I may not finish watching the playoffs. Truly I can't stand the horrible officiating. The NHL should be ashamed. Letting these Refs decide game after game. Pretty sad.

I may not finish watching the playoffs. Truly I can't stand the horrible officiating. The NHL should be ashamed. Letting these Refs decide game after game. Pretty sad.
- thundachunk

Jeremy Jacobs says its fine. So Gary agrees

Yep, this brings me back to my original point this morning - this core doesn't necessarily need a blow-up but it certainly needs a shake-up. We won't get what we're looking for in the UFA market and there's nothing of immediate note in the farm. Time for out-of-the-box trading which no one's role being safe if the value is right.

This is basically why I think Gillis should go because I seriously doubt his ability to change the tact he's been on for the past few years.
- AlexF

I beg to differ Gillis will get something done. Also Jensen, Schroeder, Corrado. They can slot in right now IMO. Jensen needs 2nd line time to improve, Schroeder on 3rd, Corrado Nuff said.

Jeremy Jacobs says its fine. So Gary agrees
- Bieksa#3

Gary doesn't give a f@ck. He's watching the ratings meter, which seems to be doing fine. Hockey fans love to complain but keep watching and going to games like addicts crying about reaching for their next hit.

Yep, this brings me back to my original point this morning - this core doesn't necessarily need a blow-up but it certainly needs a shake-up. We won't get what we're looking for in the UFA market and there's nothing of immediate note in the farm. Time for out-of-the-box trading which no one's role being safe if the value is right.

This is basically why I think Gillis should go because I seriously doubt his ability to change the tact he's been on for the past few years.
- AlexF

Gillis's track record with trading isn't stellar.

If Aquilini wants a new look to his team, and more than one "core" player traded, I wouldn't want MG to be the mastermind...

I'm not on board with a blow up, but if the Canucks do it, they'd better hire someone else.

Jeremy Jacobs says its fine. So Gary agrees
- Bieksa#3

Insert Eye roll smiley here

I beg to differ Gillis will get something done. Also Jensen, Schroeder, Corrado. They can slot in right now IMO. Jensen needs 2nd line time to improve, Schroeder on 3rd, Corrado Nuff said.
- thundachunk

Decent complimentary players of the future but no way those guys turn us into a cup contender. The answer we're looking for is not in the farm.

Gillis's track record with trading isn't stellar.

If Aquilini wants a new look to his team, and more than one "core" player traded, I wouldn't want MG to be the mastermind...

I'm not on board with a blow up, but if the Canucks do it, they'd better hire someone else.
- Fosco

Out of curiosity what do you think this team should this summer?

Gillis's track record with trading isn't stellar.

If Aquilini wants a new look to his team, and more than one "core" player traded, I wouldn't want MG to be the mastermind...

I'm not on board with a blow up, but if the Canucks do it, they'd better hire someone else.
- Fosco

AV/Bowness. makes him worse than he is. Booth was a 20+ guy in Florida, Ballard was a top 4 d-man in PHX and FLA for many years and many teams wanted him when he got traded. Roy has been a 60 point player. But Roy and Booth are players who thrive off of the rush and transition game, something AV doesn't allow with his dump and chase or dump and change style of game. And as for Ballard, Bowness/AV just wrecked his confidence. He's always been a bit wreckless, turnover and high-risk, I remember Bob McKenzie described him as a Jovo-lite when the trade happened. Clearly AV also wasn't very high on Grabner and Hodgson, the players that got traded.

Decent complimentary players of the future but no way those guys turn us into a cup contender. The answer we're looking for is not in the farm.
- AlexF

There may not be one answer, though.

I think an infusion of youth will help, so will a coaching change, but regardless, the Canucks need at least one more legit top6 forward—not a fringe top6er, not a reclamation project, but a player who can consistently get top6 production and make his linemates better.

I have a feeling that the Sharks sweep might look even worse after their series with the Kings. I think the Kings had a tougher matchup with the Blues, I think this one could maybe even be over in 5 games, but I'll say Kings in 6.

I may not finish watching the playoffs. Truly I can't stand the horrible officiating. The NHL should be ashamed. Letting these Refs decide game after game. Pretty sad.
- thundachunk

Good idea ....don't watch the rest of the playoffs ....with fair officiating the Canucks would be playing Hockey and not golf

We all get the message
GYH a shake

There may not be one answer, though.

I think an infusion of youth will help, so will a coaching change, but regardless, the Canucks need at least one more legit top6 forward—not a fringe top6er, not a reclamation project, but a player who can consistently get top6 production and make his linemates better.
- Fosco

Agreed. And be prepared to trade at least one of the core to get that legit top 6er (personally I think we need 2 legit 2nd liners, a C + winger). That's all I'm saying. What we need will cost us something we probably don't want to give up. That takes guts and risk. Does Gillis have it in him?

In all honesty as good as the oilers young guns are, none of them could hold Tavaras' jock strap. Tavaras has an MVP season with brad Boyes and M Moulson. Guy is top 5 players in the world. I would take JT over Stamkos in a second
- Bieksa#3

so long as "JT" stands for Jonathan Toews. Although I'll agree about Stamkos' value, for one season in a vaccuum I'd take five or six forwards before I took Stamkos frankly.

The oilers can't boast an MVP candidate, but if there are three oilers that are ever capable of doing so, they're all 1, 2, and 3 years younger than Tavares. I suppose the clock is ticking for Hall hart nom next year if you want to judge it that way, but I'm happy to say they're all great young players with lots left to show.

Fact remains Yak for JT is probably less ridiculous than Nino for Yak. We're supposed to trade Yakupov for a guy who can't beat out Boyes and Moulson for a spot on Tavares' line?

Good idea ....don't watch the rest of the playoffs ....with fair officiating the Canucks would be playing Hockey and not golf

We all get the message
GYH a shake
- PEIHawkFan

Do you even get Blackhawk games in PEI?

Out of curiosity what do you think this team should this summer?
- AlexF

Don't really have a lot of options.

As much as I like Edler, there's no question he's the best and possibly only asset that can bring in a legit top6 forward.

The addition of a legit top6 forward, a coaching/system change, and an infusion of youth are the only realistic changes I can see happening thins summer.

Whether that's enough, I don't really know...but it could be.

I've only had a passing glance at the FA pool, but I don't really like much available there, so I'm almost certain that's not the answer.

Good idea ....don't watch the rest of the playoffs ....with fair officiating the Canucks would be playing Hockey and not golf

We all get the message
GYH a shake
- PEIHawkFan

Nobody has said that.

Give your head a shake, and try not being a (frank)ing douche

I beg to differ Gillis will get something done. Also Jensen, Schroeder, Corrado. They can slot in right now IMO. Jensen needs 2nd line time to improve, Schroeder on 3rd, Corrado Nuff said.
- thundachunk

I didn't think Jensen was ready when he got called up for two games

Ana
Chi
SJ
LA
Bos
Pitt
Ott
Tor
NYR
Phi
Det
ST.L

I believ all these teams are better equiped to win a cup over the Canucks. I would put us equal with Minny. We may have ended with more points than some of these teams but our division had something to do with that. I left MTl and Wash off the list but they may be better than us too.
- VANTEL

I wouldn't sell your guys too short. I think next year you have a better chance than Detroit (considerably older core) and Philadelphia (so long as you don't trade them Edler and/or a goalie ). This year and in the go-ahead I like the nucks better than Anaheim as well.
Over the next 3 years, it's tough to say whether Col, Winnipeg or Edm will come into cup contention, whether STL, Ottawa and Tor will make good on potential, whether Detroit, SJ and Boston will peter out with age, but pending a couple decent moves I see the nucks window to compete for a cup staying open for the next 3-4 years.

Agreed. And be prepared to trade at least one of the core to get that legit top 6er (personally I think we need 2 legit 2nd liners, a C + winger). That's all I'm saying. What we need will cost us something we probably don't want to give up. That takes guts and risk. Does Gillis have it in him?
- AlexF

I think they can get away with only picking up one more top6er, as long as it's a good enough fit to improve the other players on the second line.

If so, I honestly think Kassian could be a 2nd liner.

He's the wildcard. If he takes the next step in his development, it saves the Canucks from having to give up more assets.

Jensen's another wild card, but I think he's further away—although, I'm not basing that on his short stint on the Canucks or Wolves this season, since he wasn't really used properly. He just needs to get acclimatized to the NA pro game a bit more.

I wouldn't sell your guys too short. I think next year you have a better chance than Detroit (considerably older core) and Philadelphia (so long as you don't trade them Edler and/or a goalie ). This year and in the go-ahead I like the nucks better than Anaheim as well.
Over the next 3 years, it's tough to say whether Col, Winnipeg or Edm will come into cup contention, whether STL, Ottawa and Tor will make good on potential, whether Detroit, SJ and Boston will peter out with age, but pending a couple decent moves I see the nucks window to compete for a cup staying open for the next 3-4 years.
- Morris

Maybe next year Det will be worse than us but they weren't this year. I think we will make some good moves this year and get back into contention.

Good idea ....don't watch the rest of the playoffs ....with fair officiating the Canucks would be playing Hockey and not golf

We all get the message
GYH a shake
- PEIHawkFan

I was referring to the game on right now. Whats past is past. I am talking about improving the now. If you hadn't noticed the announcers are talking about it as well players. It is an issue wait until it effects your team and maybe you'll change your tune.

I was referring to the game on right now. Whats past is past. I am talking about improving the now. If you hadn't noticed the announcers are talking about it as well players. It is an issue wait until it effects your team and maybe you'll change your tune.
- thundachunk

I wouldn't take his comments too seriously.

If anybody can be diagnosed with bi-polar disorder from their post history, it's him.

I didn't think Jensen was ready when he got called up for two games
- VANTEL

Hard to say, two games is one small sample size plus the Canucks organization isn't exactly a great place for offensive forwards to flourish with Arniel and AV running things. Apparently he wasn't overly impressive on the Wolves so there's no way I'd pencil him in on the opening day lineup heading into training camp and pre-season uness he really improves over the summer and has a strong camp and pre-season and forces his way onto the team. IMO Corrado should be on the third pairing as a RHD, move Tanev up to the second pair and there's two, cheap, young guys that can play which is what we all want. Kassian has to be in the top 9, but its's trick with Daniel, Hansen, Higgins, Burrows, Booth all under contract since we can all agree that Higgins or Hansen aren't top 6 wingers, Kassian isn't ready unless he improves over the summer which is very possible and you play him with the Twins and move Burrows down with Kesler. Booth would have to be bought out then since he wouldn't work with Kesler and Burrows and is too expensive for any other role.

I'd like to see Archibald be given a legit shot to play on the 4th line if it's the same old usual Weise/Sestito type of scrubs again. Lain isn't ready as a 4LC IMO, don't think Mallet is ready either since both weren't too impressive in the AHL/ECHL, but Lain's faceoff ability could e valuable but like DCT said, I'd rather have better players than faceoff winners, just look at Toronto getting dominated in faceoffs by Boston. Schroeder as a 3LC with Higgins and Hansen could be interesting if Gillis can't acquire a better 3LC. This team is just not going to beat up anyone so I'm fine with a speedy 3rd line that can create chances.

And hopefully Gillis can acquire a top 6 forward for the 2nd line and all of a sudden the top 9 doesn't look too bad. He'd need to sign a decent LHD to replace Edler though(assuming he'd be the one getting traded). And obviously Ballard would have to be bought out as well, Raymond walks, and Lu gets traded for anything or waived justt to get him off of the books.

Sedin - Sedin - Kassian
Burrows - Kesler - Top 6
Higgins - Schroeder/3LC - Hansen
??? - ??? - ???

Hamhuis - Bieksa
Garrison - Tanev
Decent LHD - Corrado

Schneider
Lack/Vet Backup


Obviously not a stacked lineup but this team is limited with the cap going down. This lineup would also give the team some cap flexibility moving forward with the cpa very likely going up after next year. I move Kassian with the Sedins since I don't see him fitting well with Kesler and IMO next year will be a huge year for him, another mediocre offensive year and that trade starts to look terrible and the word bust will start getting thrown around quite a bit since most power forwards usually figure it out by then. His confidence and game could take off if he scores 20-25+ with the Twins.

I didn't think Jensen was ready when he got called up for two games
- VANTEL

The few shifts I watched him play he didn't hurt the team. He didn't impress either. Kid needs ice time in the show.