Well I for one am glad it's over, the Mats Sundin saga. It's not news anymore but the excitement builds for all Canucks fans- regardless of whether you liked this move or not. There is going to be a lot of interest because this deal and player have had so much attention since July 1.

I didn't see all of the Gillis presser but I do agree with him that as of July 1 Mats Sundin was the best player available who demonstrated heart, character and leadership. Let's hope that is what he bring to the Canucks along with some relief for our few scoring forwards.

So, starting now what is it you hope Mats Sundin brings to the Canucks?



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Well I for one am glad it's over, the Linden hoopla. It was great, deserving, and produced well, the NHL should hire the Canucks' event team for it's corporate events. As fans we can put it away and go forward though and that is what is important.

Linden was a link to the old teams, the controversies, the ups and the downs and now those ties have been severed and this team can go on to being who it is. After last night's game the move forward is going to be a bit more difficult.

The biggest surprise of last night was Sami Salo getting injured. Okay, no surprise there, and really no surprise how it happened, he positioned himself poorly and Moreau hit him. I'm not sure there should have been a boarding call but I think that was the refs way of cooling off Moreau as he was getting pretty agitated and the temperature on the ice was rising. Salo is listed in a pin-point accurate detailed injury report- upper body injury. Shane-o-man is listed as having a Charley Horse so I would take that as day to day if not a serious one.

I was really impressed with Vancouver last night for the most part although once they got comfortable old habits started reappearing. First, getting the puck out, too many times the Canucks tried to be cute and make an extra pass, or move. Second, moving their feet. I lost count of how many times a Canuck player would be standing 3 feet away from the guy looking to make a pass. Spread out, and know where you are supposed to be.

The Oilers did a great job fore checking and got some chances because of their efforts, but that intensity comes with a price and they got burned on a few rushes. The two goals they did pot were a direct result of effort and being in the right place at the right time and both goals were deserved in my opinion.

Now, I know what I'm about to say is going to get some people hot but I think it needs to be pointed out. How much value do you place in Sheldon Souray? I thought he played one of the worst games I've ever seen from him. Daniel Sedin's second goal was basically preventable if Souray had put in a little effort. The empty net goal was set up by Souray and ultimately let in by him. The Oilers were playing well then and I had a a god honest fear that they were going to tie it up. Finally the offensive chances he had were plenty but his shots were all over the place with only 2 on net.

With all the talk about changes coming or not coming in Edmonton, Souray is one guy I think this team can't afford. He's like Salo except Sami only hurts Vancouver because he is never in the line up. For 5.4 million I think he provides the wrong kind of defensive presence for a team with the speed and youth of Edmonton. Okay Oiler fans- have at me but keep it polite :)

As of tonight Vancouver sits tied for first in the NW and still awaits word from the only royalty in Sweden the world is aware of- Mats Sundin.

For Chicago on Saturday I bet we see Sanford in net. He played well and the defense played well in front of him. I think we will see Sanford get the bulk of the starts now unless something hideous happens and we can all go back to wondering who is the temporary #1.

In my recent blogs there has been some debate from certain Oilers' fans about Hemsky vs say any Canuck. I thought it would be interesting to compare stats with his and Daniel Sedins.

Hemsky has 296 points in 379 games for a .78 points per game and a career -21.

Sedin has 412 points in 592 games for a .69 points per game and a career +63.

Hemsky has 17 point in 30 playoff games for .56 per game and a career -8

Sedin has 18 points in 43 playoff games for .41 per game and a career -8

Hemsky has a career 11.3 % shooting percentage

Sedin has a carerr 12.3 % shooting percentage.

Hemsky is 25 and Sedin 28. Pretty darn equal but I give the edge to Hemsky. Here's why.

Hemsky has never had a twin brother to set him up, never had the benefits of having a Bertuzzi, Naslund and Morrison as the first line in front and PP time with them. Hemsky has yet to play with a team for most of his career as strong as Sedin has for his.

Hemsky makes 4.1 milion and Sedin makes 3.75. Almost a perfect salary spread based on stats IMO. I think Hemsky has a real chance to become a true star in this league but it's going to take Oiler management to do some roster changes. Either by way of developing a bona fide #1 playmaking centre to play with him or getting one via trade. Imagine what that kid could do if he had that kind of player setting him up?

I'll try and get a preview in for Saturday's game against the Hawks but some work issues and my son's hockey game may prevent that.