Embrace The Hate: DOY Troll Post
Thomas Drance
January 06 2012 08:42AM
Editors note: The following is the second entry into our "Embrace the Hate" troll post competition. It's written by Boston Bruins blogger Greg Ezell of DaysofYorr.com. The only thing Greg prefers to his Bruins, is robbing old ladies, but a close third on the list of "things Greg enjoys" is reminding Canucks fans about last June's Stanley Cup Finals loss. If you want to read the first Troll Post entry (by BlackhawkDL's Kelly Reardon), you can do so here. Also we're still taking nominations for the "worst Canucks fan on twitter" category, and submissions for the "in enemy territory" accounts so check out the details and send those our way! Enjoy, and remember not to take this whole thing too seriously:
By Greg Ezell
When I was asked by Thom to write a post for ‘Embrace the Hate’, I accepted fully knowing that my troll talents would come to good use. What he wants me to do is “piss off” the Vancouver Canucks fan base and then said if my entry was good enough, a monetary donation would be made to charity.
Whoa there Thom, settle down, you had my at “piss off the Vancouver Canucks fan base”.
Wild like an Afternoon Nap
Thomas Drance
January 05 2012 10:38AM
Burrows picks himself out of the Wild net after scoring Vancouver's second goal on Wednesday.
Turns out the Wild aren't some new model for "winning with team defense, and shot quality," nor are they the "the leagues most improved team." Nope, the Minnesota Wild are back to being the Wild whom Canucks fans know, and are totally indifferent towards!
On Wednesday the Canucks took it to their Northwest division "rival" in the first, and sealed the deal in the games first ten minutes by scoring two goals on their way to a three-zip shutout victory. The Wild had no answer, and seemingly no emotional push-back as they offered limited resistance. The "Minnesota Tebows" never really pressed the issue after the Sedin line's second goal, and only managed 8 scoring chances at even-strength throughout the entire game (Vancouver had seven in the first period).
Even score effects couldn't make Mike Yeo's squad look respectable, the Wild continued to be out-chanced throughout, and were out-shot in the third period despite being down two in a "statement game" ostensibly between the Northwest Division's two top clubs.
Chance Data, the Statistical Three Stars and a more detailed recap after the jump.
Canucks Withstand Third Period Barrage, Defeat Sharks in OT: Recap and Chance Data
Thomas Drance
December 29 2011 01:44AM
Andrew Ebbett celebrates his game winning tip-in. It was his third goal since Christmas.
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Over the past twelve months, even regular season meetings between the Canucks and the San Jose Sharks have been transformed into appointment viewing, and Wednesday night's game was no exception. Though the refereeing was bad both ways, the pace, tension and energy of the game was palpable. The clashes between these two clubs continue to make for some excellent spectator sport, so I'll look forward to their meeting early next week, and to their being united within the re-formed Western-most Conference next year.
The Canucks jumped out to an early lead thanks to a soft Daniel Sedin wraparound goal, and a persistent Kesler goal off of a juicy rebound on the power-play. The Sharks answered, however, with two beauties; one from Logan Couture on the breakaway and one from Joe Thornton on the power-play late in the second frame. In the third the Sharks and the Zebras teamed up to bombard the Canucks with a seemingly endless parade of shots and penalties - but the Canucks survived, killed off the multitude of man-advantages given to San Jose, and took the game to overtime. WIth roughly a minute left in the free frame, Kevin Bieksa sent a rug-burner towards the net that was tipped past Antii Niemi by journeyman, and surprise offensive catalyst Andrew Ebbett for the game winner. Then I exhaled.
A more detailed recap, chance data and the statistical three stars after the jump!
Canucks Ruthlessly Defeat Children, Recap and Chance Data
Thomas Drance
December 27 2011 12:34PM
Burrows celebrates his short-handed goal. I like to think he said to Ryan Jones "nice coverage."
Having whiffed on their first chance to wrest top-spot from the Minnesota Miracles on December 23rd against Calgary, the Canucks came out like guerillas on boxing day and dominated a group of children from Edmonton. Vancouver's club was energetic and deadly in the first period, as they got two goals from an unlikely source in under-rated possession player Andrew Ebbett, and took advantage of a missed call on Daniel Sedin's goal on their way to building a three goal lead that was ultimately insurmountable. They also embarrassed Ben Eager in the process, which, is always fun to see!
A more detailed recap, chance data and your statistical three stars after the jump!
Canucks, Ballard Whiff Againt Canes: Recap and Chance Data
Thomas Drance
December 15 2011 09:06PM
Bieksa Score! Bieksa MAD!
The Canucks again failed to show up for a first period on the road, and even when they did turn it on they played poorly by their standard Thursday. So the result was predictable: another loss on the road to one of the NHL's premiere cellar dwellers. With Daniel Sedin scratched late, the team called up Mark Mancari from the Wolves, and threw Raymond onto the top line, where he was excellent. The Canucks controlled possession, and were the better team at even-strength, however, they couldn't buy a whistle, got mediocre goaltending from Cory Schneider and whiffed on some glorious chances late.
The team better shape up as they roll into their former GM's barn in the center of the Universe on Saturday evening. For a game in mid-December, it's a big one. After all, it's the early game on Hockey Night in Canada, and your author will be in attendance. A more detailed recap, and scoring chance data after the jump.
