If you are someone who dislikes ads on NHL jerseys, take comfort in the fact that you are not alone.
Gary Bettman also feels your pain.
During a media availability on Friday in Vancouver, the NHL commissioner ruled out putting ads on team jerseys. But the World Cup? That’s, potentially, another story.
“World Cup, international competition, I don't know,” Bettman said at a press conference at Rogers Arena. “We may take a look at it. It might be a valuable opportunity.”
However, Bettman has no desire to have his league become the first of the four major sports leagues in North America to start displaying corporate banners.
“I'm in no rush to put advertising on our sweaters,” he said. “I think we've got the best jerseys in all of sports. I like the history, the tradition. I like the way they look, and I've repeatedly said we wouldn't be the first (in North America) and you'd probably have to bring me kicking and screaming.”
The World Cup of Hockey will be held in Toronto prior to the 2016-17 NHL season and is expected to generate more than US $100 million in profits, according to NHL.com. Jersey ads could beef up that number – a point Bettman will not ignore.
“The World Cup jerseys don't have the same legacy as far as I'm concerned that our regular jerseys have,” said Bettman, who took in Vancouver’s game against the Buffalo Sabres on Friday night. “So (advertising on jerseys) could happen in the World Cup ... might not, but it's not anything we're focused on doing for the league itself.”
Meanwhile, Bettman offered another sign that the league is interested in having a team in Seattle, noting the city posed many “intriguing opportunities” – including a regional rivalry with Vancouver. But he indicated his discussions with Seattle’s major suggest that it won’t get a new area – which is considered critical for both a new NHL and NBA team there – in the near future.
Otherwise, Bettman stressed that the NHL is not pursuing expansion. He indicated the league is taking a wait-and-see approach on the results of a season-ticket drive for a proposed club in Las Vegas. He expects the season-ticket drive to be held in a month or so.
The question of putting a team in Quebec City, where a new arena is being built, never came up.
Friday, January 30, 2015
Little known Latvian thrilled to join Canucks
Ronald Kenins was on a trip of a lifetime when he received another.
The little known 23-year-old Latvian was visiting New York City for the first time when he received a chance to make his NHL debut with the Vancouver Canucks on Friday against the Buffalo Sabres.
The promotion came while the team he was with, the Utica Comets, had the AHL all-star break. As a result, he became one of the few Latvians to don an NHL jersey.
“It’s great for our hockey future in Latvia,” he said after participating in Vancouver’s optional morning. “Not many players are there (in the NHL). For sure, it’ll be great when somebody (in Latvia) sees that I’m playing in the NHL.”
He joins such compatriots as retired defenceman Sandis Ozolinsh, goaltender Arturs Irbe and Sabres centre Zemgus Girgensons, who played in the NHL all-star game last weekend. who have received NHL ice time.
Ironically, Kenins, a left winger who signed with the Canucks as a free agent in July 2013, reached the NHL after playing in the Olympics with Latvia in 2014. Kenins, 23, has also played for Latvia in four world Championships (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014) and the world junior championsips (2013. He also played in the 2010 World Junior Championships as a member of the Latvian national team.
“It’s different in the world championship,” said Kenins, who played six seasons in Switzerland before moving to North America. “There is bigger ice. Here is everything smaller and it’s everything faster. So playing in the world championship is always difficult for a Latvian, but I’m getting experience and growing up now.”
In another touch of irony, his first NHL game came against Buffalo coach Ted Nolan, who doubles as the Latvian national team bench boss. So while auditioning for the Canucks, Kenins, who bills himself as a power forward, was trying to impress Nolan for a chance at future international duty with Latvia,
“It’s a little bit more nervous for me, because I want to show him that I can play on this level,” said Kenins, who has five goals and seven assists with Utica this season.
Nolan’s reaction was one of excitement that the six-foot and 209-pound winger was getting a chance in the NHL.
“I’ve been telling everybody for the last three years: This guy can play,” said Nolan. “He’s a very entertaining soul, he’s competitive as heck. We have one Latvian on our team (Girgensons), and everybody knows how hard he works. This is another one that has a tremendous amount of work ethic. He hits a lot. He’s enthusiastic. … I was really glad when I heard Vancouver signed him.”
Kenins was happy to get a chance to play against Girgensons, who caused a stir by receiving the most votes from fans to play in the NHL all-star game in Columbus last weekend. Girgensons, evidently backed by a multitude of Latvian fans, prevailed over the likes of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin in the balloting.
“(Girgensons) is a great player, so he deserves it,” said Kenins. “It’s not about voting and stuff. He’s just a great player.”
Time will tell whether Kenins can become a great one, but Canucks coach Willie Desjardins received a good first impression.
“He’s a good player. I noticed him in (training) camp right away,” said Desjardins. “As soon as I saw him, I noticed him. His compete level and just how smart he is, there was things you noticed about him. So I’m excited just to get a look at him. I don’t know exactly how he’ll fit in – I’m sure he doesn’t either – but it’s a chance and that’s one thing that’s always important to me.”
It was also important to many people who congratulated Kenins for his promotion.
“My phone was ringing all the time,” he said. “It’s, for sure, exciting for everybody – especially for me.”
The little known 23-year-old Latvian was visiting New York City for the first time when he received a chance to make his NHL debut with the Vancouver Canucks on Friday against the Buffalo Sabres.
The promotion came while the team he was with, the Utica Comets, had the AHL all-star break. As a result, he became one of the few Latvians to don an NHL jersey.
“It’s great for our hockey future in Latvia,” he said after participating in Vancouver’s optional morning. “Not many players are there (in the NHL). For sure, it’ll be great when somebody (in Latvia) sees that I’m playing in the NHL.”
He joins such compatriots as retired defenceman Sandis Ozolinsh, goaltender Arturs Irbe and Sabres centre Zemgus Girgensons, who played in the NHL all-star game last weekend. who have received NHL ice time.
Ironically, Kenins, a left winger who signed with the Canucks as a free agent in July 2013, reached the NHL after playing in the Olympics with Latvia in 2014. Kenins, 23, has also played for Latvia in four world Championships (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014) and the world junior championsips (2013. He also played in the 2010 World Junior Championships as a member of the Latvian national team.
“It’s different in the world championship,” said Kenins, who played six seasons in Switzerland before moving to North America. “There is bigger ice. Here is everything smaller and it’s everything faster. So playing in the world championship is always difficult for a Latvian, but I’m getting experience and growing up now.”
In another touch of irony, his first NHL game came against Buffalo coach Ted Nolan, who doubles as the Latvian national team bench boss. So while auditioning for the Canucks, Kenins, who bills himself as a power forward, was trying to impress Nolan for a chance at future international duty with Latvia,
“It’s a little bit more nervous for me, because I want to show him that I can play on this level,” said Kenins, who has five goals and seven assists with Utica this season.
Nolan’s reaction was one of excitement that the six-foot and 209-pound winger was getting a chance in the NHL.
“I’ve been telling everybody for the last three years: This guy can play,” said Nolan. “He’s a very entertaining soul, he’s competitive as heck. We have one Latvian on our team (Girgensons), and everybody knows how hard he works. This is another one that has a tremendous amount of work ethic. He hits a lot. He’s enthusiastic. … I was really glad when I heard Vancouver signed him.”
Kenins was happy to get a chance to play against Girgensons, who caused a stir by receiving the most votes from fans to play in the NHL all-star game in Columbus last weekend. Girgensons, evidently backed by a multitude of Latvian fans, prevailed over the likes of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin in the balloting.
“(Girgensons) is a great player, so he deserves it,” said Kenins. “It’s not about voting and stuff. He’s just a great player.”
Time will tell whether Kenins can become a great one, but Canucks coach Willie Desjardins received a good first impression.
“He’s a good player. I noticed him in (training) camp right away,” said Desjardins. “As soon as I saw him, I noticed him. His compete level and just how smart he is, there was things you noticed about him. So I’m excited just to get a look at him. I don’t know exactly how he’ll fit in – I’m sure he doesn’t either – but it’s a chance and that’s one thing that’s always important to me.”
It was also important to many people who congratulated Kenins for his promotion.
“My phone was ringing all the time,” he said. “It’s, for sure, exciting for everybody – especially for me.”
Saturday, January 10, 2015
Canuck morning skates no longer mandatory
The Vancouver Canucks are doing away with a longstanding NHL tradition under new coach Willie Desjardins.
The Canucks morning skate on the day of a game is no longer mandatory. Before Saturday’s contest with the Calgary Flames, virtually all of Vancouver’s players stayed off the ice, with many playing a form of soccer in the hallway at Rogers Arena while other worked out elsewhere. Defenceman Dan Hamhuis, sidelined since Nov. 20 due to a groin tear, was an exception as he continued to work on his recovery on the ice.
Even goalies Ryan Miller and Eddie Lack stayed in drydock.
“The morning skates are optional,” said new coach Willie Desjardins. “(Saturday’s situation) is rare, because usually one of (the goalies) will the skate. But we always tell our guys: (Do) whatever you think will make you the best for the game.”
While morning skates are often at different times with NHL clubs, no squad has made them optional before every game. It will be interesting to see whether Desjardins maintains the current status for the rest of the season.
But in this era of fatigue management, Vancouver players were not complaining about the lack of a morning on-ice workout.
“I don’t like skating in the morning, so I like the option,” said winger Chris Higgins. “I’ve always been that way my whole career. I feel like I like to save my energy for the game, but some guys like to skate. I guess the coach is leaving it up to personal preference.”
Higgins, who returned to the Vancouver lineup after being sidelined from Thursday’s loss to Florida with the flu, prefers it that way.
“It’s been a debate for a long time in hockey, I guess, having the morning skate or not having it,” said Higgins. “I’d rather leave it up to the individual.”
The Canucks morning skate on the day of a game is no longer mandatory. Before Saturday’s contest with the Calgary Flames, virtually all of Vancouver’s players stayed off the ice, with many playing a form of soccer in the hallway at Rogers Arena while other worked out elsewhere. Defenceman Dan Hamhuis, sidelined since Nov. 20 due to a groin tear, was an exception as he continued to work on his recovery on the ice.
Even goalies Ryan Miller and Eddie Lack stayed in drydock.
“The morning skates are optional,” said new coach Willie Desjardins. “(Saturday’s situation) is rare, because usually one of (the goalies) will the skate. But we always tell our guys: (Do) whatever you think will make you the best for the game.”
While morning skates are often at different times with NHL clubs, no squad has made them optional before every game. It will be interesting to see whether Desjardins maintains the current status for the rest of the season.
But in this era of fatigue management, Vancouver players were not complaining about the lack of a morning on-ice workout.
“I don’t like skating in the morning, so I like the option,” said winger Chris Higgins. “I’ve always been that way my whole career. I feel like I like to save my energy for the game, but some guys like to skate. I guess the coach is leaving it up to personal preference.”
Higgins, who returned to the Vancouver lineup after being sidelined from Thursday’s loss to Florida with the flu, prefers it that way.
“It’s been a debate for a long time in hockey, I guess, having the morning skate or not having it,” said Higgins. “I’d rather leave it up to the individual.”
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Hamhuis looking forward to return from freak injury
The Vancouver Canucks received some good news on the injury front Thursday as defenceman Dan Hamhuis took part in his team’s morning skate.
Hamhuis, who has been sidelined with a groin injury since Nov. 20, is slated to participate in a regular practice with the team Friday and will join the Canucks on their upcoming five-game road trip.
“I’m feeling really good,” said Hamhuis before the Canucks faced the Florida Panthers and former teammate Roberto Luongo without him. “I’ve been skating (alone) for a while now. I finally took the step (Thursday) to skate with my teammates, so it’s something been looking forward to for a while. It’s a lot more fun skating with my teammates than by (myself).
“Injuries are never fun to deal with. With this one, we knew that it was going to be a long-term thing. We’ve got a great medical team here with the Canucks, and we tried to benefit from this as much as I could, work on certain parts of my game, certain deficiencies that now we’ve had time to work on. Since coming back skating, I’ve been feeling strong and I’m looking forward to getting back.”
Prior to the injury, Hamhuis compiled six assists and a minus-five mark while average 20:36 of ice time in 20 games. He was injured in a rare mishap in Vancouver’s home game against Anaheim.
“It’s just one of those, I’d say, freak injuries where I was in somewhat of an extended position, and just (took) a little bump of a skate,” he said. “It was enough to tear the groin, and I kind of knew right away what it was. I knew I was in for a long rehab, but I’m happy that it’s gone really well and that the team’s done an outstanding job of getting me back to this point. So far, I’m ahead of schedule.”
Hamhuis and the Canucks medical staff “wrestled” with the question of whether surgery was necessary, but they opted to go with a rehabilitation program instead. The Smithers, B.C., native used the time to strengthen all of his groin area, with the goal of making the muscles stronger than they were before the injury occurred.
He originally expected to be out two months, but it appears he will be back sooner than expected.
“This is something that we evaluate each day,” he said. “Things can change. You go out there and step on a puck or something. I’d love to get into a game here before the all-star break, but it’s hard to set an exact date. The sooner, the better.”
Meanwhile, centre Brad Richardson and winger Radim Vrbata returned to Vancouver’s lineup Thursday.
Hamhuis, who has been sidelined with a groin injury since Nov. 20, is slated to participate in a regular practice with the team Friday and will join the Canucks on their upcoming five-game road trip.
“I’m feeling really good,” said Hamhuis before the Canucks faced the Florida Panthers and former teammate Roberto Luongo without him. “I’ve been skating (alone) for a while now. I finally took the step (Thursday) to skate with my teammates, so it’s something been looking forward to for a while. It’s a lot more fun skating with my teammates than by (myself).
“Injuries are never fun to deal with. With this one, we knew that it was going to be a long-term thing. We’ve got a great medical team here with the Canucks, and we tried to benefit from this as much as I could, work on certain parts of my game, certain deficiencies that now we’ve had time to work on. Since coming back skating, I’ve been feeling strong and I’m looking forward to getting back.”
Prior to the injury, Hamhuis compiled six assists and a minus-five mark while average 20:36 of ice time in 20 games. He was injured in a rare mishap in Vancouver’s home game against Anaheim.
“It’s just one of those, I’d say, freak injuries where I was in somewhat of an extended position, and just (took) a little bump of a skate,” he said. “It was enough to tear the groin, and I kind of knew right away what it was. I knew I was in for a long rehab, but I’m happy that it’s gone really well and that the team’s done an outstanding job of getting me back to this point. So far, I’m ahead of schedule.”
Hamhuis and the Canucks medical staff “wrestled” with the question of whether surgery was necessary, but they opted to go with a rehabilitation program instead. The Smithers, B.C., native used the time to strengthen all of his groin area, with the goal of making the muscles stronger than they were before the injury occurred.
He originally expected to be out two months, but it appears he will be back sooner than expected.
“This is something that we evaluate each day,” he said. “Things can change. You go out there and step on a puck or something. I’d love to get into a game here before the all-star break, but it’s hard to set an exact date. The sooner, the better.”
Meanwhile, centre Brad Richardson and winger Radim Vrbata returned to Vancouver’s lineup Thursday.
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Luongo happy to be back in Vancouver after difficult exit
The scene was similar – but jolting at the same time – as goaltender Roberto Luongo held court with the Vancouver media at Rogers Arena on Tuesday.
There he stood in front of a podium in the Norm Jewison Media Room, as he had many times during his days as a Canuck, but this time he was wearing an organge Florida Panthers cap and tee shirt, and the backdrop was a large cat. It was a sign that the times have changed for Luongo, who will play his former Canucks squad Thursday in his first game back on the ice that he called home for seven-plus seasons and won Olympic gold with Canada in 2010.
“The best part is, we’re here for a few days, so it’s not rushed and you get a chance to enjoy it and see some people that I haven’t seen in a while,” he said.
In another contrast with his days as a Canuck in this room, he looked relaxed and was affable at times, appearing to enjoy himself – whereas in earlier times he definitely did not.
Luongo’s return upstaged the Canucks’ game with the New York Islanders on Tuesday night. Thursday’s contest will be his game at Rogers Arena since he abruptly left the Canucks in a trade while they were on the road last March.
“I was here this summer actually,” he said. “Team Canada had a little bit of a reunion, so it’s not the first time I’ve been back in here, but obviously this is a little bit of a different context. But I’m just looking forward to the week and being back and enjoying my time.”
Team Canada held a “gala” on the ice, where players received their Olympic rings. Although Luongo said the arena looked “a little bit different” Tuesday, it did not feel foreign to be on the ice in a practice with a Canucks opponent.
“For some reason, I don’t look at it that way. … To be honest with you, I’ve really been looking forward to coming here and spending these few days practising and seeing the (Vancouver) guys, the trainers,” he said. “When the trade happened, it happened in a rush, and we were on the road. So I didn’t really get a chance to say goodbye to everybody.”
Big things were expected of Luongo when he was dealt to the Panthers – and they still are. But he has helped the young Panthers (17-11-9) show improvement. He finds it “really exciting” that they are in playoff mix in the Eastern Conference.
“There was a little bit of the unknown coming into the season,” said Luongo. “We’ve got a lot of young guys, a new coach (Gerard Gallant), so I think right now we’re progressing well. We’re really close to being a really good team.”
Of course, they are still a long way from a Stanley Cup, which Luongo came within a game of winning with the Canucks in 2011. While he has “moved on” from a Canucks tenure that was as tumultuous as it was satisfying, he regrets that they never won it all with him in net.
“I’m just disappointed I wasn’t able to bring a Cup here,” he said. “I think this market wants one more than anything. If anything, that’s the main thing that I’m disappointed about.”
Another major regret, which was not of his doing, was former Vancouver coach John Tortorella’s decision to bench him for the Winter Classic against the Ottawa Senators. The game at B.C. Place Stadium, which the Canucks lost, was Luongo’s last in a Vancouver uniform. (Ironically, he was in vintage duds instead of the usual ones.) Luongo’s displeasure with being bypassed prompted a renewed trade request that led to his move to Florida at the deadline.
“There was no hiding that I did want to play that game and, if I did, I would, maybe, still be here,” he said. “Who knows?”
But Luongo does not feel disrespected by the Canucks, thinking instead that he must deal with whatever hand he has been dealt and earn everything. And, it’s clear that he is enjoying life with the Panthers, his team of choice, after he had “given up” on a trade while former general manager Mike Gillis dithered for 12 to 18 months before swinging a deal.
The Montreal native is also more comfortable with his public persona, which he came to enjoy near the end of his time with the Canucks when, he feels, he “figured that whole thing out” as far as what fans and media expected. He was also pleased that people finally got a chance to see the way he is with teammates “away from the cameras.” But he lamented the lateness of the lessons he learned about dealing with his fame.
“It’s kind of a shame that that’s the way it happened,” said Luongo. “Sometimes, you have to go through some adversity to realize and understand and do the right things. Just my whole perspective on a lot of stuff has changed over the last couple of years, and the way I handled things.
“I’m just trying to have as much fun as I can out there, realizing that I’m 35 now. I just want to have fun playing the game and play hard and do the best that I can.”
He is enjoying life in a market in which fans and media don’t flock to him on every occasion, but he would also like to have some of his old notoriety now that he is based in the sunbelt.
“It’s nice to be able to come to the rink, do your thing and, afterwards, just go home and live your life,” he said. “On the other side, sometimes it’s also nice to see people just going crazy for you everywhere you. Both sides are great. You just have to learn to enjoy both sides of it.”
According to Panthers captain Willie Mitchell, an ex-Canuck, the former Vancouver goaltender has displayed different side of himself in Florida. Today’s Luongo reminds Mitchell of the one he saw during his early years in Vancouver, not the one evident during the last few seasons.
“He went through a lot here,” said Mitchell. “I know Roberto well and I think he was just trying to appease a lot of people instead of being himself. In comfortable surroundings, he’s being himself, and we’re seeing that in his performance. He’s been one of the best goalies in the league this years. There’s no doubt.”
Luongo sports a 7-7-2 record, 2.28 goals-against average and .924 save percentage. Thanks largely to him, the Florida goaltending tandem of Luongo and Al Montoya ranked ninth among NHL goaltenders before Tuesday’s games.
Mitchell, who was unceremoniously discarded by the Canucks after he suffered a career-threatening concussion and then went on to win two Stanley Cups with the Los Angeles Kings, praised Luongo for handling his difficult final two seasons in Vancouver “like a pro.”
“I think the only way you can handle that type of situation is to make light of it, which is what he did,” said Mitchell.
He believes that Luongo’s situation in Vancouver was a unique one that “just manifested itself” before going “off the rails.”
Now, after Luongo pulled off many surprises in Vancouver during his time here, the goaltender, his Panther teammates and coaches, and fans are wondering what he can pull off in Florida.
“I’ve actually won a few shootouts, so that’s kind of nice,” said Luongo.
There he stood in front of a podium in the Norm Jewison Media Room, as he had many times during his days as a Canuck, but this time he was wearing an organge Florida Panthers cap and tee shirt, and the backdrop was a large cat. It was a sign that the times have changed for Luongo, who will play his former Canucks squad Thursday in his first game back on the ice that he called home for seven-plus seasons and won Olympic gold with Canada in 2010.
“The best part is, we’re here for a few days, so it’s not rushed and you get a chance to enjoy it and see some people that I haven’t seen in a while,” he said.
In another contrast with his days as a Canuck in this room, he looked relaxed and was affable at times, appearing to enjoy himself – whereas in earlier times he definitely did not.
Luongo’s return upstaged the Canucks’ game with the New York Islanders on Tuesday night. Thursday’s contest will be his game at Rogers Arena since he abruptly left the Canucks in a trade while they were on the road last March.
“I was here this summer actually,” he said. “Team Canada had a little bit of a reunion, so it’s not the first time I’ve been back in here, but obviously this is a little bit of a different context. But I’m just looking forward to the week and being back and enjoying my time.”
Team Canada held a “gala” on the ice, where players received their Olympic rings. Although Luongo said the arena looked “a little bit different” Tuesday, it did not feel foreign to be on the ice in a practice with a Canucks opponent.
“For some reason, I don’t look at it that way. … To be honest with you, I’ve really been looking forward to coming here and spending these few days practising and seeing the (Vancouver) guys, the trainers,” he said. “When the trade happened, it happened in a rush, and we were on the road. So I didn’t really get a chance to say goodbye to everybody.”
Big things were expected of Luongo when he was dealt to the Panthers – and they still are. But he has helped the young Panthers (17-11-9) show improvement. He finds it “really exciting” that they are in playoff mix in the Eastern Conference.
“There was a little bit of the unknown coming into the season,” said Luongo. “We’ve got a lot of young guys, a new coach (Gerard Gallant), so I think right now we’re progressing well. We’re really close to being a really good team.”
Of course, they are still a long way from a Stanley Cup, which Luongo came within a game of winning with the Canucks in 2011. While he has “moved on” from a Canucks tenure that was as tumultuous as it was satisfying, he regrets that they never won it all with him in net.
“I’m just disappointed I wasn’t able to bring a Cup here,” he said. “I think this market wants one more than anything. If anything, that’s the main thing that I’m disappointed about.”
Another major regret, which was not of his doing, was former Vancouver coach John Tortorella’s decision to bench him for the Winter Classic against the Ottawa Senators. The game at B.C. Place Stadium, which the Canucks lost, was Luongo’s last in a Vancouver uniform. (Ironically, he was in vintage duds instead of the usual ones.) Luongo’s displeasure with being bypassed prompted a renewed trade request that led to his move to Florida at the deadline.
“There was no hiding that I did want to play that game and, if I did, I would, maybe, still be here,” he said. “Who knows?”
But Luongo does not feel disrespected by the Canucks, thinking instead that he must deal with whatever hand he has been dealt and earn everything. And, it’s clear that he is enjoying life with the Panthers, his team of choice, after he had “given up” on a trade while former general manager Mike Gillis dithered for 12 to 18 months before swinging a deal.
The Montreal native is also more comfortable with his public persona, which he came to enjoy near the end of his time with the Canucks when, he feels, he “figured that whole thing out” as far as what fans and media expected. He was also pleased that people finally got a chance to see the way he is with teammates “away from the cameras.” But he lamented the lateness of the lessons he learned about dealing with his fame.
“It’s kind of a shame that that’s the way it happened,” said Luongo. “Sometimes, you have to go through some adversity to realize and understand and do the right things. Just my whole perspective on a lot of stuff has changed over the last couple of years, and the way I handled things.
“I’m just trying to have as much fun as I can out there, realizing that I’m 35 now. I just want to have fun playing the game and play hard and do the best that I can.”
He is enjoying life in a market in which fans and media don’t flock to him on every occasion, but he would also like to have some of his old notoriety now that he is based in the sunbelt.
“It’s nice to be able to come to the rink, do your thing and, afterwards, just go home and live your life,” he said. “On the other side, sometimes it’s also nice to see people just going crazy for you everywhere you. Both sides are great. You just have to learn to enjoy both sides of it.”
According to Panthers captain Willie Mitchell, an ex-Canuck, the former Vancouver goaltender has displayed different side of himself in Florida. Today’s Luongo reminds Mitchell of the one he saw during his early years in Vancouver, not the one evident during the last few seasons.
“He went through a lot here,” said Mitchell. “I know Roberto well and I think he was just trying to appease a lot of people instead of being himself. In comfortable surroundings, he’s being himself, and we’re seeing that in his performance. He’s been one of the best goalies in the league this years. There’s no doubt.”
Luongo sports a 7-7-2 record, 2.28 goals-against average and .924 save percentage. Thanks largely to him, the Florida goaltending tandem of Luongo and Al Montoya ranked ninth among NHL goaltenders before Tuesday’s games.
Mitchell, who was unceremoniously discarded by the Canucks after he suffered a career-threatening concussion and then went on to win two Stanley Cups with the Los Angeles Kings, praised Luongo for handling his difficult final two seasons in Vancouver “like a pro.”
“I think the only way you can handle that type of situation is to make light of it, which is what he did,” said Mitchell.
He believes that Luongo’s situation in Vancouver was a unique one that “just manifested itself” before going “off the rails.”
Now, after Luongo pulled off many surprises in Vancouver during his time here, the goaltender, his Panther teammates and coaches, and fans are wondering what he can pull off in Florida.
“I’ve actually won a few shootouts, so that’s kind of nice,” said Luongo.
Saturday, January 3, 2015
Kassian out to prove critics wrong
Zack Kassian finally returned to the Vancouver Canucks lineup Saturday, but his future with the team remained in doubt.
The winger drew into the lineup against the Detroit Red Wings after sitting out for more than a month. He was sidelined Nov. 25 with a broken finger, but was a healthy scratch in Thursday's 2-1 loss to the Los Angeles Kings, a team that plays a rambunctious physical style for which he is supposedly suited.
Although he was listed as injured in the other games, Kassian claimed he was healthy enough to play earlier. And, coach Willie Desjardins did little to suggest otherwise Saturday, all but confirming that Kassian was held out because of sub-par play rather than a sore pinky.
But Desjardins is looking for Kassian to beef up Vancouver’s inconsistent offensive production of late.
“The scoresheet’s not the most critical thing,” said Desjardins. “If you’re playing the right way, you’ll get on the scoresheet. He’s gotta get back to playing where he’s a good presence on the forecheck, he’s playing physical, he’s working hard both ways. If he’s not on there, it’s not like we’re necessarily unhappy with it, but he is a guy that has the potential to get on it, and he can play both ways.”
General manager Jim Benning has indicated publicly that he is willing to consider trades for Kassian, who has not lived up to expectations since he was acquired for then Canuck fan favourite Cody Hodgson from Buffalo. Former Canucks GM Mike Gillis billed Kassian as a “prototypical power forward,” but the 23-year-old Windsor, Ont., native, who was drafted 13th overall by Buffalo in 2009, has rarely proved himself to be one.
While Benning is willing to weigh offers, he also wants to be patient with the development of a young player. However, the extent of Benning’s patience could hinge on the quality of an offer that he receives for Kassian.
The winger was amused that he was subject to considerable speculation even when he was not playing. But he is taking the criticism seriously as he seeks to remain a Canuck.
“I think I can be a big part of this team,” said Kassian. “I believe in it, and I have to make others believe that I’ll do that.”
The winger drew into the lineup against the Detroit Red Wings after sitting out for more than a month. He was sidelined Nov. 25 with a broken finger, but was a healthy scratch in Thursday's 2-1 loss to the Los Angeles Kings, a team that plays a rambunctious physical style for which he is supposedly suited.
Although he was listed as injured in the other games, Kassian claimed he was healthy enough to play earlier. And, coach Willie Desjardins did little to suggest otherwise Saturday, all but confirming that Kassian was held out because of sub-par play rather than a sore pinky.
But Desjardins is looking for Kassian to beef up Vancouver’s inconsistent offensive production of late.
“The scoresheet’s not the most critical thing,” said Desjardins. “If you’re playing the right way, you’ll get on the scoresheet. He’s gotta get back to playing where he’s a good presence on the forecheck, he’s playing physical, he’s working hard both ways. If he’s not on there, it’s not like we’re necessarily unhappy with it, but he is a guy that has the potential to get on it, and he can play both ways.”
General manager Jim Benning has indicated publicly that he is willing to consider trades for Kassian, who has not lived up to expectations since he was acquired for then Canuck fan favourite Cody Hodgson from Buffalo. Former Canucks GM Mike Gillis billed Kassian as a “prototypical power forward,” but the 23-year-old Windsor, Ont., native, who was drafted 13th overall by Buffalo in 2009, has rarely proved himself to be one.
While Benning is willing to weigh offers, he also wants to be patient with the development of a young player. However, the extent of Benning’s patience could hinge on the quality of an offer that he receives for Kassian.
The winger was amused that he was subject to considerable speculation even when he was not playing. But he is taking the criticism seriously as he seeks to remain a Canuck.
“I think I can be a big part of this team,” said Kassian. “I believe in it, and I have to make others believe that I’ll do that.”
Canucks keeping their eyes on world junior tourney as finals approach
It’s that time of year again.
The world junior hockey finals are approaching, and some Vancouver Canuck players are getting into betting mode.
“There’s been a few (bets) back and forth,” said Daniel Sedin after the Canucks held an optional morning skate Saturday before their game against the Detroit Red Wings at Rogers Arena.
“But we’ll see. If Sweden ends up playing Canada, it’ll be a lot of fun.”
In other words, the betting action in the Canucks dressing room will pick up considerably if Canada beats the Slovaks in a semifinal Sunday and the Swedes prevail over Russia. Captain Henrik Sedin is known for being quite active on the betting front whenever his native Sweden has a chance to go for junior gold.
“It’s a little bit more for dinners and stuff like that,” said Daniel Sedin of the stakes. “So it’s smaller things.”
But the wagers still hold considerable meaning for some Canucks, especially those, like the Sedins, who have played in past world junior tournaments. Some of the younger players, like rookie centre Bo Horvat, who played for Canada last year, are not up to speed on the traditional wagering.
But Horvat, a close friend of Team Canada winger Max Domi, is actively engaged in the tournament being held in Montreal and Toronto.
“Any time you can represent your country, it’s special and these guys are making Canada really proud right now,” said Horvat, 19.
The Rodney, Ont., native was not granted permission from the Canucks to play in the tournament, because management felt he was needed more with the NHL club, particularly in the face-off circle. Instead, he will have a chance to get in on the betting action in the Vancouver dressing room.
One Canuck has already been stung by his bets against the Canadian squad. Winger Jannik Hansen bet on his homeland of Denmark, which was trounced 8-0 by Canada in a quarter-final game Friday.
“It was pretty funny coming in this morning when (Hansen) was pretty upset, but I was happy for Canada,” said Horvat.
So far, Horvat has stayed on the sidelines, but it sounded like he will soon enter the action.
“I haven’t been a part of any, but I’m sure there are going to be a couple bets going around, especially with finals and semis and stuff like that,” he said.
Backup goaltender Eddie Lack hasn’t entered the fray yet, either, but he is already scouting for opponents.
“If Sweden and Canada go to the finals, I’m sure I’ll get a couple bets going,” said Lack, a 26-year-old Swede. “Zack Kassian is a big bettor, so I’m probably going to go to him. Now that Tommy (Sestito) has gone (to the minors) and U.S.A. is out, I don’t know who else (to bet).”
Horvat perhaps?
“I don’t know. He looks like kind of a cheap guy, so I don’t know if he wants to,” said Lack with a wry grin.
And what will Lack bet?
“I don’t know if I want to put that on the (Internet),” he said, chuckling. “It’ll probably be something fun, like a dinner on the road or something like that.”
Whatever the wager, Lack is looking forward to betting against his Canuck teammates. Bragging rights, in the event of a Swedish victory in the final, hold considerable meaning – along with the potential prize.
“It’s kind of weird, because I never got to play (in the world juniors), myself, but just being in Canada and seeing all the news and watching every day, it’s pretty exciting,” he said. “Obviously, you get dragged into it a little bit, too. It’s a really fun tournament and it’s a lot of fun to watch.”
The world junior hockey finals are approaching, and some Vancouver Canuck players are getting into betting mode.
“There’s been a few (bets) back and forth,” said Daniel Sedin after the Canucks held an optional morning skate Saturday before their game against the Detroit Red Wings at Rogers Arena.
“But we’ll see. If Sweden ends up playing Canada, it’ll be a lot of fun.”
In other words, the betting action in the Canucks dressing room will pick up considerably if Canada beats the Slovaks in a semifinal Sunday and the Swedes prevail over Russia. Captain Henrik Sedin is known for being quite active on the betting front whenever his native Sweden has a chance to go for junior gold.
“It’s a little bit more for dinners and stuff like that,” said Daniel Sedin of the stakes. “So it’s smaller things.”
But the wagers still hold considerable meaning for some Canucks, especially those, like the Sedins, who have played in past world junior tournaments. Some of the younger players, like rookie centre Bo Horvat, who played for Canada last year, are not up to speed on the traditional wagering.
But Horvat, a close friend of Team Canada winger Max Domi, is actively engaged in the tournament being held in Montreal and Toronto.
“Any time you can represent your country, it’s special and these guys are making Canada really proud right now,” said Horvat, 19.
The Rodney, Ont., native was not granted permission from the Canucks to play in the tournament, because management felt he was needed more with the NHL club, particularly in the face-off circle. Instead, he will have a chance to get in on the betting action in the Vancouver dressing room.
One Canuck has already been stung by his bets against the Canadian squad. Winger Jannik Hansen bet on his homeland of Denmark, which was trounced 8-0 by Canada in a quarter-final game Friday.
“It was pretty funny coming in this morning when (Hansen) was pretty upset, but I was happy for Canada,” said Horvat.
So far, Horvat has stayed on the sidelines, but it sounded like he will soon enter the action.
“I haven’t been a part of any, but I’m sure there are going to be a couple bets going around, especially with finals and semis and stuff like that,” he said.
Backup goaltender Eddie Lack hasn’t entered the fray yet, either, but he is already scouting for opponents.
“If Sweden and Canada go to the finals, I’m sure I’ll get a couple bets going,” said Lack, a 26-year-old Swede. “Zack Kassian is a big bettor, so I’m probably going to go to him. Now that Tommy (Sestito) has gone (to the minors) and U.S.A. is out, I don’t know who else (to bet).”
Horvat perhaps?
“I don’t know. He looks like kind of a cheap guy, so I don’t know if he wants to,” said Lack with a wry grin.
And what will Lack bet?
“I don’t know if I want to put that on the (Internet),” he said, chuckling. “It’ll probably be something fun, like a dinner on the road or something like that.”
Whatever the wager, Lack is looking forward to betting against his Canuck teammates. Bragging rights, in the event of a Swedish victory in the final, hold considerable meaning – along with the potential prize.
“It’s kind of weird, because I never got to play (in the world juniors), myself, but just being in Canada and seeing all the news and watching every day, it’s pretty exciting,” he said. “Obviously, you get dragged into it a little bit, too. It’s a really fun tournament and it’s a lot of fun to watch.”
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