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So I'm not really sure which one of these dumb Shanny Videos to start with, but since I'm the Vancouver guy, let's start with Edler.
Edler
So what I'm taking away from this is if you commit a penalty and the player is hurt it is now a two game suspension in the eyes of the NHL. I wonder if this is a onetime thing as per usual, or will this be the standard?
My thoughts, while it is unfortunate that Smith was hurt on the play (or the dog pile, or the other collision), Edler was given the correct penalty of five minutes for charging. That should have been the end of this.
Gillis and the Canucks thoughts…
"As an organization we respect the NHL and its process for supplemental discipline. While we may not agree with this ruling, we will move forward and prepare for our important game tomorrow in Los Angeles. We do not intend to comment further on this matter.
Michael D. Gillis"
You just know the Canucks are pissed off when Gillis isn't talking.
Nash
This one is about the stupidest explanation the NHL has ever put out. It's like they were simply trying to bull shit their way out of not suspending a player. I'd honestly rather have them save the money on video production and just be honest. A simple, "But it's Rick Nash" would be a sufficient explanation.
Even if you determine the head was not the principle point of contact and you w ant to place the blame on Kopecky for turning to take a shot— I guess Nash was expecting him to try and carry the puck out of the zone rather then turning to shoot…Right— it's still a joke and here's why.
One- Nash looks to leave his feet on the hit
And two- Nash is leading with his arms on the hit
Shouldn't those two things, which many players before Nash have been suspended for, be enough to hand him a game or two?
And just to wrap things up on the Nash play, Joffrey Lupul may just be my new favourite player. Finally someone calls out the NHL and Shanny of this crap. I'm guessing we get Grapes' thoughts on both these plays tonight.
Gameday
Vancouver, Minus Edler, will have their hands full tonight with the reigning Cup champs. Vancouver Hasn't scored much as of late, but they have won their last two. The Kings are coming off a 2-0 loss to the Stars, but are 6-4-0 in their last 10.
The three keys for Vancouver to win this one are
- Match LA's physical play
Vancouver doesn't need to go hit-for-hit with the Kings, but they do need to finish every check. Without Edler, Bieksa will need to set the tone for the defence and Vancouver's fourth line will need to play tough. More than 25 hits and Vancouver is in this one, less and it's a long night.
- Schneider steals the show
Cory Schneider has played well in four out of his past five starts and looks to be rounding into form. Vancouver needs elite goaltending to beat LA tonight. If Schneider plays well, he will solidify his place as the number one. But if he lays an egg, the circus will be back in Vancouver tomorrow.
- Play hockey
One thing that this team hasn't done as much in past years that they are doing this year is getting involved in every little scrum after the whistle. You can do it once in awhile to make a point, but if the Canucks go back the way they were three or four years ago when they were scrumming just to scrum, they will get their asses kicked tonight.
Prediction- 3-2 Canucks in a win one for Edler game.
The Deadline Want List
With the deadline in less than a month, I thought I’d start and update my list of 10 players that I target via trade. Every few days I will update the list accordingly.
1- Jarome Iginla
2- Brenden Morrow
3- Boyd Gordon
4- Travis Hamonic
5- Stephane Robidas
6- Casey Cizikas
7- Marcus Johansson
8- Bryan Little
9- Jerred Smithson
10- Derek Morris
That's a wrap
Ian
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