Robert Earnshaw could not have picked a better debut Saturday with the Vancouver Whitecaps.
The former Welsh international striker came on as a substitute with three minutes left in regular time and scored the winning goal in the 90th minute as the Whitecaps stole a 2-1 victory from the Portland Timbers at B.C. Place Stadium.
The Whitecaps (3-0-1) picked up their third win in the first four games of the 2015 MLS season while the Timbers (0-3-1) remained winless in as many outings.
“I was thinking: I just need a chance. Just give me one chance,” said Earnshaw, who continued his habit of scoring in his first game with a new team. “I think it’s amazing because, the amount of times I see debuts, and things just happen to go your way, especially when it’s spoken by one player: It’s my debut. What an amazing feeling.”
Earnshaw, 33, who had a long pre-season trial with the Whitecaps and only signed a contract Wednesday, stole the show in a poor performance from the home side. He took a through ball from Pedro Morales, narrowly beat a Portland offside trap and chipped a shot over charging Timbers goalkeeper Adam Larsen Kwarasey.
Afterwards, the usually reserved Earnshaw did a flip in mid-air and a jig near a corner flag as fans danced with him.
“I didn’t know what to do,” he said. “I was so moved, I was so happy that I kind of lost myself in the moment.”
The winning tally came five minutes after Portland’s Fanendo Adi put in a rebound after a Rodney Wallace shot bounced off Vancouver goalkeeper David Ousted’s hands. Nicolas Mezquida opened the scoring for the Whitecaps with a well-placed free kick that went over a defensive wall and curled into the top left corner of the net in the 15th minute.
After that point, the Timbers controlled play the rest of the way as the Whitecaps rarely managed to get out of their half of the pitch – let alone create scoring chances.
Earnshaw rescued his new team from the jaws of defeat while helping to resuscitate his own career. A product of Cardiff City’s youth program, Earnshaw made his professional debut and 201 appearances with the senior side between 1998 and 2004 while scoring 105 goals in all competitions. with the senior side in 1998. He also toiled for English Premier League side West Brom Albion as well as Norwich City and Derby County before moving to MLS.
In the past two MLS seasons, the Cardiff native has accumulated 11 goals, while starting 24 of his 31 appearances. Last season, he only played 174 minutes with the Chicago Fire, but still managed to score three goals. In 2013, he posted eight goals while starting 23 of his 26 appearances with Toronto FC.
Since leaving English squad Nottingham Forest in 2011, he has played for Cardiff in his homeland and Israeli Premier League side Maccabi Tel Aviv and Blackpool – for just one game – back in England. The delay in signing with Vancouver created a fair amount of uncertainty about his future. (He announced his retirement from the Wales men’s national team the same day he signed with the Caps.)
Hence, Saturday’s game-winning goal, the 217th of his career had considerable meaning.
“The negotiations went on a little bit long, but it was all about me getting myself right, getting fit, getting ready and getting to know the team,” he said. “(The goal) feels amazing, it feels amazing, because it feels like I’ve worked for this. I’ve worked hard this pre-season. Actually, I haven’t had a good pre-season for a few years. So that was one of the reasons I came here, in order to have a good few weeks in pre-season and really get right, get fit and I did.”
The winning goal also meant a lot to Whitecaps coach Carl Robinson, a fellow Welshman who played on the national team with Earnshaw.
“Carl was saying to me just know that, as soon as I came on, he just felt that I was going to score,” said Earnshaw.
Robinson told reporters the same story while making his decision to insert Earnshaw look astute.
"I've known him for a number of years, and I brought him here because he can score goals," said Robinson.
But Earnshaw gave Robinson another, much more important reason to celebrate than seeing an old teammate do well.
“Today, I thought we were average at best, but we stole a victory in the end,” said Robinson. “So, yeah, I’m very happy.”
While Earnshaw stole the victory, Vancouver goalkeeper David Ousted robbed the Timbers on dangerous opportunities. Ousted was credited with four saves compared to just one for Kwarasey.
“(Ousted) was excellent,” said Robinson. “He won us a game today. Obviously, the subs coming on at the end made a big difference for us. They all had an impact in the game, but without (Ousted), we would have lost the game and, probably deservedly, should have lost the game. … They were the better team for a long stretch, because we couldn’t get to grips with them. When it went to 1-1, I would have taken a draw at that point.”
Ousted got lucky when Portland second-half substitute Dairon Asprilla bounced a header off the turf and barely over the crossbar in the 89th minute. But the Vancouver goalkeeper also made a point-blank save after Earnshaw’s goal and caught a dangerous free kick in the closing seconds of the game.
“I gave us a chance to win today, and that’s why I’m in there,” said Ousted. “It was a delight see Earnie get that goal. It just shows what a wonderful football player he is. He’s a great addition to our team.”
Sunday, March 29, 2015
Saturday, March 28, 2015
Several Canucks making Masterton nominee pick difficult
The Vancouver Canucks are not making it easy for the local chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association to nominate a Bill Masterton Trophy candidate this year.
In past seasons, the Canucks had few legitimate candidates. But this season, it can be argued, they have a number of worthy nominees. Some of the obvious choices include: forwards Alex Burrows, Henrik and Daniel Sedin and defenceman Alex Edler. Rearguard Chris Tanev and goalie Eddie Lack are also in the discussion.
Unfortunately, only one nominee can be selected, causing some angst among voters as Monday’s deadline for the chapter’s final pick draws near.
The Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, named after the late Minnesota North Star who died of an on-ice injury, is an annual award under the trusteeship of the PHWA and is given to the National Hockey League player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey. The winner is selected in a poll of all chapters of the PHWA at the end of the regular season. But first, each chapter nominates a candidate.
Often, injuries or other personal or family healthy woes suffered in the previous season – and ensuing comebacks – factor into the selection process. New York Rangers forward Dominic Moore won the Masterton in 2013-14, when he returned after taking a leave of absence from the NHL in the spring of 2012 to care for his wife, Katie, after she had been diagnosed with a rare form of liver cancer. She passed away at the age of 32 in January of 2013. After resuming his career, Moore played a leading role on a Rangers team that placed second in the Metropolitan Division with 96 points and reached the Stanley Cup finals.
In 2012-13, Minnesota Wild goaltender Josh Harding earned the honours after battling Multiple Sclerosis – although, sadly, he has been out of the NHL all of this season because of effects of the disease and a foot injury suffered in the minors.
Comebacks are likely to influence the voting heavily again this year – and the Canucks have no shortage of players who have bounced back from injury and adversity.
If Vancouver winger Alex Burrows had his way, Henrik and Daniel Sedin would be in the running.
“The twins are always (good candidates) every year,” said Burrows. “They do so much in the community. They’re such great teammates. They show perseverance every year and they don’t miss games. They lead the way for us. I think they’re always good candidates.”
In a unique twist, one voter wanted to make the two Sedins one entry, because it’s hard to differentiate their individual accomplishments from each other. Alas, a two-horse entry is allowed in horseracing – the Sedins’ other favourite sport – but not in the Masterton voting process, so that idea was nixed. Each writer must select three potential nominees – and, even in the case of the Sedins, there are no two-for-one deals.
It says here that Henrik is a slightly better choice than Daniel because the Canucks captain played three fewer games last season while battling injuries much of the season.
“(Henrik) is always up there,” said Burrows. “He leads the way for us on and off the ice. He’s so good on the ice, but people don’t get the chance to see behind the scenes what he does, how he prepares, how he carries the load and shows everybody, the young guys, how to be a true professional. I’m sure he’d be another good candidate.”
But the decision of one Sedin over the other is highly debatable. Heading into Saturday’s game against Dallas, the twins shared the club’s scoring lead with 66 points after they both dealt with injuries last season. Henrik had one more goal (17) while Daniel had one more assist (50).
But Bieksa disputes the notion that Henrik, who saw his career consecutive-game streak end in 2013-14, has had a bounceback season.
“I wouldn’t say that Henrik had a bad season by any stretch last year,” said Bieksa. “His point totals were down, but so were everybody’s. Certainly, this year, him and Danny have stayed healthy, and they lead the charge offensively when they’re going.”
Burrows would be a worthy candidate based on the fact that he has thrived this season after battling injuries and struggling under former coach John Tortorella who, according to multiple reports, wanted the club to buy out his contract. Prior to Saturday’s game, Burrows had 14 goals and 14 assists, and his 28 points were almost double last season’s total of 15. Perhaps more significantly, he has managed to regain his place on the top line with the Sedins – while seeing duty on all four lines at different times of the season. Also, he has been used in all situations and improved his plus-minus mark to one (before Saturday) from minus-nine in 2013-14.
While again battling injury, he has helped the Canucks hold a playoff position for most of the season.
“Burrows has had a really good year,” said Bieksa. “I think he’s been healthy, which has made a big difference. He couldn’t get healthy, couldn’t stay healthy last year, got hurt, broke his foot, so I think that’s a key thing, being able to stay in game shape. Burr’s a heart-and-soul guy, too, so when he’s going, a lot of guys around him are following him. He’s contagious in that way.”
And then there’s Edler. He placed last in the NHL in 2013-14 with a minus-39 mark, despite being limited to 45 games due to a back injury that required surgery. But he had a plus-nine mark before Saturday’s contest and his 23 points exceeded last season’s total of 22. He had also logged an average 24:04 of ice time while helping to ease the strain on an injury-riddled defence corps.
“Edler has had a steady season as well,” said Bieksa. “He’s battled a few injuries at different times, but he’s just been real solid, steady.”
In other words, Edler also makes it difficult to choose a Canucks representative for the Masterton.
But all of the angst might not matter, because there are some obvious candidates elsewhere. Kris Letang of the Pittsburgh Penguins ranks among the league’s top-scoring defencemen after suffering a stroke, while Minnesota goaltender Devan Dubnyk has revived his career. Dubnyk drew his 35th consecutive start for the Wild on Saturday after being traded to the Wild from Arizona early in the season and playing with Edmonton, Nashville and Montreal’s AHL farm team in Hamilton in 2013-14.
“I said right at the start of the year coming into the beginning of the year that I was just really going to enjoy every chance that I got to play again,” said Dubnyk while passing through Vancouver. “Every 60 minutes I just got to play, I was just going to not think past it and just really enjoy that 60 minutes that I got.”
He has enjoyed himself immensely – while not making it easier for writers to identify Masterton nominees elsewhere.
In the end, the Vancouver PHWA chapter’s difficulties will likely be moot, because no Canuck has ever won the award.
And, it appears unlikely that a Canuck will take it home this season.
In past seasons, the Canucks had few legitimate candidates. But this season, it can be argued, they have a number of worthy nominees. Some of the obvious choices include: forwards Alex Burrows, Henrik and Daniel Sedin and defenceman Alex Edler. Rearguard Chris Tanev and goalie Eddie Lack are also in the discussion.
Unfortunately, only one nominee can be selected, causing some angst among voters as Monday’s deadline for the chapter’s final pick draws near.
The Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, named after the late Minnesota North Star who died of an on-ice injury, is an annual award under the trusteeship of the PHWA and is given to the National Hockey League player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey. The winner is selected in a poll of all chapters of the PHWA at the end of the regular season. But first, each chapter nominates a candidate.
Often, injuries or other personal or family healthy woes suffered in the previous season – and ensuing comebacks – factor into the selection process. New York Rangers forward Dominic Moore won the Masterton in 2013-14, when he returned after taking a leave of absence from the NHL in the spring of 2012 to care for his wife, Katie, after she had been diagnosed with a rare form of liver cancer. She passed away at the age of 32 in January of 2013. After resuming his career, Moore played a leading role on a Rangers team that placed second in the Metropolitan Division with 96 points and reached the Stanley Cup finals.
In 2012-13, Minnesota Wild goaltender Josh Harding earned the honours after battling Multiple Sclerosis – although, sadly, he has been out of the NHL all of this season because of effects of the disease and a foot injury suffered in the minors.
Comebacks are likely to influence the voting heavily again this year – and the Canucks have no shortage of players who have bounced back from injury and adversity.
If Vancouver winger Alex Burrows had his way, Henrik and Daniel Sedin would be in the running.
“The twins are always (good candidates) every year,” said Burrows. “They do so much in the community. They’re such great teammates. They show perseverance every year and they don’t miss games. They lead the way for us. I think they’re always good candidates.”
In a unique twist, one voter wanted to make the two Sedins one entry, because it’s hard to differentiate their individual accomplishments from each other. Alas, a two-horse entry is allowed in horseracing – the Sedins’ other favourite sport – but not in the Masterton voting process, so that idea was nixed. Each writer must select three potential nominees – and, even in the case of the Sedins, there are no two-for-one deals.
It says here that Henrik is a slightly better choice than Daniel because the Canucks captain played three fewer games last season while battling injuries much of the season.
“(Henrik) is always up there,” said Burrows. “He leads the way for us on and off the ice. He’s so good on the ice, but people don’t get the chance to see behind the scenes what he does, how he prepares, how he carries the load and shows everybody, the young guys, how to be a true professional. I’m sure he’d be another good candidate.”
But the decision of one Sedin over the other is highly debatable. Heading into Saturday’s game against Dallas, the twins shared the club’s scoring lead with 66 points after they both dealt with injuries last season. Henrik had one more goal (17) while Daniel had one more assist (50).
But Bieksa disputes the notion that Henrik, who saw his career consecutive-game streak end in 2013-14, has had a bounceback season.
“I wouldn’t say that Henrik had a bad season by any stretch last year,” said Bieksa. “His point totals were down, but so were everybody’s. Certainly, this year, him and Danny have stayed healthy, and they lead the charge offensively when they’re going.”
Burrows would be a worthy candidate based on the fact that he has thrived this season after battling injuries and struggling under former coach John Tortorella who, according to multiple reports, wanted the club to buy out his contract. Prior to Saturday’s game, Burrows had 14 goals and 14 assists, and his 28 points were almost double last season’s total of 15. Perhaps more significantly, he has managed to regain his place on the top line with the Sedins – while seeing duty on all four lines at different times of the season. Also, he has been used in all situations and improved his plus-minus mark to one (before Saturday) from minus-nine in 2013-14.
While again battling injury, he has helped the Canucks hold a playoff position for most of the season.
“Burrows has had a really good year,” said Bieksa. “I think he’s been healthy, which has made a big difference. He couldn’t get healthy, couldn’t stay healthy last year, got hurt, broke his foot, so I think that’s a key thing, being able to stay in game shape. Burr’s a heart-and-soul guy, too, so when he’s going, a lot of guys around him are following him. He’s contagious in that way.”
And then there’s Edler. He placed last in the NHL in 2013-14 with a minus-39 mark, despite being limited to 45 games due to a back injury that required surgery. But he had a plus-nine mark before Saturday’s contest and his 23 points exceeded last season’s total of 22. He had also logged an average 24:04 of ice time while helping to ease the strain on an injury-riddled defence corps.
“Edler has had a steady season as well,” said Bieksa. “He’s battled a few injuries at different times, but he’s just been real solid, steady.”
In other words, Edler also makes it difficult to choose a Canucks representative for the Masterton.
But all of the angst might not matter, because there are some obvious candidates elsewhere. Kris Letang of the Pittsburgh Penguins ranks among the league’s top-scoring defencemen after suffering a stroke, while Minnesota goaltender Devan Dubnyk has revived his career. Dubnyk drew his 35th consecutive start for the Wild on Saturday after being traded to the Wild from Arizona early in the season and playing with Edmonton, Nashville and Montreal’s AHL farm team in Hamilton in 2013-14.
“I said right at the start of the year coming into the beginning of the year that I was just really going to enjoy every chance that I got to play again,” said Dubnyk while passing through Vancouver. “Every 60 minutes I just got to play, I was just going to not think past it and just really enjoy that 60 minutes that I got.”
He has enjoyed himself immensely – while not making it easier for writers to identify Masterton nominees elsewhere.
In the end, the Vancouver PHWA chapter’s difficulties will likely be moot, because no Canuck has ever won the award.
And, it appears unlikely that a Canuck will take it home this season.
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Kevin Bieksa welcomes NHL's three-on-three overtime plan
Kevin Bieksa peered into his crystal ball Thursday and liked what he saw.
The Vancouver Canucks defenceman has a vision of how things will develop if the NHL adopts three-on-three overtime next season.
“I think it’ll be the two-on-one fest,” said Bieksa.
General managers recommended this week, during meetings in Florida, that the league adopt three-on-three overtime in 2015-16. The plan comes as a result of concerns about the number of shootouts that determine wins and losses.
Bieksa said three-on-three O.T. could lead to many new tactics on the ice.
“It’ll be interesting to see how the strategies develop three-on-three, whether: If you’re the home team and you get last (line) change and the other team puts three forwards on, maybe, you put your three defencemen on against them and then you come back with your three top forwards," he said. "Who knows? There could be a lot of strategies developed."
The GMs' recommendation must still be approved by the competition committee, which includes representatives from the NHL Players Association. There is no guarantee of that happening; however, Bieksa is one player who likes the idea.
“It’ll add to the game," he said. "I think it’ll be more exciting. I think the shootout was brought in not only to decide games, but to bring some excitement to the game, much like a soccer game at the end. I think this will have the same effect."
Some fans who like the shootout might argue that three-on-three overtime won't generate the same moves as the one that Calgary defenceman David Schlemko as he scored the winning goal, in the eight round of the shootout, against the Boston Bruins earlier this month. The inside-out move was reminiscent of the one that Peter Forsberg made on Corey Hirsch as Sweden beat Canada in the 1994 Olympic gold-medal game.
But Bieksa said the shootout has "plateaued" and fallen out of favour.
"It’s a good way to decide the outcome, but a lot of people aren’t the biggest fans of it," he said. "The three-one-three will be another way to decide the game, and it’ll be the new thing – and I think it’ll be entertaining.”
The Vancouver Canucks defenceman has a vision of how things will develop if the NHL adopts three-on-three overtime next season.
“I think it’ll be the two-on-one fest,” said Bieksa.
General managers recommended this week, during meetings in Florida, that the league adopt three-on-three overtime in 2015-16. The plan comes as a result of concerns about the number of shootouts that determine wins and losses.
Bieksa said three-on-three O.T. could lead to many new tactics on the ice.
“It’ll be interesting to see how the strategies develop three-on-three, whether: If you’re the home team and you get last (line) change and the other team puts three forwards on, maybe, you put your three defencemen on against them and then you come back with your three top forwards," he said. "Who knows? There could be a lot of strategies developed."
The GMs' recommendation must still be approved by the competition committee, which includes representatives from the NHL Players Association. There is no guarantee of that happening; however, Bieksa is one player who likes the idea.
“It’ll add to the game," he said. "I think it’ll be more exciting. I think the shootout was brought in not only to decide games, but to bring some excitement to the game, much like a soccer game at the end. I think this will have the same effect."
Some fans who like the shootout might argue that three-on-three overtime won't generate the same moves as the one that Calgary defenceman David Schlemko as he scored the winning goal, in the eight round of the shootout, against the Boston Bruins earlier this month. The inside-out move was reminiscent of the one that Peter Forsberg made on Corey Hirsch as Sweden beat Canada in the 1994 Olympic gold-medal game.
But Bieksa said the shootout has "plateaued" and fallen out of favour.
"It’s a good way to decide the outcome, but a lot of people aren’t the biggest fans of it," he said. "The three-one-three will be another way to decide the game, and it’ll be the new thing – and I think it’ll be entertaining.”
Eddie Lack goes with flow amidst uncertainty about Ryan Miller's return
Eddie Lack has heard the reports, but he’s not paying them much attention.
Reports have indicated that Vancouver Canucks starting goaltender Ryan Miller will not return before the end of the regular season because of a knee injury suffered Feb. 22. That means Lack has a chance to be Vancouver’s starter come playoff time, presuming the Canucks qualify for the post-season.
But Lack is not willing to ponder a scenario which could see him between the pipes during Vancouver’s quest for the Stanley Cup. Instead, he is adopting an existential approach to life in the crease.
“I’m not looking at (Miller’s injury) differently or anything,” he said as the Canucks prepared to play the Columbus Blue Jackets at Rogers Arena. “I’m just trying to do my job every day and just take it game by game here and see where we end up. First of all, we have to make the playoffs, too.”
Lack, 27, who is only in his second full NHL season after three years in the Canucks’ minor-league system, has thrived during Miller’s absence, helping Vancouver hold on to a playoff berth amidst constant pressure from the Calgary Flames and Los Angeles Kings.
The chance of him matching the 41 games he played as a rookie as a result of the Roberto Luongo trade is increasing. But Lack remains unfazed as he works on perfecting his craft.
“I’m feeling good right now,” he said. “It’s just fun playing and coming to the rink every day and just battling and going to war every day with the boys.”
Sometimes the war includes a friendly verbal joust with teammates. Such was the case Thursday as defenceman Kevin Bieksa praised Lack, who is known for his sense of humour and playful nature, while also accusing him of being caught out of position at times.
“On the ice, he’s very mature – not so much off the ice,” said Bieksa. “But on the ice, he seems to be able to stay in the moment, not get too down when a goal is scored against him. He seems to be making the big saves at the right time, and he’s a battler first and foremost.
“He’s not going to like this, but he’s not always in position. But he battles and he throws everything he can to make a save, and he’s stolen a lot of points for his team.”
Lack, of course, disagreed with Bieksa, contending that the opposite is the case and he is usually in position.
Meanwhile, coach Willie Desjardins also refuted the reports that Miller will be out longer than expected.
“I think Ryan’s on track from everything that I’ve heard (from the team’s medical staff),” said Desjardins.
Miller has skated on his own, but not in his gear, as he rehabilitates his knee.
“He was out on the ice and I think he’s on track,” said Desjardins. “The good thing with where we are, we’re happy with the way Eddie’s playing. We don’t have to force (Miller) in or anything. But he’s on track. Nothing’s changed.”
Reports have indicated that Vancouver Canucks starting goaltender Ryan Miller will not return before the end of the regular season because of a knee injury suffered Feb. 22. That means Lack has a chance to be Vancouver’s starter come playoff time, presuming the Canucks qualify for the post-season.
But Lack is not willing to ponder a scenario which could see him between the pipes during Vancouver’s quest for the Stanley Cup. Instead, he is adopting an existential approach to life in the crease.
“I’m not looking at (Miller’s injury) differently or anything,” he said as the Canucks prepared to play the Columbus Blue Jackets at Rogers Arena. “I’m just trying to do my job every day and just take it game by game here and see where we end up. First of all, we have to make the playoffs, too.”
Lack, 27, who is only in his second full NHL season after three years in the Canucks’ minor-league system, has thrived during Miller’s absence, helping Vancouver hold on to a playoff berth amidst constant pressure from the Calgary Flames and Los Angeles Kings.
The chance of him matching the 41 games he played as a rookie as a result of the Roberto Luongo trade is increasing. But Lack remains unfazed as he works on perfecting his craft.
“I’m feeling good right now,” he said. “It’s just fun playing and coming to the rink every day and just battling and going to war every day with the boys.”
Sometimes the war includes a friendly verbal joust with teammates. Such was the case Thursday as defenceman Kevin Bieksa praised Lack, who is known for his sense of humour and playful nature, while also accusing him of being caught out of position at times.
“On the ice, he’s very mature – not so much off the ice,” said Bieksa. “But on the ice, he seems to be able to stay in the moment, not get too down when a goal is scored against him. He seems to be making the big saves at the right time, and he’s a battler first and foremost.
“He’s not going to like this, but he’s not always in position. But he battles and he throws everything he can to make a save, and he’s stolen a lot of points for his team.”
Lack, of course, disagreed with Bieksa, contending that the opposite is the case and he is usually in position.
Meanwhile, coach Willie Desjardins also refuted the reports that Miller will be out longer than expected.
“I think Ryan’s on track from everything that I’ve heard (from the team’s medical staff),” said Desjardins.
Miller has skated on his own, but not in his gear, as he rehabilitates his knee.
“He was out on the ice and I think he’s on track,” said Desjardins. “The good thing with where we are, we’re happy with the way Eddie’s playing. We don’t have to force (Miller) in or anything. But he’s on track. Nothing’s changed.”
Friday, March 13, 2015
Canucks showing signs of improved health
The Vancouver Canucks have endured injuries to key players for several weeks, but they are about to get some reinforcements.
Centre Brad Richardson, winger Chris Higgins and defencemen Kevin Bieksa and Yannick Weber could return for Saturday’s game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
“I can’t confirm that they’ll be in the lineup, but I think they’re real close, and I think we just have to make a choice,” said coach Willie Desjardins. “I don’t think they’re 100 per cent (healthy), but this time of year a lot of guys aren’t 100 per cent. We just have to make a choice on the lineup. At least they’re healthy enough that they’re into that discussion.”
The Canucks are looking to regroup after a 4-0 loss to the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday night. Richardson is especially eager to play after being out since Jan. 16 with a foot and ankle issue that was expected to take much less time to heal. The extended stay in sick bay frustrated both him and Desjardins.
“I tried to play in Tampa,” said Richardson. “It was two weeks later, so I took a break, and I thought I’d be back for sure after that. I just couldn’t. It was really bad and then we had to get it checked some more and it just needed time.”
Richardson will be particularly handy in third-line and penalty-killing roles.
Some soreness lingers, but he will soldier through it as the Canucks, third in the Pacific Division, seek to hold on to a playoff spot with Calgary and Los Angeles applying pressure.
“I’m going to have to fight through it, but it’s pretty good, and it has to be tested in battle and all that kind of stuff,” Richardson said. “But it’s definitely something that’s going to bother me for a little bit. I wouldn’t be coming back if I didn’t think I could. There’s no point coming back if you can’t play your role.”
Bieksa, one of the team’s top defencemen, is on the verge of returning after suffering a broken hand while blocking a shot Jan. 27 against Tampa Bay. His presence will shore up an injury-riddled blue-line corps and lighten the load of Alex Edler and Dan Hamhuis, who have played extended minutes.
“I’m in that range right now for a return and, like I said, I’ve been feeling good the last couple of days,” Bieksa said. “Sometimes it takes just a little push to get over that hump, and I feel like I’m right there.”
The Grimsby, Ont., native is not taking any special meaning from possibly coming back against the team that he grew up watching.
“To be honest, no,” he said. “It doesn’t really matter. It’s nice to play in Toronto. Playing against them outside is not really a big deal for me personally. It’s the time of the year, though, where points are so crucial right now. When you look at the standings, it’s just so tight.
“When you’re out (injured), you get a chance to watch a few more games (involving) other teams.
It doesn’t seem like Calgary is going to lose too many games, or not get a point in too many games, and L.A., obviously, they showed (Thursday) night that they’re going to be a top team down the stretch. So we have to get points every game we can, so I want to help out as much as I can. … I want to be out there helping my teammates. It’s hard to sit back and watch – really hard, actually.”
Higgins is slated to return after missing three games with an undisclosed injury suffered in a practice following a win over Arizona.
“It was just a little (lower-body) strain, so it was nothing too serious,” he said. “I was hoping to get back earlier than that, but the coach gave me three games (off.)”
Higgins will be a candidate for second-line duty when he returns. Weber is close to returning after missing two games.
Higgins hopes the Canucks can show their full potential after missing several players at different times since Christmas. The Smithtown, N.Y., native and his teammates are also anxious to avoid a letdown against a struggling Toronto club that is playing out the string before wide-scale changes in the off-season.
“We can’t afford to have two or three games to get back in the groove,” Higgins said. “Guys that have been out, they need to chip in right away.”
“It doesn’t matter who (the other team) is,” said Richardson. “We just need the win.”
The Canucks have a habit of playing down to lower-level opposition. They have lost to weaker teams like Buffalo and Arizona while needing critical points to improve their post-season chances.
The Leafs shape up as another visiting club that could again steal the show in Vancouver. Richardson warned that they are desperate to win as they fight for jobs and new contracts in advance of next season.
Goaltender Eddie Lack said the Canucks should be wary, based on past performance against also-rans.
“We’ve been playing bad against teams below us in the standings, so we’ve gotta come out with lots of energy (Saturday) and get the crowd with us from the start,” said Lack.
He and captain Henrik Sedin expect the Leafs, who always draw a strong legion of fans clad in blue and white in Vancouver, to give the Canucks a jolt of emotion just by their presence at Rogers Arena.
“It’s always fun when the crowd gets into it,” said Lack. “It’ll probably be a crowd battle or something … in the stands. I was on the bench last year when we played the Leafs, but it was a great atmosphere and a fun game. So, hopefully, we’ll have a similar atmosphere (Saturday).”
Sedin said the Canucks must make sure they get off to a good start.
"The first five minutes, we've gotta come out and show we're not gonna let this one slip away, and not give Toronto any life," he said.
Centre Brad Richardson, winger Chris Higgins and defencemen Kevin Bieksa and Yannick Weber could return for Saturday’s game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
“I can’t confirm that they’ll be in the lineup, but I think they’re real close, and I think we just have to make a choice,” said coach Willie Desjardins. “I don’t think they’re 100 per cent (healthy), but this time of year a lot of guys aren’t 100 per cent. We just have to make a choice on the lineup. At least they’re healthy enough that they’re into that discussion.”
The Canucks are looking to regroup after a 4-0 loss to the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday night. Richardson is especially eager to play after being out since Jan. 16 with a foot and ankle issue that was expected to take much less time to heal. The extended stay in sick bay frustrated both him and Desjardins.
“I tried to play in Tampa,” said Richardson. “It was two weeks later, so I took a break, and I thought I’d be back for sure after that. I just couldn’t. It was really bad and then we had to get it checked some more and it just needed time.”
Richardson will be particularly handy in third-line and penalty-killing roles.
Some soreness lingers, but he will soldier through it as the Canucks, third in the Pacific Division, seek to hold on to a playoff spot with Calgary and Los Angeles applying pressure.
“I’m going to have to fight through it, but it’s pretty good, and it has to be tested in battle and all that kind of stuff,” Richardson said. “But it’s definitely something that’s going to bother me for a little bit. I wouldn’t be coming back if I didn’t think I could. There’s no point coming back if you can’t play your role.”
Bieksa, one of the team’s top defencemen, is on the verge of returning after suffering a broken hand while blocking a shot Jan. 27 against Tampa Bay. His presence will shore up an injury-riddled blue-line corps and lighten the load of Alex Edler and Dan Hamhuis, who have played extended minutes.
“I’m in that range right now for a return and, like I said, I’ve been feeling good the last couple of days,” Bieksa said. “Sometimes it takes just a little push to get over that hump, and I feel like I’m right there.”
The Grimsby, Ont., native is not taking any special meaning from possibly coming back against the team that he grew up watching.
“To be honest, no,” he said. “It doesn’t really matter. It’s nice to play in Toronto. Playing against them outside is not really a big deal for me personally. It’s the time of the year, though, where points are so crucial right now. When you look at the standings, it’s just so tight.
“When you’re out (injured), you get a chance to watch a few more games (involving) other teams.
It doesn’t seem like Calgary is going to lose too many games, or not get a point in too many games, and L.A., obviously, they showed (Thursday) night that they’re going to be a top team down the stretch. So we have to get points every game we can, so I want to help out as much as I can. … I want to be out there helping my teammates. It’s hard to sit back and watch – really hard, actually.”
Higgins is slated to return after missing three games with an undisclosed injury suffered in a practice following a win over Arizona.
“It was just a little (lower-body) strain, so it was nothing too serious,” he said. “I was hoping to get back earlier than that, but the coach gave me three games (off.)”
Higgins will be a candidate for second-line duty when he returns. Weber is close to returning after missing two games.
Higgins hopes the Canucks can show their full potential after missing several players at different times since Christmas. The Smithtown, N.Y., native and his teammates are also anxious to avoid a letdown against a struggling Toronto club that is playing out the string before wide-scale changes in the off-season.
“We can’t afford to have two or three games to get back in the groove,” Higgins said. “Guys that have been out, they need to chip in right away.”
“It doesn’t matter who (the other team) is,” said Richardson. “We just need the win.”
The Canucks have a habit of playing down to lower-level opposition. They have lost to weaker teams like Buffalo and Arizona while needing critical points to improve their post-season chances.
The Leafs shape up as another visiting club that could again steal the show in Vancouver. Richardson warned that they are desperate to win as they fight for jobs and new contracts in advance of next season.
Goaltender Eddie Lack said the Canucks should be wary, based on past performance against also-rans.
“We’ve been playing bad against teams below us in the standings, so we’ve gotta come out with lots of energy (Saturday) and get the crowd with us from the start,” said Lack.
He and captain Henrik Sedin expect the Leafs, who always draw a strong legion of fans clad in blue and white in Vancouver, to give the Canucks a jolt of emotion just by their presence at Rogers Arena.
“It’s always fun when the crowd gets into it,” said Lack. “It’ll probably be a crowd battle or something … in the stands. I was on the bench last year when we played the Leafs, but it was a great atmosphere and a fun game. So, hopefully, we’ll have a similar atmosphere (Saturday).”
Sedin said the Canucks must make sure they get off to a good start.
"The first five minutes, we've gotta come out and show we're not gonna let this one slip away, and not give Toronto any life," he said.
Eddie Lack gets a new backup
The Vancouver Canucks goaltending saga took another interesting twist Friday.
Rarely used backup Jacob Markstrom was dispatched to Utica of the AHL to get in some playing time while Joacim Ericsson was called up. The move puts more of an onus on temporary starter Eddie Lack to play well – and often – during the stretch drive of the NHL regular season.
“We just want to get (Markstrom) in some games, so we’re just going to switch out him and Eriksson,” said coach Willie Desjardins. “We just thought it was best for (Markstrom) to get a couple games, and he’ll be coming back.”
Goaltenders have been the talk of the town in Vancouver on an almost daily basis in recent years. Just the characters have changed.
Markstrom struggled in his lone start with the Canucks on March 3, allowing three goals on four shots before he was pulled in a loss to San Jose. Lack has appeared in 10 straight games since starter Ryan Miller was sidelined with a knee injury Feb. 22 against the New York Islanders.
Ericsson, a 24-year-old Gavle, Sweden native, who signed as a free agent with Vancouver prior to the 2013-14 season, is expected to serve solely as a backup and practice goalie. Lack should continue to start each game, including Saturday’s home contest against the woeful Toronto Maple Leafs, until Markstrom is back from the minors or Miller is healthy enough to play.
Ericsson is up on an emergency basis, and Markstrom will have that status again when he comes back.
The Canucks (38-25-4) are coming off a 4-0 loss to the Los Angeles Kings as they fight to hold on to a playoff spot in the ultra-tight Western Conference. Lack is 5-3-1 in his last nine games and 10-9-3 overall with a 2.48 goals-against average. Lack's increasingly heavy workload could see him meet or surpass the 41 games he played last season as a rookie, but he is not worried about fatigue.
“I try to get my reps in at practice and everything like that and not to think too much about the next game or try to serve energy,” he said. “I just try to go as hard, as I can – and that gets me ready.”
Note_Ericsson did not arrive in time for practice Friday, so a Canucks staff member filled in as the second goalie.
Rarely used backup Jacob Markstrom was dispatched to Utica of the AHL to get in some playing time while Joacim Ericsson was called up. The move puts more of an onus on temporary starter Eddie Lack to play well – and often – during the stretch drive of the NHL regular season.
“We just want to get (Markstrom) in some games, so we’re just going to switch out him and Eriksson,” said coach Willie Desjardins. “We just thought it was best for (Markstrom) to get a couple games, and he’ll be coming back.”
Goaltenders have been the talk of the town in Vancouver on an almost daily basis in recent years. Just the characters have changed.
Markstrom struggled in his lone start with the Canucks on March 3, allowing three goals on four shots before he was pulled in a loss to San Jose. Lack has appeared in 10 straight games since starter Ryan Miller was sidelined with a knee injury Feb. 22 against the New York Islanders.
Ericsson, a 24-year-old Gavle, Sweden native, who signed as a free agent with Vancouver prior to the 2013-14 season, is expected to serve solely as a backup and practice goalie. Lack should continue to start each game, including Saturday’s home contest against the woeful Toronto Maple Leafs, until Markstrom is back from the minors or Miller is healthy enough to play.
Ericsson is up on an emergency basis, and Markstrom will have that status again when he comes back.
The Canucks (38-25-4) are coming off a 4-0 loss to the Los Angeles Kings as they fight to hold on to a playoff spot in the ultra-tight Western Conference. Lack is 5-3-1 in his last nine games and 10-9-3 overall with a 2.48 goals-against average. Lack's increasingly heavy workload could see him meet or surpass the 41 games he played last season as a rookie, but he is not worried about fatigue.
“I try to get my reps in at practice and everything like that and not to think too much about the next game or try to serve energy,” he said. “I just try to go as hard, as I can – and that gets me ready.”
Note_Ericsson did not arrive in time for practice Friday, so a Canucks staff member filled in as the second goalie.
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Eddie Lack welcomes heavy workload
Eddie Lack has a chance to set some new benchmarks this season – and they won’t be pant scuffs which come from sitting as a Vancouver Canucks backup goaltender.
Contrary to early-season expectations, Lack could surpass – and will definitely approach – the 41 games played total that he reached last season as a rookie following Roberto Luongo’s trade to Florida. Lack, who has been excelling lately, could also produce new career bests in goals-against average and save percentage.
He made his 10th consecutive appearance as Vancouver hosted the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday night in a game that had plenty of playoff implications. As far as Lack’s activity level goes, it’s more of the same as the second half of 2013-14 as he fills in for injured starter Ryan Miller. Lack has played in 28 games, including Thursday’s affair, and Vancouver has 15 regular-season games remaining following that contest. But, this season is dramatically different, with the Canucks showing the ability to compete most nights – at least when they’re not slacking off against playoff also-rans like Buffalo and Arizona – and Lack’s enjoyment level is considerably higher than it was a year ago.
“It was still fun last year when I played a lot,” he said. “Obviously, it’s way more fun when you win, and it’s a way better atmosphere in the locker-room when you get the results you want. So, obviously, it’s a lot more fun this year.”
Vancouver coach Willie Desjardins told reporters that Miller, who suffered a knee injury Feb. 22 against the New York Islanders, is still at least two or three weeks away from returning to the lineup. Minor-league call-up Jacob Markstrom struggled in his lone start, March 3, as he allowed three goals on four shots before he was pulled in a loss to San Jose.
Barring a drastic turn of events, Lack will start all but a few games until Miller comes back, presuming he does. But Lack, 27, feels ready for the high workload, which will rarely allow for more than one day of rest between games. Last season showed him how he needed to prepare physically for the upcoming grind.
“I feel like I took care of myself last year, too,” he said. “It’s just a matter of getting energy back and getting everything feeling loose and stuff like that after the game. So it’s not really a day off. It’s more a recovery day, if you know what I mean.”
Last season’s ordeal, when he was battling a back injury but still playing as the Canucks tried to turn a disaster into a respectable finish before missing the playoffs, also prepared him mentally for the difficult task ahead.
“Win or lose, you still have to come to the rink the next day and be the same old Eddie and not be too sad about the day before or too happy,” he said. “I feel that I’m good at putting myself down when I have to and bringing myself up when I have to.”
Although the Canucks have held on to a playoff position for most of the season, there is still no guarantee they will qualify for the post-season as the Kings and Calgary Flames apply considerable pressure.
Time will tell whether Lack can back up his words with action, but there’s no doubt that he will get the opportunity to prove himself often. Miller has been seen limping at Rogers Arena lately, and he faces a severe battle to get back within three weeks. There is about a month to go before the end of the regular season.
So Lack might wind up being the post-season starter – if he can help the Canucks qualify.
Contrary to early-season expectations, Lack could surpass – and will definitely approach – the 41 games played total that he reached last season as a rookie following Roberto Luongo’s trade to Florida. Lack, who has been excelling lately, could also produce new career bests in goals-against average and save percentage.
He made his 10th consecutive appearance as Vancouver hosted the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday night in a game that had plenty of playoff implications. As far as Lack’s activity level goes, it’s more of the same as the second half of 2013-14 as he fills in for injured starter Ryan Miller. Lack has played in 28 games, including Thursday’s affair, and Vancouver has 15 regular-season games remaining following that contest. But, this season is dramatically different, with the Canucks showing the ability to compete most nights – at least when they’re not slacking off against playoff also-rans like Buffalo and Arizona – and Lack’s enjoyment level is considerably higher than it was a year ago.
“It was still fun last year when I played a lot,” he said. “Obviously, it’s way more fun when you win, and it’s a way better atmosphere in the locker-room when you get the results you want. So, obviously, it’s a lot more fun this year.”
Vancouver coach Willie Desjardins told reporters that Miller, who suffered a knee injury Feb. 22 against the New York Islanders, is still at least two or three weeks away from returning to the lineup. Minor-league call-up Jacob Markstrom struggled in his lone start, March 3, as he allowed three goals on four shots before he was pulled in a loss to San Jose.
Barring a drastic turn of events, Lack will start all but a few games until Miller comes back, presuming he does. But Lack, 27, feels ready for the high workload, which will rarely allow for more than one day of rest between games. Last season showed him how he needed to prepare physically for the upcoming grind.
“I feel like I took care of myself last year, too,” he said. “It’s just a matter of getting energy back and getting everything feeling loose and stuff like that after the game. So it’s not really a day off. It’s more a recovery day, if you know what I mean.”
Last season’s ordeal, when he was battling a back injury but still playing as the Canucks tried to turn a disaster into a respectable finish before missing the playoffs, also prepared him mentally for the difficult task ahead.
“Win or lose, you still have to come to the rink the next day and be the same old Eddie and not be too sad about the day before or too happy,” he said. “I feel that I’m good at putting myself down when I have to and bringing myself up when I have to.”
Although the Canucks have held on to a playoff position for most of the season, there is still no guarantee they will qualify for the post-season as the Kings and Calgary Flames apply considerable pressure.
Time will tell whether Lack can back up his words with action, but there’s no doubt that he will get the opportunity to prove himself often. Miller has been seen limping at Rogers Arena lately, and he faces a severe battle to get back within three weeks. There is about a month to go before the end of the regular season.
So Lack might wind up being the post-season starter – if he can help the Canucks qualify.
Drew Doughty enjoying Kings' playoff push
The Los Angeles Kings are working hard to get into the Stanley Cup playoffs – and that means Drew Doughty is at risk, as usual, of being overworked.
But the L.A. defenceman was not complaining as the Kings prepared to visit the Vancouver Canucks in the first of three stretch-run games between the rivals, which could very well determine post-season positions.
“I enjoy, obviously, playing lots of minutes and playing in all situations,” he said. “I love being counted on out there. When the pressure situations arise, I feel like I perform the best. I think I’ve done a pretty good job at it, but we’ve still got a lot of games left and I have to continue to elevate my game and play even better.”
Doughty was averaging 29:23 before the contest. The Kings are relying on him to be a lynchpin, and offensive contributor, as their defence corps deals with the season-long absence of Slava Voynov, who has missed the entire season due to an ongoing domestic violence case. Rearguard Alec Martinez who has been limited to 27 games due to injuries.
Doughty, a London, Ont., native who has won two Stanley Cups and two gold medals even though he is only 25, finds it unusual when he is not logging 30 to 31 minutes per game in his seventh NHL season. He is likely to become even busier in the weeks ahead. But, other than taking optional practices off and making sure he rests more on off days, he is not doing anything differently in terms of his routine.
“I’m just going with my normal routine that I’ve been doing,” he said. “This is my seventh year, so I haven’t changed too much. I’m just used to playing those minutes, so it doesn’t seem like I’m any more tired or any less tired. I’m just used to it now.”
But he is getting a bit tired of L.A.’s tendency to make a late push for a post-season berth. The Kings find themselves in a situation similar to the one in 2011-12, when they grabbed the eighth and final post-season berth in the Western Conference. They won the first of their two Stanley Cups in three seasons. Many NHLers contend the Kings do what they do because it’s impossible to maintain their highly physical style and strong late-season play for a full 82-game campaign.
Now, with most of their remaining games on the road, the Kings must win in other teams’ rinks. Doughty believes there is a better way.
“We never think we leave it too late, but we never want to do that, either,” he said. “We want to be able to start off the season hot and, hopefully, be in first place. That’s our big goal. We never really (say): ‘Yeah, let’s just take a break and then we’ll turn it on at the end of the season.’ It doesn’t happen that way. So we’re unhappy that we’re in the position that we’re in now. We need to do something about it and get in the playoffs.”
Coach Darryl Sutter noted that about half his roster does not have experience in Stanley Cup and conference finals that the other half possesses. Some good teams will make the playoffs and some good teams won’t, he added in his usual understated way.
To get in, the Kings will have to outperform the Canucks and Calgary Flames in four games remaining between the teams after Thursday.
“We really had to put a mark on these division games coming up at the end of the season,” said Doughty. “We need to win them in order to be in the playoffs, and they’re big four-point games.”
Despite the difficulty of the situation, he is enjoying the task.
“This is a fun time of the year,” he said. “Obviously, besides playoffs, to be able to, hopefully, get to the playoffs is the most fun. You just have to work hard and win games. We love this time of year, and this is a time when our team starts to play better – so we’re looking forward to it.”
But the L.A. defenceman was not complaining as the Kings prepared to visit the Vancouver Canucks in the first of three stretch-run games between the rivals, which could very well determine post-season positions.
“I enjoy, obviously, playing lots of minutes and playing in all situations,” he said. “I love being counted on out there. When the pressure situations arise, I feel like I perform the best. I think I’ve done a pretty good job at it, but we’ve still got a lot of games left and I have to continue to elevate my game and play even better.”
Doughty was averaging 29:23 before the contest. The Kings are relying on him to be a lynchpin, and offensive contributor, as their defence corps deals with the season-long absence of Slava Voynov, who has missed the entire season due to an ongoing domestic violence case. Rearguard Alec Martinez who has been limited to 27 games due to injuries.
Doughty, a London, Ont., native who has won two Stanley Cups and two gold medals even though he is only 25, finds it unusual when he is not logging 30 to 31 minutes per game in his seventh NHL season. He is likely to become even busier in the weeks ahead. But, other than taking optional practices off and making sure he rests more on off days, he is not doing anything differently in terms of his routine.
“I’m just going with my normal routine that I’ve been doing,” he said. “This is my seventh year, so I haven’t changed too much. I’m just used to playing those minutes, so it doesn’t seem like I’m any more tired or any less tired. I’m just used to it now.”
But he is getting a bit tired of L.A.’s tendency to make a late push for a post-season berth. The Kings find themselves in a situation similar to the one in 2011-12, when they grabbed the eighth and final post-season berth in the Western Conference. They won the first of their two Stanley Cups in three seasons. Many NHLers contend the Kings do what they do because it’s impossible to maintain their highly physical style and strong late-season play for a full 82-game campaign.
Now, with most of their remaining games on the road, the Kings must win in other teams’ rinks. Doughty believes there is a better way.
“We never think we leave it too late, but we never want to do that, either,” he said. “We want to be able to start off the season hot and, hopefully, be in first place. That’s our big goal. We never really (say): ‘Yeah, let’s just take a break and then we’ll turn it on at the end of the season.’ It doesn’t happen that way. So we’re unhappy that we’re in the position that we’re in now. We need to do something about it and get in the playoffs.”
Coach Darryl Sutter noted that about half his roster does not have experience in Stanley Cup and conference finals that the other half possesses. Some good teams will make the playoffs and some good teams won’t, he added in his usual understated way.
To get in, the Kings will have to outperform the Canucks and Calgary Flames in four games remaining between the teams after Thursday.
“We really had to put a mark on these division games coming up at the end of the season,” said Doughty. “We need to win them in order to be in the playoffs, and they’re big four-point games.”
Despite the difficulty of the situation, he is enjoying the task.
“This is a fun time of the year,” he said. “Obviously, besides playoffs, to be able to, hopefully, get to the playoffs is the most fun. You just have to work hard and win games. We love this time of year, and this is a time when our team starts to play better – so we’re looking forward to it.”
Saturday, March 7, 2015
Whitecaps remain a mystery as season begins
The Vancouver Whitecaps gave fans what they wanted in the first half of their 2015 MLS season opener.
In the second half? Not so much.
Sheer excitement turned into utter disappointment in the second half as the Whitecaps fell 3-1 to Toronto FC before a sellout crowd of 21,210 at B.C. Place.
“First half, there was really only one team in it,” said Vancouver coach Carl Robinson. “We could have scored a couple of goals, didn’t, scored one goal. Second half, I think they used their experience to keep the ball, and we just didn’t react right in the second half, so we take it on the chin.”
As a result, the Whitecaps lost an MLS season opener for the first time in five campaigns, while also suffering their first-ever home loss to TFC.
“I actually enjoyed watching it after 45 minutes,” said Robinson. “I’m probably like you. In the second half, I was pulling my little bit of hair that I’ve got left.”
Newcomer Raul Octavio Rivero scored a spectacular goal in the 19th minute as he ran onto a lead ball from defender Pa-Modou Kah and beat Toronto goalkeeper Joe Bendik with a left-footed strike. The goal made up for a chance earlier when a wide open Rivero stumbled on the ball after running onto it for a clear chance just steps from the net.
The Whitecaps dominated even after Jozy Altidore scored the first of his two goals, in the 32nd minute as he ran on to a through ball in the box and then went around Vancouver goalkeeper David Ousted. But, after posting eight attempts on goal in the first half, the Whitecaps managed only five in the second half – while Toronto had 10 and finished with 15 compared to Vancouver’s total of 13.
“They take their chances and we don’t take our chances – and that’s what the game is about,” lamented Robinson. “The game is not about what you do in the middle third. It’s about what you do in the box.”
The outcome was effectively decided when Robbie Findley put in Sebastian Giovinco’s pass from along the goal line in the 59th minute. Altidore’s second goal of the game, which came on a penalty-kick in the 85th minute after Kah took him down with a high tackle in the Vancouver area, was akin to a kick in the gut.
“If I sat here and said to you that I’m going to win every game this year, you’d look at me funny, because we’re not gonna win every game,” said Robinson. “But we’ll try and play the right way, and in the first half, we played the right way. We played the way I wanted to play – an attacking brand of soccer. Second half, we didn’t. It was like we were void of ideas in certain areas.”
Kah could have been more imaginative as he tried to defend Altidore on the the play that led to Altidore’s goal. The Whitecaps centre back disputed the call, contending that Altidore leaned into him, but Kah really did not have much of an argument, considering how high his legs were on Altidore.
He did not refute his team's sub-par play in the final 45 minutes, though.
“In the first half, we played very good,” he said. “We played a high-pressing line. We were winning the balls. But in the second half, we forgot to play which is part of our game. We didn’t play well enough. We allowed them to play, and when you allow teams to play …
“Toronto are quality players, and they will start to play and dominate. I think we let ourselves down, because we didn’t finish our chances in the first half.”
Accordingly, Kah took little consolation from his assist on Rivero’s goal.
“I’m delighted that I did assist, but for me that doesn’t count – because we didn’t win the game,” said Kah.
Robinson said teams learn much more from a loss than a win, and he will have plenty of things to consider, including: A supposedly high-powered offence that quickly became anemic, poor passing that he cited as a concern and the failure of players to link up effectively as Vancouver attempted to move forward.
Captain Pedro Morales was off form, Kekuta Manneh showed flashes of brilliance as he attempted to run at players with the ball – but had no teammates to dish it off to. Meanwhile, Vancouver's midfield was out of sync, Rivero became obscure after his early heroics and three Vancouver substitutions generated little in the way of energy or scoring chances.
But, fortunately, the Whitecaps, who returned to the playoffs last season after a one-year absence, have 33 more games to get things right. Canadian international midfielder Russell Teibert said the Caps strayed from the things they do well – making good passes, creating scoring chances and being clinical in the final third of the pitch, but he is willing to be patient.
“We can break down teams,” said Teibert. “We showed that in the first half we can do it at will, and we dominated in the first half of the game. Those are all positive things. If we can do that over the course of 90 minutes, we’ll give ourselves a good chance (to win.)”
But until they can do so consistently, the 2015 edition of the Whitecaps will remain a mystery without a good ending.
In the second half? Not so much.
Sheer excitement turned into utter disappointment in the second half as the Whitecaps fell 3-1 to Toronto FC before a sellout crowd of 21,210 at B.C. Place.
“First half, there was really only one team in it,” said Vancouver coach Carl Robinson. “We could have scored a couple of goals, didn’t, scored one goal. Second half, I think they used their experience to keep the ball, and we just didn’t react right in the second half, so we take it on the chin.”
As a result, the Whitecaps lost an MLS season opener for the first time in five campaigns, while also suffering their first-ever home loss to TFC.
“I actually enjoyed watching it after 45 minutes,” said Robinson. “I’m probably like you. In the second half, I was pulling my little bit of hair that I’ve got left.”
Newcomer Raul Octavio Rivero scored a spectacular goal in the 19th minute as he ran onto a lead ball from defender Pa-Modou Kah and beat Toronto goalkeeper Joe Bendik with a left-footed strike. The goal made up for a chance earlier when a wide open Rivero stumbled on the ball after running onto it for a clear chance just steps from the net.
The Whitecaps dominated even after Jozy Altidore scored the first of his two goals, in the 32nd minute as he ran on to a through ball in the box and then went around Vancouver goalkeeper David Ousted. But, after posting eight attempts on goal in the first half, the Whitecaps managed only five in the second half – while Toronto had 10 and finished with 15 compared to Vancouver’s total of 13.
“They take their chances and we don’t take our chances – and that’s what the game is about,” lamented Robinson. “The game is not about what you do in the middle third. It’s about what you do in the box.”
The outcome was effectively decided when Robbie Findley put in Sebastian Giovinco’s pass from along the goal line in the 59th minute. Altidore’s second goal of the game, which came on a penalty-kick in the 85th minute after Kah took him down with a high tackle in the Vancouver area, was akin to a kick in the gut.
“If I sat here and said to you that I’m going to win every game this year, you’d look at me funny, because we’re not gonna win every game,” said Robinson. “But we’ll try and play the right way, and in the first half, we played the right way. We played the way I wanted to play – an attacking brand of soccer. Second half, we didn’t. It was like we were void of ideas in certain areas.”
Kah could have been more imaginative as he tried to defend Altidore on the the play that led to Altidore’s goal. The Whitecaps centre back disputed the call, contending that Altidore leaned into him, but Kah really did not have much of an argument, considering how high his legs were on Altidore.
He did not refute his team's sub-par play in the final 45 minutes, though.
“In the first half, we played very good,” he said. “We played a high-pressing line. We were winning the balls. But in the second half, we forgot to play which is part of our game. We didn’t play well enough. We allowed them to play, and when you allow teams to play …
“Toronto are quality players, and they will start to play and dominate. I think we let ourselves down, because we didn’t finish our chances in the first half.”
Accordingly, Kah took little consolation from his assist on Rivero’s goal.
“I’m delighted that I did assist, but for me that doesn’t count – because we didn’t win the game,” said Kah.
Robinson said teams learn much more from a loss than a win, and he will have plenty of things to consider, including: A supposedly high-powered offence that quickly became anemic, poor passing that he cited as a concern and the failure of players to link up effectively as Vancouver attempted to move forward.
Captain Pedro Morales was off form, Kekuta Manneh showed flashes of brilliance as he attempted to run at players with the ball – but had no teammates to dish it off to. Meanwhile, Vancouver's midfield was out of sync, Rivero became obscure after his early heroics and three Vancouver substitutions generated little in the way of energy or scoring chances.
But, fortunately, the Whitecaps, who returned to the playoffs last season after a one-year absence, have 33 more games to get things right. Canadian international midfielder Russell Teibert said the Caps strayed from the things they do well – making good passes, creating scoring chances and being clinical in the final third of the pitch, but he is willing to be patient.
“We can break down teams,” said Teibert. “We showed that in the first half we can do it at will, and we dominated in the first half of the game. Those are all positive things. If we can do that over the course of 90 minutes, we’ll give ourselves a good chance (to win.)”
But until they can do so consistently, the 2015 edition of the Whitecaps will remain a mystery without a good ending.
Friday, March 6, 2015
TFC and Whitecaps glad to avoid MLS players strike
Members of Toronto FC and the Vancouver Whitecaps felt the usual excitement before the day before the start of a new Major League Soccer season Friday – but they were also relieved to have narrowly avoided a players strike.
“There were a number of times when we all thought that we weren’t going to be playing this weekend,” said TFC midfielder Michael Bradley.
The MLS players union and league agreed to a new collective agreement Wednesday after players prepare to vote on a work stoppage, enabling Saturday's season opener between TFC and the Whitecaps to go ahead.
“It’s been a long process – in every way – preparing our union, our group of players -- to be ready for what was going to transpire this last week,” said Bradley. “It has felt like an eternity. I was only in D.C. Monday and came back and was in Toronto with the group. Joe (Bendik) and Stevie (Caldwell) were there (in Washington) all week, and I can only imagine how long it felt for them.”
Highlights of the deal include an elevated minimum salary and unrestricted free agency for players based on age and number of seasons played in MLS Bradley indicated that neither players nor owners came away from the bargaining table happy with the new deal.
“There’s a lot that goes into it from every angle – the players, the league, to the owners,” he said. “And in the end, I feel that there probably isn’t anybody that thinks it’s a perfect deal on any side. But at the end of the day, it still is a deal that allows for football to be played and for the league to continue to grow. And, at the end of the day, that’s what matters most. The fans are the real winners.”
Caldwell said the negotiations were very difficult and intense. MLS has numerous restrictions on salary, designated player status and playing rights. For example, players who are released can go back into a draft and be picked up by another team.
“(The CBA in MLS) is so alien to the guys that it’s hard for them to wrap their heads around,” said Caldwell. “It’s a completely different experience playing here with it being a similar league, and having the difficulties that we have, to try and increase salary caps and minimums – and allow players to choose where they play football for fair market value. And that’s been a difficult process for everybody concerned, and that includes the MLS and the clubs.”
The new deal means that MLS will begin in its 20th season on time, and labour negotiations players and owners will probably never be the same.
“It seems they wanted to avoid a work stoppage, which we’re pleased to say that we have,” said Caldwell. “It would not have been a good experience for everybody involved, but we were willing to undertake that, if we had to, to get to an agreement which was acceptable.”
“There were a number of times when we all thought that we weren’t going to be playing this weekend,” said TFC midfielder Michael Bradley.
The MLS players union and league agreed to a new collective agreement Wednesday after players prepare to vote on a work stoppage, enabling Saturday's season opener between TFC and the Whitecaps to go ahead.
“It’s been a long process – in every way – preparing our union, our group of players -- to be ready for what was going to transpire this last week,” said Bradley. “It has felt like an eternity. I was only in D.C. Monday and came back and was in Toronto with the group. Joe (Bendik) and Stevie (Caldwell) were there (in Washington) all week, and I can only imagine how long it felt for them.”
Highlights of the deal include an elevated minimum salary and unrestricted free agency for players based on age and number of seasons played in MLS Bradley indicated that neither players nor owners came away from the bargaining table happy with the new deal.
“There’s a lot that goes into it from every angle – the players, the league, to the owners,” he said. “And in the end, I feel that there probably isn’t anybody that thinks it’s a perfect deal on any side. But at the end of the day, it still is a deal that allows for football to be played and for the league to continue to grow. And, at the end of the day, that’s what matters most. The fans are the real winners.”
Caldwell said the negotiations were very difficult and intense. MLS has numerous restrictions on salary, designated player status and playing rights. For example, players who are released can go back into a draft and be picked up by another team.
“(The CBA in MLS) is so alien to the guys that it’s hard for them to wrap their heads around,” said Caldwell. “It’s a completely different experience playing here with it being a similar league, and having the difficulties that we have, to try and increase salary caps and minimums – and allow players to choose where they play football for fair market value. And that’s been a difficult process for everybody concerned, and that includes the MLS and the clubs.”
The new deal means that MLS will begin in its 20th season on time, and labour negotiations players and owners will probably never be the same.
“It seems they wanted to avoid a work stoppage, which we’re pleased to say that we have,” said Caldwell. “It would not have been a good experience for everybody involved, but we were willing to undertake that, if we had to, to get to an agreement which was acceptable.”
B.C. Lions prospects get glimpse of Grey Cup weather
Free agent tryout camps don’t usually provide many ways to simulate the conditions of a CFL game, but the B.C. Lions caught a break Friday.
A bad weather break, that is.
Snow was on the ground and temperatures were in the single digits as more than 40 hopefuls took to the field at a Lions free agent camp in the Dallas suburb of Bedford, Tex.
“We’ve dealt with odd weather in the past, but this is definitely a first,” said Lions general maanger Wally Buono in a news release. “They don’t get the white stuff down here very often, so I guess it’s only fitting that a Canadian football team was clearing snow off a field prior to a workout.”
As the wily release writer noted: “The team’s first free agent camp of 2015 had a Grey Cup feel to say the least.”
Well, maybe not when you consider some of the divergent talent levels that were likely present. But, for any players that might get a contract, the weather was likely similar to what they could expect in the CFL come fall.
Lions head coach Jeff Tedford, defensive coordinator Mark Washington, offensive coordinator George Cortez and members of the club’s football operations department including Neil McEvoy, Ryan Rigmaiden and Geroy Simon evaluated the players on hand, hoping the cold could yield a hot prospect.
“The conditions weren’t ideal, but playing conditions during the season often aren’t ideal either, so we’re seeing how these guys deal with adversity at a very important time,” said Tedford, who is preparing for his first season at the B.C. helm. “The opportunity to play professional football is absolutely critical in the lives of these young men, and I was very impressed with the level of ability, execution and effort we saw today. It was a great first camp.”
It was the first of five Lions free agent camps to be held this spring. Last year, B.C. invited several such camp attendees to main training camp and one, defensive back Torri Williams, appeared in 16 games in 2014.
The Lions will host another free agent workout in Las Vegas on in Sunday and Atlanta, Washington D.C. and Seattle in coming weeks – snow or no snow. Buono and company will keep their eyes out for a defensive lineman, offensive lineman and defensive back.
Some of the better prospects will get invitations to the club's main camp in June and maybe even a contract. If anyone stays, he will get to find out what real CFL game conditions are like.
A bad weather break, that is.
Snow was on the ground and temperatures were in the single digits as more than 40 hopefuls took to the field at a Lions free agent camp in the Dallas suburb of Bedford, Tex.
“We’ve dealt with odd weather in the past, but this is definitely a first,” said Lions general maanger Wally Buono in a news release. “They don’t get the white stuff down here very often, so I guess it’s only fitting that a Canadian football team was clearing snow off a field prior to a workout.”
As the wily release writer noted: “The team’s first free agent camp of 2015 had a Grey Cup feel to say the least.”
Well, maybe not when you consider some of the divergent talent levels that were likely present. But, for any players that might get a contract, the weather was likely similar to what they could expect in the CFL come fall.
Lions head coach Jeff Tedford, defensive coordinator Mark Washington, offensive coordinator George Cortez and members of the club’s football operations department including Neil McEvoy, Ryan Rigmaiden and Geroy Simon evaluated the players on hand, hoping the cold could yield a hot prospect.
“The conditions weren’t ideal, but playing conditions during the season often aren’t ideal either, so we’re seeing how these guys deal with adversity at a very important time,” said Tedford, who is preparing for his first season at the B.C. helm. “The opportunity to play professional football is absolutely critical in the lives of these young men, and I was very impressed with the level of ability, execution and effort we saw today. It was a great first camp.”
It was the first of five Lions free agent camps to be held this spring. Last year, B.C. invited several such camp attendees to main training camp and one, defensive back Torri Williams, appeared in 16 games in 2014.
The Lions will host another free agent workout in Las Vegas on in Sunday and Atlanta, Washington D.C. and Seattle in coming weeks – snow or no snow. Buono and company will keep their eyes out for a defensive lineman, offensive lineman and defensive back.
Some of the better prospects will get invitations to the club's main camp in June and maybe even a contract. If anyone stays, he will get to find out what real CFL game conditions are like.
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Jacob Markstrom running out of time to prove himself
Jacob Markstrom’s long-awaited chance finally came Tuesday.
The goaltender drew a starting assignment with the Vancouver Canucks for the first time since April 13, 2014 in a win over Calgary. Suffice it to say it meant a lot to the 25-year-old Gavle, Sweden native, who has been an afterthought most of the time since he was acquired from the Florida Panthers last March as part of the Roberto Luongo deal.
“This is where I want to be,” said Markstrom before the Canucks faced the San Jose Sharks at Rogers Arena. “That’s why I’m over here (from Sweden). It’s everybody’s dream to play in the NHL. When you get the chance, you’ve gotta take it and show people.”
Markstrom, recalled from Utica of the AHL as a result of Ryan Miller’s knee injury, has spent most of this season in the minors, where he has put together a 17-7-2 record mark, sparkling 1.95 goals-against average and four shutouts. The standout play earned him a berth in the AHL all-star game.
“I feel really relaxed and confident on the ice while playing games,” he said. “I can’t wait to get out there.”
This season has contrasted sharply with last spring, when he served as a backup with the Canucks but only played after Vancouver was eliminated from playoff contention. Still, he has had to deal with an injury and being placed on waivers when the Canucks demoted him at the start of the season. For the past two seasons, he has shuffled between the NHL and the minors.
“It’s obviously been challenging, but all this year I’ve been as positive as I can be,” he said. “If I start nagging and complaining, it’s gonna hurt my game on the ice. But I’ve been super-positive. I think that’s why my game has been pretty good down in the minor league. You’ve gotta perform on the AHL level to be able to get a sniff up here. I’m just happy for this opportunity and, hopefully, I’ll get some more starts soon.”
Markstrom believes the positive thinking has helped him elevate his game to a fairly higher level than where it used to be.
“I just stop more pucks than I used to do,” he said. “So that’s a good thing for a goalie. (I’m) just working hard. It started this summer. I just felt really good off the ice strength-and-conditioning-wise. It really showed up on the ice, too.
“And, obviously, Rollie (Melanson, the Canucks goaltender coach) helped me a lot and Dan Cloutier (a Canucks roving goaltender and development coach) down in Utica, too. (Cloutier) is really good. Obviously, he’s has been an all-star goalie at this level. He knows what it takes and he knows the challenges that a goalie goes through off and on the ice, and the mental states, and even technical (matters). And, (he’s) got a good feeling of what it takes to get ready – if I should get bag-skated for an hour or if I should get a hug or something. He had a really good feel for coaching down there.”
Markstrom has backstopped Utica to first place in their division. Now, the Canucks hope he and Eddie Lack, the starter in wake of Miller’s injury, can help them secure a post-season berth.
Coach Willie Desjardins said it was important for Lack to get a rest after he gave the Canucks a shootout win over St. Louis on Sunday and played well on an eastern road trip on which the Canucks went 3-2.
“And, I think, for us, Markstrom’s played well in Utica, so we just want to see where he’s at,” said Desjardins.
Evaluation of Markstrom will be critical for both 2015 playoff and future purposes. Either he or Lack, a fellow Swede and close friend, will depart Vancouver in the summer, and general manager Jim Benning must figure out which one he wants to keep.
Lack is due to become an unrestricted free agent, and appears unlikely to stay given that he will have some market value and should be in for a fairly significant raise.
By electing to keep Lack at this year’s trade deadline, the Canucks must re-sign him or risk losing him for nothing, but he now has a strong say in determining his future. His desire to be a full-time starter in the near future will likely trump all factors. He can’t become a No. 1 unless Miller’s status changes, and the Canucks are committed to him contractually for two more seasons after this one.
Markstrom, a pending restricted free agent, is easier for the Canucks to lock up because he is unlikely to receive an offer from another team. In such case, Vancouver would have to be compensated, and Markstrom is still largely unproven at the NHL level. However, Benning will likely not hesitate to let Markstrom go if he is not satisfied with his play. The GM should have no difficulty finding a veteran backup for Miller on the trade or free agent market in the summer.
So it’s critical for Markstrom, who went 1-2 with the Canucks in four appearances last season, to get a chance to prove his worth – because he’s running out of time to do so.
That’s another reason Tuesday’s long-awaited chance to start again was significant.
The goaltender drew a starting assignment with the Vancouver Canucks for the first time since April 13, 2014 in a win over Calgary. Suffice it to say it meant a lot to the 25-year-old Gavle, Sweden native, who has been an afterthought most of the time since he was acquired from the Florida Panthers last March as part of the Roberto Luongo deal.
“This is where I want to be,” said Markstrom before the Canucks faced the San Jose Sharks at Rogers Arena. “That’s why I’m over here (from Sweden). It’s everybody’s dream to play in the NHL. When you get the chance, you’ve gotta take it and show people.”
Markstrom, recalled from Utica of the AHL as a result of Ryan Miller’s knee injury, has spent most of this season in the minors, where he has put together a 17-7-2 record mark, sparkling 1.95 goals-against average and four shutouts. The standout play earned him a berth in the AHL all-star game.
“I feel really relaxed and confident on the ice while playing games,” he said. “I can’t wait to get out there.”
This season has contrasted sharply with last spring, when he served as a backup with the Canucks but only played after Vancouver was eliminated from playoff contention. Still, he has had to deal with an injury and being placed on waivers when the Canucks demoted him at the start of the season. For the past two seasons, he has shuffled between the NHL and the minors.
“It’s obviously been challenging, but all this year I’ve been as positive as I can be,” he said. “If I start nagging and complaining, it’s gonna hurt my game on the ice. But I’ve been super-positive. I think that’s why my game has been pretty good down in the minor league. You’ve gotta perform on the AHL level to be able to get a sniff up here. I’m just happy for this opportunity and, hopefully, I’ll get some more starts soon.”
Markstrom believes the positive thinking has helped him elevate his game to a fairly higher level than where it used to be.
“I just stop more pucks than I used to do,” he said. “So that’s a good thing for a goalie. (I’m) just working hard. It started this summer. I just felt really good off the ice strength-and-conditioning-wise. It really showed up on the ice, too.
“And, obviously, Rollie (Melanson, the Canucks goaltender coach) helped me a lot and Dan Cloutier (a Canucks roving goaltender and development coach) down in Utica, too. (Cloutier) is really good. Obviously, he’s has been an all-star goalie at this level. He knows what it takes and he knows the challenges that a goalie goes through off and on the ice, and the mental states, and even technical (matters). And, (he’s) got a good feeling of what it takes to get ready – if I should get bag-skated for an hour or if I should get a hug or something. He had a really good feel for coaching down there.”
Markstrom has backstopped Utica to first place in their division. Now, the Canucks hope he and Eddie Lack, the starter in wake of Miller’s injury, can help them secure a post-season berth.
Coach Willie Desjardins said it was important for Lack to get a rest after he gave the Canucks a shootout win over St. Louis on Sunday and played well on an eastern road trip on which the Canucks went 3-2.
“And, I think, for us, Markstrom’s played well in Utica, so we just want to see where he’s at,” said Desjardins.
Evaluation of Markstrom will be critical for both 2015 playoff and future purposes. Either he or Lack, a fellow Swede and close friend, will depart Vancouver in the summer, and general manager Jim Benning must figure out which one he wants to keep.
Lack is due to become an unrestricted free agent, and appears unlikely to stay given that he will have some market value and should be in for a fairly significant raise.
By electing to keep Lack at this year’s trade deadline, the Canucks must re-sign him or risk losing him for nothing, but he now has a strong say in determining his future. His desire to be a full-time starter in the near future will likely trump all factors. He can’t become a No. 1 unless Miller’s status changes, and the Canucks are committed to him contractually for two more seasons after this one.
Markstrom, a pending restricted free agent, is easier for the Canucks to lock up because he is unlikely to receive an offer from another team. In such case, Vancouver would have to be compensated, and Markstrom is still largely unproven at the NHL level. However, Benning will likely not hesitate to let Markstrom go if he is not satisfied with his play. The GM should have no difficulty finding a veteran backup for Miller on the trade or free agent market in the summer.
So it’s critical for Markstrom, who went 1-2 with the Canucks in four appearances last season, to get a chance to prove his worth – because he’s running out of time to do so.
That’s another reason Tuesday’s long-awaited chance to start again was significant.
Derek Dorsett eager to remain a Canuck
Derek Dorsett admits he “would be lying” if he said he wasn’t worried about being moved at the NHL trading deadline.
The Vancouver Canucks winger had reason to be concerned, because he is a pending unrestricted free agent. In such cases, teams like to get assets at the deadline – in the form of players or draft picks – in order to avoid losing established veterans for nothing in return.
A day after the deadline had passed, Dorsett was relieved that he remained a Canuck.
“Obviously, this is my first time being a UFA going into a deadline,” he said before Vancouver hosted the San Jose Sharks at Rogers Arena. “But it’s out of my control. I’ve learned, over the years. Just go with the day and, obviously, I’d be lying if (I said no.) ... But I don’t beat myself over it. If something happened, something would happen. But, obviously, it’s good to get that day over with. (Management) have shown a lot of confidence in this group, and they want to let us see what we can do, and that says a lot for this group in here.”
Dorsett was acquired in the off-season from the New Rangers for a third-round draft pick. Now, the 28-year-old Kindersley, Sask., who has also played for the Columbus Blue Jackets, hopes to remain a Canuck well beyond this summer’s July 1 free agency opening.
“Obviously, I really love it here, and my family really loves it here, too, and I like being back in Canada,” he said. “We’ll see the way things go.”
The Vancouver Canucks winger had reason to be concerned, because he is a pending unrestricted free agent. In such cases, teams like to get assets at the deadline – in the form of players or draft picks – in order to avoid losing established veterans for nothing in return.
A day after the deadline had passed, Dorsett was relieved that he remained a Canuck.
“Obviously, this is my first time being a UFA going into a deadline,” he said before Vancouver hosted the San Jose Sharks at Rogers Arena. “But it’s out of my control. I’ve learned, over the years. Just go with the day and, obviously, I’d be lying if (I said no.) ... But I don’t beat myself over it. If something happened, something would happen. But, obviously, it’s good to get that day over with. (Management) have shown a lot of confidence in this group, and they want to let us see what we can do, and that says a lot for this group in here.”
Dorsett was acquired in the off-season from the New Rangers for a third-round draft pick. Now, the 28-year-old Kindersley, Sask., who has also played for the Columbus Blue Jackets, hopes to remain a Canuck well beyond this summer’s July 1 free agency opening.
“Obviously, I really love it here, and my family really loves it here, too, and I like being back in Canada,” he said. “We’ll see the way things go.”
Zack Kassian glad to remain a Canuck
Zack Kassian has eluded the wolf for now.
The wolf was at the door as the NHL trading deadline came and went. Despite facing intense criticism and playing inconsistently for much of the season, Kassian remained a Vancouver Canuck.
“I guess I’m still here and excited to be a part of it,” Kassian said minutes before the noon Monday deadline. “It’s always a little nerve-racking, I think, for anyone. There is a lot more than just playing hockey. You have your family, your house, your condo, your cars … you have a lot of things on the go.
“I love Vancouver, love my team, love my teammates and I definitely want to be here. Obviously if the team didn’t think I fit in, or whatnot, I’d go somewhere else, but my heart is in Vancouver. We want to get into the playoffs and we want to do some damage.”
As he spoke to reporters, it was evident that Kassian was grateful for the chance to remain a Canuck. He appeared much more relaxed than he has recently when facing the media.
General manager Jim Benning admitted that he explored the possibility of trading Kassian, 24, to see whether players “of similar ilk” were available, but wound up keeping him – at least for now.
Kassian’s play has improved greatly in the past few weeks. He now finds himself on a line with Daniel and Henrik Sedin. More importantly, he’s playing with an edge and showing signs that he can produce the offence expected of him when he was acquired in the 2012 deadline-day trade that sent Cody Hodgson to Buffalo. Heading into today’s home game against San Jose, the Vancouver winger had seven goals and two assists in his previous 11 games – a much improved output from earlier in the season, when he was a healthy scratch.
But the jury – which consists of Benning, coach Willie Desjardins and president Trevor Linden – is out until Kassian shows the consistency expected from him.
The wolf was at the door as the NHL trading deadline came and went. Despite facing intense criticism and playing inconsistently for much of the season, Kassian remained a Vancouver Canuck.
“I guess I’m still here and excited to be a part of it,” Kassian said minutes before the noon Monday deadline. “It’s always a little nerve-racking, I think, for anyone. There is a lot more than just playing hockey. You have your family, your house, your condo, your cars … you have a lot of things on the go.
“I love Vancouver, love my team, love my teammates and I definitely want to be here. Obviously if the team didn’t think I fit in, or whatnot, I’d go somewhere else, but my heart is in Vancouver. We want to get into the playoffs and we want to do some damage.”
As he spoke to reporters, it was evident that Kassian was grateful for the chance to remain a Canuck. He appeared much more relaxed than he has recently when facing the media.
General manager Jim Benning admitted that he explored the possibility of trading Kassian, 24, to see whether players “of similar ilk” were available, but wound up keeping him – at least for now.
Kassian’s play has improved greatly in the past few weeks. He now finds himself on a line with Daniel and Henrik Sedin. More importantly, he’s playing with an edge and showing signs that he can produce the offence expected of him when he was acquired in the 2012 deadline-day trade that sent Cody Hodgson to Buffalo. Heading into today’s home game against San Jose, the Vancouver winger had seven goals and two assists in his previous 11 games – a much improved output from earlier in the season, when he was a healthy scratch.
But the jury – which consists of Benning, coach Willie Desjardins and president Trevor Linden – is out until Kassian shows the consistency expected from him.
Monday, March 2, 2015
Canucks GM Jim Benning differs from his peers at deadline
Vancouver Canucks general manager Jim Benning took a different approach than his peers at the NHL trade deadline.
While most GMs made moves intended to help their team win the Stanley Cup, he swung one intended to help Vancouver’s AHL farm team in Utica, N.Y., claim the Calder Cup. That was the aim as Benning, who stood pat on tweaks to his NHL roster, acquired prospect Cory Conacher from the New York Islanders for minor-leaguer Dustin Jeffrey.
“We have a good team down in Utica this year, and we have some good prospects that are developing, but we think playoff success is a good teaching tool for that group to continue to grow and to learn from,” said Benning. “We thought, maybe, we were missing a scorer, like a power-play guy, a guy that’s a natural scorer, and Conacher has proven in his AHL career that he’s a real good scorer in that league.”
Conacher, a 25-year-old Burlington, Ont., native, has played 15 games with the Islanders this season, recording three points (1-2-3) and 14 penalty minutes. He has also appeared in 28 games with the AHL’s Bridgeport Sound Tigers, collecting 22 points (5-17-22) and 30 minutes. Altogether, he has toiled in 141 career NHL games with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Ottawa Senators, Buffalo Sabres, and Islanders, recording 58 points (19-39-58) and 84 penalty minutes.
In 2011-12, Conacher produced an AHL career-high 39 goals and 41 assists for 80 points, along with 114 penalty minutes, with the Norfolk Admirals. The next season, he recorded a respectable total of 57 points in 72 games while shuffling between Syracuse of the AHL, Tampa and Ottawa.
"(Conacher) is a power-play guy, so we made that deal to help that group down there, and he’s played NHL games,” said Benning. “In case we need him (in Vancouver), we have depth with him up here.”
BWhile helping Utica now, Benning also received a potential long-term benefit, because Conacher is due to become a restricted free agent, and the Canucks can tie up his rights going forward. On the other hand, the departed Jeffrey is slated to become an unrestricted free agent.
Benning acknowledged that Conacher has the same offensive orientation as Sven Baertschi, who was acquired in Vancouver's only other trade Monday, from Calgary for a 2015 second-round draft pick, and will also report to Utica. But the style duplication didn’t bother the GM.
“Why get one of those (potentially high-scoring) guys when you can get two?” he said.
While most GMs made moves intended to help their team win the Stanley Cup, he swung one intended to help Vancouver’s AHL farm team in Utica, N.Y., claim the Calder Cup. That was the aim as Benning, who stood pat on tweaks to his NHL roster, acquired prospect Cory Conacher from the New York Islanders for minor-leaguer Dustin Jeffrey.
“We have a good team down in Utica this year, and we have some good prospects that are developing, but we think playoff success is a good teaching tool for that group to continue to grow and to learn from,” said Benning. “We thought, maybe, we were missing a scorer, like a power-play guy, a guy that’s a natural scorer, and Conacher has proven in his AHL career that he’s a real good scorer in that league.”
Conacher, a 25-year-old Burlington, Ont., native, has played 15 games with the Islanders this season, recording three points (1-2-3) and 14 penalty minutes. He has also appeared in 28 games with the AHL’s Bridgeport Sound Tigers, collecting 22 points (5-17-22) and 30 minutes. Altogether, he has toiled in 141 career NHL games with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Ottawa Senators, Buffalo Sabres, and Islanders, recording 58 points (19-39-58) and 84 penalty minutes.
In 2011-12, Conacher produced an AHL career-high 39 goals and 41 assists for 80 points, along with 114 penalty minutes, with the Norfolk Admirals. The next season, he recorded a respectable total of 57 points in 72 games while shuffling between Syracuse of the AHL, Tampa and Ottawa.
"(Conacher) is a power-play guy, so we made that deal to help that group down there, and he’s played NHL games,” said Benning. “In case we need him (in Vancouver), we have depth with him up here.”
BWhile helping Utica now, Benning also received a potential long-term benefit, because Conacher is due to become a restricted free agent, and the Canucks can tie up his rights going forward. On the other hand, the departed Jeffrey is slated to become an unrestricted free agent.
Benning acknowledged that Conacher has the same offensive orientation as Sven Baertschi, who was acquired in Vancouver's only other trade Monday, from Calgary for a 2015 second-round draft pick, and will also report to Utica. But the style duplication didn’t bother the GM.
“Why get one of those (potentially high-scoring) guys when you can get two?” he said.
Sven Baertschi trade has plenty of upside for Canucks
The Vancouver Canucks did not do much at the NHL trade deadline Monday, but they still managed to gain attention.
Shortly after the deadline passed, it was announced that the Canucks had acquired 22-year-old Swiss forward Sven Baertschi from the Calgary Flames for a second-round draft choice. This deal was newsworthy just for the fact that the Canucks made a rare deal with a Pacific Division rival.
Such trades almost never happen, because of fears that they will be harmful to each team’s positions in the standings. Usually, GMs prefer to deal with counterparts in opposing conferences. Sometimes, three-way trades can result in a player going to a divisional or conference rival but, ironically, the Flames initially approached the Canucks.
Vancouver general manager Jim Benning paid a high price, but Baertschi, chosen 13th overall in 2011, is an exceptional talent with tremendous upside – if his junior career is any indication.
“I don’t like giving up draft picks, but I think that in this case, Sven Baertschi, we feel, is gonna be a top-six NHL player for our team some day,” said Benning. “So we weighed getting Sven with what we would get in the second round with our pick and we made a decision: Let’s go ahead and do this. He’s a guy that fits our profile. He’s fast, he’s skilled, and I don’t know what happened with his development in Calgary, but we’re very excited to have him, and he’s going to be a big part of our skill group going forward.”
Baertschi has struggled to gain permanent NHL employment, but his former junior bench boss, Mike Johnston, now coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins, told The Calgary Herald earlier this month that the light will soon go on for Baertschi.
“I just think it’s … such a tough league, the NHL,” said Johnston. “Hard for young guys. You can come in, lose your confidence and kind of lose your game. If you’re more of a grinder, a worker, a tough guy, it’s easier. But if you’re a skilled guy trying to figure out your game, it becomes more challenging.
“I’m hoping he can still do it. I believe he can.”
So does Benning. The same goes for Travis Green, coach of Vancouver’s AHL farm team in Utica, N.Y., who was an assistant with Portland during Baertschi’s junior days.
Baertschi had only four points in 15 games with the Flames this season and 25 points in 36 AHL contests with their Adirondack farm team. But in his last WHL season with Portland, he accumulated 33 goals and 61 assists 94 points, after producing 85 points in 66 games the year before.
To someone who saw him play during those two campaigns, it was obvious that Baertschi was well ahead of his peers and had the speed and skill necessary for the NHL. Whether he can handle the rough going remains to be seen.
Johnston was convinced that the Flames still believed in the youngster, but he was wrong. It’s also debatable whether the Flames developed him properly given some of the trials and tribulations that they were going through with coaching and management changes and on-ice struggles prior to this turn-around season in Calgary.
Now in his third season as a full-time pro, Baertschi has yet to play a full season in either the AHL or NHL, splitting time between both. That situation points to a lack of patience on the part of Calgary management – and the high expectations that they placed on Baertschi right from his rookie season. Remember, he’s only 22 – and has not yet played three full seasons.
But Johnston believes that Baertschi is on par skill-wise with former Portland players Nino Niederreiter and Ryan Johansen, who are both established NHLers.
“Baertschi came (to Portland) right after them, so I had pretty good comparables and Sven was equally as good as those guys as a junior, with his speed, his intelligence, his playmaking ability,” said Johnston. “It took Niederreiter a setback and now he’s got it … and I still think Sven will be fine.
“When you’re really, really young, coaches and organizations tend to overlook a couple (deficiencies), but when you come (into the NHL), you’ve got to lock those down. There’s no overlooking anymore — you either make it or don’t.”
If you’re given the proper chance.
The Canucks, under new GM Benning, coach Willie Johnston and president Trevor Linden, have demonstrated this season that they are willing to be patient with developing young players. Minor-league coach Green has also demonstrated that he is an astute coach and developer of talent. So Baertschi, who according to Been is extremely excited to play for the Canucks organization, will likely feel more comfortable than he ahs lately – and can gain accordingly.
“Travis (Green) is real excited to get him,” said Benning. “He’s going to Utica and play. And if he gets an opportunity, if we have an injury or something, then he’ll come up and he’ll play for us.”
If Baertschi were to have an extended stint in the minors, that would not be such a bad thing. He has never played more than 26 NHL games in a season, and he has not played more than 41 in an AHL campaign, either.
He has to be given a chance to stay somewhere so that he can work on the upgrades necessary to be a full-time NHL player.
Ultimately, this deal could benefit both teams, because the Flames could parlay the acquired second-round pick into an everyday NHLer in the future, and they, arguably, have less of a need for Baertschi now due to the success of rising young stars like Sean Monahan and Johnny Gaudreau. The Canucks have also enjoyed a renaissance under Desjardins following the disastrous season under former coach John Tortorella, when they missed the playoffs for the first time since 2008. But the Canucks have an older core of veterans and Baertschi will add to a foundation of youth that the club is building through its prospects and future draft picks.
“We have now a group of good young fast, skilled players that are gonna be the foundation of our teams going forward,” said Benning. “What’s happened around here, they’ve had such good teams over the years, and they’ve been so close to winning the Stanley Cup, that sometimes you sacrifice draft picks to buy players at the deadline that you think can make a difference in winning the Cup and stuff. So we’ve had to regroup a little bit that way.”
If Baertschi can come anywhere near to generating the offence that he did in junior in the NHL, Canuck fans will soon forget the high price paid for him.
Shortly after the deadline passed, it was announced that the Canucks had acquired 22-year-old Swiss forward Sven Baertschi from the Calgary Flames for a second-round draft choice. This deal was newsworthy just for the fact that the Canucks made a rare deal with a Pacific Division rival.
Such trades almost never happen, because of fears that they will be harmful to each team’s positions in the standings. Usually, GMs prefer to deal with counterparts in opposing conferences. Sometimes, three-way trades can result in a player going to a divisional or conference rival but, ironically, the Flames initially approached the Canucks.
Vancouver general manager Jim Benning paid a high price, but Baertschi, chosen 13th overall in 2011, is an exceptional talent with tremendous upside – if his junior career is any indication.
“I don’t like giving up draft picks, but I think that in this case, Sven Baertschi, we feel, is gonna be a top-six NHL player for our team some day,” said Benning. “So we weighed getting Sven with what we would get in the second round with our pick and we made a decision: Let’s go ahead and do this. He’s a guy that fits our profile. He’s fast, he’s skilled, and I don’t know what happened with his development in Calgary, but we’re very excited to have him, and he’s going to be a big part of our skill group going forward.”
Baertschi has struggled to gain permanent NHL employment, but his former junior bench boss, Mike Johnston, now coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins, told The Calgary Herald earlier this month that the light will soon go on for Baertschi.
“I just think it’s … such a tough league, the NHL,” said Johnston. “Hard for young guys. You can come in, lose your confidence and kind of lose your game. If you’re more of a grinder, a worker, a tough guy, it’s easier. But if you’re a skilled guy trying to figure out your game, it becomes more challenging.
“I’m hoping he can still do it. I believe he can.”
So does Benning. The same goes for Travis Green, coach of Vancouver’s AHL farm team in Utica, N.Y., who was an assistant with Portland during Baertschi’s junior days.
Baertschi had only four points in 15 games with the Flames this season and 25 points in 36 AHL contests with their Adirondack farm team. But in his last WHL season with Portland, he accumulated 33 goals and 61 assists 94 points, after producing 85 points in 66 games the year before.
To someone who saw him play during those two campaigns, it was obvious that Baertschi was well ahead of his peers and had the speed and skill necessary for the NHL. Whether he can handle the rough going remains to be seen.
Johnston was convinced that the Flames still believed in the youngster, but he was wrong. It’s also debatable whether the Flames developed him properly given some of the trials and tribulations that they were going through with coaching and management changes and on-ice struggles prior to this turn-around season in Calgary.
Now in his third season as a full-time pro, Baertschi has yet to play a full season in either the AHL or NHL, splitting time between both. That situation points to a lack of patience on the part of Calgary management – and the high expectations that they placed on Baertschi right from his rookie season. Remember, he’s only 22 – and has not yet played three full seasons.
But Johnston believes that Baertschi is on par skill-wise with former Portland players Nino Niederreiter and Ryan Johansen, who are both established NHLers.
“Baertschi came (to Portland) right after them, so I had pretty good comparables and Sven was equally as good as those guys as a junior, with his speed, his intelligence, his playmaking ability,” said Johnston. “It took Niederreiter a setback and now he’s got it … and I still think Sven will be fine.
“When you’re really, really young, coaches and organizations tend to overlook a couple (deficiencies), but when you come (into the NHL), you’ve got to lock those down. There’s no overlooking anymore — you either make it or don’t.”
If you’re given the proper chance.
The Canucks, under new GM Benning, coach Willie Johnston and president Trevor Linden, have demonstrated this season that they are willing to be patient with developing young players. Minor-league coach Green has also demonstrated that he is an astute coach and developer of talent. So Baertschi, who according to Been is extremely excited to play for the Canucks organization, will likely feel more comfortable than he ahs lately – and can gain accordingly.
“Travis (Green) is real excited to get him,” said Benning. “He’s going to Utica and play. And if he gets an opportunity, if we have an injury or something, then he’ll come up and he’ll play for us.”
If Baertschi were to have an extended stint in the minors, that would not be such a bad thing. He has never played more than 26 NHL games in a season, and he has not played more than 41 in an AHL campaign, either.
He has to be given a chance to stay somewhere so that he can work on the upgrades necessary to be a full-time NHL player.
Ultimately, this deal could benefit both teams, because the Flames could parlay the acquired second-round pick into an everyday NHLer in the future, and they, arguably, have less of a need for Baertschi now due to the success of rising young stars like Sean Monahan and Johnny Gaudreau. The Canucks have also enjoyed a renaissance under Desjardins following the disastrous season under former coach John Tortorella, when they missed the playoffs for the first time since 2008. But the Canucks have an older core of veterans and Baertschi will add to a foundation of youth that the club is building through its prospects and future draft picks.
“We have now a group of good young fast, skilled players that are gonna be the foundation of our teams going forward,” said Benning. “What’s happened around here, they’ve had such good teams over the years, and they’ve been so close to winning the Stanley Cup, that sometimes you sacrifice draft picks to buy players at the deadline that you think can make a difference in winning the Cup and stuff. So we’ve had to regroup a little bit that way.”
If Baertschi can come anywhere near to generating the offence that he did in junior in the NHL, Canuck fans will soon forget the high price paid for him.
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