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: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.

So the Vancouver Canucks Summer Summit 2012 was today where Season Ticket Holders were allowed into Rogers Arena to watch the Canucks Prospects (drafted and undrafted, signed and unsigned) go through their first day of on ice training.

Afterwards, there was a question and answer session with Mike Gillis, Rick Bowness, Stan Smyl and the 2011 and 2012 Canucks 1st Round Draft picks, Nicklas Jensen and David Gaunce.

And announced at said Q & A session was this: the club has agreed to a contract deal with Canucks back up goaltender Cory Schneider.

And so he stays. (Photo: Adrienne C./screenshot)

According to Reports... (Photo: Adrienne C./screenshot)

And so reports say that Cory is to stay for 3 years in exchange for 12 million.

So, what are we going to do about Roberto Luongo?

Is he staying or is he going?

Rumour has it that dear Roberto Luongo is in fact leaving Vancouver and that he actually wishes to do so.

And I don’t blame him.

Considering the way we’ve been treating him here…I just…don’t blame him.

But that’s what the rumours say.

So far nothing has been announced about our number 1 goaltender and his 12 year multi million dollar deal, but if dear Roberto Luongo DOES leave Vancouver, I wish him all the best of luck wherever he goes.

But the good news is, Cory Schneider is staying! Good job Cory! You’ve worked hard and you deserve it!

(Photo:VancityAllie/Flickr)

The expected wave of criticism surrounding the Canucks and their disappointing early exit from the playoffs this season is in full force. Critics and fans alike have heeded every opportunity to lay the blame and find reasons for why a team favoured to win it all this year was eliminated just five games into the post-season. Everyone from the likes of General Manager, Mike Gillis, to players including Ryan Kesler, David Booth, Chris Higgins, and Alexandre Burrows have been targeted for the team’s inability to advance past the first round. Scrutiny following the team’s elimination by the LA Kings has not escaped Head Coach Alain Vigneault either, despite him having lead the team to two back-to-back President’s trophies and its fifth North-West division title in six years.

Frustrated fans have criticized Vigneault for everything from his constant line juggling to benching certain players, and allotting excessive ice time to underachievers. While he may be a scapegoat for those looking to incriminate someone for the Canucks’ disheartening end to the season, Mike Gillis recognizes just how valuable Vigneault is to the team. Gillis assures that he is proud of what the Canucks have accomplished in the the last few years under Vigneault and is confident in wanting to keep him behind the bench. Gillis explains, “I feel very comfortable with Alain as a coach…He’s done an excellent job, and I don’t know why you wouldn’t want somebody back that has done an excellent job and has the results to show for it” (x). Gillis, who won General Manager of the Year at the 2011 NHL Awards, has nothing but praise for Vigneault, who became the Canucks’ winningest coach in franchise history early this season after recording his 247^th win.

Vigneault’s biggest critics never fail to point out that he has yet to bring a Stanley Cup to Vancouver, but tend to overlook the simple fact that he has shown that he has what it takes to win. In his six years as Head Coach, Vigneault has brought five North-West division titles, two President’s trophies, and a Western Conference championship to Vancouver. Vigneault has also been a finalist for the Jack Adam’s award as, NHL Coach of the Year, three times in his career, winning the award in 2007. The Quebec City native’s winning ways are also reflected in the individual successes of certain Canucks such as Ryan Kesler (Selke Trophy), Henrik Sedin (Art Ross and Hart trophies), Daniel Sedin (Art Ross and Ted Lindsay trophies), Roberto Luongo, and Cory Schneider (William Jenning’s Trophy) who have excelled under his coaching system.

Although Vigneault’s system and methods may be unconventional, his track record of success speaks for itself. After all, it was Vigneault, amidst his line-juggling, that placed Alexandre Burrows, a hard-nosed, grinder on a line with offensive minded, Henrik and Daniel Sedin. Since then the unexpected trio has been proven to be one of the best top lines in the NHL. In Vigneault, the team has a coach that thinks outside of the box and will not hesitate to conjure up new strategies to assure victory. His atypical coaching style also keeps the opposition guessing and envious of what he may think of next. So with just one year remaining on Vigneault’s current deal, it is no surprise that Mike Gillis has said that securing AV’s spot behind the Canucks bench for years to come is “the first thing on [his] agenda” this off-season (x). Gillis also confirms that Vigneault would like to stay the Canucks’ bench boss, having “made every indication that he does want to come back and coach this team” (x).

In the end, Alain Vigneault can not solely be held responsible for the Canucks pre-mature exit from a playoffs that has been far from convention, having seen both teams from the previous year’s finals eliminated in the first round. The Canucks abrupt end to the season is also not a reflection of AV’s coaching ability, having shown last June, after taking his team to within one win of a Stanley Cup, that he is equipped to go the distance. Gillis stands by Vigneault and notes that “having a good head coach is one reason [other teams are] envious” (x) of the Canucks. Gillis goes on to credit Vigneault’s accomplishments with the team and stresses the importance of maintaining him as Head Coach, explaining, “we [have] accomplished 98 percent of what we set out to do, and in those circumstances most people continue on and continue with the plan…to finish off the last two percent” (x). Clearly, with reason, that plan includes Alain Vigneault as Head Coach.

Fans should be reassured by the confidence Mike Gillis, the NHL’s reigning General Manager of the Year, has in Vigneault. They should keep faith in the fact that it is only a matter of time before the Canucks most winningest coach in franchise history rallies his troops and leads them to only thing left for him to win, the Stanley Cup. Remember Canucks fans, patience is a virtue.

To go or not to go?

To leave Vancouver, or not to leave Vancouver.

That is the big question here today as rumours and reports are going around that Roberto Luongo IS in fact, going to waive his no trade clause and will leave Vancouver.

Unfortunately, we still have not had any official announcements yet as to whether or not Roberto Luongo will be leaving Vancouver, but here’s to hoping we know and know soon.

Um...

So… this happened today.

The usual starting goal-tender for the Vancouver Canucks spoke to the media yesterday considering his contract and future with the Vancouver Canucks and stated that he would be willing to waive his no trade clause if GM Mike Gillis felt that it was best for the team.

He went on to say that if GM Mike Gillis felt that what was best for the team meant Roberto Luongo leaving the Vancouver Canucks for another team, then he would be okay with it.

And thus we move on to TSN James Duthie’s above tweet. ‘Sources say Roberto Luongo will submit a short list a teams he’d waive his no trade to go to next week.’

What will this mean for Roberto Luongo?

What will this mean for us?

Is Roberto Luongo be waiving his no trade clause and leaving the Vancouver Canucks?

Will the Vancouver Canucks lose their number one goal tender?

Here’s to hoping we don’t; but we shall never know. Stay tuned for more updates!

-Naki

Celebration! (Photo: Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images)

Dear Hockey Gods.

Hello.

I am here on behalf of my team the Vancouver Canucks and I am here to ask and ask politely for you to give us our game back (namely our offense and our defense and last but not least, dear Daniel Sedin.).

Thanks.

Now let’s get to the game.

Lining Up – Fun Facts

• With the loss of Byron Bitz, Coach Vigneault went ahead and made some more changes to the lineups last night. This time around, Jannik Hansen would play on the first line in place of Mason Raymond. Mason Raymond would in turn play on the third line alongside Samuel Pahlsson and Maxim Lapierre.
• Also, the Amex line was reunited (Ryan Kesler, David Booth, Chris Higgins), much to the delight of fans.
• And also to the delight of fans; the regular D-partners of Kevin Bieksa and Dan Hamhuis and Alex Edler and Sami Salo were re-united. The final D-pairing also saw Keith Ballard back to the line-up. He would play alongside Chris Tanev. Welcome back Keith Ballard!

The Fun Facts of the First, the Second and the Third Period

• In which Rogers Arena is filled with chants of ‘Go Canucks Go’ when the puck hasn’t even dropped yet.
• But anyways: the First Period consisted of 1 goal, 3 penalties, 21 shots on net, some LUUing and a Green Men sighting.
• LUUUUU- You get the point.
• Speaking of points, there was only 1(2) points in the first period of Game 2 and that was Kings Captain Dustin Brown’s shorthanded goal with assistance from teammate Mr. Kopitar.
• The Second Period on the other hand, consisted of 2 goals, 2 penalties, more LUUUing and 21 shots on net.
• Jannik Hansen and Dustin Brown would exchange another set of goals, that unfortunately put LA in the lead yet again with a score of 2-1.
• And the Third and Final Period consisted of more LUUUUUUs, 3 goals, 10 penalties (ugh) and 32 shots on net.
• The Nucks and the Kings also had a bit of a scrum with a good 7 minutes left in the period. Vancouver’s resident Dane nearly got himself into a fight and for that received a double minor and a 10 minute misconduct.
• LA would then score 2 more goals, in which Vancouver responded to with 1, courtesy of Samuel Pahlsson.

The LA Kings would go on to win the game and now lead the series 2-0.

Game 3 will take place in LA, tomorrow at 7:30 pm, Pacific Standard Time and I will see you all then!

 

Celebration! (Photo: Rich Lam/Getty Images)

Welcome to the Stanley Cup Playoffs 2012.

Welcome to the place where dreams are made, dreams are broken and where we the fans will see history go down.

Welcome to Finding Stanley Round 1; Game 1 of the Western Conference Quarter Finals; in which the Vancouver Canucks (1^st in the Conference) go up against the Los Angeles Kings (8^th in the Conference).

Let’s get started!

Lining Up – Fun Facts

• Today’s line ups saw Mason Raymond back to the lineup. He would play on the 1^st line alongside Captain Hank and Alex Dragon Slayer.  The second line would remain the same, as well as the third. The fourth line, however; consisted of Manny Malhotra, Zack Kassian and Byron Bitz. Marc Andre Gragnani, Daniel Sedin, Andrew Ebbett, Dale Weise and Andrew Alberts were all scratched, some due to injuries and others simply as healthy scratches.
• Our d pairings would remain the same as they did against the Edmonton Oilers and in goal last night was our regular starter Roberto Luongo!
• The Green Men were also seen in Rogers Arena tonight, seated in their usual place next to the opponent’s penalty box. Their sign tonight? ‘This run is for Rypper’ in honor of late Canuck Rick Rypien.

 Fun Facts of the First, Second and the Third Period

• The First Period saw 2 goals, 6 penalties, 19 shots on net and plenty of LUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUing.
• The first goal of the night and of the series went to Alex Burrows, who turned 31 yesterday. What a way to spend your birthday! Congratulations Alex and Happy Birthday!!
• LUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUuuu.
• There were plenty of those throughout the night, but not as much as there was during the first period. LUUUUUU would echo throughout Rogers Arena plenty of times over the course of the first 10 minutes.
• There were also plenty of good chances for us to score and lengthen our lead, but unfortunately the puck did not hit the back of the net. It was a very good try on the part of  Messers Booth, Kesler, Raymond and Burrows though.
• The second goal of the night went to Mike Richards and the LA Kings on the powerplay. The score would then be 1-1.
• The Second Period would see 2 more goals, 5 penalties, a post and 24 more shots on net.
• Former Canuck Willie Mitchell would score a power play goal for the LA Kings, making the score 2-1.
• However, their lead was short lived as Alex ‘Eagle’ Edler slipped one past Jonathan Quick, tying the game once more.
• And the post decided it was our friend tonight as a shot of an LA King somehow richoched off said post and out.
• The 3^rd and Final Period contained 2 goals, 2 penalties and 22 shots total.
• Dustin Penner would score for the Kings, as well as Kings Captain Dustin Brown, who would score an empty netter which would also serve as the game winning goal.
• The final score would be 4-2 in favour of the Kings.

And thus game 1 goes to the LA Kings.

Congratulations LA, we’ll see you in Rogers Arena on Friday for Game 2.

Welcome to the Stanley Cup Playoffs 2012.

Welcome to the place where dreams are made, dreams are broken and where we the fans will see history go down.

Good Luck everybody.

Have fun.

And may the odds be ever in your favour.

Congratulations! (Photo: Rich Lam/Getty Images)

Opponent: The Edmonton Oilers.

Total number of times we’ve faced the Oilers: 5

Number of wins against the Oilers: 4

Game Number: 82.

Number of Games left in the season: 0

So let’s get to it!

Lining Up: Fun Facts

• Last night’s changes to the lineup saw Andrew Ebbett to the first line alongside Henrik Sedin and Alex Burrows. Maxim Lapierre would play on the second line, alongside David Booth and Ryan Kesler. Chris Higgins, in turn would play on the third line with Samuel Pahlsson and Jannik Hansen. The 4^th and final line would consist of Manny Malhotra, Dale Weise and the newly recalled Byron Bitz.
• Our d-pairings consisted of Alex Edler and Kevin Bieksa, Dan Hamhuis and Chris Tanev and Aaron Rome and Sami Salo.
• And you may have noticed that Mason Raymond did not play last night. That was due the fact that his wife was expected to give birth last night. And give birth she did! And therefore I extend a congratulations to Mason and Megan Raymond on their baby boy: Max Raymond!

The Fun Facts of the First, Second and Third Period

• The First Period consisted of several really, REALLY nice saves, 5 penalties and 22 shots total.
• I have nothing else to report for said period.
• The Second Period, on the other hand saw 2 POSTs, 1 goal, 4 penalties, a LUUUUUUUUUUU and 15 shots total.
• Canucks Captain Henrik Sedin scored one for the Canucks though not before several shots rang of the post.
• The post could not seem to decide whose side it was on last night, as 3 shots went of the post, 2 would ring of the post next to netminder Roberto Luongo and the third (as shot by rookie defenceman Chris Tanev) would ring of the post next to Devan Dubnyk.
• LUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU
• The Third and Final Period saw 2 goals, 1 penalty and plenty of cheering.
• Samuel Pahlsson and the beautiful blonde locks of American Freedom David Booth would score for the Canucks.
• Roberto Luongo and Kevin Bieksa would get an assist on David Booth’s goal, which was also the GWG of the final game of the season.
• The Canucks would go on to win the game 3-0 and would leave Rogers Arena with their fans on their feet and their heads held high.

And thus the Vancouver Canucks will enter the 2012 playoffs with 111 points and number 1 in their division, their conference and in the League.

Congratulations on clinching the top spot in the NHL!

Next up: The Fight for Stanley begins April 11^th 2012. The Canucks face off against Jonathan Quick and the LA Kings in Round 1.

Good Luck everyone and may the odds be EVER in your favour!