Carol Schram: Anders Nilsson starts, Jake Virtanen back as Vancouver Canucks face Blues The Vancouver Canucks will turn to Anders Nilsson in net and insert Jake Virtanen back into the lineup as they prepare to face the Western Conference-leading St. Louis Blues on Saturday at Rogers Arena.

Carol Schram: Anders Nilsson starts, Jake Virtanen back as Vancouver Canucks face Blues
The Vancouver Canucks will turn to Anders Nilsson in net and insert Jake Virtanen back into the lineup as they prepare to face the Western Conference-leading St. Louis Blues on Saturday at Rogers Arena.
- Carol Schram

Thanks Carl

Thanks Carol!

If Pettersson is a star, i wonder if that will (again) take some of the pressure off of JB.
I know that this has topic has been hashed and rehashed already, but i think he's done well as a GM and would give him a positive +/- rating.

If Pettersson is a star, i wonder if that will (again) take some of the pressure off of JB.
I know that this has topic has been hashed and rehashed already, but i think he's done well as a GM and would give him a positive +/- rating.

- dbot

This is probably a topic for a full blog one day, but I'm seeing Benning as a guy that has successfully moved along the learning curve.

Considering he was a first-time GM, he seems to be a point now where he's hitting more than he's missing.

Next question—does he still have upside?

I wish they did this against a team who was not on fire.

Off Topic: Leafs suck.

Thanks.

If Pettersson is a star, i wonder if that will (again) take some of the pressure off of JB.
I know that this has topic has been hashed and rehashed already, but i think he's done well as a GM and would give him a positive +/- rating.

- dbot

I know so little about this guy. Would love a blog just about him.


Damn... I went to quote Carol and I think I flagged her instead!

Thanks Carl
- Iggysbff

You're just jealous we have an actual blogger.

This is probably a topic for a full blog one day, but I'm seeing Benning as a guy that has successfully moved along the learning curve.

Considering he was a first-time GM, he seems to be a point now where he's hitting more than he's missing.

Next question—does he still have upside?
- Carol Schram

Same.
It is unheard of for a GM not to strike out on some draft picks/trades, but overall he seems to be improving. Although part of that is based on prospects who look good now, but might not necessarily translate to the NHL. I'm thinking of Gadjovich, Demko or Dipietro, who people are high on now. If they (or other's ) turn out as 'busts', people will start calling JB an idiot again...but if he has other shiny new prospects in the pipeline, that might keep the wolves at bay

With JV and Nilsson in it must be Guaranteed win night
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qrriKcwvlY man EP bombing from the right and BB from the left

Same.
It is unheard of for a GM not to strike out on some draft picks/trades, but overall he seems to be improving. Although part of that is based on prospects who look good now, but might not necessarily translate to the NHL. I'm thinking of Gadjovich, Demko or Dipietro, who people are high on now. If they (or other's ) turn out as 'busts', people will start calling JB an idiot again...but if he has other shiny new prospects in the pipeline, that might keep the wolves at bay
- dbot

Yep. And the good news right now is that the Canucks have so many prospects looking good that even if they don't all hit (and they won't), it's more likely that at least some of them will.

I talked about that in my Goal Posts column this week - one of the best things about Boeser is that he looks to be just one guy on the crest of a big wave of talent.

http://westender.com/goal...ie-of-the-year-1.23094655

I heard Iain MacIntyre on a podcast about a week ago, saying that this prospect pool is the deepest he has seen in his 26 years covering the Canucks. I thought that was quite a statement.

Carol Schram: Anders Nilsson starts, Jake Virtanen back as Vancouver Canucks face Blues
The Vancouver Canucks will turn to Anders Nilsson in net and insert Jake Virtanen back into the lineup as they prepare to face the Western Conference-leading St. Louis Blues on Saturday at Rogers Arena.
- Carol Schram

Thanks Carol. Looks like Granlund will be reunited on Sutter shutdown line with Gaunce sitting out. The Blues top line is lethal and reason behind their record.

Also, I wouldn't be surprised if Tanev was a game time decision bumping out Biega. He looked good at practice so poker player TG may not be showing all his coaching cards just yet.

Yep. And the good news right now is that the Canucks have so many prospects looking good that even if they don't all hit (and they won't), it's more likely that at least some of them will.

I talked about that in my Goal Posts column this week - one of the best things about Boeser is that he looks to be just one guy on the crest of a big wave of talent.

http://westender.com/goal...ie-of-the-year-1.23094655

I heard Iain MacIntyre on a podcast about a week ago, saying that this prospect pool is the deepest he has seen in his 26 years covering the Canucks. I thought that was quite a statement.
- Carol Schram

Yes, not all the prospects will hit. Like we have a few D & forwards on the Comets that won't likely make it or be more then depth players. But the ones making waves like EP, Gaudette, OJ, Dahlen, Demko, Goldy, Lind and Gadjo seem destined to make their way onto the Canuck roster in the next couple seasons.

I agree with Imac and in fact will say never in franchise history has the prospect pool been so deep.

Yep. And the good news right now is that the Canucks have so many prospects looking good that even if they don't all hit (and they won't), it's more likely that at least some of them will.

I talked about that in my Goal Posts column this week - one of the best things about Boeser is that he looks to be just one guy on the crest of a big wave of talent.

http://westender.com/goal...ie-of-the-year-1.23094655

I heard Iain MacIntyre on a podcast about a week ago, saying that this prospect pool is the deepest he has seen in his 26 years covering the Canucks. I thought that was quite a statement.
- Carol Schram

I've been following the team since listening to them on the radio in the early '70's. This seems like the only time they've had a prospect pool (other than the Manitoba Moose group with Kesler, Bieksa etc.). Also, never paid too much attention to the draft until the salary cap era but it is so crucial to future success now.

Malcolm young passed away and david Cassidy in a coma doesn't look good for him.

Yes, not all the prospects will hit. Like we have a few D & forwards on the Comets that won't likely make it or be more then depth players. But the ones making waves like EP, Gaudette, OJ, Dahlen, Demko, Goldy, Lind and Gadjo seem destined to make their way onto the Canuck roster in the next couple seasons.

I agree with Imac and in fact will say never in franchise history has the prospect pool been so deep.
- Nuck4U

When i list the top prospects for the canucks I have to think and make sure I get everyone, could never do that before

This is probably a topic for a full blog one day, but I'm seeing Benning as a guy that has successfully moved along the learning curve.

Considering he was a first-time GM, he seems to be a point now where he's hitting more than he's missing.

Next question—does he still have upside?
- Carol Schram

Can't wait for the blog on JB Carol his scalp has been the topic de jour among the regulars.

He's had his fair share of mistakes and frustrating moves. Comes down to maybe how many boxes did he check. Prospect pool. Player Development. Trades. Contracts. Team growth. Not sure what others you would add or expand on.

Thanks Carol.

Absolutely smashed it.

Can't wait for the blog on JB Carol his scalp has been the topic de jour among the regulars.

He's had his fair share of mistakes and frustrating moves. Comes down to maybe how many boxes did he check. Prospect pool. Player Development. Trades. Contracts. Team growth. Not sure what others you would add or expand on.
- Nuck4U

Loui Eriksson.

Thanks Carol







I become enlightened and humbled every time I read your blogs.

Loui Eriksson.
- Marwood

That would be a negative in that box. Though high profile free agent contracts are always on the high end. May have to add that one to team growth as in does it hamper. Though many will say it wasn't good to sign him period.

With JV and Nilsson in it must be Guaranteed win night
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qrriKcwvlY man EP bombing from the right and BB from the left

- onesmallleap

Would like to see that happen. But there is still a huge problem with the D in bringing offense. Plus not a lot of expectation of improvement from existing prospects.

For the Canucks to improve they will need their D to get shots on net. Not just attempts. This is not happening and will be a big reason for the team to flounder and not reach contender status in the coming years.

It is probably a greater need in the trending NHL then when the Canucks had their President Cup fab 5 D getting shots through 5x5 and on the PP. It doesn't have to be super star studs just consistent competent group. Much like how the forwards are shaping out to be in the coming years. No super studs but a few really good gamers and depth of talent.

Oilers are the most embarassing team in the league. Mcdavid and Leon deserve so much better

Oilers are the most embarassing team in the league. Mcdavid and Leon deserve so much better
- Codes1087

No they don't.
I'd say the Canadiens are far more of a train wreck.