(First Star) So I begin this week’s blog with a comment on the fantastic goal from Daniel Bonino and Henrik Dorsett. No, this is not a spelling error they truly looked like the Twins coming down 2 on 1 in the Canucks OT win over the Habs Thursday night. I have to say if you could not see their faces or jersey numbers it would be an honest mistake thinking it was the Twins. Gorgeous goal and I hope we get to see more of them from Bonino. Dorsett sure laid that pass over nice didn’t he? He has been solid shuffling between the third and fourth lines while looking comfortable in either role and he can pass the puck while possessing ability to hit the night. Good score Mr. Benning.
Daniel and Henrik? Nope, Bonino and Dorsett… Time for glasses
(Second Star) There is the issue of head shots that is now running rampant all over the Vancouver media. Was Burrows hit a head shot, why was there no penalty but a suspension and what will happen to Ference with his hit on Kassian Saturday night as for discipline? As Burrows does not have a history of suspensions I am sure most of us would believe no suspension or 1 game at most with a fine would have sufficed. I know if Ference does not get 3 games for his hit that was very similar to Burrow’s there will be hell to pay. They both left their feet and they both moved in an upward motion to contact the head. In my opinion it, at very least, will expose the dysfunction of the NHL’s ability to enforce their hazy rule book. We also have to remember what we, as Canuck fans, would have said about the hit if Subban was Burrows and Emelin was Daniel or Henrik. We would see a totally different reaction and opinion. All bias aside, sorry Burrows, you did the crime and you got your time.
48.1 Illegal Check to the Head – A hit resulting in contact with an opponent’s head where the head is targeted and the principal point of contact is not permitted. However, in determining whether such a hit should have been permitted, the circumstances of the hit, including whether the opponent put himself in a vulnerable position immediately prior to or simultaneously with the hit or the head contact on an otherwise legal body check was avoidable, can be considered.
48.2 Minor Penalty – For violation of this rule, a minor penalty shall be assessed.
48.3 Major Penalty – There is no provision for a major penalty for this rule.
48.4 Game Misconduct Penalty – There is no provision for a major penalty for this rule.
How many 5 minute majors and game misconducts have been handed out in the past? But as we see there is no provision for these in the NHL rule book. Does that mean referee’s discretion? Does the difference between a major and a minor penalty depend on the mood of the referee on any given night? Team’s fates should never be in the hands of referees but from what I have seen in the past few years it seems every team’s fate is in the hands of the officials. What can be done about this without seriously slowing down the pace of individual games? I know a review process during games will eliminate double headers.
(Third Star) Well it does seem that I am eating some of my words in regards to Ryan Miller being capable as he has proven to be eveything I said he wouldn’t be. After 9 games played he appears more than capable and really you can’t argue with an 8 – 1 – 0 record after 9 games. 16 out of 18 possible point in games they need to win is truly a ‘pot of gold’. Honestly I don’t believe our dear Eddie Lack would have gotten all 16 of those points. I’m not going to elaborate on Sir Lack’s record other than the Canucks are 8 -3 – 0 in 11 games. So you all understand why I, being an Eddie supporter, won’t go further at this point right? 16 out 18 points means no really cares about Miller’s numbers right? Well, I’m going to tell you anyway just so I can have a second helping of my words. in 9 games Miller’s save % is .918, he has a 2.24 GAA, 1 shutout and 19 goals against. 16 out of 18 points, you tell me what matters. Miller has to share the spot in the third star limelight with Radim Richardson and this again is not a misprint. That laser he put by Price was extremely Vrbata like. 3 goals in 2 games, yeah I know it’s only 2 games, not bad for a fourth liner. I find he really gives his all when battling for the puck. Can’t help but like him.
In conclusion to this weeks rumblings I have to give honorable mention to every single new comer from Trevor Linden and Jim Benning’s off season shuck and jive has contributed in pretty much every aspect of play. The Canucks have genuine weapons that don’t give up. They have all had a point, with the exception of Miller (who has 16 points) and they all are noticeable when they are on the ice. You have to tip your hat to management, they have given us every reason to continue to believe they can can win. Change has come and I think we all like it. Thanks guys
One more thing just on an “in case you might care basis.” Barry Trotz, when coaching the Predators made speeches in the Nashville locker room and at the end of these speeches he would insert a saying. New Preds coach Peter Laviolette does not do anything like that so at the end of the new coach’s speeches the players would insert their own sayings. This lasted 2 or 3 games and stopped. Way to take control of the locker room Lav.
Fans With An Open Mind 