Canucks News N Notes 24-25

[Hockey Widow]

I think Sprong was cut loose when Tockey trusted Baines more in the lineup, Sushi looked close and maybe could score if that’s what was needed, and Raty was not below replacement level. Joshua coming back meant there was no obvious place for Sprong when the lineup is healthy, and the team would rather give out the coffee cups than give minutes to a more volatile upside/downside player (Sprong). It is a function of having prospect options for call ups—guys who are at least ready to benefit from nhl exposure without a serious downside in terms of expected wins. This was the flexibility benefit of not starting the season with a player on the LTIR.

If Sprong had shown exceptional offensive ability or demonstrated measurable improvements to his d-zone play, he’d still be in Vancouver. Plus, my guess is that the Canucks told Sprong when he signed that if he wasn’t going to be an everyday player, they’d move him to a team where he would play every day.

The thing I noticed with Sprong is he is a puck hog, but not a good one, if that makes sense. When he couldn't skate through everyone he would toss a had grenade pass to a teammate and then dog it back when it invariably turned into a turnover.

I know this didn't happen all the time, and when it worked it worked. Seemed like it didn't work that often though.

Sprong didn't show enough to separate himself from any other options on the 4th line - or any line. He was no more engaged in the 200-ft game than anyone else vying for his spot. He didn't contribute to puck possession or offense than any of his roster competition. He didn't establish himself beyond replacement-level. Couple that with rumours about how he was received in the room, and it's a no-brainer to move on from him. The fact they facilitated a trade, vice burying him in the minors, is a management brand-protection exercise with players and agents who may want to sign here in future.

It also frees up a contract.

[Strangelove]

https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/st ... e-wobbles/

ICE CHIPS: One game after Dakota Joshua’s return from cancer, Tocchet reunited him for Friday’s practice with Blueger and Conor Garland, the trio that formed one of the NHL’s best third lines last season. ... Kiefer Sherwood was moved into the top six to replace Garland on a line with Pettersson and Jake DeBrusk, while Danton Heinen was dropped to the fourth line beside Aatu Raty and Nils Hoglander. The only forward line left untouched was Miller between Pius Suter and Jonathan Lekkerimaki. ... Goalie Kevin Lankinen was given the day off, indicating he will likely start for the 12th time in 13 games when Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks visit Rogers Arena on Saturday.

My likey.

[Meds]

https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/st ... e-wobbles/

ICE CHIPS: One game after Dakota Joshua’s return from cancer, Tocchet reunited him for Friday’s practice with Blueger and Conor Garland, the trio that formed one of the NHL’s best third lines last season. ... Kiefer Sherwood was moved into the top six to replace Garland on a line with Pettersson and Jake DeBrusk, while Danton Heinen was dropped to the fourth line beside Aatu Raty and Nils Hoglander. The only forward line left untouched was Miller between Pius Suter and Jonathan Lekkerimaki. ... Goalie Kevin Lankinen was given the day off, indicating he will likely start for the 12th time in 13 games when Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks visit Rogers Arena on Saturday.

My likey.

Same. I think too many people underestimated just how much that line drove the bus at times last season.

[Topper]

That line drove because the opposition believed Vancouver had two top lines that required special attention. The Bluger line therefore saw 3rd pairing D and 3rd-4th line opposition.

Favourable match ups played a key roll. Ricky noted it several times.

Now Vancouver has a dinged up top line centre, though still effective, and a second line centre who is usually found on a milk carton.

[donlever]

Yeah, I still would have moved him for Necas and Kotkaniemi before the contract was signed.

Sigh.

Hope Doc et al are right and he proves me wrong.

[Meds]

Yeah, I still would have moved him for Necas and Kotkaniemi before the contract was signed.

Sigh.

Hope Doc et al are right and he proves me wrong.

I think we (few) would all happily be proven wrong on this one.

[theman]

Yeah, I still would have moved him for Necas and Kotkaniemi before the contract was signed.

Sigh.

Hope Doc et al are right and he proves me wrong.

I think we (few) would all happily be proven wrong on this one.

Same here. Never liked the contract.

[donlever]

https://www.instagram.com/p/DCfQF1osF07 ... Jjd3M0aQ==

Double the chant benefits....

[Topper]

Employing a decoy

[Lancer]

Tocchet benches Miller in the 3rd. I don't remember seeing him do anything egregious in the first two periods. Anybody else pick up what happened? Points aside, something seems off with Miller. At first, I thought it may be health-related - like when he tweaked something and wouldn't take draws earlier - but Tocchet said the benching had nothing to do with health or injuries.

Tocchet pulled Miller's head out of his ass before. I wager he'll do it again in short order.

[Hockey Widow]

Tocchet benches Miller in the 3rd. I don't remember seeing him do anything egregious in the first two periods. Anybody else pick up what happened? Points aside, something seems off with Miller. At first, I thought it may be health-related - like when he tweaked something and wouldn't take draws earlier - but Tocchet said the benching had nothing to do with health or injuries.

Tocchet pulled Miller's head out of his ass before. I wager he'll do it again in short order.

Miller is playing hurt. He wasn't benched.

[Topper]

Tocchet benches Miller in the 3rd. I don't remember seeing him do anything egregious in the first two periods. Anybody else pick up what happened? Points aside, something seems off with Miller. At first, I thought it may be health-related - like when he tweaked something and wouldn't take draws earlier - but Tocchet said the benching had nothing to do with health or injuries.

Tocchet pulled Miller's head out of his ass before. I wager he'll do it again in short order.

Miller is playing hurt. He wasn't benched.

Ricky post game "He wasn't someone I thought could get us back in the game." Asked if being dinged up was a factor in Miller's ice time, a curt "no."

[306NucksFan]

Tocchet benches Miller in the 3rd. I don't remember seeing him do anything egregious in the first two periods. Anybody else pick up what happened? Points aside, something seems off with Miller. At first, I thought it may be health-related - like when he tweaked something and wouldn't take draws earlier - but Tocchet said the benching had nothing to do with health or injuries.

Tocchet pulled Miller's head out of his ass before. I wager he'll do it again in short order.

Miller is playing hurt. He wasn't benched.

Ricky post game "He wasn't someone I thought could get us back in the game." Asked if being dinged up was a factor in Miller's ice time, a curt "no."

I feel like JT is just missing Brock. Some of the bonehead plays JT has been making just seem to work with Brock out there seemingly reading his mind. Bodes well for Brock resigning here I'd say.

Even thought I like the guy, it might be time to move Soucy on. Myers is a great gut and I am a fan but he cannot be trusted on a pairing with someone like the current version of Soucy. Desharnais and Forbert are not the answer.

[Hockey Widow]

Tocchet benches Miller in the 3rd. I don't remember seeing him do anything egregious in the first two periods. Anybody else pick up what happened? Points aside, something seems off with Miller. At first, I thought it may be health-related - like when he tweaked something and wouldn't take draws earlier - but Tocchet said the benching had nothing to do with health or injuries.

Tocchet pulled Miller's head out of his ass before. I wager he'll do it again in short order.

Miller is playing hurt. He wasn't benched.

Ricky post game "He wasn't someone I thought could get us back in the game." Asked if being dinged up was a factor in Miller's ice time, a curt "no."

Miller is playing hurt.

[Topper]

Tocchet benches Miller in the 3rd. I don't remember seeing him do anything egregious in the first two periods. Anybody else pick up what happened? Points aside, something seems off with Miller. At first, I thought it may be health-related - like when he tweaked something and wouldn't take draws earlier - but Tocchet said the benching had nothing to do with health or injuries.

Tocchet pulled Miller's head out of his ass before. I wager he'll do it again in short order.

Miller is playing hurt. He wasn't benched.

Ricky post game "He wasn't someone I thought could get us back in the game." Asked if being dinged up was a factor in Miller's ice time, a curt "no."

Miller is playing hurt.

Check Ricky's post game presser. Injury was not a factor in the benching. He was asked point blank.

I know Miller is dinged up, his ego now more so.