Carol Schram: Vancouver Canucks: Musing on Goaltending, 2011 Deja Vu with Kings/Sharks Thoughts on the Canucks' No. 1 goaltender for next season, and the parallels between the Kings/Sharks series and Vancouver's 2011 matchup against Chicago.

I thought Lack played exceptionally well for the most part. It would not hurt for him to backup an experience starter like Halak and challenge for the job. Hiller, Miller are not what the team needs, especially Miller who won't come here anyway. I like Halak, I like Lack. Get it HaLack, the names match, go for it Trevor.

I think Torts will be given another year with the new GM. Here is why.
Any new GM coming in will see 3 areas of definite improvement.

1. Coaching style does not match the team
2. Team is getting old and too many NTC
3. Cupboards are bare

To fix 2 and 3 we need Torts here. There are too many underachieving players on this team with NTC that would rather fossilize here then move to another team, however Torts is a good way to ensure some of these guys would rather uproot and replant in another market. This is the only sure fire way to move some of the NTC. KB will get a roster player and a pick. Hammer will get us a roster player, prospect and a pick. Edler will get us a pick or a roster player, Burrows will get us a roster player, Kesler will get us a roster player, prospect ad pick.

Requirements 2 and 3 will be met by moving some of the NTC out and the coach to convince players that they would rather play in Peg or Edm then Vancouver is Torts. Sorry Marwood but I don't see Torts moving this year.

I think it's best for the Canucks to sign a vet goalie with the intention of a 50/50 split, or 60/40 towards Lack. Halak could fit the profile but would he really want to sign his next contract in yet another 1A/1B situation like he had in STL or even WSH for that matter?

All this begs the question of what happens to Markstrom next season. I think time with Rollie will help his game and IMO is the only option right now to get his career back on track. Sending him down to Utica to battle with Eriksson and Cannatta won't be helping his development in the slightest.

It only makes sense to bring an experienced GT in to share starts with Lack. Let the season decide if he's ready. I think its too risky to assume Lack can carry a team an entire season and into the playoffs. I have very little doubt Lack can do it in the future but the Canucks need to tread lightly here after dumping two #1's and hoping Lack is ready for the responsibility. We know he can stop pucks but the circumstances have changed. Game 1 next season will be a whole different load of pressure on him that he's not yet experienced.

I think Torts will be given another year with the new GM. Here is why.
Any new GM coming in will see 3 areas of definite improvement.

1. Coaching style does not match the team
2. Team is getting old and too many NTC
3. Cupboards are bare

To fix 2 and 3 we need Torts here. There are too many underachieving players on this team with NTC that would rather fossilize here then move to another team, however Torts is a good way to ensure some of these guys would rather uproot and replant in another market. This is the only sure fire way to move some of the NTC. KB will get a roster player and a pick. Hammer will get us a roster player, prospect and a pick. Edler will get us a pick or a roster player, Burrows will get us a roster player, Kesler will get us a roster player, prospect ad pick.

Requirements 2 and 3 will be met by moving some of the NTC out and the coach to convince players that they would rather play in Peg or Edm then Vancouver is Torts. Sorry Marwood but I don't see Torts moving this year.
- Linden_4_Capt

Hope the Aquilini's enjoy an empty building this coming year and perhaps on.

I think Torts will be given another year with the new GM. Here is why.
Any new GM coming in will see 3 areas of definite improvement.

1. Coaching style does not match the team
2. Team is getting old and too many NTC
3. Cupboards are bare

To fix 2 and 3 we need Torts here. There are too many underachieving players on this team with NTC that would rather fossilize here then move to another team, however Torts is a good way to ensure some of these guys would rather uproot and replant in another market. This is the only sure fire way to move some of the NTC. KB will get a roster player and a pick. Hammer will get us a roster player, prospect and a pick. Edler will get us a pick or a roster player, Burrows will get us a roster player, Kesler will get us a roster player, prospect ad pick.

Requirements 2 and 3 will be met by moving some of the NTC out and the coach to convince players that they would rather play in Peg or Edm then Vancouver is Torts. Sorry Marwood but I don't see Torts moving this year.
- Linden_4_Capt

Stop thinking that Torts will force players to wave their NTCs, they have them because they don't want to move, Torts doesn't have a NMC. The players have more power over Torts removal than Torts has over moving players.

Stop thinking that Torts will force players to wave their NTCs, they have them because they don't want to move, Torts doesn't have a NMC. The players have more power over Torts removal than Torts has over moving players.
- A_SteamingLombardi

This x100.

It's fun to say Torts being here will have every player running for the exits, it's foolish to actually believe it.

I still like Lack, I think he has the ability and mental strength to be a starter in this league. Markstrom is waiver eligible, but with Gillis now gone who knows what happens.


No way to Ryan Miller, he doesn't want to play in Canada and I really don't want another older goalie on a big contract with a big cap hit. I'd take Hiller or Halak if Markstrom isn't in the team's plans, whichever goalie comes cheaper and doesn't mind a 1A/1B situation. Otherwise just keep both of the tall skinny Swedes.



And before anyone suggests it, (frank) no to Cam Ward. Not with that contract.

Speaking of favorable calls—how does Jonathan Quick not get anything more than a roughing minor for leaving his crease to pound on Joe Thornton? Goalie-on-goalie fights are frowned upon; a goalie-on-player fight is unfair beyond words with all that equipment.
- Carol Schram

I was at the game. Quick has been taking runs from Mike Brown, Raffi Torres, and Jumbo Joe all series, and not getting calls. Marleau, essentially untouched, jumps on top of Quick earlier in the game and nothing is called, then Pearson gets a minor only a few minutes later for NOT bulldozing Stalock.

Up until the Kings 2nd goal (which I agree was controversial), the Kings were getting the shaft on the officiating in this game. Quick didn't get more than 2 because Thornton initiated the scrum by hitting Doughty after the whistle. Just like Boyle's interference penalty on the power play, the penalties assigned after this scrum were make-up calls resulting from the poor officiating from earlier in the game.

I still like Lack, I think he has the ability and mental strength to be a starter in this league. Markstrom is waiver eligible, but with Gillis now gone who knows what happens.


No way to Ryan Miller, he doesn't want to play in Canada and I really don't want another older goalie on a big contract with a big cap hit. I'd take Hiller or Halak if Markstrom isn't in the team's plans, whichever goalie comes cheaper and doesn't mind a 1A/1B situation. Otherwise just keep both of the tall skinny Swedes.



And before anyone suggests it, (frank) no to Cam Ward. Not with that contract.
- Nucker101

I think it might be a wise move for the Canucks to sign a decent back up like Chad Johnson or Stalock. Not as much pressure on Lack, but somebody who can be servicable and handle his fair share of the work load.

I think it might be a wise move for the Canucks to sign a decent back up like Chad Johnson or Stalock. Not as much pressure on Lack, but somebody who can be servicable and handle his fair share of the work load.
- Chest Rockwell

Markstrom has more upside than those guys though, I'd rather give him a shot rather than sign a career backup.

I was at the game. Quick has been taking runs from Mike Brown, Raffi Torres, and Jumbo Joe all series, and not getting calls. Marleau, essentially untouched, jumps on top of Quick earlier in the game and nothing is called, then Pearson gets a minor only a few minutes later for NOT bulldozing Stalock.

Up until the Kings 2nd goal (which I agree was controversial), the Kings were getting the shaft on the officiating in this game. Quick didn't get more than 2 because Thornton initiated the scrum by hitting Doughty after the whistle. Just like Boyle's interference penalty on the power play, the penalties assigned after this scrum were make-up calls resulting from the poor officiating from earlier in the game.
- tkecanuck341

How often does this happen in the NHL. #bushleague

How often does this happen in the NHL. #bushleague
- AlexF

Too often sadly.

I was at the game. Quick has been taking runs from Mike Brown, Raffi Torres, and Jumbo Joe all series, and not getting calls. Marleau, essentially untouched, jumps on top of Quick earlier in the game and nothing is called, then Pearson gets a minor only a few minutes later for NOT bulldozing Stalock.

Up until the Kings 2nd goal (which I agree was controversial), the Kings were getting the shaft on the officiating in this game. Quick didn't get more than 2 because Thornton initiated the scrum by hitting Doughty after the whistle. Just like Boyle's interference penalty on the power play, the penalties assigned after this scrum were make-up calls resulting from the poor officiating from earlier in the game.
- tkecanuck341

And all quick did to Thornton was cover his face with his glove and push him around. A minor penalty seams appropriate with that consideration IMO

This x100.

It's fun to say Torts being here will have every player running for the exits, it's foolish to actually believe it.
- AlexF

I am not saying running for the hill, but encouraged enough to consider waiving the NTC to select teams. Players are a proud bunch that want a sense of accomplishment and encouragement. Not someone yelling in their ear if they missed a check. The switch from AV to Torts was a very bipolar move by MG. It is no wonder the entire team productivity went down. If this goes on another year, guys like Kesler, Edler will ask to be traded. Season ticket sales will be affected but Vancouver is very much like Toronto market. There will be some complains and fewer renwals but the waiting list for the season ticket is not getting any shorter. Unfortunately this will be a business decision.
As for losing the value of the organization, this only matters is the Aquilanis are planning on selling this team. If they plan to hold on for another 5-10 years and the correct path is to retool and rebuild hybrid.
We just don't have the tools to retool on the fly. We have to rebuild and trade some of the vets to retool.
There are 4 stages on a players life.
Rookie - play for the team that drafted them
Young UFA- Play for the team that pays the most
Middle age UFA- Play closer to home (usually guys with families)
Older UFA- play to win the cup.

Our issue is we have a old of guys in the Middle age UFA category. The only players that are closer to the last stage and would want a last kick at the can are the Sedins and we all know that they are not moving.

That being said we need to encourage our glut of Category 3 guys to uproot their families and strive to win the cup.

There is no way this team can even compete to make playoffs next year.

I say stick with with what we have. I think the team will be fine once we have a new coach who can utilize the team properly, especially the defense. Torts system was the absolute worst way to use the players he was given, and i think a new coach who can recognize and play towards players strengths will do wonders for the team. Torts system was unsustainable (over playing top players) and stubborn (playing Bieksa/Edler even tho we all know it doesn't work). Allowing our mobile defense to play on their feet and check instead of flopping all over the ice will help Lack (I saw more own goals this season than the last 5) and reduce injuries. I'm not saying there still doesn't have to be some player personnel changes, but I think getting a coach that get the team back to playing puck possession hockey and away from dump and chase would be a start. Fire Torts already!

I am not saying running for the hill, but encouraged enough to consider waiving the NTC to select teams. Players are a proud bunch that want a sense of accomplishment and encouragement. Not someone yelling in their ear if they missed a check. The switch from AV to Torts was a very bipolar move by MG. It is no wonder the entire team productivity went down. If this goes on another year, guys like Kesler, Edler will ask to be traded. Season ticket sales will be affected but Vancouver is very much like Toronto market. There will be some complains and fewer renwals but the waiting list for the season ticket is not getting any shorter. Unfortunately this will be a business decision.
As for losing the value of the organization, this only matters is the Aquilanis are planning on selling this team. If they plan to hold on for another 5-10 years and the correct path is to retool and rebuild hybrid.
We just don't have the tools to retool on the fly. We have to rebuild and trade some of the vets to retool.
There are 4 stages on a players life.
Rookie - play for the team that drafted them
Young UFA- Play for the team that pays the most
Middle age UFA- Play closer to home (usually guys with families)
Older UFA- play to win the cup.

Our issue is we have a old of guys in the Middle age UFA category. The only players that are closer to the last stage and would want a last kick at the can are the Sedins and we all know that they are not moving.

That being said we need to encourage our glut of Category 3 guys to uproot their families and strive to win the cup.

There is no way this team can even compete to make playoffs next year.
- Linden_4_Capt

A new GM will have more effect on getting players to waive, he has no attachment to any of these players, and no pro player needs to be encouraged to strive for a cup.

And all quick did to Thornton was cover his face with his glove and push him around. A minor penalty seams appropriate with that consideration IMO
- dprice818

Yeah I agree... wasn't throwing shots

How often does this happen in the NHL. #bushleague
- AlexF

It's because they change the way they officiate during the playoffs. "Let them play" is actually their downfall. They suddenly choose to let some penalties go and randomly call some, instead of just calling them all. Basically they have a big say in the momentum of the games as they basically choose when they "let them play" and when they "make the right call". (frank)ing hilarious how everyone just accepts this and is fine with it, then those same people get pissed when their team gets screwed.

I was at the game. Quick has been taking runs from Mike Brown, Raffi Torres, and Jumbo Joe all series, and not getting calls. Marleau, essentially untouched, jumps on top of Quick earlier in the game and nothing is called, then Pearson gets a minor only a few minutes later for NOT bulldozing Stalock.

Up until the Kings 2nd goal (which I agree was controversial), the Kings were getting the shaft on the officiating in this game. Quick didn't get more than 2 because Thornton initiated the scrum by hitting Doughty after the whistle. Just like Boyle's interference penalty on the power play, the penalties assigned after this scrum were make-up calls resulting from the poor officiating from earlier in the game.
- tkecanuck341

Wah, wah, wah. Tell someone who cares.

It's because they change the way they officiate during the playoffs. "Let them play" is actually their downfall. They suddenly choose to let some penalties go and randomly call some, instead of just calling them all. Basically they have a big say in the momentum of the games as they basically choose when they "let them play" and when they "make the right call". (frank)ing hilarious how everyone just accepts this and is fine with it, then those same people get pissed when their team gets screwed.
- Nucker101

I've never been fine with the rule changes. Nor do I really understand why the rules get changed. It doesn't make the games any more exciting to allow obstruction and excessive physical play. What makes the games exciting is the fact that it's a knock-out competition between the best teams the league had to offer that season.

I've never been fine with the rule changes. Nor do I really understand why the rules get changed. It doesn't make the games any more exciting to allow obstruction and excessive physical play. What makes the games exciting is the fact that it's a knock-out competition between the best teams the league had to offer that season.
- AlexF

It's because they change the way they officiate during the playoffs. "Let them play" is actually their downfall. They suddenly choose to let some penalties go and randomly call some, instead of just calling them all. Basically they have a big say in the momentum of the games as they basically choose when they "let them play" and when they "make the right call". (frank)ing hilarious how everyone just accepts this and is fine with it, then those same people get pissed when their team gets screwed.
- Nucker101

Great point............they certainly don't "let em play" like they used to. Way too many soft calls for post season play. I'm talking about all the games this post season. I've watched around 90% of all games and the refs have been consistently inconsistent.

Wah, wah, wah. Tell someone who cares.
- Marwood

Exactly, weren't we saying the same thing in 2011 and everyone called us whiners, now it seems everyone is whining about the officiating.