Raymond got to the middle tonight and looked like a first line winger. He can attack seams in the defence quickly with his speed and he's handling the puck very well right now. It's not that easy against better teams but I think he will have success if keeps attacking the way he was tonight.
Ballard should have kept it on the ice it that situation. No way the goalie gets his glove down in time.
Shoulda Woulda Coulda, great save by Ward that is all.
Don't get me wrong, the reason the Canucks lost this game was their inability to put it in the back of the net and hold a lead but PowerPlays 6-1? Are you KIDDING me?
So anyways as for a Scouting report on Cane players for deadline acquisitions...
Ruutu - major DO NOT WANT, doesn't add anything to our line up. Not worth wasting pieces to put this guy on our 3rd line (and bump Hansen down?) then have him leave in the offseason. Much bigger needs on the back end. (and can't believe someone actually wanted him over David Boof)
McBain - Absolutely would LOVE him on our team, skates well, moves the puck well, and can QB a powerplay... Unfortunately, not the most idea partner for Ballard (not to mention it would take quite a lot to pry him away from the Canes)
Gleason - Seemed okay, begrudgingly he'd probably be a pretty good fit for Ballard. Again, it might cost us a somewhat pretty penny to get him.
Ballard may have played great (as others have mentioned, can't say I agree), but all I can think about is that missed scoring chance. Being the 3rd highest paid defenseman on the team, he has contributed little in his 1 and half season's in Vancouver.
I can't recall Ballard ever being a 1st star, or even a 2nd or 3rd star of the game.
He has to bury that, even watching the play in real-time, I was shaking my head that he settled the puck first.
I guess AV knew what he had, I wont second guess AV's use of Ballard anymore. It's not just this one play, he has been underwhelming all season.
I think we just have to accept that this team will be this inconsistent.
AV has been here 5 yrs, the message will get old. He's relying on the leadership group. Only problem is, that group hasn't instilled accountability in the team. Henrik will not go after guys for poor play. It is what it is.
I don't expect the team to get "right". It won't be like last year. That team was on a mission. This team is not that. Just have to learn to accept it.
I think we just have to accept that this team will be this inconsistent.
AV has been here 5 yrs, the message will get old. He's relying on the leadership group. Only problem is, that group hasn't instilled accountability in the team. Henrik will not go after guys for poor play. It is what it is.
I don't expect the team to get "right". It won't be like last year. That team was on a mission. This team is not that. Just have to learn to accept it.
I love how perceptions of reality change based on if we win or lose. I will concede we've played badly in the past 5 or so games but What's our record in the last 12?
I think the Canucks are finding out that it's not so easy the second time around but I think they're still well aware of where they stand and what they need to do.
I love how perceptions of reality change based on if we win or lose. I will concede we've played badly in the past 5 or so games but What's our record in the last 12?
