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trading time!so i was right, the Ducks DID win the cup! ha! oh well, good for them...
it's trading time in the world of hockey!! draft picks happening today... some interesting trades to come.
the Canucks prolly wont come out with a bang like they did last season with the Bertuzzi-Luongo trade, but look for Nonis to try to come out with some sort of mini-bang.. he's looking for goal scorers and a faster and stronger team. We got beat by Anaheim in the last round and i mean LITERALLY beat up so Nonis is also going to look for some strong guys. Again, strength isn't everything.. speed and scoring is key.
One of the main things on my mind is what they decide to do with veteran Linden... will they offer him one more year or will he call it quits? I propose they offer him another year just based on his performance in the playoffs and prior to that.. he's really proven himself. He's the type of guy that will stand aside if it's for the betterment of the team.. very unselfish in that sense and not looking for a buck. He's all about the team and everyone respects that. I say he's still got a year or two in him... YAY LINDEN!
anyway, should be interesting to see what happens over the next few days. Stay tuned... Semi Finalsyea so the canucks are out. let's not get into that right now.
now we're into the semi finals of Stanley Cup playoffs...
so, here are the predictions:
Detroit VS. Anaheim... I'm bitter about losing to Anaheim, but I do give credit where its deserved. Anaheim is a great team and deserved that win. I predicted Anaheim to win the cup back in October so i'm sticking to my guns. Of course this is not what i want. I want the Red Wings to win... but I don't see it happening. Ducks in 6.
Buffalo VS. Ottawa... This should be a very entertaining series, regardless of the outcome. I say, Sens in 7.
**I hope I'm wrong about the Ducks winning the cup because I really want either Detroit or Ottawa to win it.. Detroit to win because of Bertuzzi (obviously)... if those 2 meet in the final, I'll be happy no matter who wins. Hockey is fantastic, ain't it?!  First round predictionseastern conference:
buffalo vs. ny islanders = Sabres
new jersey vs. tampa bay = NJ
atlanda vs. ny rangers = Rangers
ottawa vs. pitsburgh = Sens (after all, Sid is just a kid)
western conference:
detroit vs. calgary = fLamers lose, Bertuzzi eats Iginla
anaheim vs. minnesota = wild Ducks
vancouver vs. dallas = Canucks (obviously)
nashville vs. san jose = Preds .: m.o.m :."God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers."
"Mother - that was the bank where we deposited all our hurts and worries."
"Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible."
"All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does. That's his."
"Mother is the name for God in the lips and hearts of little children." "My mom is a neverending song in my heart of comfort, happiness, and being. I may sometimes forget the words but I always remember the tune." "If I had a single flower for every time I think about you, I could walk forever in my garden." http://www.legacy.com/can-vancouver/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=86459637 cheering for canucks is like that one seinfeld episode...this is an awesome post... pretty much summarizes what I think is going on with the Canucks right now.
Friday November 17th 2006, 12:46 pm
There’s a Seinfeld episode (circa 1994) where Jerry regularly “broke even”. If you remember it, Jerry came out even while playing poker; he was offered a new gig minutes after one was cancelled; and he found $20 in his pockets after Elaine threw $20 out the cab window. In some ways, Jerry in that episode mirrors the Canucks season so far. At the start of this season, the Canucks not just outworked their opponents; they were rewarded with a little bit of puck luck. Markus Naslund and Brendan Morrison tied games late in the third period; Sami Salo and Daniel Sedin won them in overtime. The Blackhawks threw 32 shots on Roberto Luongo three weeks ago and he stopped every single one of them. In many other games, he gave the Canucks an opportunity to win. Against Dallas last Monday, Kevin Bieksa scored from center ice and forever erased memories of Nicklas Lidstrom’s goal from the same spot; Taylor Pyatt scored with 45 seconds left to win the game. Things haven’t gone as well lately. In the last couple of weeks the Canucks suffered late-game meltdowns instead of producing late-game heroics. Andrew Brunette, Kristian Huselius and Johan Franzen all scored in third periods to steal wins for their respective teams. In Minnesota, Todd White scored a goal that should have only been allowed if he had scored it on a soccer pitch. And against Detroit, Alex Burrows’ tying goal was disallowed because Jan Bulis breathed on Dominik the Diver. Through 19 games, the one constant to the Canucks’ season has been their strong work ethic. Even in their losses, they were usually the harder-working team and often produced more scoring chances. Alain Vigneault’s challenge is to make sure his team stays the course - whether they score five goals a game or two, and whether they win or lose. The Canucks may have lost six of their last seven games, but playing the same system, they had also gained points in eight of their first 12 games. They’re playing the same way now as they did earlier this season, but the results are different. Has their luck just evened out? Or is it something else? source: http://blog.canucks.com/?p=187 unsung psalmThere would be psalms sung by a choir
I would have a white robe a halo newly acquired I'd be at peace and I'd have no desire If I'd lived right If this is a dream wake me up now If this is a movie let's edit these scenes out It would be a PG instead of an X-rated life If I'd lived right Some would call me a cheat call me a liar Say that I've been defeated by the basest desires Yes I have strayed and succumbed to my vices But I tried to live right But I have no regrets no guilt in my heart I only feel sadness for any pain that I've caused I guess I wouldn't bother to worry at all If I'd lived right Do you live by the book do you play by the rules? Do you care what is thought by others about you? If this day is all that is promised to you Do you life for the future the present the past? If there is one thing I know I know I will die If anyone cares some stranger may critique my life I may be revered or defamed and decried But I tried to live right There would be psalms sung by a choir I would have a white robe a halo newly acquired I'd be at peace and I'd have no desire If I'd lived right -tracy chapman- Chasing Cars - Snow PatrolWe'll do it all Everything On our own We don't need Anything Or anyone If I lay here If I just lay here Would you lie with me and just forget the world? I don't quite know How to say How I feel Those three words Are said too much They're not enough If I lay here If I just lay here Would you lie with me and just forget the world? Forget what we're told Before we get too old To show me a garden that's bursting into life Let's waste time Chasing cars Around our heads I need your grace To remind me To find my own If I lay here If I just lay here Would you lie with me and just forget the world? Forget what we're told Before we get too old To show me a garden that's bursting into life All that I am All that I ever was Is here in your perfect eyes, They're all I can see I don't know where Confused about how as well Just know that these things will never change for us at all If I lay here If I just lay here Would you lie with me and just forget the world? nhl 06-07 season"It's the most wonderful time of the year... the hap-happiest season of all!..."
HOCKEY OFFICIALLY STARTS TOMORROW (well, for the Canucks)
... summer was far too long
... every year i actually look forward for skool to start in september because i know, in one month i will be reunited with my love, my passion.
... oh hockey, how i missed thee!
**let the games begin** i wub my little aman HAPPY 19th BIRTHDAY TO MY OTHER HALF THE ONE AND ONLY AMAE!!!!!  Aman... i just wanted to say i love you more than anything. You're always there to make me smile
 ... we have so much in common , we're buddies in crime ... we know everything about eachother ... and most importantly, we shall take over the world together! Muahahahaha  I hope you have a wonderful birthday full of everything you have ever wished for. May Waheguru bless you always.
**SHANAMAE FOR LIFE** We Are All Canucks.hello! hello! hello!
summer is over, school has started, it's getting darker, the days are shorter, it's getting colder... all of this can only mean ONE thing:
HOCKEY IS COMING!!! My year officially begins when the first hockey puck drops... the Canucks kick off their pre-season games at Calgary on Tuesday Sept 19 - that's ONLY 4 days away!! wooooooooooo hoooooooooooooo
The REAL hockey starts in 20 days...
The Canucks will be playing 9 of their first 11 games away from home... it's going to be tough, but it will also test out the strength and core of this fairly new team.
Speaking of NEW... holy cow, so many brand-spankin'-new faces... accompanied with zits and everything! ahahaa, just joking... actually, no I'm not. They're are a lot of young faces this year... and we all know how i feel about youngins... but that kinda mindset is going to have to change. In this "new NHL," the game is for the young, the prospects, the future. It involves speed, scoring, excellent goal-keeping (which we will HOPEFULLY have) and MORE speed. Fresh young legs provide these services... they stay on teams for a long time and pass these qualities on to other youth. It's a cycle and if the cycle continues, the franchise flourishes. If the cycle is broken, GM's and team owners have to start from scratch... kinda like what happened with the Canucks during this off-season.
Before we talk about the team, let's talk about some ex-players, shall we? Where to start?
JOVO- nothing to say really... seeeya!
ALLEN/AULD- i actually liked you guys... but we also needed a goalie
CARTER- oh man oh man oh man... i call him the "hockey whore" why? he goes from team to team... after they get bored of him, he moves on to another team to score 9 more goals before they trade him or he moves on to another. Oh, and would you look at that... you finally find a team that you're good in and what do you do? You don't know what to do because you're so use to being passed around... so you do what comes natural to ya, move on to the the next one! I know this has been said many times, but it's true: Carter is NOTHING without the Sedins. Sure, he helped their game too... but clearly, he was nothing before them and they at least had something going on before he came along. He'll just go back to being a 9 goal scoring player and once the 'Jacket' runs outta fashion, he'll move on to another team - that's IF, someone takes him.
BAUMGARTNER- thank GOD! holy cow.... my prayers have been answered!!
BERTUZZI- you never really left my friend, you'll always be in my heart. And you'll always be my #1. Jan 7 - I'm counting down. Watch out, here comes big 44.
Now before the season starts, I just want to clarify one thing. This team is new and has been through a lot in a very short period of time. This city expects a LOT from its players and the organization as a whole. And believe me, they are entitled to do so. However, don't expect this team to come out and start winning every single game right off the bat. I certainly don't. The NHL was not helpful... the Canucks' schedule is ridiculus... starting off with that many away games can really shut a team down once they start losing. BUT, there is an upside to all of this... having to share a bus and airplane creates bonding... since this team will be out of town for most of October, they will get the chance to get to know one another and create a sense of 'team', something that is harder to do when playing home games because everyone goes off and does their own thing.
So, when the season starts and the Canucks lose their first couple of games, don't fret. Of course you always want your home team to win games... but for me, I actually want them to lose these first couple of games. If I remember correctly, last year the Canucks were on fire in the beginning of the year. Their record was something like 14-1 at home... everyone expected this team to go far. But come December-January, everyone had changed their minds. This year is going to be different. I don't expect them to win any major titles, although it would be nice if they did. But what i do expect is heart. This team will WANT and will win games. They will go far, and will actually make the playoffs because their heart will be in the right place. I know its too early to be saying things like that, and I may be wrong... but I'm hopeful. And most of all, I BELIEVE. Mr.Williams, 55 looks good on ya!TODAY WE CELEBRATE!
why?
Today we are celebrating ROBIN WILLIAMS...
He's crazy
He's hilarious
He's kind
He makes people smile
He's an artist
He's a child
He's a great actor
He's joyful
He never sits still
Did I mention he's crazy?
And TODAY is his 55th Birthday!!!
 Robin Williams is so talented... to do what he and other comics/stand-up comedians do is AMAZING... it's not a walk in the park, that's for sure!
You can stand in front of an audience after practicing your routine for weeks and get stared down and even booed off the stage. It can be devastating to stand there in dead silence only to hear the scratching of heads and the 'tings' of glasses at a local club. But for people like Robin Williams to stand up there with just a chair, a mike, and a glass of water... and to be able to entertain thousands of people for 2 hours... with no back up singers, no electric guitars, no fancy moves with flashy clothes... that is a true talent.
 It's one of the hardest jobs, and yet it often goes underrated. You can't just be funny. It's not that simple... it takes time, effort, hardwork, but most of all PATIENCE. Many comedians go from club to club and from city to city just to be noticed and to make some sort of earning. A cheap earning, that is. But underneath it all, I don't think most comedians even complain too much about how hard it is to do what they do. And that's the beauty of it all... they wont complain, they'll probably just make a joke out of it.
Going back to Robin Williams... I can't emphasize his amazing-ness... he's AMAZING! He's always got sooooo much to say... whenever he's a guest on talk shows, the hosts rarely even get a word out because he's always going on about something - anything! He is the improv GOD and best of all, he interacts with the audience rather than speaking AT them.
The only thing left to say is....
HAPPY 55th BIRTHDAY TO THE FUNNIEST MAN ALIVE!
 Yea, sure comedy is hard work. But to be where Robin Williams is at now... on top of the world... I say it's worth the shot. Tell a joke or two, and you might like it. But I can't gaurantee it. But if you take the time out to LISTEN to a joke, you'll probably laugh. That moment of happiness is all that matters. I guarantee it.
Laugh.
Smile.
Live.
 Cup Of LifeDo you really want it
Do you really want it Do you really want it The cup of life, this is the one Now is the time, don't ever stop Push it along, gotta be strong Push it along, right to the top The feeling in your soul is gonna take control Nothing can hold you back if you really want it I see it in your eyes, you want the cup of life Now that the day is here, gotta go and get it Do you really want it (yeah) Do you really want it (yeah) Here we go, ale, ale, ale Go, go, go, ale, ale, ale Tonight's the night we're gonna celebrate The cup of life, ale, ale, ale The cup of life, it's do or die It's here it's now, turn up the lights Push it along, then let it roll Push it along, go, go, go And when you feel the heat, the world is at your feet No one can hold you down if you really want it Just steal your destiny right from the hands of fate Reach for the cup of life 'cause your name is on it Do you really want it (yeah) Do you really want it (yeah) We're gonna get it Do you really want it We're gonna get it Do you really want it Yeah The feeling in your soul is gonna take control Nothing can hold you back if you really want it I see it in your eyes, you want the cup of life Now that the day is here, gotta go and get it (yeah) Do you really want it (yeah) Do you really want it (yeah) Un, Dos, Tres, ole, ole, ole Un, Deux, Trois, ale, ale, ale Tonight's the night we're gonna celebrate The cup of life, ale, ale, ale Do you really want it Yeah -Ricky Martin-
ITALY REALLY WANTS IT
WORLD CUP 2006
~ FOREVER ITALIA ~
 without 44Bertuzzi has been traded to the Florida Panthers.
it's too much for me to take all at once.
i'll be back with more later when i can cope.
who knows when that will be. "OIL SPILL on aisle EDMONTON SUCKS!"some say a picture is worth a thousand words... I think this one-worded-picture pretty much sums up the Edmonton Oilers...
 ahh yes, the spOilers lost in game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final just as the fLamers did in 2004. Bittersweet.
Am I really a hater?
Sure, call me what you like but 2nd place never got anyone a Stanley Cup. oh, and how many times have I heard this one:
"You're not a Canadian!" HOW DARE YOU PEOPLE QUESTION MY LOVE FOR MY COUNTRY! I love my country and I have no shame in declaring it to the entire world! I am a true patriotic and I don't have to prove that to anyone! For goodness sakes people, I cry during every god damn singing of our nation's god damn anthem!
"Cheer for the Canadian team... the only hope for us."
In the Olympics, I cheer for Canada. In hockey, I cheer for MY teams. If they happen to be American, so be it. If good hockey is being played by an American based team that doesn't mean I'm an "American-lover"
BELIEVE ME, I'm far far faaaar from loving America. *shudders* by the way...
Corey Stillman: Peterborough, Ontario. Glen Wesley: Red Deer, Alberta. Aaron Ward: Windsor, Ontario. Ray Whitney and Mike Commodore: Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta. Eric Staal: Thunder Bay, Ontario. Cam Ward: Sherwood Park, Alberta. Justin Williams: Cobourg, Ontario. Andrew Ladd: Maple Ridge, BC Mark Recchi: Kamloops, BC and Rod Brind'Amour: Ottawa, Ontario Toss in six Americans and a few key Europeans and you have the Carolina Hurricanes.
"Give Carolina GM Jim Rutherford credit; he has assembled a team filled with Canadian stars... the Hurricanes are a darn good hockey team. A team built around players from Canada." -Jim Lang of Sportsnet News
The Carolina Hurricanes deserved their first ever Stanley Cup, there's no doubt about that. Cam Ward? Don't get me started on that kid. one word: WOW What a story... born in Edmonton... raised watching Edmonton... admired all hockey stars from Edmonton... and then goes on to BEAT Edmonton! Bittersweet.
For all you spOiler fans... too bad, so sad. For the "Canadian" hockey fans, don't worry... the CANUCKS will be YOUR team next season.
CONGRATULATIONS CAROLINA HURRICANES hi, i'm cRaZy and this is my theme song...
I remember when, I remember, I remember when I lost my mind And when you're out there Does that make me crazy And I hope that you are having the time of your life Well, I think you're crazy My heroes had the heart to lose their lives out on a limb Maybe I'm crazy -Gnarles Barkley- my little jassu... finally, you're legal! now we can marry.HAPPY 18th BIRTHDAY TO MY ONE AND ONLY MISTRESS, JASSU!!
    how could i resist such a foxeh ladeh?! i had no choice but to cheat on joycie for you!
I love all the little things you do. From your G-G-L (giggle) to your "im really not that nice" attitude ("SAY IT TO HER FACE!"), to your smarts - you really are the complete package.
I love everything about you and I'm so so sooooooo glad I hit your sister in the face with the teather ball 7 years ago... if i hadn't, i probably would have never met you... and then i would have never heard a single backstreet boys cd, or had the chance to scratch yours... err, i guess that would be a good thing. WAIT! I DIDN'T DO IT!
 lolanywhoo... since I made a list for my wifie, joyce, I couldn't imagine not making one for the girrly who taught me how to cheat on my spouse, professionally. here t'is.
WHY I LOVE MY JASSU:
1. ok, so this chick is like so very hawt... i like my size zeroes and my 98 pound girls. AHAHHAA ok ok, im JOKING! CALM YOUR HORSES! im the one tryin to make her 100... i feed her every minute i see her. No, but seriously, its not just that she is naturally absolutely breathtaking... but inside, she has a pure heart. no question, a truly caring and passionate individual.
2. the baby voice you talk in... ish sho cute! you sho cute! my little jassu-wassu.
3. you know exactly what to say at the right times and when not to say anything and just listen. that's it, i wont elaborate... i might ruin it. lol
4. although there was no kobe... i enjoyed spending countless nights talking about our futures and of course, who can forget good ol' shaq
 5. you love(d) the backstreet boys. QUEEN BACKSTREET. don't mess with us, or else we might start singin'... "i want it thaaat way... tell meee whyyy..."
6. you let me borrow your backstreet boys cds... like, omg, like i like totally like loved like totally loved like listening to them! like, oh myyy goddd.
7. you're not blonde. (OR DIDN'T TRY TO LIKE SOMEONE *coughs* joyce!) -sidenote, there's NOTHING wrong with being blonde... it was a joke. i love all hair types, HONEST! i'm not blondist (racist) - i SWEAR!
8. you are SO smart and you don't even know it! I know you will get very far in no matter what you choose to do in life...Genuis i tell ya!
9. ok this freak likes BUTTERMILK. like, omg... ewww.
10. the way you have an open mind about anything and everything. i've introduced you to music like coldplay and of course, MJ, and you appreciate all of it.
11. you came to my tournament at 9am and watched me lose. how nice.
12. i love how you can figure out ppl just like that... "oh, he's using you... oh, she's lying... oh, shaat up and stop bein so stupid..." unlike me, i'll prolly pour my heart out or like give away a million dollars before i realize something is wrong. you keep me down and give me a constant reality check. i'm so glad to have friends like you and joycie to keep me sane, otherwise i'd be floating around somewhere in la-la-land.
13. "i'm gonna nap...wake me up at __... and don't forget!" i call you 30 mins late and you're still sleeping.
14. i love how cute you sound when you're complaining about me waking you up.
15. tim hortons!
16. you think you're so cool drinking coffee and eating bagels from tim hortons. what a loser ahahahaa
17. how i'm 2 years older than you... most of your friends are older than you, yet you treat us all as if we're younger! lol "kiddos"
18. "HER BF's NAME IS JESUS... they see eachother every week... SFU business major... oh, and he's bald..." who's jeBus? LOL
19 (for good luck). despite the fact that you cheated on ME with MY wife, and are now cheating on me with some rugrat, you know that one day you'll come back to me. And it's not only cuz i'm your thug and i love to show you a good time, but mostly because I pay for your services with the best thing ever: buttermilk. and no, pronthas are NOT included. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY LITTLE PIMP!
Pimp to the MAX... but stop going after children!
That's MJ's job. love you now and forever
   one day is certainly not enough.pavan guroo paanee pithaa maathaa dhharath mehath || Air is the Guru, Water is the Father, and Earth is the Great Mother of all You taught me everything And everything you’ve given me...I always keep it inside
You’re the driving force in my life There isn’t anything...Or anyone I can be...And it just wouldn’t feel right If I didn’t have you by my side You were there for me to love and care for me...When skies were grey Whenever I was down...You were always there to comfort me
And no one else can be what you have been to me You always will be the girl...In my life for all times Mama, mama you know I love you Oh you know I love you Mama, mama you’re the queen of my heart Your love is like Tears from the stars
Mama, I just want you to know...Lovin’ you is like food to my soul You’re always down for me...Have always been around for me even when I was bad
You showed me right from my wrong...Yes you did And you took up for me...When everyone was downin’ me You always did understand You gave me strength to go on There was so many times...Looking back when I was so afraid And then you come to me...And say to me I can face anything And no one else can do...What you have done for me You’ll always be You will always be the girl in my life -Boys II Men-
THANK YOU MOM FOR BEING MY EVERYTHING
You have many traits that I ADMIRE, however, what sticks out the most is
YOUR STRENGTH AND DETERMINAION IN FIGHTING CANCER.
YOU NEVER GIVE UP AND ALWAYS STRIVE TO DO YOUR VERY BEST.
I can have no better role model...
You have shown me so much love and taught me invaluable lessons that I will forever carry with me.
I AM FOREVER GREATFUL TO WAHEGURU AS HE HAS BLESSED ME WITH THE BEST MOTHER ANYONE COULD POSSIBLY HAVE.
From woman, man is born; within woman, man is conceived;
to woman he is engaged and married. Woman becomes his friend; through woman, the future generations come. When his woman dies, he seeks another woman; to woman he is bound. So why call her bad? From her, kings are born. From woman, woman is born; without woman, there would be no one at all. O Nanak, only the True Lord is without a woman. That mouth which praises the Lord continually is blessed and beautiful. O Nanak, those faces shall be radiant in the Court of the True Lord. I wish all the great mothers of this world, who work tirelessly day in and day out, a very happy mother's day.
In my eyes, there could be no job as tough as that of being a mother, and for doing everything that you do, I thank you. predictions...alrighty...
first things first: calgary vs. anaheim:
 -anyone who knows me already knows how much i hate the flamers so we wont go into depth on how extatic i was when they lost in the first round. All i have to say is that the team who rightfully won this series did so and that team wasn't the calgary flames. It was the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim... who deserved that game 7 win over calgary any day. *props go out to brian burke for totally changing this young team around... he's done a fine fine job and i know this is only the beginning for this guy. way to go burky!
secondly, i find this to be quite interesting:
in the west, the top 4 seeds have been eliminated in the first round (doesn't apply in the east where the bottom 4 are out and top 4 have moved on)... this is very rare and you probably wont ever see it again anytime soon. it's most interesting because it makes you think... why fight for the division title? home ice advantage - is it really that important? all of that and the tight race in the west seems kinda pointless with the results of this first round.
now on to 2nd round and beyond playoff predictions:
West
-Edmonton vs. San Jose = bye bye oilers.
no need to dwell, but joe thorton (who I absolutely LOVE), Cheecho and co. are gonna rock the oil sockets outta edmonton. no ifs, ands, or buts about it. sure, edmonton beat the #1 team in the league in 5 games (Red Wings), but in my eyes, it wont happen again. Oil fans should celebrate while they can because soon it will all be over.
  -Anaheim vs. Colorado = kinda hard for me to say but I'm gonna say the ducks are probably gonna fly. Kelly Hrudey from the CBC says the ducks can take it in 5 if they play like they have so far... especially like how they played in game 7 tonight against the flamers. And I couldn't agree more. Even though Burnaby Joe and his little first line crew with Brunette have been quite the force, I don't think they can beat this young Anaheim team.
 In other words, in the West its all about CALIFORNIA LOVIN' and quite frankly, I don't mind it one bit... I actually prefer it. Send some of that love this way is all I gotta say! lol
 East
-Ottawa vs. Buffalo = some really entertaining games. These games will not only be very entertaining, but also full of scoring... something NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman will surely enjoy. I say the sens just barely take it with a game 7 win... but its another tough call - i think its more of my "canadian-nation's capital-patriotism-thing" talking. If the youngster Emery can keep it up, there's no stopping Alfredsson, Heatley, and co. (and OMG I think I've converted into Chara fan... I just cant get over how tall the dude is! ahahaa)
 -New Jersey vs. Carolina = the devils are something like 16-0. enough said. they are on fire and no hurricane is about to stop them. BUT, having said that.... carolina is also VERY underrated. Everyone says that they should be respected more because they are one of those teams that just kinda come up behind you and then BANG! its over... and i think that this might even happen to new jersey. It's unlikely, but if the Hurricane goalie Cam Ward can keep up his crazy antics, he could even outdo the future Hall of Famer, Martin Brodeur. Personaly, I just love brodeur and despite all these young goalies taking series in the first round (i.e. Ottawa's Ray Emery, Anaheim goalie Illya Bryzgalov, etc.), I still think goalies with playoff experience matter... not only that, they have to be talented and not choke in stressful situations (*coughs* Miikka Kiprusoff in Stanley Cup Final 2004 and again this year in game 7 vs. Anaheim lol). Martin Brodeur is all that and more...but don't overlook those hurricanes... they could be as deadly as the devil.
 As for looking really, really forward into the future... I see the San Jose Sharks meeting the New Jersey Devils in the 2005 Stanley Cup finals. I'm biting my tongue by saying that because I'd rather have the Ottawa Senators make it to the finals over the Devils anyday... but it's probably not going to happen considering the devil record.
But of course, this is playoff hockey and anything is possible. The ducks are perfectly capable of making it all the way as are the sabres. I am probably wrong about my predicitons but we'll just wait and see what happens in the 2nd round and then i'll make my predictions accordingly.
IGINLA SPOTTED CAR SHOPPING... errr, carT shopping
 to bad, iggy... the good ones are already taken by the canucks!  game OVER. The Vancouver Canucks managed a win at home on their last game of the season on Saturday April 15, 2006.
Goals were scored by Bertuzzi, Naslund, and Morrison... probably for the last time together. They won, but it was a classic case of the Canucks throughout the season. Too little, too late.
"your Canucks suck!"
"your team lost!" "Bertuzzi sucks!" "HA HA! Vancouver is not in the playoffs!" how many times have I heard those sayings over the past few days? yes, the Vancouver Canucks did not make it into the playoffs this year however, this team is far from "sucking"
Of course, I was a bit upset that they did not make it (first time since 2000). Every time that you would think they would pull through, they didn't. And when you thought they had a turning point, it turned out just to be a one-game kinda thing and next game, they would go back to their losing ways. What bothered me the most about the Canucks throughout their season was their inconsistency. It seriously pissed me off. There is no excuse for not giving 100% effort every game. No team can ever do well unless they are consistent with their play. If you look at the Detroits and the Ottawas of the NHL, what do you see? Consistency. Not only that, but also teamwork. The Canucks totally lacked teamwork this year. They acted like individual men out there, all going their separate ways to achieve the same goal. Does that make any sense? Of course not. The team started the season on fire... something like 13-1 at home. All around the league everyone was saying, "oh watch out for the Canucks... they are sure to upset some teams this season"... even the Calgary Flames' coach Darrel Sutter was quoted in the beginning of the year at a game at GM Place saying how it will be so tough to beat the Canucks for the #1 position in the Northwest division. People expected so much from this team but in the end, they they were unable to deliver. It went from being not so okay in December to souring up by February to horrendous in March-April. They went from hoping to make it into 6th place in the Western Conference, to where they are now - 9th... on the other side of the solid black line.
Sure, there were some holes in the lineup including Jovonovski, Cloutier, Salo, Matt Cooke (lots of bad luck for that guy this year), and even Ohlund for a short period of time. Park was also out for a while...but I don't think he was a major factor anyway. He has plenty.
Moving on to other positives... one word, actually two, no... more like an equation: SEDINS + CARTER = CANUCK DREAM wow. wow. wow. All three of those guys had break out seasons... all of them were on fire this year. They came through when the actual "big line" failed to do so. They became the true big line and did so game in and game out. It was so exciting to watch Henrik and Daniel crisscross and then BANG! carter comes in outta nowhere and gets a goal! He truly was their brother from another mother. It was like they could feel each other anywhere on the ice... like triplets. Soon, other teams the Canucks faced were scared to face this #2 line (something that use to be for the "West Coast Express i.e.Naslund, Bertuzzi, Morrison-more on them later). The Sedins and Carter made the Canucks' games more exciting and drew attention away from the disaster of the pre-existing "#1" line.
Speaking of the #1 line... so much to say but really, I don't have the time to talk about them... I can go on forever. Naslund- he did not click with the other 2 this year... whenever one guy was on fire, the other two were somewhere near the bottom. Naslund was nursing a groin injury for a few months, no excuse but I thought I'd mention it anyway. Morrison also had a hip injury that he ignored for most of the season, but that certainly cant explain his penalty minutes. This year he was in the box almost double as much as he was in previous seasons. Nazzy took the Olympics off to rest, so I'm thinking his groin injury probably settled off in time for the real playoff push.
As for Berty... he's the talk of the day, month, year... he'll probably still be talked about when he leaves us in the off season (yes, I did just say that - more on that later). But, to be honest... even after all that off-ice stuff with the Moore incident and the court proceedings, no one can say Bertuzzi didn't perform. For a crappy season, he did pretty well... consider this stat from this season: he's had 25 goals and 46 assists for an overall 71 points all together. Now imagine how he could have done if he was being the "old-Bertuzzi." But, it's true. He was not the old-Bertuzzi, and I don't think he'll ever be... unless he has a change of scenery. Despite all he has been through, that stuff should stay off the ice. When he's on the ice, he should play the game the way its intended - and how he's payed to. But then again, he's only human. He did start to come together in the last few games, but it looked too much like how the Canucks have been playing all season and quite frankly, it was too little too late.
All that is left to say is that change is needed. Change is no longer an option but a necessity.
The main concern for ownership and Nonis, in my eyes, is to secure Sedins+Carter. Secondly is to figure out the Jovo-issue. Jovocop may want to go to Florida or somewhere else as he probably wont stick around for the reconstruction of the Canucks. I want him to stay. For shizzle... when he came back on that Sat game against Calgary (April 8) he brought with him new life. It would be hurtful for the Canucks to lose that kind of life-support.
Those are the main keepers... but as to the additions and minuses: 1.Bertuzzi needs a change of scenery -being here, or on any other Western team will not help him. -he will never go back to "old-bert" unless he realizes what he had here. -he didn't realize this... therefore, having a change can spark a new motive. A new goal. -I say him going to Ottawa will do wonders for his career. He is a very, very talented player (arguably best power-forward to ever play in the NHL) and I'd hate to see his talent go to waste. Him staying here will be a waste. -money wise, we could use that $5.3 million elsewhere. Perhaps acquire 2 players or 5th round pick in trade for him... which is dandy! -I know losing Berty will be a loss to Canuck fans... but its not like he's leaving the NHL, so you can still cheer him on. (This is a HUGE pill for me to swallow... I never thought I would be saying something like this before... I love the guy to death - he's my hockey hero and I even put his number44 in my signature!!) -I only want this change for him. Who knows what wonders it will do for him...
2.Cloutier/Park/WEINRICH/Carney/Baumgartner must go. -I know I'm not doin cloutz any justice by putting him in the same category as these dudes, but I had to. I think with Auld proving himself this season and the new acquiring of Mika Noronen, Cloutz position has been filled. He needs to go elsewhere... -Park, in my eyes, was a one-season-wonder. He was amazing with Minnesota in 2003 when the Wild went crazy and upset many Stanley Cup contenders *coughs*-canucks-, however, he's kind of lost his touch. He's okay, but not for us. I heard that we picked Park over our previous D-man Chuborov which upset me... bring Chubby back, we need him - not Park. Also, I miss Malik - what the flip man?! Stop yankin' our d-men!! -WEINRICH was the stupidest mistake made this year. Maybe it was the yellow visor, I don't know... but this guy has got to go. -Carney was alright but not as great as was hoped... I don't get why we keep acquiring the old guys at deadlines (year before lockout was veterans Rucsinsky, Sanderson, and Keane) How many Stanley Cups you've had doesn't really matter - look at Keane, he had so much Stanley Cup experience but did absolutely nothing for us... bring on the youngins, dudes! Fresh legs and speed is what we need! -Okay, so everyone knows how much I hate Baumgartner... so I don't really think I need to explain this one. However, the last couple of games I've kind of changed my mind about the little rodent. He is pretty good on powerplays...but of course, he's no Salo so I want him out.
**As for other keepers - Ryan Kessler had an amazing season this year... he really matured out while playing with Bertuzzi and truly shined as he finally became a Canuck - not just a callback from the Moose. Alex Burrows is also a great addition in the young-speed-category. I see great things for those two in the upcoming season.
*Of course, Nazzy must stay. He is our captain and you certainly can't count out such great talent over one bad season. He is a silent leader and despite what the media says, he's pretty good at it. If you look at past leaders of the Canucks, all of them have been silent leaders. They lead by example and many players respect that. You don't always need a in-your-face kinda guy... quite frankly, that's just annoying. I think the whole leadership thing was questioned for 2 reasons: One, Naslund wasn't performing his best. His team wasn't seeing the real Nazzy... the one who scores goals and stacks up points like there's no tomorrow. Not seeing any performance from your main-man can be disheartening and can lead to more guys being less motivated to try their best. Leadership is also questioned when your team loses. And if your captain isn't performing his best, quite often the rest of the team doesn't either, which ultimately leads to losses. -This is not to say that Nazzy did not try. He puts his heart and soul into this game and quite often leaves his heart on his sleeve. Whenever interviewed you can see the disappointment in his eyes and hear it in his voice. Of course he would like to perform the way he use to... but when it doesn't happen it gets very frustrating. He gave his best, but this year he didn't receive any breaks. Hopefully this was just a one-season kinda thing for him because we all know he has tremendous amounts of talent and brings a lot to this organization. plenty.
*Marc Crawford to stay. My push is to have him stay with the Canucks, despite what others may say about his boring-same-message-every day kind of approach. People often tend to point fingers at some source when a team is losing and I certainly don't believe the Crow should solely take the blame. He's the one with 4 Stanley Cups under his belt, and although I mentioned that it means nothing... it does in terms of coaching. Crawford has talent and he knows what he is doing. His plays are carefully planned out to the slightest detail and his emotional attachment to the game is spectacular to watch. With some new faces on the bench and in the locker room, perhaps the same old message will become new again.
Update - April 25: they killed the crow Canucks' coach of 6 years, Marc Crawford, has been fired. http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/article.jsp?content=20060425_171409_4644 I don't know if I'm happy or upset... all I know is that next season will be pretty interesting.
Will Quinn be back? Who knows, but do remember that Quinn is 63-years-old and not gettin' any younger. Dave Nonis says the team needs a "kickstart"... I think if they hire Quinn they'll need life insurance. AHAHAAHAAA im so mean :D
*LINDEN* The face of the Vancouver Canucks. He played game #1001 in a Canucks uniform on Saturday night against the Colorado Avalanche (last game of the season for the Canucks). Trev is just one goal short of reaching his career high of 300 goals... I really hope he stays for at least one more season. I know he's not getting any younger (36) and that his role is completely different now than it was 12 years ago, but he is a big fan favourite. When you say Vancouver Canucks, right away Trevor Linden comes to mind. He is the only "original" Canuck left and I'd hate to see him go this off season. I see big things for the Canucks in 2006-2007 and it would be awesome to have Trev be a part of it.
Overall, I'd say the Canucks benefit from missing out on the playoffs. I mostly only wanted them in because I knew that it would probably be Bertuzzi and others' last time together and I wanted it to go on for as long as possible... a couple of weeks more, even days... anything. Now management has no excuses. They can't say, "oh, well they did make it into the playoffs, maybe we should give them another go..." Change is near and it couldn't have come at a better time.
-VANCOUVER CANUCKS- *Stanley Cup Champions 2007* "Crash And Burn"When you feel all alone
And the world has turned its back on you Give me a moment please to tame your wild wild heart I know you feel like the walls are closing in on you It's hard to find relief and people can be so cold When darkness is upon your door and you feel like you can't take anymore... When you feel all alone And a loyal friend is hard to find You're caught in a one way street With the monsters in your head When hopes and dreams are far away and You feel like you can't face the day... If you jump I'll break your fall Lift you up and fly away with you into the night If you need to fall apart I can mend a broken heart If you need to crash then crash and burn You're not alone When you feel all alone
And the world has turned its back on you Give me a moment please To tame your wild wild heart 'Cause there has always been heartache and pain
And when it's over you'll breathe again You'll breathe again -Savage Garden- |
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