Vancouver Canucks

some competition

In a bold move, the Vancouver Canucks shocked the hockey world by naming Roberto Luongo captain of the club. I will not spend a lot of time on this, because despite the fact that some real heartfelt hockey people feel it is wrong and a number of others are polarized the other, results are all that matter. It will silence some on either side regardless.

My feelings are that Bobby Lu is the absolute best player and a definate leader on the team. Another point is that Cory Schneider could really be on the move now. In a year or so, Schneider will be ready for everyday NHL action and the Canucks would be wise to have a return on him before he forces their hand or move by his own volition.

Now for some more pre-season action:

The Canucks faced-off against the Flames yesterday and absolutely stunned Calgary 6-1. It was an absolute skating clinic put on by Mason Raymond, Ryan Kesler, Alexandre Burrows, and Jannik Hansen. Burrows and Kesler each had three assists and Burrows especially has really integrated defense into his repetoire where I thought earlier he may be more one-dimensional. Hansen potted a couple goals, though the final marker was one Miikka Kiprusoff would make on most nights and he did register two give-aways. Raymond’s skating ability is starting to shine and ona number of occasions he caught All-Star defenseman Dion Phaneuf flat-footed. Pavol Demitra is certainly taking pressure off of other guys with his puck handling. Creating space is very valuable.

I thought Alexander Edler was showing some really solid signs that he will be a force to be reckoned with on a nightly basis and for years to come. Rob Davison’s five hits and physical presence did not go unnoticed either. He has earned the seventh spot in my books. Luongo was in a scary other-worldly place last night as well. Lu wanted that badly and the Flames had Jarome Iginla, Robyn Regehr, Kiprusoff, and Phaneuf in the line-up.

THe Canucks are currently about to start the third period in another contest with San Jose. THe game is tied 2-2.

The Canucks have released Zack Fitzgerald to waivers with the intention of sending him to Manitoba (AHL), while sending Simon Bolduc, Cory Schneider, and Shaun Heshka to the Moose also. This is on the heels of signing first-year camp standout Dan Gendur to a minor-pro contract. Decent depth move I must say.