Bieksa slowly coming into form / Sanford ready if Luongo takes baby leave

Some interesting pieces from the Province lately, the first being about Kevin Bieksa explaining how and why it's taking time for him to adjust after returning from injury.

"I remember talking to Alain [coach Vigneault] and he said: 'It's not the same kind of game when you left.' It's a playoff atmosphere now and guys are intense and are playing for a playoff spot.
Maybe that's why it's taking me a little bit longer than usual to kind of get back. It took between five to 10 games where I started feeling a little bit more comfortable and my reads now are where it's second nature to make a bank pass or pick a puck off the boards. I feel pretty good way that way.”

Well I hope he adjusts quicker, because the playoffs are coming. I see greatness in him one minute and then buffoonery the next. That is why I call him Jovo the 2nd. He has a great point presence on the powerplay, a great physical dynamic, and a hell of a shot, but then he gets caught up ice too much or misses his assignments. Frustrating.

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The second piece in the Province that caught my eye was the possibility of Curtis Sanford getting some playing time during the last few games of the season.

The Canucks have a plan in place when the call comes that Luongo is about to become a father when his wife, Gina, gives birth back in Florida to a girl. She is due the first week of April and the team finishes its regular-season schedule with games at GM Place on March 30 and April 1, 3 and 5.

Let's hope that Gina and Louie's baby doesn't come late. I don't mind Sanford playing the last few games, as he is pretty capable of performing well...but round 1 of the playoffs???? Bank on Luongod being back by then, IF we make the playoffs.
I believe the playoffs start on April 9.

T Tags: Canucks Luongo+baby Sanford Bieksa+improving