Ideally you want most of your team to be like this. Team toughness of everyone not being afraid to drop and go when an opponent tries to take liberties against them or one of their teammates. In 2010 team toughness was defined as being able to get back up and then go out on the power play to win the game. Most of the league lost respect for the Canucks because of that. It made strategic sense at the time, but once the refs put the whistles in their pocket they just ended up getting steamrolled over and over.
- YeOldTimer

Thank you for your posts, I enjoy all and agree with most.

What I have found frustrating this season is the lack of hitting/checking and grit. Dorsett has come on of late, since Prust hasn't been around and has been playing most games like someone pi$$ed him off. Prust was a disappointment too, didn't seem to check much, but I guess he didn't mind dropping the gloves.

It is funny for a team battling for a playoff spot (earlier in the season) hits so little.

I have been disappointed to see Hansen and Burrows often turn away from some easy checks, opposing dmen never looking rushed or panicked with them bearing down. Not sure if it has been injuries or what that stops our forwards from checking. But we certainly aren't a hard team to play against.

This team needs a new identity, more push back. You'd thing with jobs on the line, we'd see more battle from some of our guys. It is almost like the team doesn't want to agitate the opposing team, don't wake the bear, even if the other team is having their way.

JV has been pretty good with his physical game, the other team has to be aware of him on the ice. less time for them to make plays.

I think I felt the same way after the playoffs last season, we still need more grit in the lineup.

Great blog Carol, glad to hear Trymakin has been given more icetime throughout the year, that can only be a positive sign. Buy-out Burrows and get him on a plane ASAP!

hi folks,

I'm having trouble figuring out if I'd be happy if JB resigned Hamhuis at a discount next season.

I loved the guy, local, solid player, wants to stay in van yadda yadda yadda...but where I run into trouble is that I want guys who will do anything to win.

He had a golden opportunity to play for a cup, pad his resume, drive up his stock for next season's contract and he gives JB a team or two where he might go, talks to the press about family and essentially hand cuffs the Canucks to the point where we got squat.

Do we want that "soft" attitude mentoring our young kids. I look at Hossa or Ray Bourque doing everything in their power to win the cup - that's what I want, I think?

I'm assuming that this team has the potential to be a lottery pick again the following year.
- belcherbd

That would depend on who we draft, who we trade for, and if we pick up very good free agents.

hi folks,

I'm having trouble figuring out if I'd be happy if JB resigned Hamhuis at a discount next season.

I loved the guy, local, solid player, wants to stay in van yadda yadda yadda...but where I run into trouble is that I want guys who will do anything to win.

He had a golden opportunity to play for a cup, pad his resume, drive up his stock for next season's contract and he gives JB a team or two where he might go, talks to the press about family and essentially hand cuffs the Canucks to the point where we got squat.

Do we want that "soft" attitude mentoring our young kids. I look at Hossa or Ray Bourque doing everything in their power to win the cup - that's what I want, I think?
- PopCanBong

I couldnt disagree more that his attitude is soft. There were arguments against Hossa going from Pitt to Detroit that he was just trying to load up on the best team to win a cup (which is true), but doesnt make him a win at all cost person. If I have a soft attitude towards winning, why would I pick the easiest team to win? Likewise Bourque was trying to go out a winner, got dealt at the deadline of what was going to be his last season, lost and had to re-up in Colorado to get the job done on a team full of future HOFers. For me a winner battles through adversity, not moving to the easier route

Is anyone excited about the World Cup of Hockey?

After watching the all star game, how competitive do we expect the WCoH to be?

Can't imagine players will be too excited to play if they are on a playoff team that goes deep in to the playoffs and then have to go to the WCoH... how many guys will we see bow out?

I couldnt disagree more that his attitude is soft. There were arguments against Hossa going from Pitt to Detroit that he was just trying to load up on the best team to win a cup (which is true), but doesnt make him a win at all cost person. If I have a soft attitude towards winning, why would I pick the easiest team to win? Likewise Bourque was trying to go out a winner, got dealt at the deadline of what was going to be his last season, lost and had to re-up in Colorado to get the job done on a team full of future HOFers. For me a winner battles through adversity, not moving to the easier route
- WhiteLie

Is anyone excited about the World Cup of Hockey?

After watching the all star game, how competitive do we expect the WCoH to be?

Can't imagine players will be too excited to play if they are on a playoff team that goes deep in to the playoffs and then have to go to the WCoH... how many guys will we see bow out?
- hillbillydeluxe

I do wonder how many will bow out as it will be like going from zero to 100 and the potential from injury is greater heading into a season. That being said I am looking forward to it, only because I enjoy watching top level hockey. It wont be Olympic quality, but like a competitive version of the all star game. Guys will hit, play structure and play to win. As part owners of the tournament, the players will benefit more from it being successful

Is anyone excited about the World Cup of Hockey?

After watching the all star game, how competitive do we expect the WCoH to be?

Can't imagine players will be too excited to play if they are on a playoff team that goes deep in to the playoffs and then have to go to the WCoH... how many guys will we see bow out?
- hillbillydeluxe

Could care less. Another Bettman Money grab

Is anyone excited about the World Cup of Hockey?

After watching the all star game, how competitive do we expect the WCoH to be?

Can't imagine players will be too excited to play if they are on a playoff team that goes deep in to the playoffs and then have to go to the WCoH... how many guys will we see bow out?
- hillbillydeluxe

I only care about it to shorten the Offseason. Otherwise it's like the Jr. tournney

Great blog Carol, glad to hear Trymakin has been given more icetime throughout the year, that can only be a positive sign. Buy-out Burrows and get him on a plane ASAP!
- neem55

I've always been a big fan of Burrows. Everything he's achieved has come purely from determination and hard work. His career has been a true underdog success story. If Ron McLean and the NHL hadn't gone after him with their smear campaign I think he'd be viewed much differently as a declining veteran than how he's thought of now.

But that's besides the point. His play has fallen off the last couple of years and the writing is on the wall for him. What about the following potential scenario? Off season trade to a budget team looking to hit the cap floor. He goes through waivers at start of season and is assigned to an AHL affiliate, and is then promptly loaned to a European team. I believe the NHL team would keep all of his $4.5MM cap hit except for $900K on their books and they'd probably only pay a portion of his $3MM actual cash salary. Anybody know if that would that work under the CBA? It might be a more palatable way to finish up his career rather than going back down to the AHL and riding the buses with kids again.

I only care about it to shorten the Offseason. Otherwise it's like the Jr. tournney
- VANTEL

yep, not making the playoffs makes the off season feel like forever...

I couldnt disagree more that his attitude is soft. There were arguments against Hossa going from Pitt to Detroit that he was just trying to load up on the best team to win a cup (which is true), but doesnt make him a win at all cost person. If I have a soft attitude towards winning, why would I pick the easiest team to win? Likewise Bourque was trying to go out a winner, got dealt at the deadline of what was going to be his last season, lost and had to re-up in Colorado to get the job done on a team full of future HOFers. For me a winner battles through adversity, not moving to the easier route
- WhiteLie[/quote

told you it was hard...I see your points exactly and they are totally right.

But, what about this - he had a legit shot, why not take off 3 months off from the family and go for it and while going for it, you also help your current team? A win win right? Isn't that the point of playing pro hockey - get your name on that damn cup?

I want a winning attitude on this team...this is not an office job. This is pro sports, it's about winning, not being a good family guy.

not sure how I did that...

Is anyone excited about the World Cup of Hockey?

After watching the all star game, how competitive do we expect the WCoH to be?

Can't imagine players will be too excited to play if they are on a playoff team that goes deep in to the playoffs and then have to go to the WCoH... how many guys will we see bow out?
- hillbillydeluxe

I don't think anyone will bow out ...and I think anytime there is best on best people will watch ...especially after a summer of no hockey.

Could care less. Another Bettman Money grab
- LordHumungous

Exactly

Is anyone excited about the World Cup of Hockey?

After watching the all star game, how competitive do we expect the WCoH to be?

Can't imagine players will be too excited to play if they are on a playoff team that goes deep in to the playoffs and then have to go to the WCoH... how many guys will we see bow out?
- hillbillydeluxe

Not really.. I'll never choose this over the Olympics... Even henrik and Bob MacKenzie said today that there's too much international play now

I don't think anyone will bow out ...and I think anytime there is best on best people will watch ...especially after a summer of no hockey.
- Redmile247

It's also the best time of year to go fishing.

yep, not making the playoffs makes the off season feel like forever...
- hillbillydeluxe

I will be busy this summer buying my Patrick Laine merchandise

In other news from the world of international hockey, preliminary 16-player rosters were announced on Wednesday for all eight teams that will be participating in September's World Cup of Hockey.

Four Canucks made the cut:

Daniel & Henrik didn't just make the cut. I thought it was interesting that they were the headliners for the announcement of the Swedish team. Seems they're finally getting some of the recognition and respect they deserve. Only about 10 years late.

I find it interesting our best Dman Edler did not get selected. Reality setting in.

I find it interesting our best Dman Edler did not get selected. Reality setting in.
- VANTEL

Trade him at the draft.

I find it interesting our best Dman Edler did not get selected. Reality setting in.
- VANTEL

Same.
Although, there is a chance that he makes the 2nd cut i suppose.

wait...how many D will they carry? 7?

Never mind. Edler won't be playing.

I find it interesting our best Dman Edler did not get selected. Reality setting in.
- VANTEL

NHL.com has Lundquist, Lehner and Enroth as goalies...


edit. oh. projected. nevermind.

I find it interesting our best Dman Edler did not get selected. Reality setting in.
- VANTEL

I'm not surprised at all.....even the Swedish ice hockey federation finds his play too soft and mistake prone to allow him to screw up their chances