Here Is My Opinion.

With 21 games left the Vancouver Canucks sit in 5th place in the West with 70 points. The chances of us catching calgary in the Nowrthwest division are slim, It would have to come with about 18 wins in our last 21 games and have calgary go on a bit of a slide. However I believe that 90 points gets you a playoff spot. That would mean we would need at least 10 wins in the remaining 21 games. I think the Vancouver Canucks will get 15 wins in the last 21 games. Thats saying that they continue to play like they are right now. One thing to take into consideration though, is that all our games are now against Western Conferance teams. The Western Conferance is so tight right now that almost every team will be pushing for wins to make the playoffs. The Canucks cannot go into another 8 game losing streak. Even a 5 game losing streak could cause us to miss the playoffs. We don't want to miss the playoffs by 1 point like we did last year. It would be nice to have 5 or 10 games left and have a playoffs spot clinched. Then we could rest some players and get prepared for the playoffs. GO CANUCKS GO!

Guess Whose Back!?

On the day when Ossi Vaananen made his debut in Canucks practice, Rick Rypien made his return. He has been cleared to skate. He made his first appearance since a sports hernia injury sidelined him back in late October forcing him to miss 53 straight games. The scrappy forward skated with assistant coach Darryl Williams prior to practice and issued the following statement to the media:

"I would like to thank the Canucks organization and my teammates for their tremendous support during this challenging time. Everyone has been so supportive and I can't thank them enough for everything. I would also like to thank the media and the Canucks fans for their respect they have shown me during my time away. I am happy to be back practicing with my teammates and would ask that thus matter remain private at this time. I will speak to the media at an appropriate time in the future. Thank you."

AV says that Rypien will skate by himself for 4 or 5 days and then return to playing with the players. There is no time line for his return, they will take it one day at a time and he will play when he is ready.

Ossi Vaananen

The Vancouver Canucks picked up Ossi Vaananen off waivers from Philadelphia early Saturday morning. He is a 28 year old defence man. This is a very good pick up, getting him for half price. We know have 6 solid defense man, plus 4 or 5 good back ups in case of injury. If the Vancouver Canucks go deep into the playoffs this will help a lot because we can put in these trustworthy defense man to have some fresh legs out there. Vaananen skated for the first time this morning in practice.

Ohlund Ready To Test The Free Agency Market?

This article came up on TSN.com today. http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=268813

NHL Trade News.

There was 2 trades today in the NHL. The Montreal Canadiens were at it again trading Steve Begin to Stars for Doug Janik. Steve Begin was i healthy scratch for the last 5 games. The Pittsburgh Penguins have cleared up a bit of their logjam along their blueline as they have traded Ryan Whitney to the Anaheim Ducks for Chris Kunitz and Eric Tangradi.

With The return of Hordachuck.

With The return of Hordachuck Alexandre Bolduc got sent back down to the Moose as well.

Canucks Recent News.

Darcy Horachuck will be back in the mix Friday night VS. The Tampa Bay Lightning. He was out of the line up for the past 2 games because him and his wife were delivering their first baby. Pavol Demitra was not expected to play on friday so the 21 year old Austrian forward Michael Grabner was called up from the Manitoba Moose. He practiced with the Canucks this morning and then got sent back down to the Moose after Demitra said he will play Friday night.

What Seperates Vancouver Canucks Fans From Any Other Fans?

What is the difference between Vancouver Canucks fans and any other fans in the NHL? Well this is what I think about it. I beleive the Vancouver Canucks Fans are one of the greatest fans in the NHL. For example, in the 1982 run to the Stanley Cup Finals. The Canucks are remembered for losing to the NY Islanders. But earlier in the playoffs Vancouver was playing the Chicago Blackhawks when Vancouver coach Roger Neilson, fed up with the performance of the officials in the game, placed a white towel on the end of a hockey stick and held it up in mock of Surrender (white flag). The Canucks players sitting on the bench followed suit, placing towels on the ends of their sticks until the bench resembled a laundry line. The Canucks lost that game 4–1, Neilson's actions began quite the trend as, when the teams returned to Vancouver for the next game, many fans brought white towels to the game and began waving them above their heads. Referred to as Towel Power, this sparked the Canucks to win the next three games and the series. This was the first time in any sport that this was created. Now we know that in almost every sport they use towels in the playoffs to try to pump their team up. The Vancouver Canucks fans have also invented a similar thing. The famous chanting of "LLLLLOOOOOOUUUUUUU" Whenever goaltender Roberto Luongo makes a save. Vancouver Canucks fans are everywhere. On Vancouver's recent road trip, everytime Luongo made a save, there was the "LLLLLOOOOOOUUUUUUU" coming down from the crowd. In the playoffs when Vancouver wins a game if you drive down the main streets in North Van, Vancouver, Surrey, and many more cities, you will see Canucks fans everywhere, cheering, chanting, singing, in cars honking horns, Carrying flags, wearing jerseys. After games when taking public transportation home, the fans will chant "GO CANUCKS GO". There was a great moment in the playoffs a couple years ago which started another trend in Vancouver. The Vancouver Canucks were playing the Detroit Red Wings in the first round. Detriots goaltenders name is Chis Osgood. Well about half way through the 3rd game with Vancouver in the lead, the Canuck faithful in GM Place started chanting "Wasgood" in replacement of Chris Osgood's last name. Just think about how hard it was for him to play the rest of that game, with the crowd all over him. Things like this help the Canucks out so much. Not to mention that GM Place has been sold out every single game for about 5 or 6 years now (Not sure the exact time line, but it is over 5 years.) The Vancouver Canucks Organization recognized the Vancouver Canucks Fans this season by putting up a banner in Canucks colours with the words 7th Canucks on it. This basically means, that the Vancouver Canucks have 6 players on the ice at all times, but it at GM Place they have a 7th with them, which is the crowd, and this helps them alot. I would be interested to hear any other stories you have to share with me! Remember, We Are All Canucks! Go Canucks Go!

What Will The Canucks Do?

I have my ideas what the Vancouver Canucks will do b4 the trade deadline, but i am interested to hear what you have to say about what you believe will happen b4 the March 3rd Deadline.

Luc Bourdon Foundation

The Luc Bourdon Foundation was formed after the tragic death of Luc Bourdon in 2008. The Foundation announced today that they have earned 115,000 Dollars. The money goes towards kids to get them to there dreams.

Vancouver Canucks Did Almost Everything Right.

The Vancouver Canucks did almost everything right in there game VS. Montreal. There one problem was scoring, but this also come off and amazing game by Halak. The Vancouver Canucks dominated most of the game and out shot the Canadiens 34-17. The Vancouver Canucks were even there physically, not backing down from anyone. There was also some questionable officiating through out this game. The Canucks play next on Friday VS. Tampa Bay Lightning.

Can the Canucks Make It 5 Straight?

The Vancouver Canucks will be looking to make it 5 straight wins on Tuesday Vs the montreal canadeins. This game marks the return of Roberto Luongo to Montreal. Two years when Vancouver Canucks played in Montreal Roberto Luongo got hit in the neck the day b4 in practice with a puck. He spent the night in hospital and was not allowed to lay down flat because of fear of swelling. He got very little sleep but then he told the coaching staff that he wanted to play so he played in that game and got a shut out. I think if The Canucks score first and stay out of the box, then we should be able to wrap up this road trip with a nice sweep. Let hope we can pull it off! GO CANUCKS GO!

New York Rangers Fire Head Coach

The struggling New York Rangers have fired head coach Tom Renney with 21 games left in the NHL season. This comes after losing 10 games in the last 12. His replacement is suppose to be John Tortorella. This brings up the topic of Sean Avery. Tortorella who was working for TSN has a history of not liking Sean Avery. So Avery's chance may have dried up for now.

Story Book ending for Mats Sundin And His Vancouver Canucks.

When the Vancouver Canucks arrived in Toronto all the talk was about Mats Sundin. His return to the ACC in a Vancouver Canucks Jersey. Would the fans boo him? Or would they give him a standing O? Mats Sundin line started the game and when he touched the puck there was some random booing. But during the first T.V. Comercial they played a video tribute for him. The crowd stood up and clapped and cheered, this brought tears to Mats Sundin's eyes. Then as the game went on the toronto fans booed Mats Sundin when he touched the puck as a Vancouver Canuck. The game was not very good and toronto was winning with about 5 mins left. I found myself wondering, "Are we really going to lose to the toronto maple leafs?" But with in a minute Burrows pulled Vancouver even with an amazing deflection. The game went to OT and came down the the last shooter, Mats Sundin. The crowd was on its feet and cheering, Sundin came in and calmly put it top self on his back hand. The Vancouver Canucks team rushed to congratulate him. It was a storybook ending to the game. Vancouver got the 2 points which made it all that better. GO CANUCKS GO!

Huge Win!

It may not seem like much but tonight's win over the flames is a huge one. I would have liked them to win b4 OT but I will defiantly take this win. With the win, Vancouver Canucks pull within 8 points of the flames. I also think that this will bring calgary back down to earth. It will remind them that they aren't much better than Vancouver. Hopefully it will result in some more losses for their team. This win was a great team effort by the Canucks.

Habs Make a Move

After only winning 3 games in the last 13, The Montreal Canadiens acquired Mathieu Schneider as well as a conditional draft pick from the Thrashers at the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, in return for a second-round pick at the 2009 draft (Anaheim’s pick previously acquired by the Canadiens from Washington) and a Canadiens third-round pick at the 2010 draft.

Salo's Absent.

Sami Salo was not at practice this morning. AV said he has a bit of a groin problem and they hope the rest will be enough for him to play tomorrow. Lawernce Nycolat was playing in Salo's position.

Canucks Play.

The Vancouver Canucks have been playing very good as of late. But there next game against the Calgary Flames in my view is a huge game. Last time these 2 played a home and home and Calgary won both. That marked the beginning of Vancouver's downturn and Calgarys upturn. Not only will this game be very important. It can be used as a bit of a measuring stick. To see just how well the Canucks compare to the Flames. I think this game is a must win for the Canucks. A good 6-0 win would feel good. Just like the Canucks started of this season, beating the Flames 6-0.

What is really wrong with Rick Rypien?

Rick Rypien has been out since October after having sports hernia surgery. I was always looking forward to him coming back, he has a lot of energy. Anyways he should have been coming back soon, and that what i thought until i found this article.

http://www2.canada.com/theprovince/news/sports/story.html?id=e2379015-5fe3-4a72-b7dc-6b61a7d5d3a4

It does not say a lot but apparently Rick has taken a leave from the team for personal issues.

Can They make it 5 in a Row?

It will be a tough game friday night VS. the Stars. After the Canucks game tonight, they hurried off to catch their flight and won't arrive in Dallas until around 2 in the morning. Lets hope they have a good sleep and get a quick start on friday. This would be a huge win if they can pull it off, a real momentum push for the team.

Game Recap

The Vancouver Canucks made it 4 straight wins in a 4-3 Victory VS. Phoenix. They had a very slow start and the game was fairly boring to begin, but as the game went on it got better and better and better. Roberto Luongo is still struggling after letting in some more weak goals. He just does no seem on his regular pace. So this is now 4 times in a row the Canucks have come back from a 2 goal deficit in 2 games. It is good to see the work being put out there, and the come backs are working out. I think the main thing is we are getting shots from the point and getting goals or rebounds, this is working very well for us.

The Olympics Are A Little Bit Closer.

It is now only one year until The World is coming to Vancouver. The 2010 Olympics will be here before we know it. Time to get prepped and excited. GO CANUCKS GO! GO CANADA GO!

What a game!

That was a great game from my view, for the most part. The Vancouver Canucks managed to come back from two 2 goal leads and win the game 6-4. Roberto Luongo played somewhat misleading. For being one of the best goalies in the NHL and World he let in 3 pretty weak goals. 2 of these goals were from the point and the defense man cleared the lane in front of him. He could see it the whole way but couldn't manage to squeeze the puck. The third goal he made to original save and then let a huge rebound out right in the middle for a blues player to bang in. Sundin has lite it up with his new line mates Demitra and Kesler. Together they have piled in 24 points in 3 games. This line is on fire since it was introduced 3 games ago. There is not alot of bad to say about the team right now. But we need better more consistent goal tending and our penalty kill must improve. The Canucks will look to make their winning streak 4 games on thursday night in Phoenix.

Can They Make It 3 Straight?

The last time the Vancouver Canucks had a 3 game winning streak, well it was actually a 4 game winning streak from Nov.19/08-Nov.24/08. Canucks play tomorrow against the St.Louis Blues at 5:30P.M. The last time these two teams played St. Louis won 6-4 and this was the beginning of Vancouver's 8 game losing streak. The Canucks must be feeling better now after 2 big games and 2 wins. I predict a Canucks win 4-0 over the Blues.

Return of The "Russian Rocket"?

In a recent interview with a Russian website called Soviet Sport ex-Canuck toughguy Gino Odjick who is still great friends with Pavel Bure said that Bure is still in great shape and if a team gave him a contract that Bure would return to the NHL. He retired early in 2005 because of constant knee injuries. He is probably not the young Bure of the past, but if he returned, could he help the Canucks? In 12 NHL seasons Bure played 7 with the Canucks. The Vancouver Canucks drafted Pavel Bure 113th overall in the 6th round of the 1989 NHL Entry Draft. Pavel Bure scored 779 points in 701 games in the NHL. I find it unlikely that the Canucks will sign Pavel Bure, but who knows anything is possible.

The UFA's

The Sedin's agent B.P. Barry was in town the last couple days, and the word is that the Sedin's are asking around 6 or 7 million dollars each, and that they want a longer contract. I think this makes the Sedin's a prime contender in getting traded. Because who knows what the salary cap will be in 2 years after all this economic stuff happening. Alex Burrows need to be signed by the trade deadline or he might be traded, but Burrows is worth 3 or 4 million now, and the Canucks won't give him that much. If Burrows does not get that amount of money then he will move on to somewhere who will pay him that much.

Canucks First Move.

At the beginning of the season Defenceman Nathan McIver got sent to Manitoba. He was claimed of waivers by the Ducks. Well Mike Gillis made a trade today with the Ducks. He traded Right Forward Mike Brown For Nathan McIver. Nathan McIver is going to report to Manitoba. Could this be the end of Shane O'Brien's career as a Vancouver Canuck? McIver was drafted 254th overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. and Mike Brown was also drafted by the Canucks in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, in the 5th round, 159th overall.

Would You Keep Ohlund? Or The Sedins?

My ideal solution for this problem would be, keep all 3 of them. All 3 of them have been here since they were in their late teens and this is the only home they have away from Sweden. The only way i would see us keeping all 3 of them is if all 3 of them were happy taking pay cuts to stay here. Who knows they could maybe agree on this because they have been here their whole careers. But with the recent economic crisis who knows what the salary cap will be for next season. Who would you choose if you were Mike Gillis?

Vancouver's Unrestricted Free Agents coming up this season are:

Daniel Sedin ($3.575 million)
Henrik Sedin ($3.575 million)
Mattias Ohlund ($3.5 million)
Nolan Baumgartner, Jeff Cowan, Alexandre Burrows, Matt Pettinger, Taylor Pyatt, Curtis Sanford.

I wouls also say that it would be a necessity to resign Forward Alexandre Burrows.

Trade Rumours.

With the Trade Deadline fast approaching here is some of the latest trade rumors that I have heard. Michal Nylander of the Washington Capitals has been heard of possibly ending up with the Canucks. I think this will be unlikely because we have a fairly consistent set of forwards already. Apparently the Vancouver Canucks have shown interest in Nik Antropov of The Toronto Maple Leafs. I do not know how this would work out because Antropov has been having trouble scoring this year. But this speculation was made because he used to play on a line with Mats Sundin. Also some say Brian Gionta will be joining the Canucks, well this could help us. But what would we have to give up for him? Considering that Gionta is a UFA at the end of the season as well, we would likely only have him this season, unless he decided he liked it here and resigned with us.

Shane O'Brien wants out? Demetra Ready for Canes.

Shane O'Brien did not play in Saturday's loss to the Minnasota Wild. He was told today that the organization thinks he needs to fight more. When O'Brien was asked about this he was fairly sour. He says, "We have been behind in games a lot and when you are behind players don't want to fight you, when we are losing 3-0 why would i want to fight?" I don't think this is a big problem. We have plenty of players who can fight, Hordichuck, Brown, Davidson, O'Brien, even players like Bernier, Ohlund, Biekia, Pyatt, Burrows, and Kesler will step up and fight. I believe that the team is trying to light a fire anyway they can under players to get them going. Shane O'Brien says that he is eager to get into action again however on Tuesday VS. The Canes. On a good note, Pavol Demitra is set to make his return Tuesday night.