The Manitoba Moose lost two game in chocolatetown on the weekend. I was only able to listen to one game and a friend in Manitoba watched the game yesterday and relayed to me that the team played like crap. No forecheck cohesion or discipline to get the puck and stay in position.

Grabner has been invisible for the last two games as has Hodgson. Cory Schneider has been out played by Neuvirth and the Moose face elimination tomorrow evening. It's not a pretty picture for the best road team in the AHL this year, but give credit to Hershey, they are playing some amazing hockey right now and deserve to be in front by all accounts.


As for the big club, who knows what's going on. Ek has heard some rumblings, I have heard some rumblings and there is speculation everywhere about what will happen come the draft and UFA day. I keep meaning to come back to the blog about the various options for Gillis but the more I think about it the less clear my thoughts and feelings are, especially with the way our top prospects are playing in the Calder Cup final.

Alain Vigneault is watching the finals in person right now and I'm sure he has been reporting back to Gillis and co. about what he sees, likes and dislikes. Hodgson gets a pass as he is still young and learning but guys like Grabner and Schneider certainly need to be held accountable, although Cory has not been bad he has just not won a game for the team in the final yet.


Going back to what we know/think we know about the Canucks I wouldn't be surprised if a basic frame work of a deal with the Sedins is in place and that something else is being worked on right now...much like the rumours of Hossa in Detroit. If rival GM's know certain dollars are taken they can work deals to their favour. I'm a believer that GM's and agents and such are constantly in touch about contracts and things right now, regardless of the so-called tampering rules. JP Barry has let other teams know where the Sedins might be interested in playing, as has Bouwmeester's agent, and many other soon to be UFA's. It's the little things they can't let slip out and that's the stuff everyone is after.

I also think Gillis will target 2 guys and make a big attempt to land the pieces he thinks brings the Canucks into the top 5 in the conference. Whether he gets them is another matter but we do know he is willing to take that chance as he has proven that much during his short time in charge.

BTW an interesting stat about hockey....

After the second Moose game in Winnipeg the following day on Google the most hits for any hockey team was for the Moose. More than Pittsburgh or Detroit who also played that night. I think that's kinda cool.

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