exactly. EP's attitude suggests that he's pretty pissed he's not in the PO's and that's a contagious thing in the room. Hughes, Boeser and Horvat also suggest that winning attitude. I get the concerns of #teamwhiner when it comes to JB that he has chucked cash at FA's and some questionable trades. But this ain't no Sedin, Burrows, Kesler, Lou era...we have moved on and are cleaning house. This core is so different to what they were trying to build around the Sedins it's ridiculous. As long as they are up 3-5 spots that's the goal. If they flirt with the WC so be it. Exciting hockey that's full of effort. No will give a sh!t much if they lose close games and the effort is there...and I think it will be with this new core post-Sedins.
- LordHumungous

Petey is the leader of this team. I loved that he told managment last year to go out and get some top 6 players. That is who I am placing my money on as the next captain.

Yeah it's the summer.

I mean lots of guys were calling them a bubble team last summer before Markstrom's breakout season or EP's huge year as a rookie.

Wasn't it just a couple of years ago the team won 4 of their first 5 games or something and "suck it haters" became the catch phrase?
- golfingsince

They were 5 wins out and lost 24 games by 1 point. They had ridiculous injuries. Who ever called them a bubble team like I did was very very close compared to some of the outlandish "worse/one of the worse finishes in history" people. These predictions were often fueled by the idea that Horvat wasnt ready and the Canucks could only go backwards without the Sedins. I disagreed on both.

I made a poll after xmas last season. Outside of Thunderchunk, I couldn't even convince people that Markstrom was not the same GT as previous seasons. People's minds are so entrenched that they cant even see improvements after months let alone late at the end of the previous season that gave hint to the future season.

Would you trade Madden and Podkolzin for Miller (has they not already acquired him)?
- 1970vintage

Yes, Miller is the poop

You guys are making me side with team circle jerk.

- golfingsince

Gets crazier and crazier if you listen through it.

One of the things I like about EP, Boeser and Horvat is these guys had championship hunger and experience coming into their careers. EP and Boeser against men. Horvat already showed he steps it up on the playoffs and it was only his rookie season. I like the chances of these 3 being big in playoffs. I know its a pom pom comment but It's not without base.
- boonerbuck

All 3 are the types you win with.

They were 5 wins out and lost 24 games by 1 point. They had ridiculous injuries. Who ever called them a bubble team like I did was very very close compared to some of the outlandish "worse/one of the worse finishes in history" people. These predictions were often fueled by the idea that Horvat wasnt ready and the Canucks could only go backwards without the Sedins. I disagreed on both.

I made a poll after xmas last season. Outside of Thunderchunk, I couldn't even convince people that Markstrom was not the same GT as previous seasons. People's minds are so entrenched that they cant even see improvements after months let alone late at the end of the previous season that gave hint to the future season.
- boonerbuck

Bullpoop. Then again we don't know if we get the same, better or former goalie this year or moving forward. I mean at this point, it's a career year. We'll see.

That's what I was saying though, optimism ran pretty high and only came close to expectations fuelled by an explosive rookie season and a career year.

IMO there are no guarantees we're a playoff team this year or next.

You forgot Loui . He likes to compete too
- VANTEL

Yeah but only on vacation for pu$$y.

Petey is the leader of this team. I loved that he told managment last year to go out and get some top 6 players. That is who I am placing my money on as the next captain.
- VANTEL

(frank) that Horvat was their MVP last year. He's been the captain for 2 years.

(frank) that Horvat was their MVP last year. He's been the captain for 2 years.
- belcherbd

Petey is the leader of this team. I loved that he told managment last year to go out and get some top 6 players. That is who I am placing my money on as the next captain.
- VANTEL

We'll see. The letter on the jersey changes nothing in the dressing room. On the other hand, it means he has to be the voice of reason with the refs on the ice and more often than anyone on the team, talk to the media. EP has shown a snappy condescending attitude towards the media that just won't do as a captain and sure to backfire quickly. That has to change before he becomes the C wearing captain. I have faith in him in recognizing it after he put a request in not to do as many interviews this season. Keep in mind, that just won't work if he gets the C this season. He'll have no choice.

I'm still all for giving it to Horvat. EP blew us away on how he leads shift to shift but Horvat really took the team on his back when most thought he wasnt ready or there would be a massive leadership hole post Sedins. He was taking face offs for 3 lines, played both ends of the ice with D assignments and still produced as a 1st liner with a career season in the end. He did most of the talking with the refs, laid down some rules for the young players on how to spend their down time on the road and played through some nagging injuries. He showed almost everyone wrong and he's entering his prime years after 5 seasons. He's the man for now... EP will need a couple of seasons and I'm surprised that people would think Horvat did last season and not think the same about EP. I need to see more EP. He may turn out to be a high skilled whiner who b!tches at his own players in front of cameras for all we know. Time will tell.

Bullpoop. Then again we don't know if we get the same, better or former goalie this year or moving forward. I mean at this point, it's a career year. We'll see.

That's what I was saying though, optimism ran pretty high and only came close to expectations fuelled by an explosive rookie season and a career year.

IMO there are no guarantees we're a playoff team this year or next.
- golfingsince

It's not bullpoop. I posted it in poll form. Only thunderchunk agreed in what I was saying. Most of the comments were very sarcastic..

You show me otherwise since you remember.

(frank) that Horvat was their MVP last year. He's been the captain for 2 years.
- belcherbd

(frank) that Horvat was their MVP last year. He's been the captain for 2 years.
- belcherbd

We will see

And you're suggesting that every 1st and 3rd he picks will be gold. We have a real chance at playoffs this season and next. Especially if Markstrom plays like he did last year and Demko is better than Nilsson. Our Forward groups is much improved, as is our defense. We were right in the thick of the playoff hunt before EP dried up. I doubt that happens again this year with our improvements.
- Retinalz

IF they make the playoffs this season it’s almost certainly as a wild card, and getting out of the first round will be very difficult. This means they will be giving up a pick in the 16-20 range. I like Bracket for getting an impact player in that spot, not a Mike Gillis special. My expectation is not 50/50 in the first round.

On paper, things look better, because of how terrible many of the players were/are. I don’t expect Myers or Benn to be great, Hopefully they are good, and stay healthy.

IF they make the playoffs this season it’s almost certainly as a wild card, and getting out of the first round will be very difficult. This means they will be giving up a pick in the 16-20 range. I like Bracket for getting an impact player in that spot, not a Mike Gillis special. My expectation is not 50/50 in the first round.

On paper, things look better, because of how terrible many of the players were/are. I don’t expect Myers or Benn to be great, Hopefully they are good, and stay healthy.
- 1970vintage

Adding players who can stay relatively healthy would be a big improvmemt in it's self. I agree.

That’s my thinking. The only reason JB has a job is his last few drafts produced BB and EP. It’s my belief that JB and crew had no idea of what they actually had in both until they actually played an NHL game. Especially BB. I think they were as surprised as we were at the skill level displayed.

That speaks volumes on their vision for this team in my books.
- bloatedmosquito

Don't worry the 2020 player yet to be drafted somewhere in the first round is going to be something truly special for TB. Probably the next Gaunce. Mother (frank)er's always coming out with the best players,

Bullpoop. Then again we don't know if we get the same, better or former goalie this year or moving forward. I mean at this point, it's a career year. We'll see.

That's what I was saying though, optimism ran pretty high and only came close to expectations fuelled by an explosive rookie season and a career year.

IMO there are no guarantees we're a playoff team this year or next.
- golfingsince

You know this applies to the other 30 teams as well.

We will see

- VANTEL

Yep.

- boonerbuck

- Codes1087

That is called the New Years Eve look. You let the balls drop.

Petey is the leader of this team. I loved that he told managment last year to go out and get some top 6 players. That is who I am placing my money on as the next captain.
- VANTEL

Would it change your mind to know that I agree?

(I wouldn’t put my money on it - I just think that Petey is a legit alpha/leader)

Would it change your mind to know that I agree?

(I wouldn’t put my money on it - I just think that Petey is a legit alpha/leader)
- DrChristianTroy

It's the right choice. It is Peteys team. He even has Bo in awe.

That is called the New Years Eve look. You let the balls drop.
- VANTEL

It's the right choice. It is Peteys team. He even has Bo in awe.
- VANTEL

In awe of his skills.