LOL, of course every single team has a system. What do you think they learn in practices. May not always be executed well, or the other team is better at implanting their system over Vans. Man how could that guy think they don't have a system?
- manvanfan

Or what they talk about when interviewing coaches to hire? Or even what they do when they have video meetings?

I am not saying anything about WD as a coach, I think he's neither good nor bad as he has his strengths and weaknesses but saying there is no system just strikes a nerve with me because it just isn't true. Implementation and/or execution is the issue, not the absence of one

Agree to a point…but having the right mix of players is always key which is why I mention personnel. 10 teams in this league have excellent D…10 teams have mediocre D and ten teams have crappy D and we were in the bottom 10 last year. Anyone can't be taught to defend. That doesn't wash at the NHL level or all 30 teams would be unreal defensively.

Which is why I mentioned Lidster. I do think that he is the weaker link in the staff. But not having a 'system' at this level like other suggest? Ridiculous.

If we had Karlsson Doughty Keith and Seabrook on this club even Lidster would look like a genius. It starts with players…then you coach what you need into them to get results. When Edler and Tanev are our top 2 well…you get what you get regardless of coaching.
- LordHumungous

Good post

Agree to a point…but having the right mix of players is always key which is why I mention personnel. 10 teams in this league have excellent D…10 teams have mediocre D and ten teams have crappy D and we were in the bottom 10 last year. Anyone can't be taught to defend. That doesn't wash at the NHL level or all 30 teams would be unreal defensively.

Which is why I mentioned Lidster. I do think that he is the weaker link in the staff. But not having a 'system' at this level like other suggest? Ridiculous.

If we had Karlsson Doughty Keith and Seabrook on this club even Lidster would look like a genius. It starts with players…then you coach what you need into them to get results. When Edler and Tanev are our top 2 well…you get what you get regardless of coaching.
- LordHumungous

I meant as a five man unit, not defensemen.

Or what they talk about when interviewing coaches to hire? Or even what they do when they have video meetings?

I am not saying anything about WD as a coach, I think he's neither good nor bad as he has his strengths and weaknesses but saying there is no system just strikes a nerve with me because it just isn't true. Implementation and/or execution is the issue, not the absence of one
- WhiteLie

Finally someone that understands.

Good post
- WhiteLie

Lidster defintely hasn't proven much yet and like WD he will be under an incredible amount of scrutiny to make things better. The additions on defense should give him some help and if he can't get them to work his system then they have to look at it.

Finally someone that understands.
- WhatTheNuck

Of course the Canucks have systems, every team uses systems, EVERY team. But, there's dozens of "systems" you can employ, both defensively and offensively.

Using one that compliments your players is my issue. When you're not a talented team you need to use a system that prioritizes defensive structure first and foremost.

I meant as a five man unit, not defensemen.
- LeftCoaster

I think in terms of a 5 man unit they were even worse. You can't keep having forwards cough up the puck and put your defenseman in a bad spot all the time. This is another reason I felt last year was just really bad. You can't put anyone under the microscope before you assess the personnel from the forwards and the defenseman. The team just wasn't there. It can't be blamed on just anyone specifically yet. They have some depth now and all we have to do is give them a chance to prove they can find a way to win games. Playoffs or not, I can't see us being as bad as last year.

Finally someone that understands.
- WhatTheNuck

They should just convert the Canucks into a Jr team since apparently JB's scouting abilities stop once players are beyond 18-19 years old and WD can't coach in the NHL

Of course the Canucks have systems, every team uses systems, EVERY team. But, there's dozens of "systems" you can employ, both defensively and offensively.

Using one that compliments your players is my issue.
- LeftCoaster

Absolutely. Couldn't agree more. That's where the coaches didn't get it right but they did have some disadvantages. I don't think they deserve a free pass on that season and they know they obviously need to change some things. That being said, I was mostly angered some saying there is no system. There is one for sure, just one that didn't work or get executed properly.

They should just convert the Canucks into a Jr team since apparently JB's scouting abilities stop once players are beyond 18-19 years old and WD can't coach in the NHL
- WhiteLie

I can't believe how picky a portion of our fan base is. I know we see a small sample size here but I see even worse things said on FB, Sportsnet, and other Canucks threads. Just crazy what a few years of rebuilding can turn people in to. Some guy told me to drink my own piss on a Facebook thread. A grown (frank)ing man told me this after he shat all over managements idea of losing Hamhuis for nothing. Just pitiful.

They should just convert the Canucks into a Jr team since apparently JB's scouting abilities stop once players are beyond 18-19 years old and WD can't coach in the NHL
- WhiteLie

Desjardins used a pressure system last year, 2-1-2, while the defense were expected to keep plays alive in the offensive zone. Do you recall the number of odd man rushes they gave up? It was a lot!

It's just a matter of changing that, should WD choose to do so, so they're structurally more defensively sound. Benning said in an interview at development camp that this is the teams plan, so I expect it to happen.

Of course the Canucks have systems, every team uses systems, EVERY team. But, there's dozens of "systems" you can employ, both defensively and offensively.

Using one that compliments your players is my issue. When you're not a talented team you need to use a system that prioritizes defensive structure first and foremost.
- LeftCoaster

Absolutely a fair criticism. Torts is one that comes to mind that didn't deploy a system that suited the personnel in Vancouver. I think Sutter does particularly well in LA with this as his bottom 6 I feel benefit from how he coaches and deploys his lines, rather than them being above average players.

Far too often players and coaches are overconfident in themselves and try to dictate the play, that I think was WD's downfall this year and why you didn't see line matching or much deviation (particularly that CBC commercial break criticism). They always say, "we can't worry about the other team, if we just play our game we will be successful", but they weren't very talented last year and should've adapted (sorta like their 3 on 3 strategy )

Desjardins used a pressure system last year, 2-1-2, while the defense were expected to keep plays alive in the offensive zone. Do you recall the number of odd man rushes they gave up? It was a lot!

It's just a matter of changing that, should WD choose to do so, so they're structurally more defensively sound. Benning said in an interview at development camp that this is the teams plan, so I expect it to happen.
- LeftCoaster

Agreed, I remember it being effective too until AV came to town with the Rangers and shook things up a little

The new personnel (EG) and additional experience of Hutton and Tree will also help in making quicker and more confident decisions. Hesitation from Bartkowski (among others) on pinches left him flatfooted causing those odd man rushes and leaving him unable to catch up. Things should hopefully be better this year

Absolutely a fair criticism. Torts is one that comes to mind that didn't deploy a system that suited the personnel in Vancouver. I think Sutter does particularly well in LA with this as his bottom 6 I feel benefit from how he coaches and deploys his lines, rather than them being above average players.

Far too often players and coaches are overconfident in themselves and try to dictate the play, that I think was WD's downfall this year and why you didn't see line matching or much deviation (particularly that CBC commercial break criticism). They always say, "we can't worry about the other team, if we just play our game we will be successful", but they weren't very talented last year and should've adapted (sorta like their 3 on 3 strategy )
- WhiteLie

His use of veterans only (primarily) early in the year (shootout) was so pathetic. Use talented people, regardless of their age.

Desjardins used a pressure system last year, 2-1-2, while the defense were expected to keep plays alive in the offensive zone. Do you recall the number of odd man rushes they gave up? It was a lot!

It's just a matter of changing that, should WD choose to do so, so they're structurally more defensively sound. Benning said in an interview at development camp that this is the teams plan, so I expect it to happen.
- LeftCoaster

I think he went that route because our defense just wasn't good enough in their own zone. They weren't that good anywhere. He basically tried to use offensive pressure as a deterrent and it just failed badly. So glad to be done with Bart and Weber.

His use of veterans only (primarily) early in the year (shootout) was so pathetic. Use talented people, regardless of their age.
- LeftCoaster

Nailed it. He needs to have more faith in the young guys.

To say we have no system is dumb though. This is the NHL and it's pretty obvious how bad our defense was for sure. We play with a terrible defense and it becomes a NO system issue? I can admit whatever they tried didn't work but I can't concede and say there was nothing in place. I think at this level if there was no system he would've been let go already. I think it's fair to be critical of how things have been and I'm not trying to say he doesnt deserve some constructive criticism but when management is still saying good things then I think there has to be a system and it's just sorting out the right personnel to execute that system. After seeing who played on our defense it's no wonder we sucked. You could pick any coach out here and they would have got the same results out of those plugs.

It's incredibly arrogant to keep stating if someone doesn't see the same things you do they are wrong.
- WhatTheNuck

would you be happier if it were rephrased as, "Nux had no system that was implemented correctly or in any discernible manner"... that should make you happy that, yes, the Nux had a system, but the defence wasn't able to implement it.

they might as well have had no system if the dmen can't implement whatever it was they were supposedly trying to do.

maybe if you have an idea of what they were trying to do you can enlighten everyone who didn't see anything resembling a system out there....

I can't believe how picky a portion of our fan base is. I know we see a small sample size here but I see even worse things said on FB, Sportsnet, and other Canucks threads. Just crazy what a few years of rebuilding can turn people in to. Some guy told me to drink my own piss on a Facebook thread. A grown (frank)ing man told me this after he shat all over managements idea of losing Hamhuis for nothing. Just pitiful.
- WhatTheNuck

maybe the guy was a hindu practitioner?

He could have been trying to help you

i understand its considered a healthy thing to do by some hindus... Indian urine therapy...
http://www.bibliotecapley...et/salud/esp_salud06b.htm
http://www.dailymail.co.u...owers-queuing-try-it.html
http://www.urinetherapy.in/ancientreference.aspx

Sign the SHIP for 2m/2yrs with 1m bonuses each for 20 goals & 50 pts.
Send Burrows to Utica.
Ship Sutter Hansen/JV 2nd line

would you be happier if it were rephrased as, "Nux had no system that was implemented correctly or in any discernible manner"... that should make you happy that, yes, the Nux had a system, but the defence wasn't able to implement it.

they might as well have had no system if the dmen can't implement whatever it was they were supposedly trying to do.

maybe if you have an idea of what they were trying to do you can enlighten everyone who didn't see anything resembling a system out there....
- kaptaan

blame it all on Sbisa if u do not understand systems lol
if your eyes could not see the on ice difficulties injuries caused or all the youth forced to play over their heads then nothing to say.

To find the grit Van is looking for will probably have to come from the draft.

Forgive me if anyone has posted this earlier but did you guys see Burrows answering a question about young plays commitment the yesterday?

“I think it might have been an eye-opener for them how hard the league is and how good it is. You’ve got to focus all your energy on preparing and playing well and being a real pro about it. I talked to (Ben) Hutton and he had a great experience at the worlds and that will be helpful. As for Jake (Virtanen), he’ll get it one day — hopefully sooner than later. Hopefully, he’s putting in the work and I know guys see him in the gym at the rink every day.”

Looks like we weren't far off assuming JV has some small commitment issues.

Forgive me if anyone has posted this earlier but did you guys see Burrows answering a question about young plays commitment the yesterday?

“I think it might have been an eye-opener for them how hard the league is and how good it is. You’ve got to focus all your energy on preparing and playing well and being a real pro about it. I talked to (Ben) Hutton and he had a great experience at the worlds and that will be helpful. As for Jake (Virtanen), he’ll get it one day — hopefully sooner than later. Hopefully, he’s putting in the work and I know guys see him in the gym at the rink every day.”

Looks like we weren't far off assuming JV has some small commitment issues.
- NorthNuck

I would chalk it down to maturity issues not commitment issues, he's still a teenager. I don't know many teenagers who've got their collective poop together. This is why having the veterans around helps them tremendously.

I would chalk it down to maturity issues not commitment issues, he's still a teenager. I don't know many teenagers who've got their collective poop together. This is why having the veterans around helps them tremendously.
- LeftCoaster

And why so few teenagers are able to play in the league now a days. Also probably why so many more College players are being drafted because they are playing with older players.

I would chalk it down to maturity issues not commitment issues, he's still a teenager. I don't know many teenagers who've got their collective poop together. This is why having the veterans around helps them tremendously.
- LeftCoaster

Yup I would agree with that. Just read an article on the province making a pitch for Horvat to get the A now that Hamhuis is gone. I think it would probably be a good thing considering everybody already wants him to be our next captain, but is it too early?