Every goalie has a stinker or two. Sometimes it isn't even the goalie's fault, just the way the puck bounces.

If Brodeur, Thomas, Khabibulin, (just to mention a few) can all play and be effective into their late 30's, there is no reason Luongo can't be just as effective.

edit: maybe not Khabby, how about Belfour?
- hillbillydeluxe

He doesn't want to be here.

He had a pretty average season last year, albeit in a smaller sample size, and I doubt it was entirely down to Schneider's presence. He's past his prime but I do think Torts' defensive system will improve his stats, just like they did Lundquist's.
- AlexF

Thought he was better at the start of the season than in seasons past. Maybe not playing as much, being named the backup and the trading block circus took its toll? Hope he wants to make and start for Team Canada and his play shows this.

He doesn't want to be here.
- VANTEL

You are correct.

But apparently no other team wants him, so he better make the best of it if he wants the situation to change.

How many bans did we get today I see a whole bunch of new accounts

Looking at the surface it may seem like only what you listed.... but that trade got in the way of us improving later at that very TDL having made "our top six move already" in MG's own words. It continued last season and looking to do the same this season. Since the trade he has done nothing but complicate the roster and leave holes. His never ending injuries get in the way of trading or buying him out. He's been a negative the entire time between his play, his injuries, his contract and the media attention. The flip side to the old cliche... subtraction by addition. I truly believe the team would have better improved if MG waited and attempted other options later in the season. The slow start was going to happen with or without Gillis making this trade.

I dont see how having David Booth as a top six player helps this team at all. The team would be better without him and his salary. Therefor the trade was and continues to be a flop. I don't care if the Panthers won or lost or tied in the trade. This trade is screwing us over still. Thats all that matters.
- boonerbuck

Marco Sturm was an over-the-hill plug who would have dragged this team down worse than Booth did (by far) in that season. Samuelsson was another injury on legs. After that season, however, I agree with you.

The trade that bugs me more was Ballard for Grabner + 1st (Howden). We've had scoring issues and Grabner is exactly the young player that could have helped our secondary scoring. Although under AV that's questionable.

He doesn't want to be here.
- VANTEL

But he wants to be an NHL starting goaltender, he can't have one without the other...I think he's coming to terms with that. It's a process.

How many bans did we get today I see a whole bunch of new accounts
- VANTEL

Marco Sturm was an over-the-hill plug who would have dragged this team down worse than Booth did (by far) in that season. Samuelsson was another injury on legs. After that season, however, I agree with you.

The trade that bugs me more was Ballard for Grabner + 1st (Howden). We've had scoring issues and Grabner is exactly the young player that could have helped our secondary scoring. Although under AV that's questionable.
- AlexF

He did clarify his reasons for saying it was "horrible", and I really agree with him. If you look at it from a standpoint that this has truly affected the ability to put together a secondary scoring line...he's 110% right on the money!!

The trade that bugs me more was Ballard for Grabner + 1st (Howden). We've had scoring issues and Grabner is exactly the young player that could have helped our secondary scoring. Although under AV that's questionable.
- AlexF

I would have thought GMMG could have found a trading partner for Ballard. If I was MG I would of told AV to give Ballard more icetime. Maybe nobody talks to each other in the organization? Can't believe MG didn't try to salvage anything from that. Doesn't make sense. Embarrassing what was given up to walk away from it with less than nothing.

If I ruled the world...

That's a pretty skinny lineup for the Canucks, really getting a good look at their youngsters I guess. Watch them beat the Oilers NHLers! lol

I can't see any reason why he would have a bad season?? He'll be great this year. With the occasional terrible outting which will make me curse his name up and down, but that's normal for a Canucks fan...isn't it?
- LeftCoaster

He could mentally quit this team without even realizing it. Its not a stretch since he's already mentally divorced himself from the Canucks. He's already had enough with the BS over the last couple of seasons. It wont take much to irritate that sting again. It could have more negative effects effects that in the past logically. In Lu's case, it would just be stacked onto old poop...

Another thing to consider is the call for him to play 65 games by coaches, the probability that he'll be in the Olympics and followed up by the playoffs hopefully. Lu himself a couple of years younger jumped on board with the theory that he needed more breaks while in this very situation. Same situation as the old days but aged and mentally whipped now...

Lu had years where he carried this team but there were times in recent seasons where the team had to also carry him. This team is not as strong as recent year and Lu olders so likelihood of both is much less imo.

You've been busy Todd.

That's a pretty skinny lineup for the Canucks, really getting a good look at their youngsters I guess. Watch them beat the Oilers NHLers! lol
- JLO961

Oilers NHLers? Is this bizarro world?

Schroeder will make the team even if it the 13th forward. No sense in him going back to the AHL. He's not waiver exempt anymore and with the injuries we usually sustain, he should get ample ice time this season.
- Boinker

Thats something I havent even thought about til you mentioned it... no waiver exemption for Schroeder.... poop.

He did clarify his reasons for saying it was "horrible", and I really agree with him. If you look at it from a standpoint that this has truly affected the ability to put together a secondary scoring line...he's 110% right on the money!!
- LeftCoaster

I also agreed with Booner, but from Booth's 2nd season onward.

Like I said, the Ballard trade hurt us more IMO

Thats something I havent even thought about til you mentioned it... no waiver exemption for Schroeder.... poop.
- boonerbuck

Mike S. Is almost a sure this for the 13th forward. Schroader has to beat Gaunce and Horvat

That's a pretty skinny lineup for the Canucks, really getting a good look at their youngsters I guess. Watch them beat the Oilers NHLers! lol
- JLO961

Can't see the Oil losing this one.

I also agreed with Booner, but from Booth's 2nd season onward.

Like I said, the Ballard trade hurt us more IMO
- AlexF

I don't know if I've ever seen a guy as misused as Ballard was. Totally shattered his confidence and contributed to his demise.

Boone Jenner will win the Calder this year...I'm calling it now!!

Marco Sturm was an over-the-hill plug who would have dragged this team down worse than Booth did (by far) in that season. Samuelsson was another injury on legs. After that season, however, I agree with you.

The trade that bugs me more was Ballard for Grabner + 1st (Howden). We've had scoring issues and Grabner is exactly the young player that could have helped our secondary scoring. Although under AV that's questionable.
- AlexF

Sturm wouldnt have made the team permantly.... was a short contract for much less and Samuelsson in the same amount or less games outscored Booth both reg season and playoffs. Samuelsson's contract was up and when you compare that to the trap Booth's contract has been, can be considered the main value in the trade in hind sight. I would rather have lost Samuelsson at the end of the season for nothing and had him in the playoffs over Booth while eating Sturms small contract for the year. Booth's salary hit was/is more damaging and we are still suffering for it.

I'd rate the Ballard trade a disaster. Ballard still could have provided much more for the team if he was allowed to under the last set of coaches. The link to these trades that have left long lasting gaps in the line up usually are connected to AV and the players he wanted gone. Making trades to fit the coach rather than the core of the team has left this team in a mess for the time being. It seemed like AV had that effect on Nonis as well...

Hey Vantel, remember when we were calling for MG to pick up Jussi Jokinen (pretty much for free) when we had the chance? Yeah, he scored a natural hat-trick today.

Boone Jenner will win the Calder this year...I'm calling it now!!
- LeftCoaster

I'll go with Barkov.

Hey Vantel, remember when we were calling for MG to pick up Jussi Jokinen (pretty much for free) when we had the chance? Yeah, he scored a natural hat-trick today.
- AlexF

That was me.

Sturm wouldnt have made the team.... was a short contract for much less and Samuelsson in the same amount or less games outscored Booth both reg season and playoffs. Samuelsson's contract was up and when you compare that to the trap Booth's contract has been, can be considered the main value in the trade in hind sight. I would rather have lost Samuelsson at the end of the season for nothing and had him in the playoffs over Booth while eating Sturms small contract for the year. Booth's salary hit was/is more damaging and we are still suffering for it.

I'd rate the Ballard trade a disaster. Ballard still could have provided much more for the team if he was allowed to under the last set of coaches. The link to these trades that have left long lasting gaps in the line up usually are connected to AV and the players he wanted gone. Making trades to fit the coach rather than the core of the team has left this team in a mess for the time being. It seemed like AV had that effect on Nonis as well...
- boonerbuck

And that's not even mentioning the deadline day deals MG's made (2 2nds for Paulsson?) for ineffectual players that cost us organizational depth.

MG out this summer?

I'll go with Barkov.
- golfingsince

MacKinnon