Carol Schram: Vancouver Canucks Game Review: First Home Loss, Is the Sky Falling? The Vancouver Canucks recorded their first home loss of preseason when they fell 4-2 to the Phoenix Coyotes on Monday night at Rogers Arena.

Go Athletics

If this team is going to roll 4 lines I wouldn't mind seeing Burrows and Kassian with Vey and Higgins and Hansen with Bonino. Call the lines whatever you want but Higgins Bonino Hansen could eat up some tough minutes while allowing Burrows Vey Kassian to score some points. It would insulate both C, I think Vey will be wasted with Higgins/Hansen and I'm not so sure that Bonino will be an offensive upgrade over Vey if given the same quality of line mates.
I also think Horvat goes back to Jr, where he realistically belongs, but I hope he gets a taste at the beginning of the season.
- belcherbd

Wouldn't mind seeing Vey with Burrows and Kassian, but would rather someone other than Hansen with Higgins and Bonino, just not enough offense out of Hansen.


Lots of possible line combo's and if's regarding bounce back years and who will step it up or take that next step- Kassian hasn't shown much yet this preseason.

Go Athletics
- LeftCoaster

So, you're an Athletic supporter then?

Wouldn't mind seeing Vey with Burrows and Kassian, but would rather someone other than Hansen with Higgins and Bonino, just not enough offense out of Hansen.


Lots of possible line combo's and if's regarding bounce back years and who will step it up or take that next step- Kassian hasn't shown much yet this preseason.
- hillbillydeluxe

Burrows has shown less then kassian though.

Sounds like Kassian is bruised up to. for his style of play, I can see that as a hinderance.

nice to see horvat getting some attention, he's not all flash but I still feel he's the most nhl ready of the prospects. he does the little things that shows that maturity to go to the next level, those are the things that a year in the AHL people tend to need to learn (a flames comparison, monahan had that maturity - beartschi needed to work on the small stuff)

If Miller keeps coming up with pi$$-poor excuses like blaming the rain for goals against, he is going wear out his welcome quite quickly here. Not that, I welcomed him whatsoever, I hated the signing, and still do, but understand the logic of bringing a high profile GT in.

Just can't get used to the blank stare, retarded cat eyes behind the mask every time he lets a softy in.

So, you're an Athletic supporter then?
- we_are_all_canucks

Absofrickinlotely

If Miller keeps coming up with pi$$-poor excuses like blaming the rain for goals against, he is going wear out his welcome quite quickly here. Not that, I welcomed him whatsoever, I hated the signing, and still do, but understand the logic of bringing a high profile GT in.

Just can't get used to the blank stare, retarded cat eyes behind the mask every time he lets a softy in.
- PetrolSexual

The rain

Seriously though, why rush out to the puck and chance injury? What does that gain you in pre-season? I see that as a remarkable explanation

If Miller keeps coming up with pi$$-poor excuses like blaming the rain for goals against, he is going wear out his welcome quite quickly here. Not that, I welcomed him whatsoever, I hated the signing, and still do, but understand the logic of bringing a high profile GT in.

Just can't get used to the blank stare, retarded cat eyes behind the mask every time he lets a softy in.
- PetrolSexual

Better get used to it, Miller's MO is to throw his teammates under the bus when things go poorly. At least when Lou let softies in he was the first to take the blame or at least deflect it with humour.



Strombone @strombone1

Almost had him............

Welcome to the temperate coastal rain forest, Ryan Miller!!

Wouldn't mind seeing Vey with Burrows and Kassian, but would rather someone other than Hansen with Higgins and Bonino, just not enough offense out of Hansen.


Lots of possible line combo's and if's regarding bounce back years and who will step it up or take that next step- Kassian hasn't shown much yet this preseason.
- hillbillydeluxe

There is not enough offence out of all of them, allowing other teams to shutdown the Sedins and Vrbata. Nothing has changed with this team just the names.

Edit: enjoy the new Hot Dogs

There is not enough offence out of all of them, allowing other teams to shutdown the Sedins and Vrbata. Nothing has changed with this team just the names.
- A_SteamingLombardi

If Vrbata is on the 2nd line with Bonino, then I think that is change.

Bonino is not Kesler and I am fine with that, but the Vrbata acquisition is what many have been clamouring for, a finisher/shooter. The last time we had one of those was when Samuelson was healthy.

But you are prolly right, we don't want to spread the offense too thin.

If Shinkaruk or Jensen can step up, I would prefer one of them in the top 9 than Hansen. They have more potential to put up the points than Hansen.

There is not enough offence out of all of them, allowing other teams to shutdown the Sedins and Vrbata. Nothing has changed with this team just the names.

Edit: enjoy the new Hot Dogs
- A_SteamingLombardi

Alarmingly, I think you might be right. Perhaps Desjardins' system may generate more offensive looks, but you can't turn a bunch of generalists into goal scorers. As we have for the years now, we need some creative play-makers in this line-up. Too much meat and potatoes makes one constipated.

Better get used to it, Miller's MO is to throw his teammates under the bus when things go poorly. At least when Lou let softies in he was the first to take the blame or at least deflect it with humour.



Strombone @strombone1

Almost had him............
- belcherbd

This is why I can't stand the fact that they signed him...

If Vrbata is on the 2nd line with Bonino, then I think that is change.

Bonino is not Kesler and I am fine with that, but the Vrbata acquisition is what many have been clamouring for, a finisher/shooter. The last time we had one of those was when Samuelson was healthy.

But you are prolly right, we don't want to spread the offense too thin.
- hillbillydeluxe

Early days. If they really roll four lines, then that should spread scoring. If this doesn't work, then it will be a long year. But no one should expect this to be an elite team. Just hope young guys get a chance to develop whether with the big club or Utica or junior. Hopefully, they play some exciting hockey, work hard and if they fall out of the playoff picture can move some guys for prospects or picks and get a nice high pick next June.

This is why I can't stand the fact that they signed him...
- PetrolSexual

The media is just waiting for the opportunity to pounce on something like this.

Waiting for a Miller response like "... oh yeah, I'm in Canada and supposed to say sorry." Not as much entertainment compared to the Torts show, but it could still be interesting.

Early days. If they really roll four lines, then that should spread scoring. If this doesn't work, then it will be a long year. But no one should expect this to be an elite team. Just hope young guys get a chance to develop whether with the big club or Utica or junior. Hopefully, they play some exciting hockey, work hard and if they fall out of the playoff picture can move some guys for prospects or picks and get a nice high pick next June.
- bazz

I am wondering if they keep Horvat up, is there any deal to be made with Columbus to move a player for a pick? Unfortunately they likely want a centre... Could we get a 2nd rounder for Richardson or Matthias? Richardson is likely better on draws.

Is that too much pressure to put on Horvat or what is needed - to play on a team that rolls all four lines and play 12 minutes a night?

This is why I can't stand the fact that they signed him...
- PetrolSexual

Didn't like the signing either, but he's here now. We don't have to be a bunch of Gallaghers and jump on everything coming out of his mouth. Wait until he actually throws someone under the bus.

If Vrbata is on the 2nd line with Bonino, then I think that is change.

Bonino is not Kesler and I am fine with that, but the Vrbata acquisition is what many have been clamouring for, a finisher/shooter. The last time we had one of those was when Samuelson was healthy.

But you are prolly right, we don't want to spread the offense too thin.

If Shinkaruk or Jensen can step up, I would prefer one of them in the top 9 than Hansen. They have more potential to put up the points than Hansen.
- hillbillydeluxe

We might have to put Burrows back with the twins to get him going. I think it was Booner who said that would happen and Vrbata would be with the twins on the PP which has looked good. I would love to see what Shink can do with Bonino and Vrbata.

Sedins Burrows
Shink Bonino Vrbata
Higgins Vey Kassian
Dorsett Richardson Hansen

Matthius has looked useless to me, he wont even use his size.

We might have to put Burrows back with the twins to get him going. I think it was Booner who said that would happen and Vrbata would be with the twins on the PP which has looked good. I would love to see what Shink can do with Bonino and Vrbata.

Sedins Burrows
Shink Bonino Vrbata
Higgins Vey Kassian
Dorsett Richardson Hansen

Matthius has looked useless to me, he wont even use his size.
- A_SteamingLombardi

yes

I am wondering if they keep Horvat up, is there any deal to be made with Columbus to move a player for a pick? Unfortunately they likely want a centre... Could we get a 2nd rounder for Richardson or Matthias? Richardson is likely better on draws.

Is that too much pressure to put on Horvat or what is needed - to play on a team that rolls all four lines and play 12 minutes a night?
- hillbillydeluxe

Those guys or others might be moveable if the Canucks are out or even early on if someone else can take their place.

I don't think yesterday's game was a good example of actually rolling four lines. Not sure the Sedin and Bonino lines minutes were, but the kids were under 10 with the exception if Horvat penalty killing. Since it was exhibition, I think, they should have given the kids more minutes. Either live or die.

We might have to put Burrows back with the twins to get him going. I think it was Booner who said that would happen and Vrbata would be with the twins on the PP which has looked good. I would love to see what Shink can do with Bonino and Vrbata.

Sedins Burrows
Shink Bonino Vrbata
Higgins Vey Kassian
Dorsett Richardson Hansen

Matthius has looked useless to me, he wont even use his size.
- A_SteamingLombardi

Hoping Burrows and Daniel can get it going.

And someone(s) in the bottom 6 has to be moved. Maybe JB doesn't feel the need to rush in dealing someone. We have some depth, but once we start trading guys to go with youth then some of that depth is gone. Ignoring all the talk re: prospects earning spots, it makes a lot of sense to give the tie to the vet and let the prospect play more in Utica and still be available for a call up to fill in for injuries.

This is why I can't stand the fact that they signed him...
- PetrolSexual

Could this be why they call Vancouver a goalie graveyard? Let's give him a couple of months to screw up anyway.

Could this be why they call Vancouver a goalie graveyard? Let's give him a couple of months to screw up anyway.

- we_are_all_canucks

You are prolly right but for feck sake did Benning even watch tape of Eddie Lack? Benning addressed an issue that didn't need addressing and we still need offense.

Is that Ryan Miller's fault? No.

As mentioned, we are stuck with him, may as well let it unfold.

Maybe it was my low expectations coming into camp, but I've actually been pleasantly surprised by a few players so far in training camp (eg. Bonino, Vey), and the early chemistry between Vrbata and the Sedins is encouraging. I think it's quite possible that we could see early success from this group, especially if they're firmly motivated to put last year behind them. It's what happens after that adrenaline phase that concerns me, when the new coach honeymoon phase passes, the season becomes more of a grind, injuries start to mount, and you start needing things like consistent secondary offense to keep up in the standings.