It’s time for “Stick in Link”, the feature where we just plug in a bunch of stuff written by others! Featuring a smattering of links from around the Smylosphere and beyond every Tuesday and Thursdayish. Warning: our links are so hyper, they change colour when exposed to heat. (Have something for us to share in the next edition? E-mail us at [email protected] or tweet us @passittobulis. Or tell us some other way. The point is: we'll probably link it if we know about it.)
- A playoff run? Really? Once inconceivable, Vancouver is now within striking distance of the top spot in the Pacific Division. Patrick Johnston talks about Vancouver's bad puck luck and whether or not a shot at the playoffs is worth pursuing. [The Vancouver Sun]
- The All Star Game has been treated to an awful lot of Sedinery, but perhaps no more. Bo Horvat has been predicted to be selected to play in early spring, as he's emerged as a preeminent scoring threat. The future is now, Bulies! [NHL.com]
-
The Canucks might play a regular season game in Beijing or Shanghai. And you complain about the time difference in the Eastern Conference! They would play the Los Angeles Kings if this were to coalesce. Pure speculation here, but I'd imagine it'd be the season opener for both teams.
Dreger: I can tell you NHL has been in discussions w/ #LAKings and #Canucks to play each other in either Shanghai or Beijing perhaps.
— Chris Nichols (@NicholsOnHockey) December 1, 2016
- In the market for scoring help, Ryan Biech believes that Ryan Strome should be a priority for Vancouver. Strome has been a healthy scratch twice now for the New York Islanders. With a reasonable cap hit and indications that he's just having a down year, Strome might be a risk worth the reward. [Canucks Army]
- If you're thinking about buying the Canucks, you'd better keep saving those pennies. Vancouver has the seventh most valuable franchise in the league, and the second most valuable non-Original Six team. However, their value has dropped by six percent from last year, so keep the dream alive, future hockey barons. [Forbes]
- Vancouver isn't just clawing its way up the Pacific Division, it is also no longer last in the league when it comes to faceoffs. Ben Kuzma notes that Brandon Sutter is probably the one to thank for that turnaround, but the assist goes to Canucks development coach, Manny Malhotra. [The Province]
- A frustrated Jake Virtanen has been throwing more shade than Trump Tower. The confused winger prospect is in limbo and said as much in an interview with The Hockey News, but Canucks general manager Jim Benning is taking the high road after having a phone conversation with Jake. Ben Kuzma gets thoughts from Sven Baertschi, a young winger who went through similar struggles. [The Vancouver Sun]
- In the latest edition of The Provies, Jason Botchford talks about the revitalization of Alex Burrows, the Stecher assist that should have been, Tryamkin's quietly solid play, and the continued confusion over Jake Virtanen's "stuff." [The Province]
- Don't look now, but Canucks prospect Guillaume Brisebois has been invited to attend camp for Team Canada for the World Junior Championships. Brisebois has been excellent this year after a solid Canucks camp where he was praised by coaching staff. [Hockey Canada]
- Elliotte Friedman's 30 Thoughts might be my favourite regular hockey read. In addition to some fascinating insight into the recent firing of Florida head coach Gerard Gallant, Friedman talks about Jim Benning's desire to sign Bo Horvat long term, Buffalo's interest in attending Utica Comets games, and the recent real estate investments of former Canucks Willie Mitchell and Dan Hamhuis. Also, I appreciated the shoutout to Brad Timmin's Natural Stat Trick, one of my favourite analytics sites. Though if he gets headhunted by an NHL team as a result of this recognition, I'll be upset. [Sportsnet]
- Want to learn more about what makes Brendan Gaunce tick? Well you're out of luck, he remains mysterious. But you can at least hear him make some word sounds to Hannah Bernard as he drives her to work in the latest edition of Canucks in Cars. [Canucks TV]
- After a win against the Minnesota Wild despite falling behind 2-0 to start the game, there's an unfamiliar feeling lurking around the corners of the Canucks blogosphere: positivity. Alex Hoegler adds another voice to the chorus saying that, unlikely as it may seem, Vancouver has been better than advertised and might contend in the Spring. [The Canuck Way]
- Ryan Hank talks about how, despite their terrible start and their apparent lack of scoring talent, the Canucks are managing to stay relevant. Why is that, exactly? Well, it has a lot to do with young players stepping up. [Always90Four]
- Bo Horvat isn't just making local news. He makes an appearance in a Dimitri Filipovic article on players who are driving team offence. If the rest of the hockey world is figuring this out, Jim Benning would certainly be wise to lock up Mr. Horvat sooner rather than later. [Sportsnet]
