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.)
- Scoring in the NHL is the lowest it has been in decades. Part of that seems to be the goaltenders themselves. They're bigger, faster, and wear bulkier equipment. Slimming down that gear seems like an easy answer to boost goal production. But it's not that easy, as Ed Willes explains. [The Vancouver Sun]
- Once the team's weak point, the Canucks now boast decent defensive depth. In fact, trading a defender for a forward suddenly seems like a real possibility. But who is the one to go? Rob Williams thinks he knows. [Daily Hive]
- On the TSN1040 Farm Report, Brock Boeser is the subject of scrutiny for Corey Pronman. A dominant scorer, the main hesitation for observers is his skating, but his offensive abilities might propel him to the NHL as early as next season. Also some interesting thoughts on Olli Juolevi's potential and Thatcher Demko's future chances. [TSN1040]
- In the latest edition of The Provies, Jason Botchford breaks down Wednesday's match-up against the Colorado Avalanche. He touches on Bo Horvat's beastliness, Troy Stecher's slick skating, and the rationale behind icing Alex Biega instead of, say, Jordan Subban. Oh, and a breakdown of the "Year of the Rooster." [The Province]
- Is Ryan Miller going to get traded? Not with the Canucks in the playoffs he isn't! And certainly not with him playing such outstanding hockey. But assuming Vancouver was out of the race, where could be be sent off to? Alex Hoegler offers four possible destinations. [The Canuck Way]
- Unfortunately, fellow Canuck Way blogger Jeff Godley fears that the Canucks are going to burn Miller out by the time the playoffs roll around. The goaltender is 36 and plays most of the games these days. [The Canuck Way]
- Ryan Hank concurs. Miller is "hockey old", in his mid-thirties, and needs to share more of the ice time with Jacob Markstrom or the Canucks risk having a rusty Marky if injury were to befall Vancouver's number one goalie. Knocking on wood as I write. [Always90Four]
- OK, assuming they don't trade him, or burn him to a crisp, will Vancouver re-sign Miller? Where would the team be without this goalie, and who do they have to replace him? And perhaps a better question: would Miller want a few more years with the team to begin with? [Daily Hive]
- We've got a theme going right now! Wondering about Vancouver's goaltending future? Canucks Army blogger Ryan Biech takes a close look at the prospect they have ranked number three in the system: Thatcher Demko. [Canucks Army]
- Jordan Subban was supposed to sub in for Alex Edler in case he couldn't go against the Avalanche. Turns out he could, so Subban sat again. Still, this Ben Kuzma piece gives some great insight into the maturity and patience of this young man. I hope to see him in the big show soon. [The Vancouver Sun]
- It's always nice when a player bonds with your city. For Jack Skille, that city just happens to be a different one than Vancouver! In all honestly, this is a great read on the winger's love of Denver and his new Kid Strong Foundation. [The Province]
- A nice conclusion to a stressful situation: the Yost family travelled to see their Vancouver Canucks play in Chicago, only to realize that the tickets they purchased were fakes. Luckily, some good people ensured they didn't leave empty handed. [Fort Nucks]
-
Lastly, enjoy more Miller, in particular his time in the spotlight on King of the Rink. Spoiler alert: Genghis Khan is mentioned.
