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[Mowich]

the horn just went, it is over, except for the trades that came in before, but haven't been registered yet,
so a few will be heard for a while

nothing for rick nash, or steve ott, i'm sure they were asking for the moon for nash, and too much
for ott as well, although I like him, and I see his value, I still would not have traded raymond for
him, and they probably would not have traded him for raymond.

cody hodgson and sulzer are now buffalo sabres. very sorry to lose hodgson and sulzer, but this
move is very good for hodgson, he will get more ice time in buffalo, and have a chance to be a
top two forward, as he had to be 3rd line center in vancouver, and he is much
better suited on top two lines, but sedin and kesler are there, no way he could
knock them out of their spots.

cody will be close to his family in toronto, and apparantly the players coming to canucks are
very good, a big power forward who is only 20 years and another player I don't know much about.
zack cassian will be an exciting, strong player for canucks, he is just becoming ready for NHL
play at 20 years old, so on we go.
marc-andre gragnani, don't know much about him.

sulzer was a very good defenceman for canucks, played off and on, but lots of talent.

sad but can't stop and whine, have to move on, i'll look forward to our new players.

Just heard about Cody - good for him, glad he will get more ice time and be closer to his family but it somehow feels like we lost a member of our own family. :-( Ah well time to move on as you say. One more road game to win and then our guys are back home again.

No surprise about Nash, everyone 'in the know' said that they were asking the moon for him.

 

[#juan]

Just heard about Cody - good for him, glad he will get more ice time and be closer to his family but it somehow feels like we lost a member of our own family. :-( Ah well time to move on as you say. One more road game to win and then our guys are back home again.

No surprise about Nash, everyone 'in the know' said that they were asking the moon for him.

Cody Hodgeson might have scored 25 goals for Vancouver. I don't know if he would have won Rookie of the year
but he would have been close. I get the feeling that Cody wasn't seen to have the strength to give the Canucks
what they wanted. What they wanted was a power forward....We'll see soon if they got one.

 

[talloola]

Cody Hodgeson might have scored 25 goals for Vancouver. I don't know if he would have won Rookie of the year
but he would have been close. I get the feeling that Cody wasn't seen to have the strength to give the Canucks
what they wanted. What they wanted was a power forward....We'll see soon if they got one.

Not sure Juan if the new player will be on the canucks right away, really don't know, he is only 20,
hasn't played in the NHL yet, would have very soon though.

He will be a power forward, not sure if it is this season or not.

But, if he doesn't come this year, pahlsson is an experienced depth forward, was a top player for
anaheim when they won the cup, he isn't considered a super star by any means, but a veteran player,
who has been around, knows the ropes, and will help.

Cody Hodgeson might have scored 25 goals for Vancouver. I don't know if he would have won Rookie of the year
but he would have been close. I get the feeling that Cody wasn't seen to have the strength to give the Canucks
what they wanted. What they wanted was a power forward....We'll see soon if they got one.

He just couldn't break into the two top lines Juan, and he isn't the perfect fit for the 3rd line center,
so he just didn't quite have his niche, and I think when gillis realized the possibility of the new
guy taking his place, it seems to make sense, he is the perfect 3rd line center, or whatever they
want from him on that line, he is 6'4", 220 lbs, at only 20 years old.
Hodgson needed more ice time, and vineault couldn't drop the twins and kesler line in minutes to give
hodgson more minutes, so now in buffalo he will get that chance to shine where he needs to be.

In my mind I look past the present and see the team after the sedins are finished, and don't want to
see the canucks have a big drop when they retire, so these 20 year old players will step in when they
step out, it is looking ahead for me, along with tanev, as salo is close to retirement.

The defenceman they acquired is very good, and NHL ready/experienced, did play with buffalo last
playoffs.

Cody Hodgeson might have scored 25 goals for Vancouver. I don't know if he would have won Rookie of the year
but he would have been close. I get the feeling that Cody wasn't seen to have the strength to give the Canucks
what they wanted. What they wanted was a power forward....We'll see soon if they got one.

Gabriel Landeskog (colorado)is the best rookie right now, and also hopkins in (edmonton), although he has missed so many
games, so the two of them are in the running for rookie of the year, it would seem.

 

[JLM]

Getting rid of Hodgson doesn't strike me as a very bright move! Don't they want all their top guns for the run to the Stanley Cup?

 

[talloola]

Getting rid of Hodgson doesn't strike me as a very bright move! Don't they want all their top guns for the run to the Stanley Cup?

I guess they feel with the trades they will still have just as much depth and strength.

As much as I like hodgson, the playoffs are another animal, a bit different than the season,
the physical play ramps up, and hodgson still has a ways to go in that department, as his
skating isn't quite there, and he isn't real tough on the boards, looks good right now, but
not sure how he would come thru the playoffs.
I don't think hodgson would have done much scoring in the playoffs this year, maybe down the
road a bit, as he is going to be a strong player for years. and I'm looking forward to watching
him in Buffalo, as with center ice package I will see him lots.

He can't be compared to the new guy, totally different type of players in size and style of play.

I feel OK about this trade, we'll just have to get use to the new players, and watch how they
fit in, and how the lines look after a month or so, I do trust gillis 'not' to weaken the team
right now, he wants to be strong in the playoffs too.

 

[Kreskin]

Kassian was good on the World Junior team. I hope he keeps his brain in check, he took a 20 game suspension in junior and is known to take the odd undisciplined penalty. He has the ingredients for what Vanccouver needs, if Vigneault can keep him in line.

 

[talloola]

Kassian was good on the World Junior team. I hope he keeps his brain in check, he took a 20 game suspension in junior and is known to take the odd undisciplined penalty. He has the ingredients for what Vanccouver needs, if Vigneault can keep him in line.

He will, he will become a man with the canucks, and vineault will help him do that, perfect coach for
a player like that.
If that is all he had I would be concerned, but he has lots of talent, a complete player, and big too.

 

[#juan]

I guess they feel with the trades they will still have just as much depth and strength.

As much as I like hodgson, the playoffs are another animal, a bit different than the season,
the physical play ramps up, and hodgson still has a ways to go in that department, as his
skating isn't quite there, and he isn't real tough on the boards, looks good right now, but
not sure how he would come thru the playoffs.
I don't think hodgson would have done much scoring in the playoffs this year, maybe down the
road a bit, as he is going to be a strong player for years. and I'm looking forward to watching
him in Buffalo, as with center ice package I will see him lots.

He can't be compared to the new guy, totally different type of players in size and style of play.

I feel OK about this trade, we'll just have to get use to the new players, and watch how they
fit in, and how the lines look after a month or so, I do trust gillis 'not' to weaken the team
right now, he wants to be strong in the playoffs too.

Hodgson is going to have to learn to be a bit more agressive. He will likely be on the second line in Buffalo and
that means finishing your checks and being part of the traffic in front of the opposing goaltenders, where taking
a check will also be important.
At least two of the newcomers will be on the ice in tonight's game. I don't know how much time they will get but
the coaching staff will at least get a look.

 

[Cannuck]

Jean Beliveau suffers stroke

The Montreal Canadiens said on Tuesday via press release that legendary captain Jean Beliveau suffered a stroke and has been admitted to hospital.


The Canadiens said Beliveau "is currently undergoing active investigation and treatments" at Montreal General Hospital after suffering the stroke Monday night.

 

[talloola]

Jean Beliveau suffers stroke

very sad indeed, hope he recovers well.

Hodgson is going to have to learn to be a bit more agressive. He will likely be on the second line in Buffalo and
that means finishing your checks and being part of the traffic in front of the opposing goaltenders, where taking
a check will also be important.
At least two of the newcomers will be on the ice in tonight's game. I don't know how much time they will get but
the coaching staff will at least get a look.

As much as I liked hodgson, and I would have been glad if he had stayed, 'his' skating was not great, and
many times when the play turned and headed up ice, he was chasing and pumping hard to keep up, he was
great when in the zone, but that checking up and down the ice was tough for him.
He will do just fine in buffalo, he will be on one of the top lines, as a center, his head for the game
is second to none, and he will be fine, he will score and set up plays, but his wingers will have to help
him out when the play quickly turns and heads up ice, no problems with him, he is a good player.
Canucks also have two good players coming in that trade, and I sure hope everyone gives kassian break,
as on the radio many callers are trashing him, and they know nothing about him, other than a suspension
he received as a junior, hope everyone moves on and doesn't get stuck on that story, that is his past,
not his present, he is 21 and as gillis explained, "I did not want to trade a young player for an older
player", so he succeeded with this trade.
There is no way hodgson was going to be the difference maker on the road to winning the stanley cup, he would have
struggled with the heavy play, and been smothered many times, he would have become better over time.
He is only 22, not a savior, just a good young player with a good future, and it seems that is who
is also coming to the team, but much bigger, better skater, but also shouldn't be viewed as a big
piece in the playoffs, but probably will handle the heavy going better than hodgson will.
'

 

[Mowich]

Head coach Ron Wilson was fired by the Leafs on Friday, just one day before Toronto was set to play the Canadiens in Montreal, with former Anaheim Ducks coach Randy Carlyle being named as his replacement.


Toronto GM Brian Burke initially refused to confirm or deny the moves when contacted by the National Post, but the club later sent out a press release that acknowledged the firing. Assistant coach Rob Zettler has also been removed from his position, but will be retained by the club in another position.


“This was not an easy decision for me to make,” Burke said in the release. “I want to thank Ron for all of his hard work and dedication to our organization over the past four seasons.”


Wilson, in his 18th season as a National Hockey League coach, was 29-28-7 this season, his fourth with the Leafs. He was hired by the Leafs in June 2008, but the team has never made the playoffs during his tenure.


More at:



Ron Wilson fired: Leafs name Randy Carlyle as new coach | Sports | National Post

 

[Mowich]

I always look forward to HNC - I love the theme song and the images they show of past games, players, fans and highlights - really gets me in the mood for a night of hockey. :smile:

So we have a double-header tonight, both interesting in their own way. TO will be the Habs backyard with their spanking new coach in tow. Then Cody Hodgson will be back in Vancouver with his new team, the Sabres.

I don't envy Randy Carlyle his task though a salary that makes him one of the highest paid coaches in the NHL might bolster his resolve. Burke wants to see his team at least make the play-offs and has been adamant about that goal. Me, I think that taking a team that is sitting at 12th spot in the standings with 18 games -make that 17 after tonight - left to play and the fact that TO's worst fault is their lack of defence? - not a chance Randy. Be happy with getting to know your guys and concentrate on getting something happening with your D.

Thousands of eyes will be on Cody as he returns to play against his old team tonight - I don't envy him that either though I have every belief he will be accepted warmly by the fans and if not with opens arms, at least with good intentions by the Canucks. He won't be the lone returner either as both Christian Ehrhoff and Alex Sulzer will be with him.

TO vs Les Canadiens up first. GO, HABS!

 

[bill barilko]

Toronto GM Brian Burke initially refused to confirm or deny the moves when contacted by the National Post, but the club later sent out a press release that acknowledged the firing.

Brian Burke-always redefining the term asshole.

 

[Mowich]

Habs ahead by 1 just as the 2nd period gets underway.

I won't be surprised to see Don Cherry's name in the headlines tomorrow. He tore into Brian Burke with everything he had during Coach's Corner tonight. Did everything but call Burke a nasty epithet. His main theme was the fact that though Toronto is obviously an Ontario based team, not one single player on the Leafs is actually from Ontario. There are currently something like 40,000 kids involved in minor hockey in the province who one day dream of being in the NHL and playing for their home team - Burke gives them no chance at that. Every other team in the NHL has Ontario boys playing for them. It is not as if there is a dearth of good if not outstanding Ontario players in the league.

 

[bill barilko]

His main theme was the fact that though Toronto is obviously an Ontario based team, not one single player on the Leafs is actually from Ontario.

I'm old enough to remember when the Montreal Canadiens tried hard to get their hands on every Francophone they could-just because (and Yes I know that particular situation still isn't perfect).

However this development known as the Modern World has changed things considerably-I don't wonder where the archetypical Old Fool keeps his head because I know.

Note that I am not defending Brian Burke but Ontario hockey players aren't his concern-neither are Kazakhs or Swiss.

 

[Cannuck]

SN magazine: Decline of the Habs Empire - sportsnet.ca

 

[JLM]

Bean boys beat by Lowly Islanders, it just doesn't get any better than that! :lol:

 

[talloola]

I always look forward to HNC - I love the theme song and the images they show of past games, players, fans and highlights - really gets me in the mood for a night of hockey. :smile:

So we have a double-header tonight, both interesting in their own way. TO will be the Habs backyard with their spanking new coach in tow. Then Cody Hodgson will be back in Vancouver with his new team, the Sabres.

I don't envy Randy Carlyle his task though a salary that makes him one of the highest paid coaches in the NHL might bolster his resolve. Burke wants to see his team at least make the play-offs and has been adamant about that goal. Me, I think that taking a team that is sitting at 12th spot in the standings with 18 games -make that 17 after tonight - left to play and the fact that TO's worst fault is their lack of defence? - not a chance Randy. Be happy with getting to know your guys and concentrate on getting something happening with your D.

Thousands of eyes will be on Cody as he returns to play against his old team tonight - I don't envy him that either though I have every belief he will be accepted warmly by the fans and if not with opens arms, at least with good intentions by the Canucks. He won't be the lone returner either as both Christian Ehrhoff and Alex Sulzer will be with him.

TO vs Les Canadiens up first. GO, HABS!

We could all be surprised how carlyle changes the team quickly, he is very different from ron willson,and the team will have to sit up and take notice 'pronto', no shirking or lack of high quality play
allowed by this guy, so I am interested to see just how he does over the remaining games.
He will be much more structured with his special teams as well, a better organizer
and a better coach all round, but not a pleasant coach for the players if they
don't want to work like hell all the time.

Habs ahead by 1 just as the 2nd period gets underway.

I won't be surprised to see Don Cherry's name in the headlines tomorrow. He tore into Brian Burke with everything he had during Coach's Corner tonight. Did everything but call Burke a nasty epithet. His main theme was the fact that though Toronto is obviously an Ontario based team, not one single player on the Leafs is actually from Ontario. There are currently something like 40,000 kids involved in minor hockey in the province who one day dream of being in the NHL and playing for their home team - Burke gives them no chance at that. Every other team in the NHL has Ontario boys playing for them. It is not as if there is a dearth of good if not outstanding Ontario players in the league.

I didn't see don cherry, but what you are describing is ridiculous. burke or no other manager runs their
team with any connection to players who play within their province, how on earth could any of them ever
do that.
The draft is for everyone, has nothing to do with players resident province. I can't even relate to
those comments, and I actually hope i'm misunderstanding what actually was said.

The NHL is set up for all to pick from the pack, and ontario players or players from anywhere can be
drafted to play on any of the NHL teams, and if teams started picking and choosing players according
to the province the team is in, reminds me of the time before the draft 'when' toronto and montreal
grabbed players from the ontario/quebec regions and the prairies as well so they would have the best players
on their teams, what kind of a joke was that.

Ontario players 'now' aren't the best players to choose from, as there are good players all over the
country and the u.s., and europe and russia, so all are treated the same, as it should be.

Don Cherry is losing it finally alltogether, they should buy him a rocking chair strap him in it, and
ship him home to stay, and yeah, a bit of tape lover his mouth would top it off nicely.

 

[Cannuck]

Bean boys beat by Lowly Islanders, it just doesn't get any better than that! :lol:

Sure it does. Add in the Nucks getting beat by the lowly Sabres and it made the night doubly entertaining.

 

[wulfie68]

Don Cherry is in danger of sounding like the French media in Quebec with crap like that. Whining about Americans on the roster is as stupid as whining about a captain that doesn't speak French as a 3rd language, especially coming from Cherry, who loves combinations of toughness and skill: American hockey has emulated Canadian in that regard, as they have seen the success we generate from it.

Ron Wilson: wrong coach for a team that still needs some serious rebuilding. He's a veteran's coach not a teaching coach for young players. Coaches in situations like Toronto's are expendible... just look at the turnover behind the bench of my Isles (whom I think have a better long term outlook than Toronto but have a LONG way to go).

Brian Burke: if he DID go to the CBC, it was unprofessional for a person in his position. He has too much to worry about on his own, without indulging in media spats, but he always has done this (i.e. Kevin Lowe feud over the Oilers signing Dustin Penner).

Toronto fans: there is more pain ahead but maybe some light if Toronto can draft some young scoring talent...

And yes I enjoyed seeing the Isles and Sabres win last night...