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D-Day

May 7, 2012, 10:04 AM ET [168 Comments]
Ian Esplen
Vancouver Canucks Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
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So here we sit, decision day for the Vancouver Canucks. Today Mike Gillis has a meeting scheduled with the owner Francesco Aquilini to decide the future of the franchise. This meeting will likely determine if the Coach will be back and maybe even the GM.

CBC reported last night the news that most fans did not want to hear. They reported that Mike Gillis and several members of the organization are supporting Alain Vigneault. Why? They didn't really get into that but what do you expect from CBC. After all, this is a company that has a bit of a beef with the Canucks, so any information they get about the Canucks is very likely to be from a second or third source, so take it for what it's worth; not much.

Healy stole the Hotstove segment by stating, "If I'm Mike Gillis I go in there tomorrow guns a blazing. I kick the door down and tell the owner I'm the GM of the year, and I've made some good signings and trades. I make the calls, you just write the cheques." I'm not really sure that's the way to go today, but what kind of analysis do you expect form a career backup? It's a dam good thing this guy is not in the NHLPA anymore because we would surely be heading to another lockout with that kind of an attitude.

What I expect is that Gillis comes in and gives his thoughts on the season. He'll give his opinions on what went wrong and what needs to be done. Aquilini will listen, likely sitting there with a cup of Espresso (for some reason I just picture him always having an Espresso with him). Then he will give his thoughts on things. They will discuss the situation Vancouver is in like men and come to the conclusion as to what the best way to go about things is.

Hopefully that discussion involves a new Coach, but who knows. Maybe they decide they need only new assistants. I think part of the problem AV is his calm, non-emotional demeanour. That same personality has spread throughout the coaching staff and team.

As much as I want a new Head Coach, one has to wonder if they plugged a few fiery assistants in behind the bench whether it would light the fire of this team. Right now the Canucks have the personality of a librarian. They're more focused on books, structure, and order then they are in having fun. You see it in the coaching staff and you see it in the players.

Kesler and Burrows used to play with as much passion as any player that has ever worn the Canucks jersey. They were supposed to be Vancouver modern day Smyl and Linden. Yet in the playoffs they were reduced to whining, diving, shells of themselves. There was no passionate coach to relight the fire and they just blended into nothingness with the rest of the team.

They need to add a guy or two to the organization who brings the party. They need to find a guy who will read guys the riot act when they screw up and pat them on the back when they do well. All the teams that are still playing have that on the bench in one form or another. Vancouver has a bunch of guys who either give you a handshake when they win or put bow their heads when they lose.

They need to get that party starter. If they can do that then maybe there will be some hope for AV after all. Vancouver needs to find someone like Freddie Prinze Jr's character in "She All That". They need to turn AV from nerd girl Rachael Leigh Cook, into sexy party girl Rachael Leigh Cook (Q the jokes about her being a better coach then AV and her being able to get the team "up"). If Vancouver can find that guy (or maybe two) to help AV, then there may still be hope for him.

Every team needs fire to win. Right now Vancouver doesn't have that, but if they find that guy this off season, look out.

AWW well, at least we can take some pride in knowing that if the Kings win this year Vancouver will have lost to the cup Champs for 3 years in a row,

Well that's a wrap.

Stay classy Vancouver.

Ian
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