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Early Game For Canucks looking to break the BLAHS |
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It's an early game today in the odd NHL schedule and what better way to shake the mid/end season 'blahs' for the Canucks. Could an odd game time be the answer to sort out what ails this team?
The game against Nashville was a sad state of affairs. Although the Preds do almost everything to slow a game down the Canucks certainly helped them with their 'feet in cement' skating effort. The players say all the right things when discussing the current malaise in play but is any of it going to make a difference?
The practice was a high energy and intense yesterday before the team set off for LA. The players were in good spirits after being thoroughly humbled and embarrassed by Nashville. Once again it was defensive breakdown which gave the Preds the chances to score, on both of which they did.
It's hard to put blame on anything in particular other than effort as it just seems there isn't enough given by all (excluding Luongo). When teams get in this kind of funk there are usually two ways out- improved effort shown consistently or a change in players/roster and play. For the Canucks I think it's the first and last.
The Sedins have made a habit of being far to selfless and cute in the past 3 weeks. They have passed away obvious shots and looked to make plays where none should be made, it brings them down and Burrows. Kesler has seen his ice time stay the same but with very few offensive results. Against Nashville we saw him do some of what has made him successful this season and a lot of what has ailed him and his line. Let's not single these named players out, its a team endemic.
The best solution is to change the play of the team and make things simple- get shots, score on rebounds and stop trying to pass for the pretty play. Most teams have figured this out. Every team in the past 3 weeks has collapsed the box on the Canucks so fast that you can't slip a quarter through it let alone a puck. All this exemplified by few if any players willing to create havoc in front of the net.
Against Nashville Rinne came to the top of the circle and let pucks hit him- no one made him move to face a shot because he saw everything.
The other factor that is affecting the Canucks play is the breakout. I watched wingers hang back with the defense while they tried to break out of their own zone. It equaled 5-on-2 at times in the opposition's favour. This is where the Canucks miss Edler and Bieksa, right now they have one defense man who likes to carry the puck in Ehrhoff and he looks like Charlie Sheen after a weekend in Vegas.
The solution for Vancouver will come from within and that doesn't mean players it means heart. It is high time these Canucks decided what they want and what they are willing to do to get it!
It's gut check time. They are the target and all the teams playing them need points.
There's no magic switch for pride and determination if there was I'm sure it would have been broken trying to check the circuit.
Enjoy the game!
Luongo is in.
Bieksa probable for Phoenix game and Higgins is traveling too.
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Vancouver Canucks Blogger • 
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