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Less than a week ago Cody Hodgson was dealt away to the Buffalo Sabres. Tonight, on Hockey Night in Canada, the man that was supposed to ensure Vancouver remained at the top of the league for the next decade returns. It’s hard to say what the reaction will be for Cody. With the rumours flying around that he wanted out, some see he as a greedy brat who wanted out and demanded a trade. I don’t see him that way and I hope the majority of Canucks Nation doesn’t view him that way either. I hope people give him a standing ovation to say thanks for his short stay, and helping the team to 1st place.
Cody deserves a response like that from fans. Cody was nothing but class while wearing a Vancouver sweater. He always had a smile on his face and spoke about how great the franchise, fans, and the city are. He is a role model to all young players, is what is right about the game, and a shining example of how professional athletes should behave.
So what if he asked for more ice-time. Down the stretch he deserved it. A playoff spot is locked up, so why not rest Hank and Kes a bit more so they are fresher for the playoffs?
He was playing as well offensively as almost any player on the team and while he may be lacking in the defensive areas of the game at times, the only way he will improve is to play.
I can almost guarantee that this trade was the hardest decision for Mike Gillis to make. The Canucks stole Hodgson at the draft and as the first player that Gillis every drafted, I believe there was a connection there that he didn’t have with any other players. Cody was the player that Gillis started the turn around with. Cody was a player that Gillis didn’t want to move.
But to be a good businessman, you can’t be emotionally involved. Gillis saw the opportunity to get two good young players for one great young player. Both Kassian and Gragnani fit a need now and in the future. I’m not sure either will ever be Cody, but judging by their first games, they are going to be good players who the fans will love.
Both Kassian and Gragnani seem to have a high respect for the game, teammates and fans. I’m sure they loved playing in Buffalo (any player I’ve ever heard talk about Buffalo, talks about it as being some of the best times they have had in their career) and some fans there were just as sad to see them leave as Canucks fans were to see Cody go. The Canucks now have a chosen two instead of a chosen one.
Tonight, we say goodbye to Cody the right way, and then we flip the page and move on. The Canucks future is still as bright as any team in the NHL with Kassian and Gragnani guiding them for the next decade.
Canucks 41-16-8 90pts
Sabres 29-27-8 66pts
Leaders
Canucks
Goals D. Sedin 28
Assists H. Sedin 53
+/- Burrows, H. Sedin +22
Hits Lapierre 188
Sabres
Goals Pominville 23
Assists Pominville 36
+/- Hodgson +10
Hits Regehr 141
As far as the game goes tonight, I think we will see a very desperate Sabres team that is making a late season push to the playoffs. Buffalo is a team built on skill and I think that will make things interesting. Vancouver’s main Achilles heal is the transition game and the Sabres have some guys who can strike quickly. Add to that, Cody is going to be very motivated to play Vancouver tonight and unfortunately for Canucks fans that means he’s going to play well. The last thing the Sabres have is Ryan Miller. Miller is the hottest goalie around and is fully capable of stealing a game (just ask the sharks and Ducks). He will have to be just as good tonight for buffalo to win.
On the other side of things, Vancouver does have two players in the lineup that will be looking to show up their old team as well. Kassian has never been one to shy away from hitting and I think he will be laying guys out all night. Kassian knows that Buffalo doesn’t really have anyone who will stop him, so I expect he has 8+ hits tonight. Tonight is sure to be just as an emotional game on Kassian as it is on Cody. If Kassian stays under control and doesn’t run around too much, (which I think he will) Vancouver will have a shot at winning.
Prediction- 4-3 Buffalo in a shootout, Cody with the winner.
Respect Your Rival
Jason Pominville
One of the NHL’s most underrated players, Pominville is quietly having another strong year. He has already topped the 20-goal mark for the 6th straight year and should finish the season with 30+ for the second time in his career. Pominville is also a player who plays the game the right way. He is one of the most sportsmanlike players in the game and if I had a vote for the Lady Byng it would be going to Pominville. Vancouver will have to watch him tonight if they want to win.
Tyler Myers
While the big defenceman has taken a bit of a step back since his rookie season, Myers is still one of the brightest young stars in the NHL. He is a much better skater than a lot of big D-men, so the sky is the limit for him. Myers seems to be stepping up his game physically as of late, which is what I have wanted to see out of him. Once he fully fills out, I can see him being the most dominant D in the league. Myers will have his hands full with the twins tonight, but I’m sure he is more than capable of handling it.
T
he City of Buffalo and Sabres Fans
A few weeks back, one of the biggest pieces of crap in the league (Marchand) took to twitter and bashed Buffalo. While I’ve never been to Buffalo, I have never heard any player form the Bills or Sabres say anything negative about the city. Players say nothing but nice things about the city and their passionate fans. To me that means Buffalo is a good place with good people. Bills fans sit through feet of snow and freezing temperatures to watch their team lose. For that I have a ton of respect for them. Sabres fans have watched their team never win a cup and be picked over by richer teams, and they still show up as one of the biggest forces on this site. For that I have a ton of respect for them. I have a list of places I’d love to catch a game sometime. Buffalo is on that list for sure.
Thanks for reading.
Enjoy your day.
Ian
Vancouver Canucks Blogger • 
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