I think he will sign another two year deal at a cheaper rate at 3 mil. He is getting older but still a workhorse.
- VANTEL

He played quite well that first round. Engaged, physical, no bone headed plays... looking forward to what he brings against STL

I think he will sign another two year deal at a cheaper rate at 3 mil. He is getting older but still a workhorse.
- VANTEL

Still a great middle pairing Dman, and with Hughes slotting in above him it gives some nice certainty for sure.

Not that any of us really need an excuse to gripe about the D but the ages really jump out when looked at in comparison to the stars of the team.
- RealityChecker

Definitely, although they say typically it takes D a bit longer to play regularly in the NHL. Aside from the superstars that is...

OJ, Rathbone, Rafferty are all 25 and under, and seem to be ready to step in. Still not top 4 minutes, but they'll get there.

He played quite well that first round. Engaged, physical, no bone headed plays... looking forward to what he brings against STL
- NewYorkNuck

I like his game more this year. I didn't like when we needed to rely on his scoring skills (AKA shoot in the pads) .

He is a solid shut down guy.

I think he will sign another two year deal at a cheaper rate at 3 mil. He is getting older but still a workhorse.
- VANTEL

And there's no one who can currently displace him.

Still a great middle pairing Dman, and with Hughes slotting in above him it gives some nice certainty for sure.
- NorthNuck

And there's no one who can currently displace him.
- VanHockeyGuy

Yup. Keeping him for another 2-3 years will relieve a lot of pressure off the new guys coming in.

Still a great middle pairing Dman, and with Hughes slotting in above him it gives some nice certainty for sure.
- NorthNuck

I've always been a pretty big fan of his but even if he's willing to take a team friendly deal, I still think the team has to start exploring options. (and I'm being deliberately understated by saying "start" exploring.)

I think both he and Tanev are on the decline (big insight i know) just as the team is on the incline. The slight decline in play with an increase in injury risk (even in limited minutes) is magnified when the team is poised to take the next step.

I know that you can't predict injuries so take it with a grain of salt but as I said, I'd definitely be looking at options.

Yup. Keeping him for another 2-3 years will relieve a lot of pressure off the new guys coming in.
- VANTEL

3 more is starting to push it with his age imo

Odds makers giving VAN no respect for game 1

VAN 2.35
STL 1.65

I've always been a pretty big fan of his but even if he's willing to take a team friendly deal, I still think the team has to start exploring options. (and I'm being deliberately understated by saying "start" exploring.)

I think both he and Tanev are on the decline (big insight i know) just as the team is on the incline. The slight decline in play with an increase in injury risk (even in limited minutes) is magnified when the team is poised to take the next step.

I know that you can't predict injuries so take it with a grain of salt but as I said, I'd definitely be looking at options.
- RealityChecker

Wasn't this year the first time Tanev never missed a game?

Wasn't this year the first time Tanev never missed a game?
- NorthNuck

He just needs a 3 month break before the playoffs every year.

3 more is starting to push it with his age imo
- NorthNuck

I think after this contract 2 years is not a big deal . Who knows he may want to retire after this one. He turned out to be a hell of a player .

Odds makers giving VAN no respect for game 1

VAN 2.35
STL 1.65
- VanHockeyGuy

Drop a 20 on it. Canucks finished on a high and Blues not so much.

Odds makers giving VAN no respect for game 1

VAN 2.35
STL 1.65
- VanHockeyGuy

On paper they shouldn’t stand a chance against the defending Stanley Cup champions, but that’s why they play the games. Markstrom is going to have to be lights out good imo for them to have a chance.

Drop a 20 on it. Canucks finished on a high and Blues not so much.
- VANTEL

I might. Anything can happen, ask the TML.

On paper they shouldn’t stand a chance against the defending Stanley Cup champions, but that’s why they play the games. Markstrom is going to have to be lights out good imo for them to have a chance.
- Pacificgem

Yup, their D's going to be exposed.

I might. Anything can happen, ask the TML.
- VanHockeyGuy

St L have been really flat. They dropped 4 spots in the round robin. Hard to turn on the switch in one game .

I think they have been playing half fast hockey and Canucks have been playing playoff hockey. I would give early advantage for a game and a half to Canucks.

I might. Anything can happen, ask the TML.
- VanHockeyGuy

Blue Jackets and Leafs both had 81 points when play was halted, it’s not as big of a surprise to me as it is to others. Not to mention their defensive structure took out the high flying offensively talented Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round last year.

Defence wins Championships

Yup, their D's going to be exposed.
- VanHockeyGuy

Blue Jackets and Leafs both had 81 points when play was halted, it’s not as big of a surprise to me as it is to others. Not to mention their defensive structure took out the high flying offensively talented Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round last year.

Defence wins Championships
- Pacificgem

Absolutely. I'm happy about Rathbone and the young guys coming up, but we're a ways off yet.

St L have been really flat. They dropped 4 spots in the round robin. Hard to turn on the switch in one game .

I think they have been playing half fast hockey and Canucks have been playing playoff hockey. I would give early advantage for a game and a half to Canucks.
- VANTEL

If there is an advantage I don't think it goes beyond game 1. Cup winners last year, they know how to turn it on when needed.

St L have been really flat. They dropped 4 spots in the round robin. Hard to turn on the switch in one game .

I think they have been playing half fast hockey and Canucks have been playing playoff hockey. I would give early advantage for a game and a half to Canucks.
- VANTEL

The Canucks need to come out and win game 1. They need to get into the heads of the Blues and not let them think more than they already do that it's going to be an easy series.

The Canucks definitely have the momentum going in, hopefully a couple first period goals will deflate the Blues and create some doubt in their mind.

St L have been really flat. They dropped 4 spots in the round robin. Hard to turn on the switch in one game .

I think they have been playing half fast hockey and Canucks have been playing playoff hockey. I would give early advantage for a game and a half to Canucks.
- VANTEL

Sure, the youth, adrenaline, a few lucky bounces. The team already has exceeded my expectations this year, anything from now on is a bonus imo. They've tasted the Kool Aid.

Absolutely. I'm happy about Rathbone and the young guys coming up, but we're a ways off yet.
- VanHockeyGuy

Berube's post game comments yesterday was a bunch of excuses but he did say they will play better in the playoffs.

I don't know but they did not look good against any of the teams. I don't think they will be as dominant as people think.

I think Canucks have a shot in this round and I will leave it at that.