Meh. Wingin about a 23 year old having fun is just not my speed. I’d prefer if he focused, but I can’t really blame him for not. Also, ive just read three pages of something out of nothing between jv, beags and tanev.

Truth is: Virtanen has improved on last year.
- neem55

I havent partaken in any of the dialogue and hsvent bothered to back read so I wasnt aware.

Virtanens offense and consistency has improved I'll give him that, but you would hope to not see the sort of defensive lapses 5 years into being pro and would hope that these "doghouse" moments would be less frequent after those 5 years. Seems hes good for a couple by the coach every year.

I'm sure his teammates can. They're all focused, trying to make the most of their skills and limited opportunity in the NHL. Gaudette's 23 and works his ass off, so it's not a written-off age thing. Not saying he can't have fun, but if his fun and carefree attitude are effecting his job, then ya, it's problematic.
- NewYorkNuck

I am not even responding to his post , not worth it. It obviously is a problem seeing Benning himself sat down with Jake as in so many words asked him if he is nuts?

Green also pulled him off his regular line so it seems like it is not only me wingin

I'm sure his teammates can. They're all focused, trying to make the most of their skills and limited opportunity in the NHL. Gaudette's 23 and works his ass off, so it's not a written-off age thing. Not saying he can't have fun, but if his fun and carefree attitude are effecting his job, then ya, it's problematic.
- NewYorkNuck

Well said.

I havent partaken in any of the dialogue and hsvent bothered to back read so I wasnt aware.

Virtanens offense and consistency has improved I'll give him that, but you would hope to not see the sort of defensive lapses 5 years into being pro and would hope that these "doghouse" moments would be less frequent after those 5 years. Seems hes good for a couple by the coach every year.
- Codes1087

As with when he was first on the team, I think his spot on the team is gifted – he hasn't won that spot outright from someone. Those lapses are still between stretches of games where he's invisible too. With ZacMac potentially providing what Jake does, and PodK coming over soon, I think this is the last chance for Jake on the team to show he belongs.

Kid's got tons of skill and potential, but 5 years is a long time to not put it together a little bit.

As with when he was first on the team, I think his spot on the team is gifted – he hasn't won that spot outright from someone. Those lapses are still between stretches of games where he's invisible too. With ZacMac potentially providing what Jake does, and PodK coming over soon, I think this is the last chance for Jake on the team to show he belongs.

Kid's got tons of skill and potential, but 5 years is a long time to not put it together a little bit.
- NewYorkNuck

Players who care and give it their all have always been respected on this site. What they lack in talent, they generally try and make up with in effort. If virtanen played like gaudette or macewen, the criticism would probably be down significantly, but year after year, the coach and the people of these boards seem to share the same opinion of jake. I want him to be better for the team and the franchise, but I mostly want jake to be better and do better for himself

As with when he was first on the team, I think his spot on the team is gifted – he hasn't won that spot outright from someone. Those lapses are still between stretches of games where he's invisible too. With ZacMac potentially providing what Jake does, and PodK coming over soon, I think this is the last chance for Jake on the team to show he belongs.

Kid's got tons of skill and potential, but 5 years is a long time to not put it together a little bit.
- NewYorkNuck

I think Jake has some good skills . My problem is you don't see them in action often enough. After a while people with potential not using their full potential get labelled differently.

Skilled people usually bring their assets to the table regularly. They also don't take 6 years in professional sports to arrive there. Very rarely that happens . Most of the time it becomes what you see is what you get.

Problem with Jake is he is a bit of a blockhead. He is at the time in his career that he wants a raise and I don't think he is worth it . He has had one year in 5 that he has had decent numbers. As you mentioned he has not won anything and has been gifted.

Thoughts on scrimmage and Travis Green's go-with-the-flow attitude as he looks ahead, in the new blog:

https://hockeybuzz.com/bl...amp-hits-Day-6/194/106490

Players who care and give it their all have always been respected on this site. What they lack in talent, they generally try and make up with in effort. If virtanen played like gaudette or macewen, the criticism would probably be down significantly, but year after year, the coach and the people of these boards seem to share the same opinion of jake. I want him to be better for the team and the franchise, but I mostly want jake to be better and do better for himself
- Codes1087

He’s still one of our better bottom 6 guys. You need that kind of depth. His game for sure needs more discipline but i see improvement. His turnover rate is actually net positive, as he also creates turnovers and had less. It’s not much in the positive, but there are far weaker players.

Canadian gov't has denied Blue Jays home game access . Do not want teams travelling back and forth to Canada. Codes you will like this.

I don’t usually do these.
But RIP to Mr Chi pig.
Absolute legend.
I think booner and maybe a couple others know.
- dbot

Vocalist for SNFU.

There are a lot of RIPs posted on my feed. I didnt know him personally but dozens of my friends if not a hundred did. Even the most raunchy black metal heads I know are mourning his passing.

Canadian gov't has denied Blue Jays home game access . Do not want teams travelling back and forth to Canada. Codes you will like this.
- VANTEL

The right call

I think maybe I didn't word it properly . I think he will be a Canuck next year bottom pairing.

I don't think he would have signed the other day without a good idea of where he is playing next year. He is an excellent passing D man with very good break out speed. Lets face it he only has to beat out Fantenberg lol.

Benn was a disappointment . I was hoping for more toughness and hits.
- VANTEL

I highly doubt Green promised to pencil in a prospect with no pro experience into the line up. He even admitted the other day he was cautious about Hughes and would let it play itself out in camp.

I doubt Benning is forcing Green just as much.

I'm doubtful Rathbone is in the lineup next season. Too many D prospects with pro experience ahead of him.

The right call
- Codes1087

Agreed. Border crossings need to be kept to a minimum until the US get their shot together.

The Cassels disappeared and McDavid became the best player in the league go figure lol
- LordHumungous

I highly doubt Green promised to pencil in a prospect with no pro experience into the line up. He even admitted the other day he was cautious about Hughes and would let it play itself out in camp.

I doubt Benning is forcing Green just as much.

I'm doubtful Rathbone is in the lineup next season. Too many D prospects with pro experience ahead of him.
- boonerbuck

I agree. He’ll have a shot, most likely landing place is utica though.

I think they will manage to power through. All this “unfit to play” makes me think that they are shutting guys down immediately if they have any symptoms until they get (just a guess) negative test results on consecutive days. It might mean a team is without a key player for a game/series, but I think they will continue to play. Like for instance, if Beagle is unable to go the Canucks will lose to Minnesota which would be unfortunate but win win, they get the first overall selection in the draft.
- 1970vintage

This is what I think about it. Not much of a mystery in my opinion. Someone sniffles, feels bagged or shows a slight rise in temp, "unfit to play" until confirmation of positive or negative.

It’s easy to win without your top two defensemen (ignoring Hughes for the moment) but you can’t win without your 14th best forward.


- 1970vintage

Not sure if already posted or not, apologies if done already

Audio of Horvat going at it with virtanen

https://twitter.com/Grady.../1284198608439476228?s=19

Hearing this for the first time today, but not surprising, he did the same poop in summer camp in victoria.