The silence is making me crazy!
Impressive win by Montreal last night to force Game 7 against a Bruins team that looked like they were in the driver's seat. From a Canucks point of view, it would be fantastic to see the Habs pull off the upset win on Wednesday so that we can finally get our question answered—is Jim Benning the next boss of the Vancouver Canucks?
Thanks for all your thoughts on this topic yesterday. I am starting to warm up to the idea a little bit.
It's a very good point that Nashville has been able to integrate more of its draft picks into the lineup over the years because they've had the roster space—and also, due to budget issues. Young players are cheap and the Preds are a team that tries to keep costs down wherever possible.
I also had an informative discussion on Twitter with a reader who pointed out that Boston's draft record doesn't exactly fall under Benning's domain as Assistant General Manager. His job is more about trades and signings.
That idea makes me look on him more favourably. The Bruins haven't been afraid to make big deals—like the trades of Phil Kessel and Tyler Seguin—and have made out well in both cases. I thought Loui Eriksson would be a breakout player for Boston when he was acquired last summer—and he's been all right, except for his injuries. But Reilly Smith and Matt Fraser have been impressive: young players with plenty of upside.
The mind boggles at the idea of the Canucks actually making bold trades—and getting spare parts in return that turn out to be something special.
As some of you have previously discussed, Benning's scouting experience primarily revolves around his time with Buffalo—he was a scout from 1994-98 and director of amateur scouting from 1998-2004. Let's take a look at that draft record,
from HockeyDB.com.
The 100-game threshold doesn't work as well for players with longer careers. I don't think anybody builds his professional reputation around drafting someone like Doug Janik or Mike Zigomanis in the second round.
But taking Ryan Miller in the fifth round in 1999 is impressive. Derek Roy and Jason Pominville were both second-rounders in 2001. Keith Ballard and Daniel Paille were first-rounders in 2002—and Dennis Wideman was taken in the eighth round that year. Thomas Vanek is the jewel in the crown, taken fifth overall out of the University of Minnesota in 2003. That was a bold choice.
Two goals for Vanek last night for Montreal—he's up to five in the playoffs. I'd say that deadline deal is working out for the Habs. Maybe he'll be as popular in Montreal as Dale Weise someday?
Rangers and Penguins to Game 7:
Of course, before we get to the Habs and Bruins tomorrow, we'll see the Rangers and Penguins battle it out in Game 7 tonight. And yes, I think when the Canucks' former coach is one game away from making the final four in his first season since leaving Vancouver, that's still a Canuck story—though the team's sudden success doesn't seem to really be Vigneault's doing.
It's crazy that the tide turned for the Rangers due to the passing of Marty St. Louis' mom, but the team has certainly found a way to make the emotion work in its favour. It feels like they've come together in a way that's bigger than the game—powerful.
I think the Penguins will have their hands full trying to salvage this series tonight. Interesting that Mario Lemieux paid a visit to Sidney Crosby in the dressing room after Game 6—not only is Crosby not producing on the scoresheet, his frustration is becoming more and more obvious on the ice, and that's never a good look for the captain.
If Pittsburgh loses tonight, they're another team that could face big changes in the offseason. Let the Ryan Kesler rumours resume.
World Championships Update:
A good win for Canada on Monday as they topped the Czechs 4-3 over in Minsk.
The turning point of that game was a five-minute power play in the second period after Kevin Bieksa got high-sticked in the mouth. Bleeding profusely, he argued his case until he got the call he wanted, then Canada took full advantage with two powerplay goals—with Bieksa assisting on the second one, which proved to be the winner.
The Czechs put the pressure on in the third period, and a late penalty by Jason Garrison allowed Thomas Hertl to pull his team within a goal. The ending was frantic but the Canadians ultimately prevailed.
Next game is Thursday morning—a Canuck-fest with Canada facing Denmark.
Jannik Hansen scored the winner for the Danes today in their 4-1 victory over Italy, moving their record to 1-2.
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