Ryan Wilson's Pens blog is up. They are still beating the good riddance to Sutter tune....

I am fine with Sutter so far. The team seems faster. Better on the face off. I know its early in the season but it was even earlier when we heard how bad a move it was for the Canucks.
- hillbillydeluxe

How's Bonino doing for them.

Ryan Wilson's Pens blog is up. They are still beating the good riddance to Sutter tune....

I am fine with Sutter so far. The team seems faster. Better on the face off. I know its early in the season but it was even earlier when we heard how bad a move it was for the Canucks.
- hillbillydeluxe

I don't mind Sutter but still don't like the contract extension, but considering the Canucks' needs I'd take him over Bonino every day of the week.

I don't mind Sutter but still don't like the contract extension, but considering the Canucks' needs I'd take him over Bonino every day of the week.
- CubanBuffet

Yeah he hasn't disappointed me at all, possibly because I didnt have high expectations. I just hoped that he would be solid and not hurt the team, and he has delivered to that point. I am not looking to him for goals/points (I can think of many guys I expect to score ahead of him), possibly why the top heavy Pens were disappointed?
- WhiteLie

Whichever line Sutter is on, I think it benefits him from having defensive zone starts and hopefully gets chances off the rush. (I might be stat. wrong about this... but the stats don't seem to like him anyway)

Thought he was a good net front presence on the pp too.

the advanced stats crowd doesn't like Sutter since he's apparently bringing his linemates down in terms of production. this is essentially Wilson's arguement....

I don't mind Sutter but still don't like the contract extension, but considering the Canucks' needs I'd take him over Bonino every day of the week.
- CubanBuffet

Bonino seemed like a pp specialist more than a second or third line centre. Okay with the puck but can't get anywhere fast.

If Henrik retires at the end of his present contract, I think it will have been a good signing, if Henrik re ups for another couple seasons, it means a log jam of centres for the top 3 lines... Could Bo or McCann play wing?



I like the way the team has been playing. I like Cracknell on the 4th line. Higgins returning is going to make for some interesting lineup decisions.

the advanced stats crowd doesn't like Sutter since he's apparently bringing his linemates down in terms of production. this is essentially Wilson's arguement....
- kaptaan

yep.

and from watching him play, he has been doing his part, productive enough, and doesn't appear afraid to go to the dirty areas.

gets around the ice great too. thought when he was on the Sedin line, he was fine. behind the goal line in the offensive zone, and back behind the goal line in the defensive zone all before the Sedins even got over the blue line.

yep.

and from watching him play, he has been doing his part, productive enough, and doesn't appear afraid to go to the dirty areas.

gets around the ice great too. thought when he was on the Sedin line, he was fine. behind the goal line in the offensive zone, and back behind the goal line in the defensive zone all before the Sedins even got over the blue line.
- hillbillydeluxe

Thats the one thing I have noticed and appreciate is that he gets around the ice swiftly. I wouldnt say he is quick or fast but he manages to get in on the forecheck and back defensively really well. His time with the Sedin's was temporary and too short to cause judgement on his Corsi rating, not to mention the Sedin's were a little off anyways (could've had a much better/productive start but missed opportunities)

Thats the one thing I have noticed and appreciate is that he gets around the ice swiftly. I wouldnt say he is quick or fast but he manages to get in on the forecheck and back defensively really well. His time with the Sedin's was temporary and too short to cause judgement on his Corsi rating, not to mention the Sedin's were a little off anyways (could've had a much better/productive start but missed opportunities)
- WhiteLie

yet the advanced stats crowd has pinned the slow start on Sutter...

Thats the one thing I have noticed and appreciate is that he gets around the ice swiftly. I wouldnt say he is quick or fast but he manages to get in on the forecheck and back defensively really well. His time with the Sedin's was temporary and too short to cause judgement on his Corsi rating, not to mention the Sedin's were a little off anyways (could've had a much better/productive start but missed opportunities)
- WhiteLie

Wondering how much of the slow start for many of the players can be blamed on no set lines to start? Or at least through training camp?

Anyway, might be easy to put some of the blame on WD, he certainly has his own ideas, but with the push from the rookies and different options opening up, it is kind of hard not to experiment to see what you have.

The style and speed of the play has been great to watch, and as a few have mentioned, while watching the game I am always looking at the kids to see who they are playing with, and how they are getting along. Following their play more so than the vets.

yet the advanced stats crowd has pinned the slow start on Sutter...
- kaptaan

Aren't they the ones that are always saying "sample size"? Shots are more telling than goals because sample size, but if the Twins play with a new teammate for 2 weeks total, that's long enough to clearly identify the problem...

Wondering how much of the slow start for many of the players can be blamed on no set lines to start? Or at least through training camp?

Anyway, might be easy to put some of the blame on WD, he certainly has his own ideas, but with the push from the rookies and different options opening up, it is kind of hard not to experiment to see what you have.

The style and speed of the play has been great to watch, and as a few have mentioned, while watching the game I am always looking at the kids to see who they are playing with, and how they are getting along. Following their play more so than the vets.
- hillbillydeluxe

I agree, throughout training camp I was under the impression they were going to try a few lines but then settle back to what works. They didnt and I think that didnt help them get ready for the year. They were missing passes early and timing seemed to not be as precise making them look rusty. Hell even that chip shot over the net was really unlike those guys

I agree, throughout training camp I was under the impression they were going to try a few lines but then settle back to what works. They didnt and I think that didnt help them get ready for the year. They were missing passes early and timing seemed to not be as precise making them look rusty. Hell even that chip shot over the net was really unlike those guys
- WhiteLie

It is hard to have a team with two different identities or playing styles. The Sedins aren't really high paced unless they are cycling in the ozone. But the other three lines play with some speed and it is hard to keep both styles going. Or combine at certain points of the game.

Looking forward to this road trip except the game times are too early on the weekend.

I don't think they're one of the worst, they've got some great forwards on that team but weak defence. Plus they've got a new coach and systems to learn.

Nucker is a Canucks fan he's just tired of the same old arguments/debates with folks here in Carols blog. He'll be proven wrong on most things he's been arguing about regarding Benning but I'm sure he'll be man enough to say he was wrong.

His points about cap management, or lack of, on Bennings part are valid though....IMO.
- LeftCoaster

I don't see any cap problems here at all or in the future.
He hired WD who handled Bo great n doing more of the same with BHutt n JV n JM.
Miller was a solid stop gap signing n did fine helping us make the playoffs n looks solid again this year. Tough to see Lack go but thats JB's call.
Vrbata n Hambuis r up after this season n either/both can get traded or get reduced contracts here or maybe more as UFA's. Vrbata proved a good signing n we made the playoffs when many gave us lil chance. Cap space to come next year.
Many don't like Sbisa's deal but JB backed up his Kesler deal with faith in him.
That deal looking a lot better now after so many ppl n not me thought otherwise.
Sutter has played well n the deal was cuz we lacked players in his age group.
There were no UFA's worth signing this year.
Boeser looks to be a great pick to add to future plans.
Next draft we also look solidly positioned to build up the cupboard even more.

All the pundits said all the Pacific improved n we did not but look where we stand now.

I'd really like more than someone with an unsubsantiated hate-on for JB to state a detailed case other than a vague complaint.

Ryan Wilson's Pens blog is up. They are still beating the good riddance to Sutter tune....

I am fine with Sutter so far. The team seems faster. Better on the face off. I know its early in the season but it was even earlier when we heard how bad a move it was for the Canucks.
- hillbillydeluxe

Sutter has been exactly as advertised for the Nucks. Wins faceoffs and plays a 200' game plus can contribute. Good speed. Not the toughest guy around but that's not his role.

Bonino 's #s were inflated in ANA due to his PP time with Getzloaf and Perry plus Cogliano and Winnick created a lot of shooting space for Bonino...Bonino has a killer snapshot but if he ain't getting chances like his isn't in PIT won't be much in the way of succeeding there.

Bonino looks to be on pace for a 24 pt season playing with the slugs in PIT's bottom 6...

Iain MacIntyre ‏@imacVanSun · 5m5 minutes ago
Surprises me that Willie would take out Baertschi after solid return from press box. Won't help confidence. #Higgins


(Carol might be doing some rewriting... )

Sutter has been exactly as advertised for the Nucks. Wins faceoffs and plays a 200' game plus can contribute. Good speed. Not the toughest guy around but that's not his role.

Bonino 's #s were inflated in ANA due to his PP time with Getzloaf and Perry plus Cogliano and Winnick created a lot of shooting space for Bonino...Bonino has a killer snapshot but if he ain't getting chances like his isn't in PIT won't be much in the way of succeeding there.

Bonino looks to be on pace for a 24 pt season playing with the slugs in PIT's bottom 6...
- LordHumungous

Everyone who was obviously in the know predicted we would stumble. So far, so good. enjoying the Canucks brand of hockey so far, and I think they may have gotten past their third period stumbles.

To further add to my last both 2 & 3 yrs from now our cap space looks great n if JB keeps up at his great drafting it will prove out whether he's done his job well or not given that the Aquillinis want a retool on the fly. That is if still the owners or a new owner has more liquid assets. At least at the present us fans have some great young talent to enjoy now n diwn ghe road.

Iain MacIntyre ‏@imacVanSun · 5m5 minutes ago
Surprises me that Willie would take out Baertschi after solid return from press box. Won't help confidence. #Higgins


(Carol might be doing some rewriting... )
- hillbillydeluxe

Sven is the odd man out n it will keep him more motivated.
Adding in Higgins will add more vet presence n help us.
The kids pushed him out more than anything.

I don't see any cap problems here at all or in the future.
He hired WD who handled Bo great n doing more of the same with BHutt n JV n JM.
Miller was a solid stop gap signing n did fine helping us make the playoffs n looks solid again this year. Tough to see Lack go but thats JB's call.
Vrbata n Hambuis r up after this season n either/both can get traded or get reduced contracts here or maybe more as UFA's. Vrbata proved a good signing n we made the playoffs when many gave us lil chance. Cap space to come next year.
Many don't like Sbisa's deal but JB backed up his Kesler deal with faith in him.
That deal looking a lot better now after so many ppl n not me thought otherwise.
Sutter has played well n the deal was cuz we lacked players in his age group.
There were no UFA's worth signing this year.
Boeser looks to be a great pick to add to future plans.
Next draft we also look solidly positioned to build up the cupboard even more.

All the pundits said all the Pacific improved n we did not but look where we stand now.

I'd really like more than someone with an unsubsantiated hate-on for JB to state a detailed case other than a vague complaint.
- Nighthawk

Isn't 'Benning sucks' detailed enough?

I don't see any cap problems here at all or in the future.
He hired WD who handled Bo great n doing more of the same with BHutt n JV n JM.
Miller was a solid stop gap signing n did fine helping us make the playoffs n looks solid again this year. Tough to see Lack go but thats JB's call.
Vrbata n Hambuis r up after this season n either/both can get traded or get reduced contracts here or maybe more as UFA's. Vrbata proved a good signing n we made the playoffs when many gave us lil chance. Cap space to come next year.
Many don't like Sbisa's deal but JB backed up his Kesler deal with faith in him.
That deal looking a lot better now after so many ppl n not me thought otherwise.
Sutter has played well n the deal was cuz we lacked players in his age group.
There were no UFA's worth signing this year.
Boeser looks to be a great pick to add to future plans.
Next draft we also look solidly positioned to build up the cupboard even more.

All the pundits said all the Pacific improved n we did not but look where we stand now.

I'd really like more than someone with an unsubsantiated hate-on for JB to state a detailed case other than a vague complaint.
- Nighthawk

Eddie Lack, he of the 3.60 GAA and .852 Save %???

I agree though, I can see and understand skepticism and criticism towards the management, its our role as fans to do so. But vague hate being spewed constantly without any consideration of being open to being wrong is what gets to me

I don't see any cap problems here at all or in the future.
He hired WD who handled Bo great n doing more of the same with BHutt n JV n JM.
Miller was a solid stop gap signing n did fine helping us make the playoffs n looks solid again this year. Tough to see Lack go but thats JB's call.
Vrbata n Hambuis r up after this season n either/both can get traded or get reduced contracts here or maybe more as UFA's. Vrbata proved a good signing n we made the playoffs when many gave us lil chance. Cap space to come next year.
Many don't like Sbisa's deal but JB backed up his Kesler deal with faith in him.
That deal looking a lot better now after so many ppl n not me thought otherwise.
Sutter has played well n the deal was cuz we lacked players in his age group.
There were no UFA's worth signing this year.
Boeser looks to be a great pick to add to future plans.
Next draft we also look solidly positioned to build up the cupboard even more.

All the pundits said all the Pacific improved n we did not but look where we stand now.

I'd really like more than someone with an unsubsantiated hate-on for JB to state a detailed case other than a vague complaint.
- Nighthawk

I'll take a crack at it:

I think the main complaint is the lack of commiting to a full rebuild, while it's great that we're still competitive and all and getting contributions from Horvat, JV, McCann and Hutton, we don't have a clear blue-chip #1 center prospect who's floor is minimum 1C and who's ceiling is elite 1C.

We also lack a blue chip D prospect that can be a potential #1 D-man that can eat up 30+ minutes a game like Keith, Doughty, Karlsson, Subban etc. Hutton may become that player, but it's not guaranteed.

It also doesn't help that we're only 4 years removed from a Game 7 loss in the SCF that still stings and there's still several players left over from that run that remain with the team and are on the back-end of their careers.

I think JB's inability to be savvy enough to speak to the media and make his thought process clear in the deals his make has hurt him. He's not a good interview and his news conferences are usually awkward and make him seem slow or weak when it's clear public speaking isn't his strong suit. It doesn't help that he sometimes seems intimidated when reporters ask him questions that he's not quite prepared for and blurts out the first thing that comes to mind.

It also doesn't help that Trevor Linden ends up doing most of the press nowadays, while he's much better with the media than JB, it makes JB look weaker and less capable of handling the GM duties.

That's my take at least, but I'm actually a JB supporter, because I can see the logic of all he's done. It might not all work out, but the team is different and a new direction was needed at the time he was hired and we haven't suffered since.

Isn't 'Benning sucks' detailed enough?
- Marwood

Nah its jumping the gun n hardly intelligent given all thats happened.
Not JB's choice if he could rebuild when the Aquilinnis mandated the playoffs.
JB was saddled with MG's contracts n cannot trade everyone off.

Nah its jumping the gun n hardly intelligent given all thats happened.
- Nighthawk

Agreed.
Just taking the piss out of the baseless 'Benning sucks' crowd.
The declaring the Sutter trade as a step backwards before he even played a game was head exploding as was the freak out over trading an immature back-up goalie.

Sure ppl can bash JB after 1.5yrs but supply a GM at least who u want n could do better given all the circumstances.