(Photo: Canucks TV Screenshot/Canucks.com)

The Canucks received news of their first round playoff match up against the San Jose Sharks following their 7-2 loss in Edmonton Saturday night. Kevin Bieksa stated the obvious after the game, saying it’s “[n]ot the ideal way to finish the season, but we have to put it behind us and get ready for Game 1” (x).

Canucks’ captain Henrik Sedin is adamant that his team is playoff ready, despite closing out the regular season with 2 consecutive losses. He feels that the Canucks dominant 3-1 win over the Blackhawks last Monday night was more reflective of the team’s playoff readiness: “that was a game that mattered for us and we showed up and played our best game of the season…we have to look back at the things we did well in that game and go from there” (x).

The Canucks will have to bring the same energy they showed against the Blackhawks if they want to defeat the Sharks for the first time this year, with the Sharks having swept the Canucks in their season series matchup, something that does not phase Henrik Sedin. The former Art Ross champion remains positive, explaining that at the end of the day “[y]ou can be successful against a team [during the regular season] and then you play them in the playoffs and it’s a totally different series” (x).

The Canucks and Sharks have recent playoff history, in which Vancouver eliminated San Jose in just 5 games during the 2011 Western Conference Final. “Yeah, we won that series” reminisces Kevin Bieksa, who is prepared for this series to go to the distance: “I think we expected to go to seven games and that’s kind of the way we’ll approach it again [this year]” (x). The 2011 series, has the Canucks feeling confident in what to expect, “[i]t’s always a good matchup against those guys…It’s a team we have seen a lot so there is not going to be a whole lot of surprises…I’m sure it is going to be an exciting series” (x) said winger Jannik Hansen, who is eager to be a contributor this post season, having just played his best season as a Canuck, notching 27 points (10 goals and 17 assists) in 47 games.

Sharks’ Logan Couture says his team is excited to be kicking off the playoffs in Canada and are eager to redeem themselves for the 2011 series. “We are going to have to play well against them, they are a good team. They have a lot of skill…It should be a good matchup” (x). San Jose’s starting goalie Antti Niemi has not forgotten the 2011 series either, admitting, “[i]t’s a tough city to play in” (x), and is hoping that this time around the Sharks will fair far better than the last time these two teams met in the post season.

While there is no question about who will be getting the nod in net for the Sharks in game 1 on Wednesday night, the starter for the Canucks is questionable. Cory Schneider is still recovering from an undisclosed “body injury” and could miss the start of the series. Never fear, Roberto Luongo will be there, “100-per-cent committed to the team” (x), in typical Roberto Luongo fashion, if Schneider is a no-go.

Game 1 of the series is set to start Wednesday night at Rogers Arena in Vancouver.

(Photo: Canucks TV Screenshot/Canucks.com)

The Vancouver Canucks clinched their fifth straight North West Division title Monday night with a 3-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. While the Canucks have been criticized for their lackluster play as of late, last night’s dominant effort against the Cup contending, conference rival, Blackhawks showed that Vancouver is indeed playoff ready.

The Canucks personifed playoff intensity Monday night, playing physical and outhitting the Blackhawks 37-23, with Maxim Lapierre leading the way with nine hits. All four lines were at their best, getting pucks deep and forechecking hard, something Daniel Sedin said the team set out to do early: “[f]rom the first shift we were focused on getting pucks deep and we were…forechecking the right way, which is a key for our team” (x). The energy they brought early, set the tone for the game, opening the scoring with Jannik Hansen’s first career powerplay goal in the first period, followed by second period goals by Zack Kassian and Daniel Sedin.

After the game, Captain Henrik Sedin noted that it was one of the Canucks’ strongest complete games this year, “[t]here was no hesitation, the [defence] was pinching, [and] the forwards were covering for them,” (x) their full team effort was clearly too much for the Blackhawks to handle. After the loss, Blackhawks Head Coach Joel Quenneville commented that the game “was the worst game of the year” for his club, which suffered their first regulation loss in 12 games (x).

Zack Kassian’s second period goal proved to be especially noteworthy because the assist Daniel Sedin drew on the goal moved Daniel past Markus Naslund as second on the Canucks’ all-time leading scorer list. The Rogers Arena crowd showed their appreciation of his milestone with a standing ovation. “It was a little surprising” says the humble Swede, “second place, I don’t know how big a deal that is…But it was nice for both me and Henrik. It’s a big thing for us” (x).

It took Daniel 905 career games to surpass Markus Naslund as the Canucks’ second leading scorer, not surprisingly that number is identical to the number of games it took Henrik to accomplish the same feat. Daniel, with 758 career points, now only trails his brother Henrik, who stands as the Canucks’ all time leading scorer with 791 career points.

With the playoffs starting in just a week, the Canucks are set to make a long run for the Stanley Cup this year. Henrik Sedin feels confident about his team’s chances stressing, “[t]his year, in this room, we know we have a good team. If we play like this, we’ve got as good of a team as anyone else” (x).

The Canucks have just two regular season games remaining, they face the Anaheim Ducks at home on Thursday, then hit the road to close out the regular season against the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday.

(Photo: Canucks TV Screenshot/Canucks.com)

While the Canucks may not have been active on the trading block today, they did finalize two deals yesterday. General Manager Mike Gillis announced Tuesday that the Canucks acquired centre Derek Roy from the Dallas Stars in exchange for defensemen Kevin Connauton and a second round draft pick in the 2013 NHL draft (x). Roy will add much needed depth at centre for the Canucks, who are without their usual second line centre, Ryan Kesler, who is still recovering from a broken foot.

Roy has the potential to contribute offensively, having once tallied a career high 81 points (32 goals and 49 assists) in 78 games with the Buffalo Sabres in 2007-2008. More recently, the 5’9, 184lb Ottawa native registered 22 points in 30 games with the Dallas Stars this season. GM Mike Gillis is adamant that given his history, Roy will be able provide the Canucks with some offence: “I like the fact he’s been a winner, and an MVP at the Memorial Cup…I like his points per game average[.] I [also] like his play-making aspect and…[his ability] to add another layer of offence [is] important” (x).

Roy, who struggled with injuries earlier this season is eager to bounce back and make his Canucks debut, noting that “I’m healthy now….I’ve been skating really well [and] I’m excited to join the team and…make a good playoff push” (x).

The Canucks were busy Tuesday, also signing forward Chris Higgins to a 4 year, $10 million extension.

The Smithtown, New York native reveals that he expressed interest in staying with the Canucks throughout the year and is ecstatic that the deal is done. “I’m absolutely thrilled that it got done. I really enjoy playing for this organization and I have a lot of respect for the guys on the team. It made the choice a little bit easier knowing the type of character we have here” (x) says Higgins. GM Mike Gillis is also happy to have Higgins locked up, stressing “Chris is a highly versatile player, he can play in a lot different situations and he’s been a very good player for us since we acquired him” (x).

Higgins, currently in his third year with the Canucks, has been one of the team’s most consistent forwards, registering 14 points (9 goals and 5 assists) in 35 games played this season.

Roberto Luongo has not been traded. He remains a Canuck. #tradecentre

— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) April 3, 2013

Today in Canucks news, trade deadline day is upon us, which has yet again sent Canucks fans (and hockey fans) around the world into a tizzy, all in hopes that their favourite player did not get traded away.

For the Canucks, the biggest news revolving around trade deadline included goalie Roberto Luongo, around whom trade whispers have been made for an age.

As per the tweet above, Roberto Luongo (thankfully) has remained a Canuck, despite earlier tweets that suggested that a trade including the goalie has been made.

Sit tight #Canucks fans – goalie coach went to pull Luongo from practice.

— Ann Schmaltz (@annschmaltz) April 3, 2013

 

Stop the press? Luongo just called off the ice by #Canucks staff.

— Ben Kuzma (@benkuzma) April 3, 2013

Ann Schmaltz, Sports Reporter for BC’s News1130  and Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province had two of the more serious tweets of the morning, though that did not stop Twitter Users from making  attempts to lighten the mood.   Listed below are a few of my favourite tweets surrounding Roberto Luongo and a potential trade today.  

Everyone to your battle stations! RT @hosea24hours Something happening: Luongo called off ice! #Canucks — Pass it to Bulis (@passittobulis) April 3, 2013

Roberto Luongo has been pulled off the ice in Vancouver. Hearing that he’s been traded to the Miami Heat — Jeff Veillette (@Jeffler) April 3, 2013

Luongo pulled off ice early because the Canucks wanted to see his face when he found out Steve Mason got traded and he didn’t. #TradeCentre — Down Goes Brown (@DownGoesBrown) April 3, 2013

This just in: Luongo had to pee — Michelle (@youmeatdicks) April 3, 2013

and last but not least, from the man himself:

Maybe the Blue Jays need a goalie to catch RA Dickey? Just sayin…….

—Strombone (@strombone1) April 3, 2013

Roberto Luongo everybody (applause!)!

This has been the news, on #Windaturd, have a gratuitous picture of Roberto Luongo. (Shout out to Wyatt Arndt @TheStanchion; for providing a clever title for today’s article.)

(Photo:VancityAllie/Flickr)

Until next time, Canucks fans!

(Photo: Canucks TV Screenshot/Canucks.com)

The Vancouver Canucks will be honouring a 100 years of hockey in British Columbia by wearing replica jerseys of the Vancouver Millionaires tonight vs the Detroit Red Wings. In 1912, as part of the Pacific Coast Hockey Association, the Millionaires became the first professional hockey team established on the West coast, and since 1915, stand as Vancouver’s only Stanley Cup winning team.

The burgundy Millionaires’ look includes jerseys that center a large V for Vancouver on the chest with beige stripes on the sleeves and beige pants. The Canucks look to fair far better than their last game against the Red Wings (a 8-3 loss on February 24th) and pay tribute to the Millionaires with a win tonight. “We’ll be wearing a different uniform and so we’re hoping for a different result” says Roberto Luongo, who will be starting tonight (x). Head Coach Alain Vigneault says that he likes the Canucks new look, “I think we look real sharp and I’m hoping that we’re going to play as well as we look” (x).

After seeing the Canucks in their historic attire at practice, Detroit Head Coach, Mike Babcock praised the team on honouring their hockey history. “This is part of the tradition of Vancouver and what’s gone on here. I think it’s a special thing and good for them that they’re doing it” (x).

The Canucks are coming off back to back wins (since recovering from a four game losing streak) and are ready to make amends for their last game against Detroit. Jannik Hansen, who has been the Canucks’ best forward as of late, says the team is up for the challenge. “We have something to prove after what happened in Detroit last time…So it should make for a good game” (x). Luongo, who is making his third consecutive start, will be sporting a Millionaires mask, and hopes that his team can show the Red Wings “that the last game was just a blip on the radar” and that the Canucks are still Cup contenders (x).

(Photo: Loxy!!/flickr)

It seems that Ryan Kesler’s tough road to recovery after undergoing off-season wrist and shoulder surgeries has finally come to an end. While Kesler himself was evasive on Thursday in confirming or denying whether he would make his season debut tonight versus the Stars, Head Coach Alain Vigneault left little doubt that the Livonia, Michigan native would be returning to the line-up. “All indications are he is ready to go” (x) said Vigneault.

Kesler, who had previously been practising alongside his teammates in a grey no contact jersey (reserved for injured players), wore a regular blue jersey in practice Thursday, signalling that he had been cleared for contact and may be game ready. After practice Vigneault went on to confirm that Kesler “[had] been medically cleared to play…[and looked] real good on the ice” (x) while skating on a regular line and taking shifts on one of the Canucks’ power-play units.

In practice Kesler skated on a line with Chris Higgins and Zack Kassian. Vigneault is adamant that pairing Kesler with Higgins and Kassian will bring a strong dynamic to the Canucks game, noting “[t]hat [it] is a big line, it’s a line that brings a physical dimension plus real good puck pursuit, [and] plays with really good speed” (x). Kesler who has shown strong chemistry when playing alongside Chris Higgins in the past, is eager to see what youngster Zack Kassian will bring into the mix. “He has pretty good hands for a big guy [,]…he can skate[,]…he can move and [he] protects the puck real well…He does all those little things well so…I think we’ll fit well together ” (x).

The Selke Champion, who has a history of rushing back from injuries has been extremely cautious this time around, assuring that he will not play until he is completely ready. Vigneault notes that Kesler has taken all the extra time he needs to regain his strength and perfect his conditioning: “Initially, [his recovery] was supposed to be five months and I think we are closing in on nine or [ten] months here” (x). Vigneault stresses the need to not push Kesler too hard, too fast, saying that he will keep his “minutes reasonable” to help him ease into the game and see how he responds to real game play (x).

Kesler has also assured that this time around, he will take precautions to ensure he stays healthy, noting, “I’ve learned a lot over the past few years about injury prevention and taking care of my body…Not only on the ice, but off the ice. There are things I can do to help prevent injuries” (x). The Olympic Silver medalist says that he is feeling comfortable and despite being cautious, he will not change his aggressive, gritty game upon his return. “The way I play is the reason I’m successful…I’m not one of those guys who is going to get by on their skill alone. I have to be one of the hardest-working guys out there.” (x).

Kesler’s return will only fortify a Canucks team that has won six straight games (and holds a record of 8-2-2 on the year) in the absence of their once 41 goal scoring, second line center.

(Photo:VancityAllie/Flickr)

After the Canucks’ premature playoff elimination last April, a majority of the hockey world thought they had seen the last of Roberto Luongo in Vancouver. However, 7 games into the season, not only is Luongo still a Canuck, he will receive his third consecutive start versus the Chicago Blackhawks tonight.

Luongo, who is known for his slow starts to the season, is not wasting any time this year in getting into mid-season form. The Montreal, Quebec native’s game has been solid all season, most evident Wednesday night where he shutout the Colorado Avalanche, stopping all 24 shots he faced, leading the Canucks to a 3-0 victory and earning his 61^st career shutout.

The 33 year old, entering his seventh season with the Canucks, received a warm ovation from the Rogers Arena crowd towards the end of the game, and after being named the game’s first star. “It was nice… [and] [i]t was something I very much appreciated” (x), Luongo noted. Given his stellar performance, Head Coach Alain Vigneault wasted no time Thursday in announcing that Luongo would be starting against the Blackhawks. Not surprising, considering that his goals against average of 1.61 (4^th in the NHL) and save percentage of .938 (5^th in the NHL) showed he is off to one of the best starts of any goalie in the league.

Luongo credits his stellar start to the season to his lockout training regiment, in which he spent 7 weeks in Florida training with goaltending coach, Francois Allaire. Luongo feels that his time with Allaire helped him adapt his game for the better. He explains, “I feel great…I’m moving really well. I’m trying to keep my body centred on every shot and not leaning away from the puck. I’m really happy with the way I’m moving in the crease and the way I’m seeing the puck” (x).

The Olympic Gold medalist has struggled at times when facing the Blackhawks, one of his most demanding opponents, but Luongo is eager to stand up to the challenge tonight. “It’s exciting, nothing better than a game against the Blackhawks to get a little playoff intensity going there” says Luongo, stressing that “[t]hose guys have been one of the top teams in the league so far so it’s a good measuring stick for us” (x). Teammate Daniel Sedin assures that despite what the media may suggest, players in the Canucks lockeroom have no qualms about who starts in goal, game after game. “For us it’s never been an issue…[because] [w]e’re confident in both goalies, they’ve been good so far so it’s a non-issue for us” (x).

Luongo is making the most of his time with the Canucks, emphasizing, “I don’t know what the future holds, with this situation…I’m just enjoying every moment right now and having fun being around the guys and playing some hockey” (x). In true Lu fashion, he’s staying humble, full of class and grace: “I’m in a happy place right now, playing well, the team’s playing well, and I just want keep ’er going” (x). Cool, calm, and collected Luongo looks to be playing with a point to prove, that point being that he is still an elite contender who is ready, more than ever, to carry his team to win the NHL championship.

(Photo Edited: Loxy!!/flickr)

It is no secret that Canucks’ General Manager Mike Gillis had high hopes for forwards Zack Kassian and Mason Raymond coming into this season. Kassian and Raymond both struggled to find their game last year, posting less than stellar numbers with Vancouver (Kassian registered 3 points in 17 games, while Raymond notched 20 points in 50 games played).

Kassian, acquired from Buffalo at last season’s trade deadline (in a deal that sent Cody Hodgson to the Sabres) became an instant target of scrutiny from fans eager to see what the 6’3 214lbs right winger could bring to the team. Mason Raymond was also criticized by fans and management alike, for failing to consistently contribute offensively after recovering from his back injury. However, thus far, this season has proven to fare much better for the two players.

In 4 games played this season, Kassian has impressed Canucks’ management, tallying 3 goals, scoring in 3 straight games. The Windsor, Ontario native has earned his way on to the top line with the Sedin twins while also seeing some time on the powerplay. On January 23, 2013, the eve of his 22^nd birthday, Kassian played his best game as a Canuck, opening the scoring, with his second goal of the season in the first period, and ending the game with a brilliant, backhanded, shootout winner.

It is obvious that Kassian’s off season training in Portland’s Nike High Performance Centre and his time with skills coach Glenn Carnegie has done wonders in fine-tuning the young gun’s skills while enhancing his confidence. The tough winger finally feels at ease in Vancouver, explaining “[f]rom management down to the coaches to the players, I definitely feel more comfortable…[and as] a player, the more comfortable you feel, the better you play” (x). Kassian is starting to show signs of being the multi-talented power forward that Mike Gillis expected him to be, demonstrating that he is not only a physical presence, but that he can skate well and also pose an offensive threat.

The soft spoken youngster remains modest about his newly improved play and looks to only better his game over time, stating that “[i]t felt good [to score] [but it’s still early]… in the season. Obviously there’s a lot of players in this league that have great starts and then fall off. To me it’s about consistency. That’s been the big thing for me” (x). Kassian’s positive attitude, humility, and hard work will assure that he has a bright future in this league, especially when he has noted that constantly “[g]etting better is definitely the goal” in his mind (x).

Mason Raymond’s recent play has also silenced critics who have doubted whether he could ever live up to the offensive expectations set out for him by the Canucks. Raymond knows that this season may be the last opportunity he has to make a name for himself in Vancouver, stating, “I feel like I’ve got things to prove and the best way to do that is go on the ice and score some goals” (x) and score goals he has, 3 goals in the last 2 games to be exact.

The Cochrane, Alberta native has been playing with more energy and confidence than he has in years. Even after taking a cross-check to the neck by Anaheim forward Ryan Getzlaf Friday night, Raymond stood his ground in the front of the Duck’s net, showing that he is capable and willing to go to the dangerous areas of the ice to help his team offensively. He explains, [i]t’s about finding those holes and getting to the areas where the puck is going to come to you and that’s the front of the net” (x).

While Canucks management are ecstatic to see Kassian and Raymond excelling early this season, nobody is happier than the two forwards themselves. Raymond stresses, “[i]t feels good when you’re contributing, and these are the days you live for” (x). As the Canucks leading goal scorers thus far, Kass and Mase have plenty to feel good about this season.

(Photo: Loxy!!/flickr)

General Manager Mike Gillis announced late Friday that the Vancouver Canucks have re-signed defensemen Alex Edler to a six year, $30 million contract extension. Edler’s new contract will make him the Canucks’ highest paid blueliner next season, with a salary cap hit of $5 million (x).

The Östersund, Sweden native was selected 91st overall by Vancouver in the 2004 NHL entry draft and steadily began to make a name for himself with the Canucks after his professional debut. Over the last few seasons Edler (after adding a more physical component to his game and perfecting his slapshot) has evolved to become a stronghold on the Canucks blue line, recording a career high 49 points (11 goals and 38 assists) last season.

The 26 year old Swede, entering the final year of his current contract, was set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. Given the fact, the Canucks are happy to have now locked him up through to the 2018-2019 season in a deal that includes a no trade clause (x).

GM Mike Gillis is pleased to have agreed to terms with Edler, saying that the extension “is good for him and good for us” (x). Gillis has high hopes for the 6’3, 215lbs defenseman, noting that “[he’s] got size, skating, and a great shot…[and he's] going to continue to get better, [and] grow into the role of a top-two defenceman” (x).

Assistant General Manager, Laurence Gilman stresses the importance of keeping Edler as a part of the Canucks defensive core, telling reporters, “[it's] a tremendous thing for our club to have a player like Alex signed…[because it] means our defense is going to be stable for years to come” (x). Gilman notes that Edler is already considered one of the best defensemen in the league (after finishing last season as the seventh highest scoring blueliner) “and he is only getting better,” having not yet reached the prime of his career (x).

Gilman praises the quiet Swede’s versatility, noting “he plays nearly 24 minutes a game…plays on the power play and kills penalties” and that this versatility makes him an invaluable asset to the team (x). Edler has also proven to be an effective post-season offensive contributor, notching 27 points (7 goals and 20 assists) in 55 playoff games played.

Edler’s signing now keeps the Canucks’ top four defensemen (Dan Hamhuis, Kevin Bieksa, and Jason Garrison) together through the 2016-2017 season.

(Photo: Canucks TV Screenshot/Canucks.com)

General Manager Mike Gillis announced Sunday that the Canucks had signed free agent Cam Barker to a one year, $700,000 contract. After being selected third overall in the 2004 NHL entry draft (behind Alexander Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin) Barker has struggled to live up to his potential, now having signed on to play for his fourth NHL team in less than three years.

The 6’3, 222lbs, Winnipeg native is eager to make a name for himself with a fresh start in Vancouver, telling media, “I’m thankful for the opportunity and I’m ready to go” (x). Barker assures that he is aware of what it takes to earn a spot on a Stanley Cup contending team and that he can rise to the occasion: “I know where I want to be and what I’m capable of, and I’ve got to go out and prove [critics] wrong and play well from the get-go” (x).

The veteran defensemen is looking forward to once again receiving some NHL ice time and making the most of the opportunity. Informing reporters, “I’ve worked extremely hard to get back to this point and I’m going to make sure it counts” (x). Coming into Vancouver, Barker feels “good and confident” (x). He knows he has a lot to prove, but is adamant that if he stays healthy, “the rest will take care of itself” (x).

Head Coach, Alain Vigneault, revealed that the Canucks had actually been interested in acquiring Barker for awhile, explaining, “our guys have always felt that [Cam] had a tremendous amount of potential”(x). Vigneault feels that if Barker “gets what he needs to do now, understands it and comes to play every day” he will finally be able to reach that potential (x). Mike Gillis adds that Barker’s time with the Canucks may just give the 26 year old “an opportunity to reinvent his career” for the better (x).

Barker suited up for 23 games with the AHL Texas Stars this season, recording 8 points (3 goals and 5 assists) before signing with the Canucks.