Canucks Thermometer
After coming off an 8 game losing skid, the Canucks have quickly rebounded back winning 4 straight. During this period many things have been revealed, such as who’s hot and who’s not.
After these three forwards spent what seemed like decades struggling, they now have found the scoring touch, and haven’t lost yet since being united as a new, dominating line, Kesler, Sundin, and Demitra. All of which these three have combined for 24 points in their last 4 games. Kesler, Sundin, Demitra = HOT!
Kesler= HOT!
These two D, known for their bombs unleashed on the powerplay haven’t been doing the usual… that is loading up the minus column and sitting on the injury reserve. They’ve emerged as a dominating offensive force, Salo has never missed a powerplay since his return from being injured, and the Canuck’s powerplay percentage has increased by 5%! Edler, although he may be consistent at times, he’s racked up 6 points in his last 4 games. Salo, Edler = HOT!
A fan fave so far after coming from the Maple Leafs in the off season, Kyle Wellwood has really shown his skills, especially in the shootout with the absence of Trevor Linden. However lately he’s been sitting in the minus column and held off the score sheet. When was the last time he scored? I can’t even remember! Lately he has even made the lineup as he’s been a healthy scratch throughout he past weeks. Wellwood= COLD!
Spending the Holidays in the Harsh Midwest
Instead of doing the usual relaxing and hockey over the holidays I tried something new, a sport experienced by all those living in the Minnesota state.
On Christmas Eve, my family and I visited my grandparents in the small town of Annadale located nothwest of the Twin Cities. This was my first experience in the harsh, brisk weather of Minnesota. Reaching at least 25 C below every day with over a feet of snow covering the landscape and lakes frozen with at least a foot of ice, the conditions were spendid for snowmoboiling. Being my first time snowmobiling I used a Polaris Indy Lite with a mere 350 engine. After a few days of riding I was able to step up to the big shows and ride the Polaris Dragon RMK 600 and Turbo.
I realized that living in the cold climates there is still many activities to do. With snowmobiles it’s like ultimate freedom as you can ride the open lakes and trek through the deepest snow drifts. Never again will I refuse a snowmobile adventure.
Luongo Injury Taking it’s Toll
Roberto Luongo, superstar of the Vancouver Canucks ran into a tale of misfortune two weeks ago when he suffered a groin injury during a 3-1 win against
Luongo leaves game with a disappointing injury.
Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Ever since that injury Canucks haven’t been the same without their star captain, they’ve been on a slump with a 2-4-1 record after posting a respectable 7-0-2 run in November. At the hands of backup Curtis Sanford (Sandman) and rookie Cory Schneider the Canucks went on a 4 game losing skid before surviving a 2-1 win against rival Minnesota Wild. Will the Canucks continue to suffer without Luongo? Will they be able to rebound with backup goalies and an offensive breakout? And when will Bobby Lou return?
Even though this injury has come with a price there has also been a rainbow emerging. Without starting goaltender Luongo, Cory Schneider has been able to step up and play in his first NHL games. This experience has taught him a lot and has rewarded him with the attention of fellow team’s scouts. Already Ottawa has shown interest in this young prodigy and this could be the jump start Schneider needs to get on track with his NHL career.
Canucks may be not performing to it’s potential without Luongo but I do see a rebound on the horizon. With Schneider getting comfortable and Wellwood on a streak I think there are more close games and wins to come. And hopefully these wins can carry the Canucks another month until Luongo is ready to get back in on the action.
Kraft Hockeyville 2009
Hockey has binded Canada together from the far side of Vancouver Island to the tip of St. Johns Newfoundland. For the past three years, Canadians have confirmed this passion through the competition of Kraft Hockeyville. Kraft Canada, CBC, NHL, and the NHLPA are together searching for what they believe to be the Hockeyville of nations. Communities such as, Roberval, North Bay, and Salmon River already host the title and are looking for a new contender
Coast to coast communities are being challenged for the gratification of the title, Hockeyville. Not only will your town be crowned Hockeyville 2009, but you will also receive a bountiful of rewards. Rewards such as, a pre-season game in their community arena, CBC Hockey Night in Canada visit, and $100,000 in arena upgrades!
Whether you’re a rural community or booming city, the stakes are high so get in on the action and apply for the title of Kraft Hockeyville 2009.
Another Cloth for the Rafters
Tonight in Montreal, Quebec the Habs will add yet another ‘Holly Flannel’ to the legends of Bell Center. Alongside The Rocket, The Flower, The Stratford Streak, Le Gros Bill, Boom Boom, and the Road Runner will hang St. Patrick. Patrick Roy, long time betrayer of Bell Center hopes for the 13 years of tension to end as the Montreal Canadiens retire his famous number 33 before the eyes of millions across North America.
Image from espn.com
Patrick Roy a.k.a. St. Patrick was the face of the franchise as he led the Montreal Canadiens to 2 Stanley Cups, with his 3 Conn Smythe trophies. Although, he wasn’t just known for his quick reflexes and stunning skill, but also for his powerful temper, a temper that would end his career as a Montreal Canadien
On December 2, 1995 Roy let in a devastating 9 goals on 26 shots before his former teammate, and present Coach Mario Tremblay gave him the hook. It took humiliating acts, and outrageous words until Tremblay would end Roy’s misery. Roy, sure that the coach intended to humiliate him walked over and swore to never play for the Montreal Canadiens again. 3 days later St. Patrick and the success of Montreal Canadiens was traded to Colorado.
Ever since this overwhelming event Patrick Roy has never received the same respect he once had in Montreal. However, Patrick Roy believes this is the turning point of the story as he hopes to gain back his Montreal status as magic in the net.
For Montreal it’s just another rag among the many hanging but for Patrick it’s the forgiveness of his hockey life.
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This year’s Titans VS Last year’s Patriots
Images from nfl.com
The Tennessee Titans stand at 8-0 this year as did the New England Patriots last year, but do the Titans have what it takes to remain undefeated and be compared to the Patriots of last year? NO! Unlike the Titans, the Patriots charged through every team as they blew out the opposition night in and night out. Although the Titans may have made the games more interesting with the close scores, bur they have not shown the same dominating forces the Patriots did.
Last year the Patriots averaged the most points per game in the league, this year the Titans are barely making the 10th rank with only 24.4 points per game. The reason for this is the difference in the offensive starters. Tom Brady finished last year with a impressive 70% completion average and 117 rating. This year Kerry Collins passes with a 59% completion average and a 79 rating.
The odds also favor the Patriots in the receiving aspect too. Over on wide receiver Tom Brady connected with Randy Moss for 23 touchdowns and with Wes Welker for 112 receptions. The Titans on the other hand only show with a most of 2 receptions on any receiver and a mere 42 receptions for team leading Bo Scaife.
The only offensive area holding a reasonable argument for the Titans is the running game. With only half the season done the Titans already are nearing the amount of yards achieved by the Patriots last with almost 750 yards as the Patriots ran for just under 850 yards. Even though the Titans will end the season with more rushing yards than the Patriots, the Titans still only averaged 4.5 yards each attempt also equal to the Patriots rushing average.
The defense of both these teams are slightly different as they both were solid when needed. Inconsistency appeared to cost the Patriots only int he last game (Super Bowl), this year the Titans have been true to their name as not one team has penetrated them with mistakes. The Titans can be proud hold my favor in the defensive game with only allowing an average of 13 points against per game (1st).
Say we could go back and grab last year’s Patriots to square them off with this year’s Titans the game would be interesting, but it would have a definite winner. But I’d have to put my money on the Patriots due to the offensive talent the Patriots boast and the offensive talent the Titans are missing.
Lions Playoff Preview
Jason Clermont of the BC Lions battles with James Patrick of the Saskatchewan Rough Riders.
Image from bclions.com
Although the Leos haven’t had a the most comfortable trip to the post season this year with a disappointing 4-5 start, they have proven that they are still in Grey Cup contention.
The Lions who were the favorite among most CFL fans started the season with a unpredictable 4-5 before bouncing back with a 7-1 streak clinching a playoff birth, and finishing a mere one win behind the Saskatchewan Rough Riders for second place in the West. It’s this later half of the season that has had the opposition biting their nails.
First up, the Lions with a 5-4 away record during the regular season travel out to Regina to square off with the Saskatchewan Rough Riders whom boast a 7-2 home record. Although the Rough Riders have an astonishing home record, the lions did go 2-1 in the regular season match ups.
To defeat the Rough Riders, the Lions are going to have to come out with a solid, aware defense, and acquire a quick lead as the Rough Riders are known for their dangerous offensive threats. The Lions will have to be extra careful with outstanding rookie nominee, Weston Dressler who led his team with 56 catches, 1128 yards, and 6 touchdowns. The arsenal of the Saskatchewan Rough Riders also had a dominant running game during the regular season. The awareness and sacks needs to take count as Michael Bishop is known to run but also known to become shaky when the pressure’s on.
If the Lions can hold off the running game of the Rough Riders and pressure Michael Bishop all game, I believe the Lions will emerge on top in this tight rivalry game. And with a victory in Regina, the Lions can definitely count on a momentum leading them through the Stamps and into the Grey Cup Final.
Sundin, a future Canuck?
Sundin, a future Canuck?
Image from cbc.ca
Mat Sundin, a 37 year-old, unrestricted free agent, has been reported to have met in Los Angeles with Canucks GM Mike Gillis. Sundin was seen watching the Canucks 4-0 win of the Kings, as well as a brief talk with Mike Gillis. Sundin has been living in southern California while visiting a fitness trainer meaning he could still have hopes on continuing in the NHL and hopefully, a future with the Canucks.
To Canucks this is great news however, we can’t forget about the other 30 teams that have been talking with Sundin. First of all, Sundin stated last year he was hoping to play alongside with long time friend Naslund. How can he play with Naslund when Naslund’s across the continent playing in New York? Also, Canucks have already had their $20 million two-year deal shut down, what makes you think he’d look again. Sundin may be a future Hall of Famer but he wants one thing, a Stanley Cup. The only way for him to get that seeing he has at most two years left of play, is to wait until after the All-Star Game break. During which, Sundin will look at what teams he thinks has the greatest chance of Playoff success and sign a one-year deal with whatever one of these teams offers the most.
Although not a first place team right now with their 6-5-0 record, they may be come Playoff time. Backstopping them is Luongo, and followed by a solid, puck moving defense, and a speedy, passing offense. Canucks also have the most money to spend as well as a great environment. If Sundin can contemplate this then the Canucks may have the future they wish for.
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