Way, way outside the organizational philosophy
Patrick Johnston
February 15 2012 01:03PM
Eric Staal can't decide who he likes best, Rick Nash or Corey Perry. We're pretty sure the Canucks do.
(Photo: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Twitter is...all..a-twitter...about Rick Nash being on the move. Coming after much recent speculation about Corey Perry, how can Canucks fans stand it all?
Some, like our very own Jeff Angus, are predicting the Canucks will make a major shakeup at the trade deadline. My own feeling is they need a defenceman but, what the heck, if there's a high-quality scoring winger out there - even if the Canucks have already picked up the underappreciated David Booth - it's worth considering.
Let's take a look at the two names that have been batted about recently as possible targets for the Canucks: Rick Nash, as mentioned, and Corey Perry. Even disregarding who would have to move out the other way, let's assess both players on the principle you acquire the player first and sort out the rest second.
Disruption in Action: The Anatomy of a Goal.
Patrick Johnston
February 12 2012 02:20PM
We know they score goals, but how do they do it?
(Photo: John Russell/Getty Images)
In a follow-up to my previous post about the purpose of offence - here's an example how 'disrupting the defence' leads to scoring chances (and sometimes goals).
It involves the Sedins and their new pal Byron Bitz (otherwise known as the man who can everything).
This is the 3rd goal for the Canucks from Tuesday's first period. In the first frame, we see Byron Bitz down and the Sedins driving the puck up the boards, AWAY from the net. It's pretty obvious what they are looking to do, they are looking to drag the Preds' defence apart and also create space to play in too.
The Predators' defence is already in trouble; Daniel has put himself in a spot which is meant to confuse the defenders coverage game. It's right here where the scoring chance is created - two touches of the puck BEFORE Daniel gets his shot.
Why we love #fancystats
Patrick Johnston
February 12 2012 09:00AM
You sure you know the purpose of attack?
(Photo: Ben Nelms / Reuters)
The former coach of the French national rugby team, Pierre Villepreux, once said the purpose of attack is not to score, rather to disrupt the defence. Continue to disrupt the defence, you will eventually score.
It's a hard philosophy to embrace, but it's an absolutely valid statement. You mess the other team up and you should win. It's the reason why we pay attention to advanced analytics here at Canucks Army.
Usage of the word 'BITZ'
Patrick Johnston
February 08 2012 08:45AM
(Photo: Getty images)
An ode to Byron Bitz, with respect to George Carlin...
Perhaps one of the most interesting words
in the English language today, is the word BITZ.
Out of all of the English words which begin with the letter B, BITZ is the only word referred to as the "B" word, it's the one magical word.
Wolves Half-Season Review - Defencemen
Patrick Johnston
February 06 2012 08:36AM
Yann Sauve was actually the first recall by the Canucks, way back at the end of training camp.
(Chris Jerina/AHL in Photos)
At the top of the list of things that have started to go right for the Wolves this season, is the team's defense-corps. Somewhat maligned to start the season, the top 5 has solidified and there's decent competition for the 6th spot. After the jump, I'll take a look at the progress, and performances along the Chicago Wolves blue-line so far this season:
