With Booth injured and Kassian suspended I think Bo and Shink will get at least 5 games and is theirs to lose. I like a look of a third line line Shink Bo Santorelli.

I also thought that Hansen provided a lot of offense for the Canucks. It seemed to cut the twins cycle in half and more of the game was being played in front of the net.I have to admit I like Hansen on the wing more that Burrows with them .Yes it is one game ,let's see some more.

I thought Kesler also had a decent night ,he actually passed the puck a few times. Good chemistry with Burrows and Higgins.

Sedin Sedin Hansen
Higgins Kesler Burrows
Shin Gaunce or Bo Santorelli
Sestito Richardson Kassian/Weise
- vancouverdawg

I've always been a huge fan of Hansen. The guy is extremely versatile, has a 'lunch-pail' type of attitude and has now found some offensive skills to go along with all of that. At this point, I think you can pretty much slot him on any of the three lines, as well as both special teams.

As far as the Kesler line, I though they played very well. There was, indeed, some good puck distribution (wicked feed from Higgins to Burrows on that one opportunity) and some nice chemistry.

It will be interesting to see how this pans out.

Thanks a lot. Heading to bed now. Have to get to campus pretty early tomorrow for class.
- ToddCordellVAN

Aw yes, the good old days.

My blog on Torts system and the effects of shot blocking:

http://tinyurl.com/kdhru49 (It's on HockeyBuzz, don't worry )


Please leave any comments you'd like on the blog. Thanks for reading.

Sounds like he was dismissed.
- Desert_Dog

Thank god.

easy there guy..wasn't it the nucks first W of the pre-season?
- GardinerExpress

It was the Nucks first win in 10 games.

My blog on Torts system and the effects of shot blocking:

http://tinyurl.com/kdhru49


Please leave any comments you'd like on the blog. Thanks for reading.
- Nucker101

Good stuff Nucker. You've got my vote for our next blogger.

One thing I found amusing, from the point of view of the goalie, were some of Luongo's comments on the shot-blocking system.

Paraphrased: "If you're going to block it, block it, else clear the area because I can't see the shooter/puck."

I personally still don't see the real benefit in putting your players at a much higher risk of injury (Schroeder is the tip of the iceberg) to block shots that a decent goalie could most likely have blocked anyway. If you're starting Greiss, I hear ya. Doing that in front of Lundquist, wtf for?

My blog on Torts system and the effects of shot blocking:

http://tinyurl.com/kdhru49 (It's on HockeyBuzz, don't worry )


Please leave any comments you'd like on the blog. Thanks for reading.
- Nucker101

Another solid effort, although personally I'm not a big fan of stats, reminds a little too much of grade 10 algebra, which I took repeatedly.

Having said that, you still have my vote as the next blogger.

Good stuff Nucker. You've got my vote for our next blogger.

One thing I found amusing, from the point of view of the goalie, were some of Luongo's comments on the shot-blocking system.

Paraphrased: "If you're going to block it, block it, else clear the area because I can't see the shooter/puck."

I personally still don't see the real benefit in putting your players at a much higher risk of injury (Schroeder is the tip of the iceberg) to block shots that a decent goalie could most likely have blocked anyway. If you're starting Greiss, I hear ya. Doing that in front of Lundquist, wtf for?
- AlexF

Thanks, Alex!

Yeah, I saw that comment the other day, it's going to be interesting to see how that works out between Luongo and Tortorella. From what I found out though, Tortorella's system should actually be beneficial for Luongo, he may not like it but I think he won't mind it as much once he sees the results, assuming that he can better than he was last year.

I definitely understand your viewpoint, I'm far from 100% sold on Tortorella's shot blocking hockey as well, but I think we can expect this team to be one of the best defensively this season after looking at the potential benefits of blocking more shots from opposing forwards. It might not be pretty to watch(which I know you hate to hear), but it could be huge if this team continues to struggle to find secondary scoring outside of the Sedin twins again this year.

Another solid effort, although personally I'm not a big fan of stats, reminds a little too much of grade 10 algebra, which I took repeatedly.

Having said that, you still have my vote as the next blogger.
- Marwood

Thanks.


Don't worry I hear ya, I just like to mix it up a little. I'm definitely not going to go full stat-nerd on every blog. Just wanted to see if shot blocking had any benefits and what the effect of Tortorella's system would have on this team.

Thanks, Alex!

Yeah, I saw that comment the other day, it's going to be interesting to see how that works out between Luongo and Tortorella. From what I found out though, Tortorella's system should actually be beneficial for Luongo, he may not like it but I think he won't mind it as much once he sees the results, assuming that he can better than he was last year.

I definitely understand your viewpoint, I'm far from 100% sold on Tortorella's shot blocking hockey as well, but I think we can expect this team to be one of the best defensively this season after looking at the potential benefits of blocking more shots from opposing forwards. It might not be pretty to watch(which I know you hate to hear), but it could be huge if this team continues to struggle to find secondary scoring outside of the Sedin twins again this year.
- Nucker101

The sad thing is we were one of the best teams defensively (in terms of stats) just a few seasons ago with a lovely up tempo offensive approach. But I agree that if we can't fix our offense, which Gillis doesn't seem interested in doing, then ensuring we let in as few as possible will be the only way to win.

For a cap ceiling team this is pathetic in so many ways and, as you note, not only do I feel defensive teams are horrid to watch but I also feel they should always lose (for the benefit of the game). That includes us if that's what we're bringing.

Thanks.


Don't worry I hear ya, I just like to mix it up a little. I'm definitely not going to go full stat-nerd on every blog. Just wanted to see if shot blocking had any benefits and what the effect of Tortorella's system would have on this team.
- Nucker101

Just glad someone makes the effort to look into things that I would be too lazy to find myself. Good luck getting the gig, nothing personal against Todd but a Canuck blogger from Ontario who covers other teams is not going to keep many people here.

The sad thing is we were one of the best teams defensively (in terms of stats) just a few seasons ago with a lovely up tempo offensive approach. But I agree that if we can't fix our offense, which Gillis doesn't seem interested in doing, then ensuring we let in as few as possible will be the only way to win.

For a cap ceiling team this is pathetic in so many ways and, as you note, not only do I feel defensive teams are horrid to watch but I also feel they should always lose (for the benefit of the game). That includes us if that's what we're bringing.
- AlexF

Next season. Gillis just needs to let the paint dry so he can walk out of the corner.

The sad thing is we were one of the best teams defensively (in terms of stats) just a few seasons ago with a lovely up tempo offensive approach. But I agree that if we can't fix our offense, which Gillis doesn't seem interested in doing, then ensuring we let in as few as possible will be the only way to win.

For a cap ceiling team this is pathetic in so many ways and, as you note, not only do I feel defensive teams are horrid to watch but I also feel they should always lose (for the benefit of the game). That includes us if that's what we're bringing.
- AlexF

I hear ya man. But one thing that Torts does that guys like Tippett and Trotz will never do is run a 2 man aggressive forecheck. He also coached some high scoring teams in Tampa. Heck, AV had a rep for being a defensive coach when he was first hired and as you said before last year, this team was fun to watch. AV himself never wanted more than one aggressive forecheck from what I can remember. Torts also seems okay with d-men pinching in deep and jumping into the rush as long as forwards cover for them, similar to AV and that's helped our defensive scoring over the past few seasons so if that doesn't drop off either and the team is better defensively then suddenly things don't look so bad. I honestly don't believe we have enough skill outside of the top line to run and gun with our forward group.

Next season. Gillis just needs to let the paint dry so he can walk out of the corner.
- boonerbuck

Ah yes. Forgot there was always next season.

I hear ya man. But one thing that Torts does that guys like Tippett and Trotz will never do is run a 2 man aggressive forecheck. He also coached some high scoring teams in Tampa. Heck, AV had a rep for being a defensive coach when he was first hired and as you said before last year, this team was fun to watch. AV himself never wanted more than one aggressive forecheck from what I can remember. Torts also seems okay with d-men pinching in deep and jumping into the rush as long as forwards cover for them, similar to AV and that's helped our defensive scoring over the past few seasons so if that doesn't drop off either and the team is better defensively then suddenly things don't look so bad. I honestly don't believe we have enough skill outside of the top line to run and gun with our forward group.
- Nucker101

Per a NYR poster that comes in here from time to time, that aggressive forecheck Torts runs always seems to be complemented by dump and chase and essentially skating in circles. If that's innovative hockey then we should have held on to Raymond.

I'm stepping off my soap box now as I'm getting too negative. As always, I hope I'm wrong about the Tortorella signing and that this team responds positively.

easy there guy..wasn't it the nucks first W of the pre-season?
- GardinerExpress

Yeah but so far they are 1 for 1 in the preseason, however the Utica Comets are winless against nhl teams in the pre-season so far...

Ah yes. Forgot there was always next season.
- AlexF

Im serious tho... not hard to see how he screwed himself over the last couple of seasons but I think next season with or without Gillis this team will start to shape up. Contender? I think thats been lost. I dont see enough dynamic young players(sedin class) to bring us back to being a contender in the future either (we have some good prospects none the less) so we'll see just how good this seasons draft position is and hopefully pick up a franchise star and wait...

I hope Booth is healthy so they can buy him out next off season. We've only used one of the compliance buy outs right?

Hard to watch teams like Boston and Chicago bounce back to playoff heavy weights while we continue to spiral downward since our run. It was common to hear on this site that the Hawks screwed themselves for a whole generation by going all in the year the won the 1st cup just to watch them strip, re-tool and win it again.... Even if it played out like people thought, it would have been worth it but it just goes to show what a tandem of good managers and coaches can achieve.

Per a NYR poster that comes in here from time to time, that aggressive forecheck Torts runs always seems to be complemented by dump and chase and essentially skating in circles. If that's innovative hockey then we should have held on to Raymond.

I'm stepping off my soap box now as I'm getting too negative. As always, I hope I'm wrong about the Tortorella signing and that this team responds positively.
- AlexF

Im not a Torts fan at all. Im still happy AV is gone though.

Im serious tho... not hard to see how he screwed himself over the last couple of seasons but I think next season with or without Gillis this team will start to shape up. Contender? I think thats been lost. I dont see enough dynamic young players(sedin class) to bring us back to being a contender in the future either (we have some good prospects none the less) so we'll see just how good this years draft position is and hopefully pick up a franchise star and wait...

I hope Booth is healthy so they can buy him out next off season. We've only used one of the compliance buy outs right?

Hard to watch teams like Boston and Chicago bounce back to playoff heavy weights while we continue to spiral downward since our run. It was common to hear on this site that the Hawks screwed themselves for a whole generation by going all in the year the won the 1st cup just to watch them strip, re-tool and win it again.... Even if it played out like people thought, it would have been worth it but it just goes to show what a tandem of good managers and coaches can achieve.
- boonerbuck

Chicago drafts better than arguably any team in the league (up there with Detroit) and as such they've been able to get minutes and output from many of their recent picks (Saad, Kruger, Bickel, Pirri, Shaw, etc) to "re-load" for another run. Keep in mind it was mostly their depth that was sacrificed (bottom 6) not their premium talent, and their drafting was largely what was able to address those positions.

As you say, good managers and coaches go a long way. I personally don't think Tortorella is the guy to get us anyway and Gillis is certainly not the guy who can re-load this team. He was a goon and I don't think he understands what complementary players are required to get the most out of the talent we do have. The only way forward is without Gillis at the helm. I just hope the Aquillinis come to the same conclusion before we're too far down the hole.

Chicago drafts better than arguably any team in the league (up there with Detroit) and as such they've been able to get minutes and output from many of their recent picks (Saad, Kruger, Bickel, Pirri, Shaw, etc) to "re-load" for another run. Keep in mind it was mostly their depth that was sacrificed (bottom 6) not their premium talent, and their drafting was largely what was able to address those positions.

As you say, good managers and coaches go a long way. I personally don't think Tortorella is the guy to get us anyway and Gillis is certainly not the guy who can re-load this team. He was a goon and I don't think he understands what complementary players are required to get the most out of the talent we do have. The only way forward is without Gillis at the helm. I just hope the Aquillinis come to the same conclusion before we're too far down the hole.
- AlexF

The same thing could've been said about Nonis before Gillis came in and built a team that was one win away.

The same thing could've been said about Nonis before Gillis came in and built a team that was one win away.
- Gullzy

Just because the same could be said doesn't mean the result will be the same. I don't see that much here that has Gillis' stamp on it, apart from the most recent draft and they are not enough to replace the inevitable departures coming over the next few years. If Gillis leaves this summer he'll have left the team in worse shape than when he found it.

Thanks.

Don't worry I hear ya, I just like to mix it up a little. I'm definitely not going to go full stat-nerd on every blog. Just wanted to see if shot blocking had any benefits and what the effect of Tortorella's system would have on this team.
- Nucker101

Problem is, as the canuck blogger, you would have to provide your real name.
All those dark, disturbed confessions you've made will come back to haunt you.

But saying that, I'm excited about the stocking possibilities. So you got my vote!

The same thing could've been said about Nonis before Gillis came in and built a team that was one win away.
- Gullzy

"Build" is kind of the wrong word to use with Nonis. He added Luongo to all the work Burke did. Even his draft "jackpot" was in the same month he replaced Burke. Nonis said they stayed the course in that draft... Schneider and Edler homework was all done with Burke as GM. Players who carried the team in our run were almost all Burkes boys... Kesler, Sedins, Bieksa, all Burkes. Burrows wasnt a Nonis find... it was the Moose scouts and AV who brought him to the Canucks. Nonis' best picks were scouted under Burke....

edit: Burke may be an unlikable bumhole but Nonis' GM career consists of him riding Burkes work. X2 now... I think Burke has done better work than both Gillis and Nonis. The amount of draft picks traded by Burke was something to this day Canucks fans point at but he hasnt traded away as much as Gillis has... and this team still sinks or swims on the backs of the Burke era *for the most part*.

"Build" is kind of the wrong word to use with Nonis. He added Luongo to all the work Burke did. Even his draft "jackpot" was in the same month he replaced Burke. Nonis said they stayed the course in that draft... Schneider and Edler homework was all done with Burke as GM. Players who carried the team in our run were almost all Burkes boys... Kesler, Sedins, Bieksa, all Burkes. Burrows wasnt a Nonis find... it was the Moose scouts and AV who brought him to the Canucks. Nonis' best picks were scouted under Burke....
- boonerbuck

Booner what are your thoughts on Burke returning as GM, or do you think that ship has sailed?

Just because the same could be said doesn't mean the result will be the same. I don't see that much here that has Gillis' stamp on it, apart from the most recent draft and they are not enough to replace the inevitable departures coming over the next few years. If Gillis leaves this summer he'll have left the team in worse shape than when he found it.
- AlexF

A lot can change in a few years.

Also, one look at the teams record since Gillis took over will show how his moves positively affected this team.

I'd argue that yes his last 18 months have been sub-par, but I refuse to ignore his record. The guy built a winning team, and he'll have numerous suitors once he departs this job.