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.
Showing posts with label Roberto Luongo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Roberto Luongo. Show all posts
Thursday, January 8, 2015
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.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
How times have changed for Owen Nolan
Notes and quotes from the Vancouver Canucks training camp on Sunday …
Nolan undergoes role reversal at Canucks camp
How times have changed for Owen Nolan.
In 1990, he was selected first overall in the NHL draft and received the red-carpet treatment the way Edmonton No. 1 picks Taylor Hall and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins have the past two years. But at the age of 39, Nolan now finds himself without a contract as he tries out for the Canucks.
He used to be able to count on big minutes in a top-line role. But after spending a season in Switzerland, his role, along with his contract status is uncertain.
“My goal right now is just to make the team, and once I do, we’ll discuss what role the coach wants me to have,” says Nolan. “I have a lot of experience under my belt and can handle a lot of different situations, whether it’s kill penalties, play power plays. Whatever they need me to do, I’m more than willing to do.”
If Nolan can play the way he has in the past, before injuries and age took their toll, he will likely make an impact with the Canucks. As the Stanley Cup finals showed, Vancouver needs more grit, especially on the third and fourth lines, where Nolan is most likely to play.
“Especially not playing (in the NHL) last year, I have no excuses for bumps and bruises,” says Nolan. “I feel fit. I feel ready to get at it.”
Nolan, who last played in the NHL two seasons ago with Minnesota, says he has to rely more on his intelligence now than his physical skills.
“Everyone knows you lose a step the older you get, but I think at some point you learn to read the game a lot better,” says Nolan. “You see those situations a lot more and you know how to react to them.”
Canucks captain Henrik Sedin says Nolan has reacted well to the rigors of training camp. Now, it’s just a question of seeing what he can do in exhibition play, which begins Tuesday in a pair of split-squad games against Calgary at home and away.
Nolan is among a handful of veterans who are trying out. Goaltender Manny Legace, enforcer Todd Fedoruk and journeyman Steve Begin are the others.
“It’s a tough spot to be in, but they’re coming in, they’re working hard,” says Sedin. “They’ve been around so they know what it takes. I’m sure they want to prove, when the game starts, what they can do.”
“I think different guys can bring different things, but the one thing they can all bring is experience. “They’ve been around and they’ve played this game for a long time, so I think that’s their nature.”
It’s often said that when you try out for one team, you’re actually trying out for 29 other teams that scout you in the preseason. But Nolan does not pay heed to such comments.
“I just want to be part of a winner,” says Nolan. “I’m not expecting to come in here and play 20 minutes. I know that my job is to come in here and chip in any way I can when I’m on the ice.”
Undrafted Archibald fills into pro frame
Add Darren Archibald to the list of players that Vancouver general manager Mike Gillis has granted a second chance to make a first impression.
In Archibald’s case, it’s a third chance. Unlike the aforementioned Nolan, the 21-year-old rookie was never drafted and had unsuccessful tryouts with Columbus and Detroit in the past two training camps. But Gillis saw something in Archibald and signed him last December while he was completing his last season of junior eligibility with Niagara and Barrie of the OHL.
“I think it has a lot to do with what team you go to and how much availability there is for a contract,” says Archibald, who was one of Vancouver’s better players at the recently concluded Young Stars tournament in Penticton, B.C. “It’s such a numbers game and sometimes it just doesn’t work with certain teams. Certain teams already have their style of player and, fortunately, for me, Vancouver was looking for their big guys to get in the hard-nosed areas.”
So why wasn’t Archibald drafted? At six-foot-three and 209 pounds bears the classic build of a power forward.
“Everybody’s kind of labelled me as a late bloomer,” says Archibald. “Within the last couple of years, I guess, I’ve just really started to fill out into my frame. I was always tall, but I was never really thick. In the last couple of years, I’ve started to put on a balance and started to feel more comfortable with my body.”
Soon, he will try to get comfortable in the Chicago Wolves lineup. But he will be one to watch as the Canucks look for more grit and toughness to avoid being bounced around in the playoffs.
Tanev sporting new Chinese-friendly number
Don’t be surprised if second-year Vancouver defenceman Chris Tanev becomes a favourite of the club’s large Chinese fan base.
Tanev will sport No. 8 on his jersey this season instead of his former No. 18. According to Chinese numerology and folklore, the No. 8 is considered the number that brings the most good fortune.
“Really?” says Tanev.
He was unaware of the benefit of his new number. But perhaps Gillis knew something he didn’t.
“I didn’t ask for it to be changed,” says Tanev. “That’s the number I wore in college. Mr. Gillis told the trainers to change it from 18 to eight, and I’m happy with that. That’s what I wore growing up. I prefer that.”
Perhaps the No. 8 will help Tanev, who was also undrafted before being spotted while playing for little-known Rochester Institute of Technology two seasons ago, put more bulk on his slim frame. Unlike Archibald, Tanev does not fit the hockey prototype. Sporting shorts and a tee-shirt, he looks like he would fit in well with the Vancouver Whitecaps soccer club.
He has bulked up a bit, gaining about 10 pounds.
“I’m still working on my strength,” says Tanev. “I’m still working on my shot. Things are coming. They’re a lot better than last year.”
Veteran Keith Ballard figures the extra weight will help Tanev, who is extremely strong when it comes to getting the puck out of his zone, but not strength-wise. Ballard believes the added pounds will help him win some one-on-one battles in the corner and elsewhere.
“He’s not an overly physical player, so he’s not going to use that strength to be running guys every night,” says Ballard.
Eddie doesn’t lack foresight
Eddie Lack, who appears destined to be Vancouver’s top goaltender on the farm this season, is watching and learning from incumbents Roberto Luongo and Cory Schneider in training camp.
“I watched them in practice and I learned a lot,” says Lack. “I just know, if I continue to develop, my time will come.”
He recognizes that Luongo still has a decade to go on his long-term contract and Schneider is here until his inevitable trade. Possibly this season. Why else would the Canucks bring in Legace for a look-see? So Lack, a native of Norrtalje, Sweden, is staying patient and following the example of the goaltender who did in the Canucks in the Stanley Cup finals – Tim Thomas – en route to being selected as the Conn Smythe Trophy winner.
“I’m just 23 years old and I’m a goalie,” says Lack. “Just look at Tim Thomas. I think he played four or five games in the NHL before he turned 30. So (I’m go to) just be patient and play my game and have fun out there.”
“I’m just trying to take care of my business,” says Lack. “It’s not something that I can control or anything. I have to play good to eventually get a shot up here, and that’s what my plan is.”
“I’m just 23 years old and I’m a goalie,” says Lack. “Just look at Tim Thomas. I think he played four or five games in the NHL before he turned 30. So (I’m go to) just be patient and play my game and have fun out there.”
Sedins like short off-season
The Sedin twins aren’t getting older, they’re getting fitter.
Despite a longer season in 2010-11, the Sedins scored better in some aspects of physical testing at camp. Henrik won’t say exactly which ones, but he admitted the gruelling VO2 exam, which measure oxygen intake during a high-intensity stationary bike ride, was one of them.
“I feel better this year,” says Sedin. “You play longer and you stay in shape and ou don’t really get those weeks where you’re not doing anything. Nowadays, if you get three or four weeks off, it’s a long time to recover from.”
He endorses tennis star Roger Federer’s claim that 40 is the new 30. Obviously, 30, which is the twins’ age until Sept. 26, ain’t what it used to be, either.
“Guys would start to tail off before, but now I think you’re going to see more guys playing longer, because you work out differently in the summer time,” says Henrik. “You get back, you’re never really out of shape, you’re always trying to stay in shape, and that makes things easy.”
But the Sedins, who led the league in scoring the past two seasons, with Henrik prevailing in 2009-10 and Daniel earning top honours last season, made sure they didn’t take it easy in the gym between June and August.
“We had a really good summer,” says Henrik Sedin. “We really tried to push ourselves. Maybe, when you get up to this age, you try to be just where you are and you don’t really try to push yourself. In the summer, we pushed ourselves to try to get in better shape. We’re happy with the results.”
If the past two seasons are any indication, Canucks fans likely will be, too.
Ballard anxious to start season
Still on the feeling-comfortable theme, defenceman Ballard is feeling much better than he did a year ago, when he was recovering from hip surgery and getting to know his teammates following a trade from Florida.
Now, Ballard, who was a frequent healthy scratch in the playoffs and at other times last season, is anxious to start the preseason. He is glad that training camps not the drawn-out affairs that they used to be. Vancouver’s camp will comprise just three days on ice – and Ballard likes it that way.
“You don’t need to be beating up on your own teammates,” says Ballard. “So you want to get out there and compete against some of the other guys.”
Nolan undergoes role reversal at Canucks camp
How times have changed for Owen Nolan.
In 1990, he was selected first overall in the NHL draft and received the red-carpet treatment the way Edmonton No. 1 picks Taylor Hall and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins have the past two years. But at the age of 39, Nolan now finds himself without a contract as he tries out for the Canucks.
He used to be able to count on big minutes in a top-line role. But after spending a season in Switzerland, his role, along with his contract status is uncertain.
“My goal right now is just to make the team, and once I do, we’ll discuss what role the coach wants me to have,” says Nolan. “I have a lot of experience under my belt and can handle a lot of different situations, whether it’s kill penalties, play power plays. Whatever they need me to do, I’m more than willing to do.”
If Nolan can play the way he has in the past, before injuries and age took their toll, he will likely make an impact with the Canucks. As the Stanley Cup finals showed, Vancouver needs more grit, especially on the third and fourth lines, where Nolan is most likely to play.
“Especially not playing (in the NHL) last year, I have no excuses for bumps and bruises,” says Nolan. “I feel fit. I feel ready to get at it.”
Nolan, who last played in the NHL two seasons ago with Minnesota, says he has to rely more on his intelligence now than his physical skills.
“Everyone knows you lose a step the older you get, but I think at some point you learn to read the game a lot better,” says Nolan. “You see those situations a lot more and you know how to react to them.”
Canucks captain Henrik Sedin says Nolan has reacted well to the rigors of training camp. Now, it’s just a question of seeing what he can do in exhibition play, which begins Tuesday in a pair of split-squad games against Calgary at home and away.
Nolan is among a handful of veterans who are trying out. Goaltender Manny Legace, enforcer Todd Fedoruk and journeyman Steve Begin are the others.
“It’s a tough spot to be in, but they’re coming in, they’re working hard,” says Sedin. “They’ve been around so they know what it takes. I’m sure they want to prove, when the game starts, what they can do.”
“I think different guys can bring different things, but the one thing they can all bring is experience. “They’ve been around and they’ve played this game for a long time, so I think that’s their nature.”
It’s often said that when you try out for one team, you’re actually trying out for 29 other teams that scout you in the preseason. But Nolan does not pay heed to such comments.
“I just want to be part of a winner,” says Nolan. “I’m not expecting to come in here and play 20 minutes. I know that my job is to come in here and chip in any way I can when I’m on the ice.”
Undrafted Archibald fills into pro frame
Add Darren Archibald to the list of players that Vancouver general manager Mike Gillis has granted a second chance to make a first impression.
In Archibald’s case, it’s a third chance. Unlike the aforementioned Nolan, the 21-year-old rookie was never drafted and had unsuccessful tryouts with Columbus and Detroit in the past two training camps. But Gillis saw something in Archibald and signed him last December while he was completing his last season of junior eligibility with Niagara and Barrie of the OHL.
“I think it has a lot to do with what team you go to and how much availability there is for a contract,” says Archibald, who was one of Vancouver’s better players at the recently concluded Young Stars tournament in Penticton, B.C. “It’s such a numbers game and sometimes it just doesn’t work with certain teams. Certain teams already have their style of player and, fortunately, for me, Vancouver was looking for their big guys to get in the hard-nosed areas.”
So why wasn’t Archibald drafted? At six-foot-three and 209 pounds bears the classic build of a power forward.
“Everybody’s kind of labelled me as a late bloomer,” says Archibald. “Within the last couple of years, I guess, I’ve just really started to fill out into my frame. I was always tall, but I was never really thick. In the last couple of years, I’ve started to put on a balance and started to feel more comfortable with my body.”
Soon, he will try to get comfortable in the Chicago Wolves lineup. But he will be one to watch as the Canucks look for more grit and toughness to avoid being bounced around in the playoffs.
Tanev sporting new Chinese-friendly number
Don’t be surprised if second-year Vancouver defenceman Chris Tanev becomes a favourite of the club’s large Chinese fan base.
Tanev will sport No. 8 on his jersey this season instead of his former No. 18. According to Chinese numerology and folklore, the No. 8 is considered the number that brings the most good fortune.
“Really?” says Tanev.
He was unaware of the benefit of his new number. But perhaps Gillis knew something he didn’t.
“I didn’t ask for it to be changed,” says Tanev. “That’s the number I wore in college. Mr. Gillis told the trainers to change it from 18 to eight, and I’m happy with that. That’s what I wore growing up. I prefer that.”
Perhaps the No. 8 will help Tanev, who was also undrafted before being spotted while playing for little-known Rochester Institute of Technology two seasons ago, put more bulk on his slim frame. Unlike Archibald, Tanev does not fit the hockey prototype. Sporting shorts and a tee-shirt, he looks like he would fit in well with the Vancouver Whitecaps soccer club.
He has bulked up a bit, gaining about 10 pounds.
“I’m still working on my strength,” says Tanev. “I’m still working on my shot. Things are coming. They’re a lot better than last year.”
Veteran Keith Ballard figures the extra weight will help Tanev, who is extremely strong when it comes to getting the puck out of his zone, but not strength-wise. Ballard believes the added pounds will help him win some one-on-one battles in the corner and elsewhere.
“He’s not an overly physical player, so he’s not going to use that strength to be running guys every night,” says Ballard.
Eddie doesn’t lack foresight
Eddie Lack, who appears destined to be Vancouver’s top goaltender on the farm this season, is watching and learning from incumbents Roberto Luongo and Cory Schneider in training camp.
“I watched them in practice and I learned a lot,” says Lack. “I just know, if I continue to develop, my time will come.”
He recognizes that Luongo still has a decade to go on his long-term contract and Schneider is here until his inevitable trade. Possibly this season. Why else would the Canucks bring in Legace for a look-see? So Lack, a native of Norrtalje, Sweden, is staying patient and following the example of the goaltender who did in the Canucks in the Stanley Cup finals – Tim Thomas – en route to being selected as the Conn Smythe Trophy winner.
“I’m just 23 years old and I’m a goalie,” says Lack. “Just look at Tim Thomas. I think he played four or five games in the NHL before he turned 30. So (I’m go to) just be patient and play my game and have fun out there.”
“I’m just trying to take care of my business,” says Lack. “It’s not something that I can control or anything. I have to play good to eventually get a shot up here, and that’s what my plan is.”
“I’m just 23 years old and I’m a goalie,” says Lack. “Just look at Tim Thomas. I think he played four or five games in the NHL before he turned 30. So (I’m go to) just be patient and play my game and have fun out there.”
Sedins like short off-season
The Sedin twins aren’t getting older, they’re getting fitter.
Despite a longer season in 2010-11, the Sedins scored better in some aspects of physical testing at camp. Henrik won’t say exactly which ones, but he admitted the gruelling VO2 exam, which measure oxygen intake during a high-intensity stationary bike ride, was one of them.
“I feel better this year,” says Sedin. “You play longer and you stay in shape and ou don’t really get those weeks where you’re not doing anything. Nowadays, if you get three or four weeks off, it’s a long time to recover from.”
He endorses tennis star Roger Federer’s claim that 40 is the new 30. Obviously, 30, which is the twins’ age until Sept. 26, ain’t what it used to be, either.
“Guys would start to tail off before, but now I think you’re going to see more guys playing longer, because you work out differently in the summer time,” says Henrik. “You get back, you’re never really out of shape, you’re always trying to stay in shape, and that makes things easy.”
But the Sedins, who led the league in scoring the past two seasons, with Henrik prevailing in 2009-10 and Daniel earning top honours last season, made sure they didn’t take it easy in the gym between June and August.
“We had a really good summer,” says Henrik Sedin. “We really tried to push ourselves. Maybe, when you get up to this age, you try to be just where you are and you don’t really try to push yourself. In the summer, we pushed ourselves to try to get in better shape. We’re happy with the results.”
If the past two seasons are any indication, Canucks fans likely will be, too.
Ballard anxious to start season
Still on the feeling-comfortable theme, defenceman Ballard is feeling much better than he did a year ago, when he was recovering from hip surgery and getting to know his teammates following a trade from Florida.
Now, Ballard, who was a frequent healthy scratch in the playoffs and at other times last season, is anxious to start the preseason. He is glad that training camps not the drawn-out affairs that they used to be. Vancouver’s camp will comprise just three days on ice – and Ballard likes it that way.
“You don’t need to be beating up on your own teammates,” says Ballard. “So you want to get out there and compete against some of the other guys.”
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