Monday, April 16, 2012
NHL Seasonal Depression
The Vancouver Canucks are currently down 3 games to 0 against the LA Kings. I have watched the games and reacted poorly as they find ways to lose. If they lose their next game it will be the worst losing streak of the year, 4 games. The following is how I see the team and something I wish people could understand about the two bug stars of the team.
First of all the team. Last year they had an amazing run. They were focused, organized and followed the plan. They had a new captain who exemplified the plan: just walk away, play whistle to whistle, let the referees do their job and we'll do ours. This plan and some innovative powerplay strategies took the NHL by storm. As the playoffs began and teams saw that they could not compete against the speed without taking penalties which often resulted in goals, the war of words began with teams accusing the Canucks of diving. The truth is that they did not dive any more than other teams. However as the playoffs progressed penalties were called less and less leading to the Boston series where the after the whistle scrums were rediculous. After the Stanley Cup the fast skilled game ended and every team added size. Every commentator said Vancouver needs to stand up for their teammates.
The next season occurs and the Canucks struggle to find their game. They don't dominate like last year but they do win. When they lose people try to answer why, when they win people notice that they didn't play a full game. The real issue is that they are a team without an identity. They are very skilled and very fast but now they have to get into the after the whistle garbage. They have to prove to the world that they are tough. Just over 1/2 through the season the NHL starts allowing more obstruction to "slow down the game and prevent concussions." Since that decision the powerplay has struggled and the team identity is lost. In the off season some serious evaluation of the team they have and the team they want to be need to happen.
The other thing that needs to be said is that perhaps the two toughest guys in the NHL are the Sedins. The abuse they take and almost every time they get back up to make a difference. They have been slandered as being soft and ridiculed throughout the NHL but I watch them in interviews never retaliate to the media or fellow players. They epitomized the team identity last year, play with class and honor. Their reward is to be punched in the face, to be elbowed to the head and every other kind of cheap shot as refs watch to see if anyone retaliates. Now Damiel is sidelined with a concussion in a blatant retaliation. And Henrick had his bell rung. Henrick came back and played and post game exhibited his class again by telling the media that the hit was clean. I hope these two brothers get a chance to display their skill and show the world that good guys can win. Unfortunately the NHL is acting like it is still run by the mob. Maybe someday people will recognize the physical and mental toughness it takes to walk away (like everyone is saying Crosby should do - make up your mind).
First of all the team. Last year they had an amazing run. They were focused, organized and followed the plan. They had a new captain who exemplified the plan: just walk away, play whistle to whistle, let the referees do their job and we'll do ours. This plan and some innovative powerplay strategies took the NHL by storm. As the playoffs began and teams saw that they could not compete against the speed without taking penalties which often resulted in goals, the war of words began with teams accusing the Canucks of diving. The truth is that they did not dive any more than other teams. However as the playoffs progressed penalties were called less and less leading to the Boston series where the after the whistle scrums were rediculous. After the Stanley Cup the fast skilled game ended and every team added size. Every commentator said Vancouver needs to stand up for their teammates.
The next season occurs and the Canucks struggle to find their game. They don't dominate like last year but they do win. When they lose people try to answer why, when they win people notice that they didn't play a full game. The real issue is that they are a team without an identity. They are very skilled and very fast but now they have to get into the after the whistle garbage. They have to prove to the world that they are tough. Just over 1/2 through the season the NHL starts allowing more obstruction to "slow down the game and prevent concussions." Since that decision the powerplay has struggled and the team identity is lost. In the off season some serious evaluation of the team they have and the team they want to be need to happen.
The other thing that needs to be said is that perhaps the two toughest guys in the NHL are the Sedins. The abuse they take and almost every time they get back up to make a difference. They have been slandered as being soft and ridiculed throughout the NHL but I watch them in interviews never retaliate to the media or fellow players. They epitomized the team identity last year, play with class and honor. Their reward is to be punched in the face, to be elbowed to the head and every other kind of cheap shot as refs watch to see if anyone retaliates. Now Damiel is sidelined with a concussion in a blatant retaliation. And Henrick had his bell rung. Henrick came back and played and post game exhibited his class again by telling the media that the hit was clean. I hope these two brothers get a chance to display their skill and show the world that good guys can win. Unfortunately the NHL is acting like it is still run by the mob. Maybe someday people will recognize the physical and mental toughness it takes to walk away (like everyone is saying Crosby should do - make up your mind).
