Yes, now the panic button is hit. It shouldn't quite be yet but it is. I watched a lot of the Calgary-Buffalo game and then the Canucks-Preds game and we fail in comparison to the intensity and consistency shown by the Flames.
This loss to the Preds will only intensify the media and fans' pressure on the team and that was the last thing Vancouver needed. There is a lot of hockey left to play, but that is becoming less and less the point.
Tonight so much went wrong.
- Sundin did not perform the way we expected him to. He was useless out there.
- I believe Mason Raymond was benched for the 3rd period or most of it. I say bench him and bring up Jason Jaffray. At least Jaffray has more heart and is more gritty.
- A 3-1 lead blown. So much for the trap.
- I have been a big supporter of Alain Vigneault, but it's ALMOST time for change, whether it be by trade or a coach's firing. This team is not to rebuild this season. It is meant to win.
- I didn't see the desperation needed.
- I hate Kevin Bieksa. He = Jovo 2.
At some time today I'll digest the players and coaches' post game reactions, but keep in mind that I'm not going to sugar coat anything.
This game was a step backward from the Sharks game, and that is not a good thing. Remember, there are no more excuses. This was a team that we had beaten 6 games in a row. We can't lose to teams like Nashville. We are supposed to be better than them.
BOXSCORE AND HIGHLIGHTS
F**k it. This is bull shit.
It's times like these where I believe I picked the right name for this site over 2 years ago. Not only are the Canucks fans waiting for a Cup: they are waiting for a team that they cheer for to be consistent and be successful. There is nothing about this Canucks team right now that suggests that any waiting will soon be over.
I don't really see how a trade would make this team play any better. And sadly I feel like the window for canning Vigneault (a move I still support fully) is almost gone.
ReplyDeleteIf they continue through next week like this, the only bright spot will be the return we can get on moving the Sedins and Sundin (if possible) by the trade deadline. Hopefully for actual players since we'll just fuck the picks up.
An aside - is drinking at 9 AM a crime or just a sign of other problems?
The Canucks are suffering from a little-known psychological condition called FEAR OF SUCCESS. Pretty soon, if they don't get it under control, they won't even be able to tie their own skates.
ReplyDeleteI love all those phrases the guys recycle every time they lose a game, like, we let it get away from us, they got some lucky bounces, etc. But my favourite is "We have to find a way to win some games." Ya think?
Sean: Re: your thoughts on Mason Raymond -- I had a feeling he'd come back a little shaken after his performance in the All-Star Fastest Skater Competition. Baby Face's ego is still tender, and blowing a tire with the focus solely on him damaged him. Besides, the novelty of his speed wore off some time ago. Now he just looks like he's channeling Elvis out there with his ineffectual dekes and moves.
ReplyDeleteJaffray has my vote too.
Have you guys seen this from the Vancouver Sun today?!!? Holy cow!
ReplyDeleteThey can't win a game to save their lives, but the Vancouver Canucks have their game faces on at practice today at UBC.
Losers of eight straight home games, the Canucks' tension and frustration boiled over with a practice altercation involving defenceman Willie Mitchell and winger Mason Raymond.
Mitchell ran at Raymond during a drill and, when the speedy sophomore came back at the veteran in the corner, Mitchell punched Raymond in the head and cross-checked him hard on the shoulder.
The fracas drew several players and coaches, and tough defenceman Shane O'Brien skated to Raymond's defence and challenged Mitchell to fight before tempers calmed.
Centre Mats Sundin, meanwhile, has been reassigned to the checking line. He is practising between Ryan Kesler and Alex Burrows.
Thanks for that, Kevin. I was doing a post on that already :)
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