Canucks players have their coach's back

Vancouver Canuck players showed Monday that they support coach Willie Desjardins.

 For months, Desjardins, who became an NHL head coach for the first time at the age of 57 and never played in the league, has faced speculation about his ability to get players to accept his message and his methods. But captain Henrik Sedin said he and his teammates believe that Desjardins is the right coach for the club.

“Absolutely. There’s never been a question about that from this team,” said Henrik Sedin. “We really like him as a coach and a person, so that’s never been a question from any of the players – since day one.”

The Canucks missed the playoffs, finishing 28th overall with a 31-38-13 record while battling several injuries and integrating many young players into the lineup. Media types and fans calling into radio talk shows have wondered publicly about the decision to keep Desjardins for next season, which was confirmed in March. Desjardins has been heavily criticized for everything from his dedication to juggling four lines to line combinations to the use of young players on the power play and in high-pressure situations.

Desjardins’ previous championships at the university, junior and minor-pro levels have quickly been forgotten as a result of the Canucks’ plight. But the coach drew praise from veteran players for his efforts this season.

“Last year, I think Bo (Horvat) was the only young guy coming in,” said winger Jannik Hansen. “It’s a lot easier to manage a team of older players that knows what is expected of them and knows how to play. This year, with so many young guys coming in, all of a sudden you’re back to teaching hockey again instead of worrying, maybe, about smaller finesses in the game. It’s always tough when there’s a big rotation in the lineup. It’s always tough to become an NHL player, and it takes experience and it takes games.”

Goalie Ryan Miller likes Desjardins’ approach to the game and how he wants his players to feel.

“ I like his outlook,” said Miller. “He’s always positive and when he has a group of guys, he wants that group to believe in themselves. I think there were a lot of things this year that were difficult to meet head-on, and he remained pretty much who he is throughout all that. Given the circumstances, he did the best he could.”

Meanwhile, Henrik and Daniel Sedin, who have two years remaining on their contracts and, theoretically, fewer opportunities to win a Stanley Cup, are willing to stick with the Canucks as they continue to rebuild on the fly while still seeking to make the playoffs each year. Both expressed support for general manager Jim Benning and president of hockey operations Trevor Linden and their ability to execute a development plan which, critics contend, has not always been clear.

“For us, it’s important to see that there’s a place where they want to go and just to see that they follow through (on) that,” said Henrik Sedin. “We knew it was going to be a tough year. We could have fought for a playoff spot, for sure. That didn’t happen, but they’re not changing the way they think about this, and I’m totally confident we’re going to be in a better spot next year. Before we’re done, I’m sure we’re going to have another run at (the Stanley Cup). That’s the way we look at it.”

He said all players realize that the Canucks need to get younger before they get better, but the solution is not just to finish near the bottom of the overall standings to get a good draft pick.

“I think the difference this year from, maybe, two years ago is that now I think we’re on the way up again,” he said. “Two years ago, with (former coach John Tortorella) I thought, as a team, we were on the way down. Now, we’ve got (building) pieces, but it’s dangerous to keep, from year to year, thinking about getting a high draft pick. We’ve seen other teams not being successful. Now, we have pieces and we have to surround them, I feel, with good (veteran) players – because it’s not easy as a young player coming in.”

Daniel Sedin said injuries compounded the difficult season. The Canucks lost key veterans like centre Brandon Sutter, winger Radim Vrbata  and defencemen Alex Edler, Chris Tanev  and Luca Sbisa for extended stretches while other ailments sidelined several other players. But the Sedins have faith in  Benning and Linden’s effort to improve the club.

“We trust (Benning) and (Linden),” said Daniel Sedin. “They have a plan in place and they’re going to follow through with their plan. That’s all you could ask for. So there’s – for sure – 100 per cent buy-in.”

Hiller goes with flow as Canucks change goalies

While the Vancouver Canucks switched their goaltenders in a do-or-die situation, Jonas Hiller kept going with the flow Thursday.
Ryan Miller was in and Eddie Lack was out of the Canucks net, but there was no doubt that Hiller would start for the Calgary Flames after he had backstopped them to a 3-1 lead over Vancouver in their Western Conference quarter-final series.
However, it wasn’t always this way for Hiller, who is in his first season with the Flames after being cast aside by the Anaheim Ducks.
His starting status was in question at times this season as he played 52 games while compiling a 26-19-4 record, 2.36 goals-against average and .918 save percentage. He had to battle Karri Ramo for the No. 1 job, but solidified his place down the stretch while helping the Flames secure a playoff berth.
Hiller, a 33-year-old Switzerland native, has also battled concussion issues in the past. But he is not getting too excited about his strong run. He was not about to lobby for long-term starter status, either.
“I knew when I signed in Calgary it was going to be between me and Rammer,” said Hiller after Calgary’s morning skate. “Especially these days, it’s great to have two goalies who can help the team win on any given night, because with the travel and everything, it’s tough to play at your best for 82 games. To have the option and know somebody else is there and can carry the ball for a little bit, it’s great to have. I’m pretty happy to know that I can carry the ball right now and I’m playing well, but it can change quick.”
Hiller is gaining some enjoyment as he stands out for a Flames team that is in the playoffs for the first time since 2008-09. He helped the Flames get in despite a late eight-game losing skid. But he knows that success in the NHL is fleeting, and the battle for the No. 1 position is far from over.
“If you play in the NHL, you always have somebody who wants your job,” he said. “There’s always somebody who’s gonna be better than you. It’s definitely, not gonna be the last time. I’m sure, next year, it’s gonna be a similar situation. It’s part of (a goaltender's life in the NHL), but I’m definitely happy with the way I’m playing and the way I’m able to handle (the load) and always find a way to stay confident in myself and improve my game.”
Hiller said he has had to make some adjustments because of the Flames’ shot-blocking prowess. Their skill actually makes him more cautious and further back in his net in case opponents make an extra pass as their shooting lanes are blocked. Calgary defenceman Kris Russell said Hiller has been Calgary's best player in recent games. Russell added that Hiller reads plays well and is a calming influence because of the way he talks with teammates and helps them out.
“(Hiller) has been good for us all year,” said Russell. “There were a lot of questions coming in, because we had two hot goalies playing. They were two guys that were carrying the ship in their own right, and Rams was hot there for a while. We have a lot of trust in both our goaltenders; and, obviously, Hills has been huge for us this series. … So we’re gonna need him to continue that.”

Miller's return gives Canucks two goaltending options

The Vancouver Canucks will have two dependable NHL veteran goaltenders when the Stanley Cup playoffs begin.
Ryan Miller, out since Feb. 22 with a knee injury, dressed as the backup as the Canucks hosted the Arizona Coyotes on Thursday night. He is expected to start Saturday when the Canucks wrap up the regular season at home against the Edmonton Oilers.
As a result, coach Willie Desjardins can now choose from Eddie Lack, who has played most games in his absence, or Miller in the playoffs.
“I’m excited for the possibility here and I’m just trying to take it day by day and work my way into becoming an option first,” Miller said earlier this week.
Miller, in his first season with the Canucks, was unavailable to reporters Thursday as he stayed out on the ice late during an optional morning skate. He went into the dressing room after it was closed to media.
“I was pushing, trying to get back for one of the last games,” said Miller. “If I was going to have an opportunity to get some game action, that would be the hope.”
Miller has posted a 28-15-1 record with a 2.47 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage this season. Desjardins indicated Wednesday that he will start one regular-season game before the playoffs, leaving only Saturday’s contest against the Oilers.
“We’ll just have to monitor these next couple days to see where he’s at,” said Desjardins. “We’d like to get him in a game, but we’ll have to see where he’s at.”
The situation is reminiscent of past years when former Canucks Roberto Luongo and Cory Schneider battled for the No. 1 position. Desjardins has declined to name a starter until the post-season begins.
“You never make that decision right now,” said Desjardins. “That decision will be made before the first playoff game. But, saying that, I think Eddie’s played really well. We needed him to step up. We had a lot of hockey left without Ryan, and he did a terrific job for us and he certainly got us into the playoffs. So you always take that into consideration.”
The Canucks returned Jacob Markstrom to Utica of the AHL on Thursday. Markstrom has a 1-1-0 record in three appearances with Vancouver this season. He was with the Canucks on an emergency recall basis as a result of Miller’s injury.
Once Miller was deemed healthy enough to play, Markstrom had to return to the minors.

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.”

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.

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.