[PGT] Canucks Bruins -- slump over!!!!

[DixonWard]

How cool is it that we can lose 4 in a row and win 1 in 5 and still have the most points in the league.   We all have to remember how much fun this is and calm the negativity. 

 

Go Canucks Go!!!

[Strawbone]

4 hours ago, Rick_theRyper said:

Wooooppooooooooooooo 

 

That looks like some drunken posting right there. I've done it myself! Woooooooooooooooooo!

[LaBamba]

2 hours ago, Elias Pettersson said:

I don’t wanna hear any more crap about how Zadorov is a #5-6 Dman.  hHe was literally one of the best players on the ice tonight and played like a top pairing Dman.  He can literally skate circles around Cole and Soucy.  

 

With Zadorov you need to let him loose, like Tocchet did tonight.  He is a force when he plays like this.  Offensively and defensively.  He is a great skater, so let him skate.  Put him with a defensive Dman like Tanev and you will have a great 2nd pairing. 

When he brings it through the neutral zone at full speed nobody challenges his big ass.  

[Steamer4GM]

4 hours ago, Jim Tim said:

Petey really struggles in these playoff style games against elite teams where the checking is tighter than usual. I don’t see how he can still be asking for 12 million when JT makes 8 and drives the bus almost every game.

 

I’ve been a huge Petey supporter over the years, but man, if he doesn’t pick it up in games like this plus the playoffs… I wouldn’t mind entertaining offers for him as ludicrous as that sounds. We could still get an absolute haul for him.

Just don't even go there until we see what he brings in the actual playoffs. I get as frustrated with him at times as anyone but have a very strong feeling no one's gonna wanna think about losing him once all is said n' done on this season

[Rip The Mesh]

 

[Pears]

1 hour ago, Hammertime said:

To me trading for Guentzel would make us cup favs.  it also means one of Pete Lindholm Guentzel is not part of our future. Lind guentzel staying would give us the flex to consider dak Blueger going fwd.  

Guentzel - Pettersson - Lindholm

Höglander - Miller - Boeser

Joshua - Blueger - Garland

Lafferty - Suter - Kessel

 

That would probably be the deepest forward core we've ever had. We'd have to be really sure Guentzel is the last piece we need though. 

[Goal_thecup]

4 hours ago, spook007 said:

It's 3am here and just so flipping happy.... won't be able to sleep now.... Think I woke the wife... twice... 

You know what they say, .. third time lucky!

[Dr. Crossbar]

Just an amazing win that we needed so badly. It's exactly the type of performance we needed against Boston after bearing other top teams. What everyone, fans and players, needed. 

[Goal_thecup]

4 hours ago, Joshrips said:

That Zadorov is a big game guy.

Big that that Big Zadorov is a Big big-game Big guy.. Big.. just RF BIG.

[Kragar]

13 minutes ago, Steamer4GM said:

Just don't even go there until we see what he brings in the actual playoffs. I get as frustrated with him at times as anyone but have a very strong feeling no one's gonna wanna think about losing him once all is said n' done on this season

It's been hard to see him struggle this year. No idea what the deal is.

 

But this talk about him not being suitable for playoff hockey, well, he was better than a ppg in the bubble playoffs, and got 5 points against Vegas in those 7 games. Considering how we were shut out 3 games, he was still producing.

 

Maybe he's dealing with something, or maybe just needs better lineages (or gelling with Lindy and Hogs?) Along with a little rest (that the whole team needs). I'm not ready to write him off, that's for sure.

 

Let's bring on the playoffs and see what happens!

[Goal_thecup]

4 hours ago, erkayloomeh said:

I'm thinking the favorable travel over the balance of the regular season and home ice advantage will help us out in the first round. 

And JT is Not-A-Dickhead.  Kes has a patent on HHD:  Hotheaded Hockey Dickhead, see also Ryan Kesler, Canuck Dickheaded Ego-Tripper, etc.

[Smashian Kassian]

I thought Quinn was fantastic tonight aswell. It's basically par for the course with him but he was a horse & very strong defensively too (aside from 1 bad turnover)

[Goal_thecup]

5 hours ago, Joshrips said:

In the Nashville series Kesler was the best player in the league at that time. Then came the torn labrum. But overall, I agree.

Kesler was very good for us.  I remember waiting for what seemed like 4-Ev-errr for Kesler to learn to do more than skate like a scalded cat.

He took a LOOOOOOOOOOONG time to develop his game.  Burr helped him a LOT.

(Happy CAPS Day - Nux are BACK IN FIRST PLACE!)

[JamesB]

Every win is worth exactly the same 2 points. But this feels like a pivotal win.

 

1. After maybe the worst game of the season against Seattle, the Canucks came out playing well against a very good Boston team. But for most of the game it looked like it was going to be "moral victory" instead of real one. Despite being significantly ahead in the various performance metrics, the Canucks were behind on the scoreboard due to a couple of pretty fortunate Boston goals and some combination of not getting the bounces and Swayman playing well.

 

2. But the Canucks had a huge third period comeback and OT win thanks particularly to Miller and Boeser, who both played great.

 

3. Zadorov had maybe his best game as a Canuck. He started with a big hit on Pastrnak (I think), played well throughout the game, and made a great pass on Boeser's first goal. He was only credited with 2 hits but I bet that number goes up after review. He actually led all players in on-ice expected goal percentage.

 

4. Even though the game went to OT, the Canucks were the significantly better team tonight. As Boston is one of the best teams in the league that is pretty significant.

 

5. Hughes had a big game, playing over 27 minutes. His on-ice Corsi-for was 45 shot attempts. That is more that you see for entire teams in a lot of games. (His Corsi-against was 19, so he had a big Corsi differential.

 

6. I am not sure about Petey. His Corsi numbers were good, and he got an assist on the OT goal. But it looked like he often fighting the puck tonight. Mikheyev was good. I kept hoping for him to score. He has to break his slump sooner or later.

 

Huge win showing real character. Looking forward to the final quarter of the season.

[Goal_thecup]

5 hours ago, -dlc- said:

 

This new look and straight talk Friedman is more like it.  Congrats Elliotte.

Dave Tomlinson is very good, still learning the gig, but knows his hockey and a good guy. 

[Steamer4GM]

3 hours ago, CanuckMan said:

Anyone else concerned with Petterson lack of involvement? 
The guys that got on the board did their part.  (Boeser/Hronek/Miller 3 assists)

The guys that played physical showed up (Miller/Juulsen/Garland)

Petey just kinda floated around all night. Didn’t see anything meaningful from him. Hopefully he’s saving up for the playoffs because right now his play is very lacklustre.

Any chance you had your tv on when a Canuck player sent the puck to the Bruins bench when they were in the midst of a sloppy line change in OT?

[DownUndaCanuck]

Very intense and well-coached game by both teams. Boston weren't on the top of their game but either were we, but I'd say it looked like both teams are humming at 75% right now. Boston did so well to keep it tight through the first two periods, they do a great job of boxing out forwards in front of their own crease. Usually their breakouts are so clean but our forecheck really caused them issues at times which I don't think they're used to. Their goalie obviously soaked everything in and they're very in-sync between their D and goaltenders. Very similar team defensively to the Canucks. Offensively they're really not as good as they seem. We gifted them the two goals and a bunch of good scoring chances they didn't deserve. The first goal was an absolute mess by Hronek, trying to step up in the neutral zone then having his man blow past him. The second goal was the opposite of what Boston was doing - we let their man in the crease and crunch him into Demko, bad play by Myers and Cole. 

 

Up front Petey and Hoglander looked good together and even Mikheyev got a bit into the game. They didn't score but they looked threatening when they were on the ice and grinded out some good chances. Hoglander really makes every line he plays on tick well.

 

Boeser and Miller were buzzing from the get-go, they had some good shots all night long. Obviously they come up big late in the game to tie and win it, but I thought they looked solid when all the other stars were split up. Boeser with the screen on the Hronek shot deserves an assist he'll never get as well, I think we should leave Lindholm off that job because Boeser does it so well and is so under-rated at his positioning and screening and tips. To beat a goalie who's on top of his game against a big strong defence, that's what you have to do. You'd never think it'd be Boeser of all people but he knows how to score goals against top opposition so fair play to him. Unreal wrist shot then obviously a great tip in and screen.

 

Lindholm made a lot of good defensive plays tonight, broke up a lot of chances by himself but offensively there's nothing there. He had some nice rushes with Garland though but I've said it before - for a projected 8M Selke-worthy guy who cost us 4 pieces, he needs to bring a bit more. I think he does better on a line of his own though.

 

4th line was a lot better thanks to Blueger as a calming presence so the split centers worked against a deep team in a playoff-like atmosphere.

 

On defence we were all over the place. Hughes and Hronek had a bad first two periods, Hughes hasn't been wheeling the way he used to, and Hronek made a couple of dumb defensive moves, one which lead to an ugly goal against. Then he goes out and ties the game late. We saw that 6-on-5 worked to a tee, why don't we use his slapshot more on the 5-on-4s? He's got such a heavy shot which is hard to stop, maybe we don't want to injure our own players? He didn't even one-time or really wind up for the goal but he knows how to shoot that puck better than anyone on the team from the blueline so we've got to use it more.

 

Myers and Cole got caught far too many times tonight and really made me think we shouldn't play the two old slow guys together. Their goal against was a sloppy mess which you can't have in the playoffs, they should be watching the Bruins to see how well they boxed our forwards out and not let the forward plonked in the crease like that.

 

Zadorov was huge for us, IMO his best game as a Canuck. He knew his role and he played it well. Not only did he knock the wind out of Pasta and a bunch of other Bruins players but no one went through him all game, you could see players try to go around him and attack Juulsen or dump it around him. He was a physical wall tonight and walked the line carefully, no dumb plays. Juulsen was like a mini-Zadorov tonight and had another strong performance, some good hits and clean breakout passes.

 

Demko with a very tidy performance, he didn't have to stop a lot later on but made some big saves and very few rebounds.

 

On the whole, this was a good game by two teams who have been struggling but played a very tidy game and had a good playoff atmosphere, so was important we could prove to ourselves that we could come out on top. I think this game proved who our real stars are - Petey was barely anywhere to be seen but Miller and Boeser carried this team to the victory so they're the ones we're going to surely lean on.

[Mike Vanderhoek]

18 minutes ago, Goal_thecup said:

This new look and straight talk Friedman is more like it.  Congrats Elliotte.

Dave Tomlinson is very good, still learning the gig, but knows his hockey and a good guy. 

 

Still failing to acknowledge the fact the player made it clear he will negotiate at end of season not now.

 

No real update, just conjecture on the subject and stirring the pot. 

 

The only noise around Pettersson is a segment of the fanbase assuming he is holding out for a record payday while playing below his standard of play. These same critics suggesting he will not be a valuable member of the club come Playoff time. Which I'm sorry is complete bullshit.

Edited February 25 by Mike Vanderhoek

[Hairy Kneel]

Just finished watching the game. AWESOME! Why wasn't there a penalty when Suter was getting whacked I'm the crease with 2 minutes to go? 

Zad's had a monster game! If you read Tocc's lips he said "nice" on Zad's carry into the zone late in the game. Zad foe net front on the PP please.

Boes is bes.

McVoy is a hot head we need to get under his skin next time. 

Bains brings much needed grit to the bottom unit. Good board battles too.

Miller was a leader today 8 hits.

Let's hope this sparks a turn around. 

[D-Money]

6 hours ago, Canuckfanforlife82 said:

Ya just struggled to finish. It’s never been effort with him for me but finish but he isn’t a second line player either. He has 21 goals as a career high in goals so that should tell you enough of what he is. 

21 goals in 53 games.

 

Unfortunately, injuries seem to be an ongoing problem. He may never have really fully recovered from the wrist injury he had in that career season.

[hockeyfan-observer]

1 hour ago, Steamer4GM said:

Just don't even go there until we see what he brings in the actual playoffs. I get as frustrated with him at times as anyone but have a very strong feeling no one's gonna wanna think about losing him once all is said n' done on this season

 

Hopefully they don't do anything drastic this year as would like to see how he performs in the playoffs.  Sometimes, I do feel he is trying to be something he is not accustom to and would like him just to play smart and use everyone around him as he has done in the past.  Maybe the development coaches can help him with body positioning / puck protection - buy him a few bits of time to make that smart decision as he does get knocked around a bit by the heavier players (who doesn't?)  I look at Aho - not the biggest guy - but sure is effective in most areas and just plays a fine overall game and this is what I hope to continuously see in Petey

 

Nonetheless, very happy with the overall team effort tonight especially having to deal with a hot goalie in Swayman.

 

 

 

[filthy animal]

2 hours ago, Dom said:

Seems Tocchet calling them out brought them back to life, again. 

 

If they play like that every night, they are very hard to beat. 

 

JT Miller is an absolute monster. 

 

Even when JT had his mini slump, the effort was still there. #9 has shown up practically every night for this team since the beginning. Took it to the next level tonight though

[filthy animal]

I know its just 1 game, but having the 3 amigos down the middle ( Miller, Petey Lindholm ) might get a run here. It might not look sexy but geezus it gets the job done. Marchand was absolutely invisible tonight. Having the 3 guys playing centre gets the foot soldiers more involved and just elevates the team top to bottom. Lafferty and PDG were good tonight, and Mikeyev was noticeable for a change

 

If this is going to be the configuration going forward, there is a path now where Phil the Thrill makes his mark on the team (assuming hes fit)

Edited February 25 by filthy animal

[IBatch]

3 hours ago, Rip The Mesh said:

 

"No signal arena" ... hilarious as usual thx for posting. 

[IBatch]

5 hours ago, Darius said:

IMHO that was the best win of the year.  Down by two with around half a period to go, the weight of 4 previous losses hung around their necks, playing one of their nemeses and they pulled it off.

 

Key players 

-JT

-Brock 

-Zadorov

-Lindholm (several outstanding defensive shifts)

 

Now for some possible blasphemy for the old school fans.  JT Miller is every bit the leader Trevor Linden was.  At least as talented, at least as tough - all he needs now is the opportunity to lead the team deep into the playoffs.  Linden had 94, and 89 to a certain extent...hopefully JT can create some impactful playoff memories for the franchise during his time here.

Linden relegated to the third line, PK, no power play time, at times seemed like the only player who had a chance of setting up a play or scoring on Turco, his last memorable series  (Luongo vs Turco).    St. Louis revenge series against Keenan...seemed like if we had a Linden on our team, no matter how bad ass the first round team was, we'd get past them.  

 

  There's a reason why his career playoff PGP, is higher then the Sedins and other great players.   Others also seemed to have an ability to amp it up as Canucks...Babych, Ronning, Courtnall, Adam's, Larionov ... it started with an inspiring performance in 89 for sure from 18 year old kid.   

 

Miller for sure has that in him too.    Felt he was a throwback when we got him, it's nice to see someone play with passion, finish checks and throw hits, the best part of the "little things".    Under Tochett, we've seen the best Miller yet too.    The Bruce Bump - that Miller was on a 120 point pace and playing like one of the best in the league.   Brock having a big game was great to see too.    Could see him scoring some huge goals for us as well.   

 

Know EPs had some flak of late, it's a team sport, and he's always a threat to score a goal, make a difference as well.    This teams got a nice blend of historical teams, but nothing is like the present, what a gift this team is! 

Edited February 25 by IBatch