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The verdict seemed to be all but in last night. With about five minutes to go in the hockey game, Vancouver trailing 3-1, and no real jump in the Canucks. Once again Canucks Nation was left wondering why this team seems to fall like a house of cards whenever they face any sort of a big game.
The common topic of discussion: Who is the coach that can kick this team's ass, and teach them how to win these big games?
And then, for about five minutes, Vancouver rallied and tied the game up. Why Chicago decided to hand a point away to Vancouver I'm not sure, but Vancouver will take it. Still, every member in that Canucks locker-room aside from maybe Cory Schneider should be embarrassed with how they played last night.
The defence was as bad as I've ever seen (and I've seen some bad Canucks teams). It was like every member of the team thought it was practice or some kind of touch football league were the play had to stop if you lightly tapped them.
On the first goal by Sharp, where was the back-check from the centre? He had nearly four seconds to load up and turn loose that rocket of a shot that he has. On the second goal, what the hell was Hamhuis doing? If a guy wants to stand in front of the net at least make him pay the price by taking a few whacks at him. Again, that one was way too easy for Chicago. And on the third goal, two words, Py-lons. On second thought, a pylon probably would have provided some sort of an obstacle.
Since it wasn't just a few guys that crapped the bed last night, I feel you need to look behind the bench for the reason as to why this team seems to lack focus in big games. In the post game interviews, Vigneault seem to want to focus on the fact Vancouver had two breakaways rather than the fact his team's defence was playing like garbage. I don't really care if Chicago's D gave up two, that's still no excuse for why Vancouver gave up three.
Another perfect opportunity to call the team out for their play, and another pass by the coach. Surprise, surprise as to why this team seems delusional at times.
Instead of the answer he gave, Vigneault, should have offered an answer something more along the lines of, "We have to tighten up defensively. There is no way we should be giving up the type of opportunities Chicago had tonight. But we'll look at the tape and go over things with the guys tomorrow. The way we played tonight in our own end is unacceptable, but I think our guys know that."
Hansen hit
Well if TSN and their panel is going to throw him under the bus, my guess is we see Hansen get 1-3 games, but in my opinion, that is bullshit.
The puck was in the air, both players are trying to knock it down and incidental contact is made. If Hansen was focused of Hossa's head then I would have a different opinion of the play, but to me it looked as though he was looking at the puck and not Hossa. This was nothing more than a jump ball (or puck in this case). The NBA doesn't hand out suspension every time a player gets hurt going for a rebound, so why should the NHL start? After all, isn't hockey supposed to be a tougher sport than basketball?
When you watch an incident like this it is easy to see why players dive and try to sell calls. Now I'm not picking on Hossa here, I do think he did get his bell rung and that he wasn't just trying to sell the call (please do not get mad Hawks fans, this is not a shot at Hossa. Hossa is awesome). But if you see a team get a power-play just because you stay down that extra second, then why wouldn't you try it? There really is no harm in trying it after the whistle has gone.
If the referees are going to hand out phantom calls well after the play is over it only encourages players to try and sell calls to the officials.
That's a wrap
Ian
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