(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.

(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.

Today on Canucks in Wonderland…

The Vancouver Canucks – Era: 2011 (Photo: Naki Edits/canucks.com)

The Vancouver Canucks are separated into their individual districts and their industries, specialties and most notable members (and the up and coming) are determined.

Sweden

• Industry: style, twins, sleepy eagles
• Notable Members: the Sedin Twins, Alex Edler
• Specialties: Tick Tack Toe Passing, sleeping, being stylish
• Up and Coming Members: Eddie Lack (modeling, Swedish goalie extrordinaire)

Canada

• Industry: sassy French men, a Juice box who likes milk dogs, ‘Kids Who Could Play With Cigarettes in their Mouths’ and men who can grow amazing beards
• Notable Members: Alain Vigneault, Alex Burrows, Hammer the community man, Luu the amazing goalie and Kevin Bieksa
• Specialties: Sass, the art of growing beards (see: Kevin Bieksa, Dan Hamhuis),  the attempt at the art of growing beards (see: Mason Raymond).
• Up and Coming Members: Frankie Corrado; Italian

United States of America

• Industry: sets of Abs, Golden Locks of American Freedom and impressionists Extrordinaire
• Notable Members: Chris Higgins, David Booth and Ryan Kesler (the American Express) and Cory Schneider (impressionist extrordinaire)
• Specialties: the showing off of abs and the impersonating of his teammates/coach
• Up and Coming Members: Jordan Schroeder; Darth Vader (references at x and x)

Denmark

• Industry: a unique set of vocal chords , the art of growing beards
• Notable Members: Jannik Hansen
• Specialties: being fiesty and ‘hot’ at all the right times, also the art of growing beards
• Up and Coming Members: Nicklas Jensen, the little Danish Prince

*insert quote about adventure here* In which Joey Kenward, Derek Jory and Rory McGarry go on an adventure.

Enter Canucks TV host Joey Kenward, Canucks writer Derek Jory and Canucks cameraman Rory McGarry.

Joey Kenward (Photo: canucks.com/Naki Edits)

Derek Jory (Photo: canucks.com/Naki Edits)

Unfortunately no pictures of camera man Rory McGarry were found…this was supposed to be a joke. I can’t think of a punchline.

So here, have a Canucks celebration video where Mason Raymond calls out Rory McGarry’s name:

In other news, Rory, Jory and Joey have decided to have an ‘Excellent Adventure’ where they go visit the hometowns of four different Canucks players.

They started today with Canucks forward and Frenchie, Maxim Lapierre.

Highlights include a ‘Behind the Lens’  as captured by the Frenchie himself, a live Twitter Q&A which included chirping between Max and fellow forward Ryan Kesler and Jory, Joey and Rory swimming in Mr. Lapierre’s pool.

More details highlights tomorrow. So keep it locked here. It’ll be a lot of fun.

I promise.

(Photo:clydeorama/flickr)

Given his lackluster performance this post-season, Ryan Kesler became an easy target for many critics following the Canucks’ early playoff exit in April. A lot was expected of Kesler coming into the 2011/2012 season, having played the best hockey of his career during the Canucks’ run to the 2011 Stanley Cup Final. Last regular season, he tallied 73 points in 82 games, scoring a career high 41 goals and 32 assists. He followed up his stellar regular season play with an equally impressive post season notching 19 points (7 goals and 12 assists) in 25 games. Unfortunately, the reigning Selke Champion was unable to build off his milestone year.

After having to miss the start of the 2011/2012 season (while recovering from off-season hip surgery) his rushed return to the line-up and depleted point production (49 points in 77 regular season games) left a lot to be desired. Kesler’s sombre play carried on into the playoffs where he suffered a five game goalless drought, triggering suspicion from fans, media, and management about his capacity to elevate his game when needed most. Also, recent news of him undergoing successful shoulder surgery (making this his third major surgery in five years) raised questions about Kesler’s resilience and ability to stay healthy to battle for a Stanley Cup.

In a conference call for having just signed an extension with the club, Head Coach, Alain Vigneault went on record to say that he did not believe Kesler’s shoulder injury was an excuse for his disappointing season. Vigneault commented that while the team acknowledged the injury would require off-season surgery, ” [it] was not, in our mind, the reason for his diminished production”(x). Vigneault then boldly stated that Kesler himself would agree, insisting “I’m sure if you were to ask him, the injury wasn’t the reason his production fell” (x).

The speedy winger’s agent, Kurt Overhardt, responded by assuring that while not commenting on the situation, Ryan was “obviously frustrated by it because he [was] trying to do the best thing for the club” (x). Overhardt went on to support his client, arguing “I don’t think anyone questions how committed Ryan is to being the best he can be” (x) to help the team win. Overhardt explained “[i]t was very frustrating for Ryan that he wasn’t 100 per cent…[because of] how it impacted his ability to help his team succeed. He’s all about winning, He’s that simple” (x).

Overhardt ultimately challenged Vigneault’s claim that Kesler’s injury was not responsible for his atypical play this season, recognizing that his client is capable of much more and only a severe injury could prevent him from achieving his goal of winning it all. Canucks assistant General Manager, Laurence Gilman agrees, noting Kesler’s “productivity was down so you would assume he wasn’t playing to the level that he normally would have” and goes on to say that “Ryan wanted to keep playing “ (x). It is then this desire for Kesler to do all too much (and not, not enough, like Vigneault implied), that is the issue.

Kesler does have a history of doing whatever it takes to get back into action to try and help his team win, including rushing recoveries from injuries. But given his recent comments after his successful shoulder surgery last month, it is clear that he has learned that the best way to help his team is to assure that he is fully healed before returning to the line-up. Canucks fans should find confidence in the the fact Kesler has admitted that the recovery process is going to take six months and the All-Star insists, “I’m not going to come back early….I’m not coming back until I’m 110 percent when I know I’m ready and able to play my game” (x).

The Olympian eradicates any remaining doubt of whether he will take the time to fully recover by asserting that his doctor, Anthony Miniaci, will not release him until he is at full strength and regains mobility (x). Kesler added “I’m doing rehab two or three times a week with my therapist, and rehab on my own every day to get my range of motion back slowly…I’m not going to rush anything ”(x). Slowly, is the keyword that should have Canucks’ management and fans alike sighing in relief, because even Ryan Kesler’s biggest critics know that there is no stopping the man infamous for opting to have his shattered finger cut off in lieu of missing a playoff game, when he’s at his best. Kesler’s valiance and drive to win assures that once fully healed he will come back better than ever, especially since skeptics of the Selke Champion have now given him a point to prove.

(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.

  

(Photo: taylorpyatt/tumblr)

Dear Hockey Gods.

May there come a point in my life where I don’t start every game recap with ‘Dear Hockey Gods.’

But it seems to have stuck with me and now I can’t get rid of it.

But never mind that; Dear Hockey Gods.

You still have not given us our game back but we shall take these two points and we shall keep them, thank you very much.

Now on to tonight’s game:

» Continue reading “On the Hunt.”

  

(Photo: mattiasohlund/tumblr)

Whatever our Captain decides to do; whether or not he decides to play in what would be his 553^rd in his iron man streak, please give our team back the game I know they can play.

Dear Hockey Gods. Our Captain is very brave. Thank you for that. I would also like to thank you for giving us our first win in regulation time in 5 games.

Yes, that was our first win in regulation time in 5 games.

If you take a look here, you would’ve noticed that for the last 5 games that we’ve played, the Vancouver Canucks have won in either overtime or in a shootout.

For 5 games, the Vancouver Canucks lost a little of their touch.

For 5 games, the Vancouver Canucks did not play the way we knew them to, but somehow managed to scrape through 60 minutes of regulation time, 5 (or less) over time minutes and several rounds of a shootout and come out with a win.

Dear Hockey Gods: Thank you for this win in regulation, we shall take it and we shall take it.

But enough about that, let’s talk about the game tonight!

» Continue reading “Let’s Get Wild.”