I never said they didn't need meanness, in fact I would like them to add some, which is why I hope Gillis at least makes an offer to Torres.

I was refuting your claims about the D, both that TB's is as good as Van's, and that Tanev can be legitimately compared to guys who played 5+ more minutes a game against top lines.
- Fosco

Tampa's is pretty awful in comparison. Vancouver's defense has some bite when Edler plays the body and Bieska adds chippiness and will step up and fight when he needs to, and is good at it. I think they could use someone in the mindset of a Carkner (although Carkner's hockey skills are brutal at best and wouldn't be an upgrade)

I do like what I've seen of Tanev but I do agree that he has been sheltered quite a bit, but when your top 4 is bieska,hamhuis, garrison and edler, there's not much need to push the kid.

Not disagreeing, but this team needs some meanness . I am not a Torts fan at all but ,I would not mind seeing a hard ass in here ,revolking some of these vets country club pass

BTW Botchford thinks Torts has a very good shot at getting the job.
- VANTEL

The problem with Tortarella is that his history is of taking guys and forcing them into a mould like play dough. When his system breaks down what does he do? Starts yelling. Do you honestly believe that a player that was courted by a majority of NHL teams when he was a free agent only TWO years ago and got a 9 year $60million contract is only good enough to play on the fourth line?

I think the Canucks need a coach that can find the benefit of each player and exploit it. Set up the system, the lines, the match ups everything to give the greatest opportunity for success, instead of trying to make every player do the same thing.

I'm not sure who that coach is, not being privy to the interviews, but that would be my strategy.

The problem with Tortarella is that his history is of taking guys and forcing them into a mould like play dough. When his system breaks down what does he do? Starts yelling. Do you honestly believe that a player that was courted by a majority of NHL teams when he was a free agent only TWO years ago and got a 9 year $60million contract is only good enough to play on the fourth line?

I think the Canucks need a coach that can find the benefit of each player and exploit it. Set up the system, the lines, the match ups everything to give the greatest opportunity for success, instead of trying to make every player do the same thing.

I'm not sure who that coach is, not being privy to the interviews, but that would be my strategy.
- 1970vintage

definitely agree with this.

Looks like Scooby has the playoff pool sewn up, a 6 point lead with plenty of Hawks. I suppose if Boston does to Chicago what they did to Pittsburgh then Marwood has a chance, but with only three Bruins it's going to be tough. Good on Lefty for hanging in so long, even with only one player since the second round ended.

For those not in the know, Scooby picked second to last (19th out of 20) and Marwood selected first overall.

Ian, you will have to come up with a prize for the winner, maybe Ek will toss in an HB t-shirt for the winner, or MOD for a day

The problem with Tortarella is that his history is of taking guys and forcing them into a mould like play dough. When his system breaks down what does he do? Starts yelling. Do you honestly believe that a player that was courted by a majority of NHL teams when he was a free agent only TWO years ago and got a 9 year $60million contract is only good enough to play on the fourth line?

I think the Canucks need a coach that can find the benefit of each player and exploit it. Set up the system, the lines, the match ups everything to give the greatest opportunity for success, instead of trying to make every player do the same thing.

I'm not sure who that coach is, not being privy to the interviews, but that would be my strategy.
- 1970vintage

Amen!!!

Two opportunities to respond with some intelligent discussion and two times you've gone to personal and childish insults. If you think that'll bother me you really haven't got any clue. I read that kind of response as "I lack the intelligence to respond with anything meaningful" Yawn.

Fosco disagrees with my opinions quite frequently, but I enjoy those discussions because he can back up his opinion with examples and facts. Big step up over you.
- Isles_since_6

Here's a third one suck it. I got a million of them

The problem with Tortarella is that his history is of taking guys and forcing them into a mould like play dough. When his system breaks down what does he do? Starts yelling. Do you honestly believe that a player that was courted by a majority of NHL teams when he was a free agent only TWO years ago and got a 9 year $60million contract is only good enough to play on the fourth line?

I think the Canucks need a coach that can find the benefit of each player and exploit it. Set up the system, the lines, the match ups everything to give the greatest opportunity for success, instead of trying to make every player do the same thing.

I'm not sure who that coach is, not being privy to the interviews, but that would be my strategy.
- 1970vintage

We need Carlyle too bad we never had him in our system .Oh wait

Problem is that coach is not available now .

Hawks are seeing what Canucks and Pens found out about the Bruins . This will be a short series.

The problem with Tortarella is that his history is of taking guys and forcing them into a mould like play dough. When his system breaks down what does h line for use do? Starts yelling. Do you honestly believe that a player that was courted by a majority of NHL teams when he was a free agent only TWO years ago and got a 9 year $60million contract is only good enough to play on the fourth line?

I think the Canucks need a coach that can find the benefit of each player and exploit it. Set up the system, the lines, the match ups everything to give the greatest opportunity for success, instead of trying to make every player do the same thing.

I'm not sure who that coach is, not being privy to the interviews, but that would be my strategy.
- 1970vintage

Great post.
For the record, Torts' reputation is a bit out of touch. Guy coached all kinds of finese in Tampa. Richards, Marty STL, Boyle.
He may actually be able to build a 3rd/4th line for us.

Hawks are seeing what Canucks and Pens found out about the Bruins . This will be a short series.
- VANTEL

Can't disagree. Hawks team this yr resembles canucks team of a couple yrs back in most ways.

Great post.
For the record, Torts' reputation is a bit out of touch. Guy coached all kinds of finese in Tampa. Richards, Marty STL, Boyle.
He may actually be able to build a 3rd/4th line for us.
- Bieksa#3

That would be nice

No around the world glove save by Crawford on that Lucic shot either

No around the world glove save by Crawford on that Lucic shot either
- VANTEL

Boy does Krejci bring it for the playoffs. When they beat us 2 yrs back I thought he was far and away their best skater/player. I see nothing to change my mind this yr

IMO that's what has been missing for so long. Maybe Torts could bring that? He would have to be a short term solution because his message would get tuned out after a while.
- bloatedmosquito

This is my opinion as well

This team does need a kick in the pants but I don't think Tortorella is the answer.

Boy does Krejci bring it for the playoffs. When they beat us 2 yrs back I thought he was far and away their best skater/player. I see nothing to change my mind this yr
- Bieksa#3

Yup .Him Bergeron and even Lucic are great. I still think back to big mouth Toews saying at least Canucks didn't win. I am going for the Bruins.

Boy does Krejci bring it for the playoffs. When they beat us 2 yrs back I thought he was far and away their best skater/player. I see nothing to change my mind this yr
- Bieksa#3

Which is why I picked him in the playoff pool. Unfortunately not many of my other picks had much success

Yup .Him Bergeron and even Lucic are great. I still think back to big mouth Toews saying at least Canucks didn't win. I am going for the Bruins.
- VANTEL

What has that arrogant little snot produced the last 3 playoffs. He was been terrible. My favorite is when he was crying to the media when he lost the selke voting. Said he was most deserving. I remember the post game after the game 7 loss to the canucks. It was everybody's fault but his. I'm not denying his talent but dude is his own biggest fan.

Yup .Him Bergeron and even Lucic are great. I still think back to big mouth Toews saying at least Canucks didn't win. I am going for the Bruins.
- VANTEL

Lucic doesn't belong in that conversation. Guy has as many lazy selfish plays as good ones.

What has that arrogant little snot produced the last 3 playoffs. He was been terrible. My favorite is when he was crying to the media when he lost the selke voting. Said he was most deserving. I remember the post game after the game 7 loss to the canucks. It was everybody's fault but his. I'm not denying his talent but dude is his own biggest fan.
- Bieksa#3

Yeah he is a whiner and Keith is a cheap shot artist . They are really like the Canucks

Yup .Him Bergeron and even Lucic are great. I still think back to big mouth Toews saying at least Canucks didn't win. I am going for the Bruins.
- VANTEL

Nonsense. He's a class act.

If Toews says it, it's right

Seriously though, if that came from any of the Canucks, the media and fans from every other team would be trashing the player who said it.

Just like when Henrik and Toews made very similar comments two years ago, and Henrik was the only one who got any heat, and Toews was just being a good captain...

Nonsense. He's a class act.

If Toews says it, it's right

Seriously though, if that came from any of the Canucks, the media and fans from every other team would be trashing the player who said it.

Just like when Henrik and Toews made very similar comments two years ago, and Henrik was the only one who got any heat, and Toews was just being a good captain...
- Fosco

He gets more credit than he deserves . He has shown his colours a few times. He goes on a scoring drought, and few mention it. Sedins do it it is all over the hockey news. There are different standards for the Canucks but we do bring them on ourselves.

Great post.
For the record, Torts' reputation is a bit out of touch. Guy coached all kinds of finese in Tampa. Richards, Marty STL, Boyle.
He may actually be able to build a 3rd/4th line for us.
- Bieksa#3

That may be true, I really have no idea. I am basing this purely on observation from afar, having watched very few Rangers games the past few seasons.

Nonsense. He's a class act.

If Toews says it, it's right

Seriously though, if that came from any of the Canucks, the media and fans from every other team would be trashing the player who said it.

Just like when Henrik and Toews made very similar comments two years ago, and Henrik was the only one who got any heat, and Toews was just being a good captain...
- Fosco

If I were a GM I would have a PR policy in place covering social media, interviews etc. You say something stupid, you get a fine. I would have fined Toews $10k for his stupid remark and I would have made him issue a public apology to the organization, the league and the fans. I'm not picking on Toews, Bieksa wouldn't have a penny left in the bank after I was done with him.

EDIT - if this contravenes the CBA, I would find another way, such as additional community service, or donating to charity etc. and the public apology.

If I were a GM I would have a PR policy in place covering social media, interviews etc. You say something stupid, you get a fine. I would have fined Toews $10k for his stupid remark and I would have made him issue a public apology to the organization, the league and the fans. I'm not picking on Toews, Bieksa wouldn't have a penny left in the bank after I was done with him.

EDIT - if this contravenes the CBA, I would find another way, such as additional community service, or donating to charity etc. and the public apology.
- 1970vintage

Should not be a punishment. I believe they should do it because its the right thing to do and they want to. Its all about character. Forcing it on them isn't right. You don't teach someone about character they have or they don't. If you want to teach them a lesson put them in the press box regardless of who it is.