"..were it left to me to decide, whether we should have a government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter." Thomas Jefferson
Yahoo Canada says: "While you're over on the West Coast and you're trying to get a sense of what the pulse of the nation is all about, we recommend a stop at the B.C. Free Press site. No fancy graphics or high-tech doodads, just plain old-fashioned political commentary that shows what the real power of the Net is all about. BC Free Press - opinionized for your protection."
Based on their most recent performances, the Vancouver Canucks are suffering from the January blahs. If they can beat Boston, as they did January 7, they can beat anybody. However, since then their games have been lacklustre.
The NHL schedule can be a grind, so every team, including the Canucks, needs a little slack cut by the fans and media. As a solution, we would much rather see Schneider in net during these times because, frankly, the Canucks play with more confidence. They are more likely to win close games, especially if it comes down to a shoot-out, as it did against the Kings last night.
But if they can get through the January blahs playing .500 hockey as a low point....ok.
Keep in mind, we don't want to be talking about the February blahs.
IDEOLOGY OR SURGERY?
Private surgery clinics are opening in Saskatchewan to address an over-burdened health care system. The reason?
Premier Brad Wall says, "Given the choice between ideology and surgery, people in pain take surgery."
The Vancouver Canucks won another on the road in St Louis, even with Luongo in net searching for the puck. So as long as they're winning, it's all good. Every great team has it's oddballs and questionable characters, and Luongo is ours, love him or not.
On the other hand, according to Mike Cammalleri, the Montreal Canadiens are a team of "losers." That remark got him shipped to the Calgary Flames in exchange for Rene Bourque, which is exactly what Cammalleri wanted.
Most analysts believe this is just the start of the Canadiens offloading their free angents, opening up salary cap, and overhauling their team. So there may be light at the end of the tunnel for the Canadiens.
Of course, we didn't need Cammalleri reunited with Jarome Iginla in the west, so the upcoming Canucks vs Flames game will be a tougher challenge.
GLEN CLARK FINALLY GETS IT
Former Premier Glen Clark, now a President in the Jimmy Pattison Empire, recently provided a personal insight that every business person already knows.
That's right Glen, execution is everything. Every successful business or sports team for that matter, knows this.
When Glen Clark was Premier of BC, he didn't understand this fundamental concept. Which is why we had the Fast Ferry fiasco and one of the most ineffective, costly, incompetent governments in BC history.
Fast forward to 2012. NDP leader Adrian Dix is a professional politician similar to the previous Glen Clark, with zero business experience. And frankly, Christy Clark is another professional politician with little business experience. Like Glen Clark of the past, they are simply not qualified to run the BC government.
The problem in BC is not the economy, nor the environment, nor social welfare, education or health.
It's the simple truth recently voiced by Glen Clark through his business experience that "the hard part is execution." Neither Dix nor Christy Clark have that experience, and BC will again pay the price of this inexperience combined with their unbridled political ambition.
BRUIN GOON SUSPENDED
To the NHL's credit, they have suspended Brad Marchand for five games for his cheap low-bridge hit on Salo. Marchand will forfeit $152,439.02 in pay. Will that be enough to send a message to the Beantown Bozos that cheap shots will cost them both games and lost salary? Unlikely,until the Chief Bozo Claude Julien is similarly suspended and fined.
BEANTOWN GETS A BEATDOWN
The Canucks equalled the Bruins at rough and tumble hockey AND scored more points to post a 4-3 beatdown on the facewashers from Beantown.
In the process, Boston's Lucic and Marchand were tossed from the game for their typical low-rent play, while Canucks goalie Corey Schneider displayed cool and class in front of his hometown and family during a third period surge by the Bruins.
It was a satisfying victory that could only be improved by one thing. That would be a decision by the NHL to suspend both Lucic and Marchand. Lucic for leaving the bench to participate in a brawl, (but mostly for the hit on Buffalo goalie Ryan Miller which went unpunished), and for Marchand's cheap low-bridge hit on Salo.
While they're at it, the NHL should also fine Bruins Claude Julien, the guy responsible for the NHL's most undisciplined, nasty collection of thugs disguised as hockey players. Their on-ice behaviour is often beyond the ability of the refs to manage.
In the meantime, the Canucks and their fans will just enjoy the win. ; )
BRONZE MORE FUN THAN SILVER
We could go through all of the questions about Canada's Junior Hockey Team after their 6-5 loss to Russia. Most of them involve the politics/management of Hockey Canada, starting with last year's loss to Russia and how Canada's best player Ryan Nugent-Hopkins was left off the roster.
In 2012, Hockey Canada's record again speaks for itself.
We will leave that and say if Team Canada cannot win Gold, then winning Bronze for the players is actually more fun than winning Silver. Bronze teams win their game while the Silver team loses theirs.
And when it's all said and done, hockey is still a game, and the Junior World Hockey Tournament is played by a bunch of young guys. Have fun boys!
However, beyond the humour there is a serious problem for the BC Liberals. News commentary in recent months reveals the media do not find Clark credible nor intellectually equipped to lead the province. Quinn's satire says it all, but there have been many other editorials alluding to the same concerns.
So while everyone is enjoying a good laugh thanks to Mr. Quinn et al, the reality is BC's free enterprise vote is in serious trouble, and unlikely to be salvaged by the present leadership....even if the BC election were 4 years away, and not 17 months.
NEW COACHING IN THE NHL
The way to win games these days in the NHL is to study game film of refs, not players. Know which refs have a high tolerance for cheap shots and intimidation after the whistle, and you have a good chance of beating more skilled teams like the Vancouver Canucks.
New LA Kings coach Darryl Sutter knows this and is employing the same cheap tactics used by the Boston Bruins, which face-washed its way to the Stanley Cup last year.
The Canucks could bring on goons to deal with this, except fans wouldn't enjoy the highly skilled display they presently enjoy.
So until the NHL executive, managers, and league owners evolve past the neanderthal stage, the Canucks will have to figure out how to deal with cheap shot coaches and their teams.
As for the refs, "referee" is too honourable a word for the striped jackasses that allowed the Kings to hit, crosscheck, slash and trip AFTER THE WHISTLE. Yes, the term "striped jackasses" suits them just fine.
ONE QUESTION
After last night's loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, we have one question for Canucks Coach Alain Vigneault. Why is a goalie with two shut-outs riding the pine, while a goalie with zero shut-outs is the starter?
Luongo played well until the shoot-out, then collapsed like a house of cards. The Canucks are losing tight games due to Vigneault's blind loyalty to a guy who is a rollercoaster in net.
He is not a bad coach, but in this case he is unwilling to make the tough decision necessary for the good of the team. If he doesn't wake up, it will be the Canucks' undoing.
UN-FREAKIN'-BELIEVABLE
How Prime Minister Stephen Harper ever got tagged as a Conservative, we'll never know. When you read this article in the National Post, you will know why governments at every level are strapped for cash and keep running massive deficits.
We are the first to admit we're not Luongo fans, but you have to give credit where it's due. The Canucks beat Montreal because Luongo came up big, after a soft start.
To be fair, the first goal against Luongo was pure interference by Gionta. Never should have been allowed. The second goal was a screen. The third goal Luongo sieved pure and simple.
However, the Canucks and Luongo battled back. Both Price and Luongo were spectacular in overtime, but Luongo emerged the victor in the shootout, not usually his strong suit.
If we wanted to nitpick, the Canucks should have won in regular time 3-2 because Montreal's third goal was pure rec hockey goaltending.
But we won't go there. The reality is Luongo can be bush league one moment and spectacular the next. That's the rollercoaster ride we're on and sometimes it makes for thrilling hockey.
BRUINS READY FOR A BRUISIN'
The Canucks have won their last 6 of 7 games with both Luongo and Schneider in net. We prefer Schneider, but a win is a win.
They're looking good but still need some tune-up games before facing the chippy, low-rent Boston Bruins. Lucic and his buddies are once again face-washing and slew-footing their way through the season...when they're not running unprotected goalies.
Bruins vs Canucks is January 7 and we'll all be tuned in to watch the Canucks administer a bruisin' to the Bruins.
CANUCKS BLANK AVALANCHE
It's decision time. Schneider's dominating performance against Colorado resulting in a 3-0 for the Canucks makes the issue clear.
How can Vigneault fall back to Luongo when Schneider clearly deserves the starting position? How many games must the Canucks lose with Luongo in net to force Vigneault's hand?
The issue is also clear for Luongo. Every goal against him fans the fire in Vancouver. This creates stress which he doesn't handle well. When an opposing player crashes his net, Luongo complains to the ref instead of protecting his turf as Billy Smith would have done...or even Tim Thomas for that matter.
Luongo needs to go to a hockey market where there is less pressure to win and more tolerance for mistakes. Perhaps he will regain his confidence. That's not going to happen in Vancouver where he is being outplayed by Schneider and Canucks management is looking for a solution.
CHRISTY CLARK NEEDS TO LIVE UP TO TOUGH TALK RE: BC RAIL
A recent column by Mike Smyth provides us with a reminder of Premier Christy Clark's tough talk on the BC Rail scandal when she was a radio talk show host with CKNW.
Enough is enough. Clark is now in a position to support the Auditor General and BC's taxpayers as she promised on CKNW. She should be leading the effort, not throwing up obstacles.
CANUCKS AND WORLD JUNIOR HOCKEY
Some nights the Canucks look like champs and next night like chumps, as in the recent 5-1 loss against Chicago. But Chicago was looking for pay-back after their last meeting. Let's see how the Canucks do against Ottawa Sunday night. We're looking for a strong effort.
On another important matter, it should be clear to all by now that leaving Ryan Nugent Hopkins off last year's World Junior Team was a big mistake. If he's capable of playing this well in he NHL, he should have been a no-brainer for the World Junior Tournament. Had he been in the line-up perhaps we would have won Gold. We'll never know. But the guy responsible is Bob Nicholson, CEO, Hockey Canada. If Canada's Junior Team suffers another similar fiasco, perhaps heads should roll at Hockey Canada.
THE SECRET TO AARON ROME'S SCORING TOUCH
The Canucks dominated in their 4-1 win over the Islanders, after Vigneault juggled the lines looking for the ideal chemistry. Our only criticism is Booth needs to look for the pass more. We have two players with good speed and big upside, but tend to hold on to the puck - Booth and Raymond. Raymond is still sidelined from last year's injury, but if he returns this team can't afford two guys treating passing as an after thought. Just a word to the wise.
As for the miracle of Aaron Rome's three goals and five points in four games, after scoring only two goals in his previous 131 NHL games - here's the secret. He is playing with the new Easton Stealth RS composite, which is super light, balanced, has a quick release and unleashes an amazing shot. We have seen a number of players this year using this stick with similar results.
Exceptional equipment boosts confidence, and Rome is playing with plenty of confidence.
Why haven't you heard this from Canada's many wise hockey analysts? Because most of them talk a lot more than they play.
'NUCKS AND DUCKS A BARN-BURNER
Tonight's 'Nucks vs Ducks started as a blow-out and ended quite the opposite. The Ducks went up 4-0 after the 2nd period, but the 3rd period was a real barn-burner. Schneider replaced Luongo in net, and the Canucks dominated, scoring 3, but couldn't get the tying goal. Unlucky, but fans of both teams got their money's worth.
Now for our weekly Luongo rant. How much longer will it take for Vigneault to see Luongo is a pure shot-blocker, and TOO SLOW to be #1. When Schneider is in net, the Canucks play with more confidence. Had he played the entire game against the Ducks, the Canucks would have at least tied the game and perhaps won.
As for Luongo's salary, that's irrelevant. It's about winning games and playing the guys that help you WIN!
Ok...one last point. Ducks forward Corey Perry is a hack artist who should be suspended for busting his stick over Henrick Sedin's hand. Earlier, he whacked Ballard with his stick, and Ballard took exception by dropping Perry. Regardless, Perry will continue his cheap slashing until he is fined and suspended.
CANUCKS HAMMER HAWKS
The Canucks powerplay was a sight to behold Sunday evening as they hammered the Chicago Blackhawks 6 - 2. Good to see David Booth get his first goal, and it appears Aaron Rome is going to get a few laser goals this season out of his new Easton Stealth RS stick. Aside from the first bad goal, Luongo played solidly.
It's one thing to deliver a beat down on a lesser team, but crushing our adversaries the Hawks is something special. ; ).
CANUCKS FANS ON A ROLLERCOASTER RIDE
Were tonight's Canucks the same Canucks that thumped the Flames and Capitals? Hard to believe! The Minnesota Wild hammered Vancouver 5-1 and as Vigneault says, Schneider was the best player on the team "by far."
Vancouver's talent is unquestionable, but their intensity leaves something to be desired.
Forget last year, Vancouver will have to battle to get into the playoffs. Perennial cellar-dweller Edmonton has already posted 8 wins and their Kid Line is only going to get better. They pass like the Sedins, but play with a lot more intensity.
No worries, not many teams, including the Oilers, have Vancouver's depth...and the season is just getting started.
BC LIBERALS TANKING, CONSERVATIVES RISING
The latest Angus Reid poll and graph here says it all. The BC Liberals are tanking and the Conservatives are on the rise. The winners so far are the NDP, as business people and free enterprise voters abandon the Liberal ship.
The Liberals claim a vote for the Conservatives is a vote for the NDP, but in fact the reverse is true. A vote for the Liberals only prevents the Conservatives gaining more support and challenging the NDP.
The reality is that barring a miracle, the Liberals will almost certainly lose the next election, Christy Clark will be gone, and a new free enterprise coalition with a new leader will emerge.
The alternative is for free enterprise voters to realize now that the Conservatives are a viable option, gaining in popularity, and they have 18 months to get it together.
STAY THE COURSE
Vigneault must be second-guessing his decision to bench his starters through most of the pre-season. The starters are having trouble getting started while other teams are playing with more intensity.
No worries. Despite the Canucks' 3-0 loss to St. Louis, our advice is "stay the course." Keep starting Schneider over Luongo and give the Canucks time to hit their stride. It will happen. It's way too early to be pushing the panic button.
ALAIN V. NEEDS TO WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE
The Canucks 3-2 loss to Edmonton told the story. Luongo allowed three goals at the start of the second period and had to be pulled. Cory Schneider did not allow a goal for the rest of the game. With renewed confidence in their netminder, the Canucks came very close to tying the game.
Coach Vigneault said Luongo was not at fault, but fans aren't fooled. They can see Luongo looks like a rec goalie. He has zero quickness and should never leave the net to play the puck. Schneider is ready to start and Luongo should play back-up.
BOSS POWER ANOTHER NAIL IN THE LIBERALS' COFFIN
The $30 million payout to Boss Power added to the BC Rail fiasco, HST deception, spiraling $50 billion debt, and a litany of other bungles, reveals this govt is no better than the collection of NDP yahoos that ran the province during the 90's.
The only group more relieved than BC voters to see a change in government may be the Liberal caucus. It is clear many have no faith in Premier Clark and may prefer to collect their gold plated pensions rather than serve an additional term under her leadership or lack thereof.
CANUCKS START TO LOOK LIKE CANUCKS
The Vancouver Canucks took a commanding 4-1 lead over the Predators in the first period and they never looked back. While the Predators were not a great test, it's still the Canucks' first win at home. The Canucks looked like they are starting to gel as a team and should be back on track with half a dozen more games under their belt.
The British Columbia Free Press is an independent news/opinion webzine. Copyright 1998 - 2012, All rights reserved. Contact: editor@bcfreepress.bc.ca
