Carol Schram: Vancouver Canucks: Teams in Jeopardy, Utica Comets Start Round 2 Tonight Changes could be coming in Minnesota, Montreal and Manhattan as their teams all stare down second-round elimination, while the AHL's Utica Comets start their second-round playoff series against the Oklahoma City Barons on Thursday in Utica.

I can see Mcann making the comets, saw him playing on greyhounds and he, was probably their best player.

I would like to see some of the rookies inserted into the line up. Not all at the same time but at least show them some action.

I would like to see some of the rookies inserted into the line up. Not all at the same time but at least show them some action.
- manvanfan

Comets?

Comets?
- LeftCoaster

Yes

Yes
- manvanfan

Hopefully they get some playing time in but I totally understand if they wanna go with the guys that got them there!

Know this with regards to...

"This year, it seems like the marketing campaign is already quietly in progress."

For sure, and they can't play last years cards either, if they go with Jake & McCann that would be a failure from a marketing standpoint.

Seasons ticket holders are watching the playoff's and going "Wow!". As it stands today there is no wow factor, so expect slow ticket sales.

re.
McCann and the Comets

I think it was either the Canucks or back to juniors next season... I think he is only 18.

regarding playing for the Comets in the playoffs, this stood out in the Travis Green interview,
"Green said he wasn’t going to put in younger players “just for the sake of it.”"

Thought there might be a chance to get in on the 4th line or something.

Know this with regards to...

"This year, it seems like the marketing campaign is already quietly in progress."

For sure, and they can't play last years cards either, if they go with Jake & McCann that would be a failure from a marketing standpoint.

Seasons ticket holders are watching the playoff's and going "Wow!". As it stands today there is not a big wow factor, so expect slow ticket sales.
- VanHockeyGuy

You know what pisses me off about the whole thing? How (frank)in stupid do they think we, the fans, are? The change was the President, the GM and the coach, and Bo Horvat I suppose.

Change is inevitable in professional sports, that's the way it's always been, it's a fluid business. Stop pushing BS slogans on us and just do your (frank)in jobs!!!

You know what pisses me off about the whole thing? How (frank)in stupid do they think we, the fans, are? The change was the President, the GM and the coach, and Bo Horvat I suppose.

Change is inevitable in professional sports, that's the way it's always been, it's a fluid business. Stop pushing BS slogans on us and just do your (frank)in jobs!!!


- LeftCoaster

If it's uneventful during the summer that will suggest a rebuild, which in my eyes is fine. You don't even have to come out and say it, just go about it quietly. I'm ok with that.

If they are uneventful during the summer that will suggest a rebuild, which in my eyes is fine. You don't even have to come out and say it, just go about it quietly. I'm ok with that.
- VanHockeyGuy

Important summer, it's a gradual process but it's gotta continue or the fans, as a general statement, will revolt. People want change! Things are stale

It is time for a few of the rookies to break through and steal a few spots on this roster.

Look at what the infusion of Horvat did and with a little luck that can be infectious in the lineup. Not saying McCann or Virtanen will be the next Horvat for next season but it would be nice to see it happen again.

Higgins, Richardson, Matthias and possibly Bieksa might all be gone so there should be spots open...whether those spots are filled by youth or trades remains to be seen.

Can't see Burrows, Vrbata being moved as of yet. It's to good to have that triple threat with the Sedins right now in rotating in Burrows/Kassian/Vrbata.

I want Edler gone but just can't see it right now. Too good with Tanev and as sad as it is it's our only stable D pairing as of right now. Hammer will stay but the other three spots on D should technically be open to anyone...Brent Burns?

Like Edler, Hansen should go too while his value is high but he's a great utility guy for us and can play all four lines if needed.

Gonna be tough to watch Sbisa/Weber and Bieksa next season if Bieksa stays.

Bonino still needs a winger and it appears that Vrbata really ain't gonna be that guy.

Higgins and Richardson could stay for 3rd line duties but like Vantel said it's time to move on from so many players on this team you could literally pick out ten of them.

Dorsett will need support on the fourth line as well. I'm sure Benning will look at that as once Horvat moves up the Dorsett/Hansen combo will need massive help.

So many things to think about...

You know what pisses me off about the whole thing? How (frank)in stupid do they think we, the fans, are? The change was the President, the GM and the coach, and Bo Horvat I suppose.

Change is inevitable in professional sports, that's the way it's always been, it's a fluid business. Stop pushing BS slogans on us and just do your (frank)in jobs!!!


- LeftCoaster

They are very worried about losing the paying customers and still want to show it is getting better.

I think it is an ideal time to try to make some moves if ntc's can be waived. Might be some cap strapped teams, can we make a move to clear some space and then take on a higher salary top 2 dman? And use existing prospects to fill holes?

Benning doesn't sound like he thinks the prospects are ready. Maybe it is all show for a move, cards close to the vest?

Not much was changing for a little while because we had traded away too many picks or the ones we had were busts or not ready.

You know what pisses me off about the whole thing? How (frank)in stupid do they think we, the fans, are? The change was the President, the GM and the coach, and Bo Horvat I suppose.

Change is inevitable in professional sports, that's the way it's always been, it's a fluid business. Stop pushing BS slogans on us and just do your (frank)in jobs!!!


- LeftCoaster

Retooling on the fly takes more than one season. Dorsett/Miller/Bonino/Vrbata/Horvat...five new faces in the lineup and more coming.

Important summer, it's a gradual process but it's gotta continue or the fans, as a general statement, will revolt. People want change! Things are stale
- LeftCoaster

They have to create excitement to sell tickets, like the did last year will all the drama management changes, trades. Today the Canucks are in a position where if they sit back, so will the season ticket holders.

Retooling on the fly takes more than one season. Dorsett/Miller/Bonino/Vrbata/Horvat...five new faces in the lineup and more coming.
- LordHumungous

Won't sell season tickets like in EDM & CAL.

Won't sell season tickets like in EDM & CAL.
- VanHockeyGuy

its like the 8th wonder, they lose and they still sell season tickets

To get people to buy a product or service, a marketer will create a sense of urgency. Right now that is not the case in VAN. There is no pressure to buy seasons tickets now, lots are available.

Retooling on the fly takes more than one season. Dorsett/Miller/Bonino/Vrbata/Horvat...five new faces in the lineup and more coming.
- LordHumungous

It was more about them professing the "Change is Coming" slogan on us again. I understand it takes time, regarding the roster, I've been saying that over the past week.

I'd like to see three more heads roll, Bieksa, Higgins & Weber. Let Richarson and Matthias go, that make me happy!!

re.
McCann and the Comets

I think it was either the Canucks or back to juniors next season... I think he is only 18.

regarding playing for the Comets in the playoffs, this stood out in the Travis Green interview,
"Green said he wasn’t going to put in younger players “just for the sake of it.”"

Thought there might be a chance to get in on the 4th line or something.
- hillbillydeluxe

He has a job to do. He took a head coaching position in the AHL over an aissistant coaching position in the NHL. He knows what he wants and I would say is doing a damn good job.

I dont question anything he's done all year.

And rumor has it he has actually spoken to WD. How spectacular is that?

It was more about them professing the "Change is Coming" slogan on us again. I understand it takes time, regarding the roster, I've been saying that over the past week.

I'd like to see three more heads roll, Bieksa, Higgins & Weber. Let Richarson and Matthias go, that's make me happy!!
- LeftCoaster

It may get things going change wise, but it still won't sell tickets unless something relatively substantial happens. EDM already has a hype going, so will CAL with their improvements. Van???

To get people to buy a product or service, a marketer will create a sense of urgency. Right now that is not the case in VAN. There is no pressure to buy seasons tickets now, lots are available.
- VanHockeyGuy

People in Vancouver aren't stupid, they won't support this team for much longer if they keep Higgins, Burrows, Bieksa etc on the team, regardless of what BS slogan they put out there. Vancouver will support losing with youth, to a certain extent, but they won't support the same old poop if they keep putting it out there.

re.
McCann and the Comets

I think it was either the Canucks or back to juniors next season... I think he is only 18.

regarding playing for the Comets in the playoffs, this stood out in the Travis Green interview,
"Green said he wasn’t going to put in younger players “just for the sake of it.”"

Thought there might be a chance to get in on the 4th line or something.
- hillbillydeluxe

McCann turns 19 this month I think and Virtanen turns 19 end of August...they'll both be back in junior next year.

People in Vancouver aren't stupid, they won't support this team for much longer if they keep Higgins, Burrows, Bieksa etc on the team, regardless of what BS slogan they put out there. Vancouver will support losing with youth, to a certain extent, but they won't support the same old poop if they keep putting it out there.
- LeftCoaster

Exactly, the ball is in the teams court right now. Everyone is in wait mode.

McCann turns 19 this month I think and Virtanen turns 19 end of August...they'll both be back in junior next year.
- LeftCoaster

There you go, those are two cards out of play for the marketing dept.