, hopefully the change of venue will bring a change of fortune. We are still tied and can still win this thing.

[WestCoastJoe]

Well, those 2 games were humiliating. Head shakers.

One would expect the games to be at least close.

What changed? Did the Bruins bring out the goon atmostphere of yesteryear, and were our Canucks not ready for it?

Did the Canucks try to change the culture of the league towards fast, skilful play, but the Bruins have shown that as long as the league allows it, goon hockey can prevail?

Was the bad ice part of the nightmare?

Was it just Tim Thomas doing his magic act, and Roberto Luongo once again entering his Twilight Zone?

Did the Aaron Rome hit on Nathan Horton totally rev up the Bruins?

Was it the presence of Bobby Orr that lifted the Bruins?

Was it the anniversary of the Cam Neely trade that did it?

Gawwddd knows, but it sure hurt as a long time fan of the Canucks.

Hold the parade. If we don't regroup fast, there will be some major depression for our city, after the highs of the Olympics.

Series tied 2 - 2. One can only hope.

[TheLionKing]

Gillis would have a hard time moving Luongo given his salary. In addition, I believe he has a no trade clause in his contract.

[KnowItAll]

I think thomas has psyched out the canucks. They are so concerned about tying to get the puck past him that they are playing horrible defense. Pushing too hard to score, getting caught too much. Too much having to chase the bruins into their own zone.

[KnowItAll]

Just to put things into perspective

after 4 games in 94, though the canucks were down 3 -1, they were outscored 14 - 7
after 4 games in 82, though the canucks lost all 4, they were out scored 18 - 10
after 4 games in 11, though the canucks are tied, they have been outscored 13-4

94 canucks lost games by 2-4-2-1 pts. The 4 pts after Pavel was ejected.
82 cancuks lost games by 1(ot)-2-3-2 pts.

The final pts in the 94 series total, if I added right, was 21-19 for the rangers.

2 more 1 pts wins by this yrs team will not convince me they are the equal of 94, let alone better. They need to completely own the bruins in two more wins to erase some of the foul taste left from the last two games.

[Tighthead]

Just to put things into perspective

after 4 games in 94, though the canucks were down 3 -1, they were outscored 14 - 7
after 4 games in 82, though the canucks lost all 4, they were out scored 18 - 10
after 4 games in 11, though the canucks are tied, they have been outscored 13-4

94 canucks lost games by 2-4-2-1 pts. The 4 pts after Pavel was ejected.
82 cancuks lost games by 1(ot)-2-3-2 pts.

The final pts in the 94 series total, if I added right, was 21-19 for the rangers.

2 more 1 pts wins by this yrs team will not convince me they are the equal of 94, let alone better. They need to completely own the bruins in two more wins to erase some of the foul taste left from the last two games.

So merely winning the Cup in six wouldn't be enough, they must own the Bruins in the process?

WTF are points?

[KnowItAll]

Just to put things into perspective

after 4 games in 94, though the canucks were down 3 -1, they were outscored 14 - 7
after 4 games in 82, though the canucks lost all 4, they were out scored 18 - 10
after 4 games in 11, though the canucks are tied, they have been outscored 13-4

94 canucks lost games by 2-4-2-1 pts. The 4 pts after Pavel was ejected.
82 cancuks lost games by 1(ot)-2-3-2 pts.

The final pts in the 94 series total, if I added right, was 21-19 for the rangers.

2 more 1 pts wins by this yrs team will not convince me they are the equal of 94, let alone better. They need to completely own the bruins in two more wins to erase some of the foul taste left from the last two games.

So merely winning the Cup in six wouldn't be enough, they must own the Bruins in the process?

WTF are points?

pts\goals\whatever.

just barely winning the cup will not mean they are better than the 94 team, is my main point.

question: How does this yrs bruins compare to the 94 rangers and the 82 islanders?

[Tighthead]

Being better than the 1994 team is irrelevant and subjective to say the least.

All that matters now is being better than the 2011 Bruins.

Everything else is a circle jerk.

[KnowItAll]

Being better than the 1994 team is irrelevant and subjective to say the least.

All that matters now is being better than the 2011 Bruins.

Everything else is a circle jerk.

what is this circle jerk you speak of?

[Lionheart]

Being better than the 1994 team is irrelevant and subjective to say the least.

All that matters now is being better than the 2011 Bruins.

Everything else is a circle jerk.

what is this circle jerk you speak of?

Check your calendar, I'm sure there's one in there.