Canucks & Beyond
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Catching Up on the Hockey News
by Alanah McGinley on 02/23/09 at 02:53 PM ET
Comments (5)
Having disappeared from the hockey world for a week, it takes some major reading to catch up with the times. While I’ve got a long way to go, a quick skim through the past week’s news didn’t turn up much, but a few random observations.
Here’s my list—but feel free to supplement my 168 hour hockey information deficit with anything you think I gotta know.
-- Some dooofus actually had to contact Brian Burke to confirm that this wasn’t Burke’s Twitter account. Geezus. How drunk do you have to be to have thought that it was??
[Update: I see A2Y has more on the doofus moment here.]
-- Missing the games this past week, I caught up with most by catching the highlights and reading the box scores. My impression of the team’s turn-around (based entirely on nothing but my dazzling instincts and genius about the game of hockey) is that it arises from a number of major improvements (like Sundin’s play, etc) but one very pervasive yet subtle change: the Canucks don’t ease up on the gas at randomly stupid moments anymore. They don’t seem to panic and go into a (previously disastrous) defensive posture at inopportune times; instead, they keep pushing, while still defending. What a revolutionary concept.
-- By all accounts, Mats Sundin turned in a Sundinesque performance for his HDIC return to Toronto on Saturday. Further, it sounds like the Toronto fanbase demonstrated far more class than I ever expected. (But that’s the problem with me assuming Toronto fans are the same as Toronto media. My bad.)
-- The other day, Kukla used the post title “Frei is Right”, referencing the Denver Post’s Terry Frei. When a Wings fan is praising a Colorado journalist, surely Armageddon can’t be far behind. Still, having read Frei’s article now, I’d have to agree… Frei is right.
-- The Ottawa Sun’s Bruce Garrioch, while generally having less rumor credibility than a drunk monkey, mentions that the Avs may be willing to part with Ryan Smyth. For once, it seems Garrioch has contributed a believable and sane supposition.
I’ve wanted Ryan Smyth on my favorite team since before he was born. Hell, since before his parents even met. I’d forgive the Canucks trading almost anybody for the cap space to steal Smyth from the Avalanche.
I’m reminded of when Jes Golbez used to SMS me (and a few other friends, I’m guessing) every damn week of last year, demanding support for Pavol Demitra to join the Canucks. He texted the same line every time: “If Nonis isn’t making this happen, he’s isn’t doing his fu$#ing job.”
Well, JG eventually got his wish, so I’m going to argue we apply this technique to Gillis and Smyth and hope for the best. (If I have your cell number, expect to see this one soon.)
-- Prediction: Despite my heartfelt desire for Smyth, I expect that somehow, some way, he’s going to find himself playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs, sooner or later. (Bah.)
-- Prediction: Speaking of the Leafs, they will be ending their cup drought - or at least make the Stanley Cup Finals - in the next 2-3 years. Bet on it… but don’t assume I get any joy out of this realization. (Bah, again.)
-- For all the depressing elements about my time in Vancouver last week, this photo represents one of my favorite things on Hastings - the Ovaltine Cafe. For people unfamiliar with Vancouver, the Ovaltine has been a city landmark for something like 60 years, its unique signage overseeing the neighbourhood, as life has endured around it in good times and bad. The cafe is also a frequent filming location for movies and TV, so film buffs may recognize it as well.
I had breakfast there the other day as I do most every time I’m in Vancouver, so I snapped a photo. I love the frontage to this place.
Filed in: nhl general, vancouver canucks | Canucks and Beyond | Permalink
Comments
“ For once, it seems Garrioch has contributed a believable and sane supposition.”
So when I called it complete and utter bullcrap, I was wrong? 
He cites that the Avs want to shed salary and that they wouldn’t want a lot in return. Neither seem terribly believable. He’s ours and always will be...until his contract runs out 
Posted by Shane from Saskatoon on 02/23/09 at 03:23 PM ET
Jes - I’ve somehow been cornered into watching too many Leafs games this year, and I gotta say… I sort of like them. (Don’t tell anyone.)
The East side is bad. Has been for a long time, nothing new there. I guess I just hadn’t steeped in it for a few years like I did last week, so I was really affected. On the other hand, I could also tell a lot of stories I have of that part of town that point out some of the best things about that city, as well. Some amazing people.
And btw, no need to be flattered I remembered those text messages. You sent about 5 bazillion of ‘em! They’re drilled into my skull for life.
Shane -- Don’t ever, ever, ever feel that using the words “Garrioch” and “bullcrap” in the same sentence could be wrong. They fit together like Romeo & Juliet - and usually ending in the same pile of self-destruction.
My feeling (and what the hell do I know?) is this: that the Avs would like to drop Smyth’s salary, but are going to have a heck of a time doing it. And as you say, it probably wouldn’t be for nothing, so I don’t see it happening by trade deadline. (Plus, as Jes says, it’s pretty unlikely for Vancouver to ever pull it off, no matter what). But some team will be wanting him badly enough to make a decent trade for him after the season is over, no? I can’t help but think how much Burke would like him in that group in Toronto.
I certainly think it’s more likely he’d end up there than Los Angeles, for instance, which the ESPN hockey brain trust speculates on today…
Posted by Alanah McGinley from British Columbia on 02/23/09 at 03:54 PM ET
Maybe Dwayne should look into other “suspect” Twitter accounts. For instance, Daniel Alfredsson… is it him? (Gee, that’s a tough one.)
Down Goes Brown (who is the author of Fake Brian Burke) had my favorite quote today:
In a twist to the story that makes my head hurt, Eklund has announced that he contacted Burke to confirm it wasn’t him.I’m not sure which is stranger, the idea of Eklund taking a stand against anonymous online fakers, or that even when reporting the incredibly obvious Eklund is still 12 hours behind the mainstream media.
Posted by Alanah McGinley from British Columbia on 02/23/09 at 05:48 PM ET
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About Canucks & Beyond
Alanah McGinley has been blogging hockey since 2003, sharing opinions, rants and not-so-deep thoughts with anyone who will listen. In addition to writing Canucks & Beyond and helping manage Kukla’s Korner, Alanah is one of the founders and co-hosts of The Crazy Canucks Podcast, as featured at Canucks.com.
She has contributed pieces to FoxSports.com and the New York Times Slapshot blog, as well as other stray destinations in cyberspace.
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I’m surprised and flattered that you remember those texts! Nonis didn’t do his job, and he got fired! I was also texting Aquellini at the same time
I remember suggesting that the Nucks go for Tkachuk, but Smyth would be a nice addition...except for that massive salary. 2-3 years at about $6.25mil per year just is not worth it for Smyth, especially if the Canucks want to retain the Sedinbots and Burrows. Unless the Avs eat half of that cap hit, it won’t happen.
As for the Downtown Eastside (DTES), it just keeps getting worse and worse while all levels of gov’t basically ignore it while pointing fingers. Really shameful that such a ‘civilized’ country has that many people living in those conditions.
“Speaking of the Leafs, they will be ending their cup drought - or at least make the Stanley Cup Finals - in the next 2-3 years. Bet on it… but don’t assume I get any joy out of this realization. (Bah, again.) “
I see you are back on the sauce >:)
Posted by Jes Golbez from In your pants on 02/23/09 at 03:18 PM ET