Image
File
Douglas College Athletics
e Douglas College Royals Men’s Basketball team
med their second tournament title of the holiday
ak. After winning the Bearcat Holiday Classic in
cember, the Royals took to the floor in the 6-team
antlen Winter Basketball Tournament this past week.
e Royals were able to sweep the tournament and take
e a tournament title for the second time in
any weeks.
The first game pitted the Royals
inst a Langara team that had
to the Royals just five days
ore. This time the Royals
re better prepared for the
cons. With 23 points from
drew Sturgeon and 22
m Chris Veale, the Royals
by as much as 26 points
e second half. Capping
a great night from the
vals was a huge put back dunk
m rookie Ryan Hatch who start-
for the injured Shane Heuring. The
yals finished the game with an 89-71 vic-
vy.
Game 2 saw the Royals take on an up and coming
imosun team. The Royals got off to a good start
ind Chris Veale and Andrew Sturgeon who com-
hed to score the Royals first 14 points. The Royals led
22 at halftime. The Royals used a balanced scoring
ack in the second half and cruised to a 77-61 victory.
hyton Heuring led the Royals with 22 points while
oyals Win Kwantien Winter
asketball Tournament
Veale chipped in with 13 and Geoff Lenahan added 10.
The tournament final pitted the Royals against the
only BC team to beat them this season, The Capilano
Blues. The Royals were without their starting posts,
Andrew Sturgeon and Shane Heuring, but roared out to
a quick start behind the hot shooting of former Blue
Graeame McCallum. The Royals got a Geoff
Lenahan lay-up to close the half up 47-29.
The second half was a different
story. The Blues came back behind
the hot shooting of second year
guard Nick Toews who had 25
points in the second half. The
Blues were able to cut the
Royals lead to 84-82 on a J.P.
Kamand lay-up with under a
minute to play. However, the
Royals were able to run a play at
the end of the shot clock and
Chris Veale knocked down a 3
pointer to put the game out of reach.
The Royals went on to win the game 89-
83. Graeme McCallum scored 22 points for
the Royals and Chris Veale had 17. The Blues were led
by Nick Toews and J.P. Karmand who had 30 and 19
points respectively.
Graeame McCallum was named tournament MVP.
Tournament All-Stars included Chris Veale from
Douglas, Jeff Krawetz from Camosun, Kyle Watson
from Langara, Nick Toews from Capilano, and Matt
Senges from Kwantlen
Calendar : of. Upcoming Game
Canucks Corner
Stephanie Smith, OP Sports Editor
pDsports@gmail.com
~oma
CS |
After the last 30 games, who could have ever predicted this for the Canucks?
As of the 11th of January, they have won seven games in a row. They are sit-
ting on top of their division. This is most in part to the fact that the Canucks
have been scoring goals, something that they have not being doing on a con-
sistent basis this year. The Sedins have kicked it into high gear and are now
on a top line, which means mote ice time, and more points for the twins.
Another key difference is the fact that Trevor Linden’s ice time has been
up. Instead of playing 11 minutes, playing on the penalty kill, and taking key
face-offs and jumping back on the bench, Linden is seeing power play time.
Alongside the Sedin’s he is a force on the Canucks top power play unit, and is
seeing almost 19 minutes per game now. The result; better stats. And goals!
After going 30 games without a goal, Linden now has 5 goals in his last 11
games.
Helping the Canucks win streak most of all is goaltender Roberto
Luongo. In the past week, Luongo has picked up four victories, and has held
onto a 1.92 goals-against average and a .940 save percentage.
What remains to be seen is whether they can continue on like this. I don’t
expect them to go on a 40-game winning streak, but if they can continue to
play exactly how they are, they will make the playoffs. They may even take the
division! But the worry I have is them falling back into old habits. Right now
they are playing strong offensively, and they are being careful in front of their
own net. How many times did a goal go in against Luongo actually come off
the butt of Mattias Ohlund? More than a few I can tell you. I-had jokes
about signing his butt to a contract elsewhere, just to eliminate this problem.
But it looks as though it has been. Not one butt-goal in the last ten games or
So.
My biggest concern is Markus Naslund. Yeah, he had a pretty good game
against Florida on January 7. He managed a goal and an assist, which is
something that he hasn’t been doing too often lately. The problem with that
is the reason he hasn’t been producing. He won’t say anything, and neither™
will the staff, but Naslund is hurting. He missed the puck entirely in the
shootout against Dallas a few games back, and his shot has been way off the
last few weeks.
If the Canucks can stay healthy, they can do well. If they can keep up
their work ethic, they can do well if Naslund can take a rest and get himself
back in working order, they can do well.
e Douglas College Royals Men’s Basketball team
med their second tournament title of the holiday
ak. After winning the Bearcat Holiday Classic in
cember, the Royals took to the floor in the 6-team
antlen Winter Basketball Tournament this past week.
e Royals were able to sweep the tournament and take
e a tournament title for the second time in
any weeks.
The first game pitted the Royals
inst a Langara team that had
to the Royals just five days
ore. This time the Royals
re better prepared for the
cons. With 23 points from
drew Sturgeon and 22
m Chris Veale, the Royals
by as much as 26 points
e second half. Capping
a great night from the
vals was a huge put back dunk
m rookie Ryan Hatch who start-
for the injured Shane Heuring. The
yals finished the game with an 89-71 vic-
vy.
Game 2 saw the Royals take on an up and coming
imosun team. The Royals got off to a good start
ind Chris Veale and Andrew Sturgeon who com-
hed to score the Royals first 14 points. The Royals led
22 at halftime. The Royals used a balanced scoring
ack in the second half and cruised to a 77-61 victory.
hyton Heuring led the Royals with 22 points while
oyals Win Kwantien Winter
asketball Tournament
Veale chipped in with 13 and Geoff Lenahan added 10.
The tournament final pitted the Royals against the
only BC team to beat them this season, The Capilano
Blues. The Royals were without their starting posts,
Andrew Sturgeon and Shane Heuring, but roared out to
a quick start behind the hot shooting of former Blue
Graeame McCallum. The Royals got a Geoff
Lenahan lay-up to close the half up 47-29.
The second half was a different
story. The Blues came back behind
the hot shooting of second year
guard Nick Toews who had 25
points in the second half. The
Blues were able to cut the
Royals lead to 84-82 on a J.P.
Kamand lay-up with under a
minute to play. However, the
Royals were able to run a play at
the end of the shot clock and
Chris Veale knocked down a 3
pointer to put the game out of reach.
The Royals went on to win the game 89-
83. Graeme McCallum scored 22 points for
the Royals and Chris Veale had 17. The Blues were led
by Nick Toews and J.P. Karmand who had 30 and 19
points respectively.
Graeame McCallum was named tournament MVP.
Tournament All-Stars included Chris Veale from
Douglas, Jeff Krawetz from Camosun, Kyle Watson
from Langara, Nick Toews from Capilano, and Matt
Senges from Kwantlen
Calendar : of. Upcoming Game
Canucks Corner
Stephanie Smith, OP Sports Editor
pDsports@gmail.com
~oma
CS |
After the last 30 games, who could have ever predicted this for the Canucks?
As of the 11th of January, they have won seven games in a row. They are sit-
ting on top of their division. This is most in part to the fact that the Canucks
have been scoring goals, something that they have not being doing on a con-
sistent basis this year. The Sedins have kicked it into high gear and are now
on a top line, which means mote ice time, and more points for the twins.
Another key difference is the fact that Trevor Linden’s ice time has been
up. Instead of playing 11 minutes, playing on the penalty kill, and taking key
face-offs and jumping back on the bench, Linden is seeing power play time.
Alongside the Sedin’s he is a force on the Canucks top power play unit, and is
seeing almost 19 minutes per game now. The result; better stats. And goals!
After going 30 games without a goal, Linden now has 5 goals in his last 11
games.
Helping the Canucks win streak most of all is goaltender Roberto
Luongo. In the past week, Luongo has picked up four victories, and has held
onto a 1.92 goals-against average and a .940 save percentage.
What remains to be seen is whether they can continue on like this. I don’t
expect them to go on a 40-game winning streak, but if they can continue to
play exactly how they are, they will make the playoffs. They may even take the
division! But the worry I have is them falling back into old habits. Right now
they are playing strong offensively, and they are being careful in front of their
own net. How many times did a goal go in against Luongo actually come off
the butt of Mattias Ohlund? More than a few I can tell you. I-had jokes
about signing his butt to a contract elsewhere, just to eliminate this problem.
But it looks as though it has been. Not one butt-goal in the last ten games or
So.
My biggest concern is Markus Naslund. Yeah, he had a pretty good game
against Florida on January 7. He managed a goal and an assist, which is
something that he hasn’t been doing too often lately. The problem with that
is the reason he hasn’t been producing. He won’t say anything, and neither™
will the staff, but Naslund is hurting. He missed the puck entirely in the
shootout against Dallas a few games back, and his shot has been way off the
last few weeks.
If the Canucks can stay healthy, they can do well. If they can keep up
their work ethic, they can do well if Naslund can take a rest and get himself
back in working order, they can do well.
Edited Text
Douglas College Athletics
e Douglas College Royals Men’s Basketball team
med their second tournament title of the holiday
ak. After winning the Bearcat Holiday Classic in
cember, the Royals took to the floor in the 6-team
antlen Winter Basketball Tournament this past week.
e Royals were able to sweep the tournament and take
e a tournament title for the second time in
any weeks.
The first game pitted the Royals
inst a Langara team that had
to the Royals just five days
ore. This time the Royals
re better prepared for the
cons. With 23 points from
drew Sturgeon and 22
m Chris Veale, the Royals
by as much as 26 points
e second half. Capping
a great night from the
vals was a huge put back dunk
m rookie Ryan Hatch who start-
for the injured Shane Heuring. The
yals finished the game with an 89-71 vic-
vy.
Game 2 saw the Royals take on an up and coming
imosun team. The Royals got off to a good start
ind Chris Veale and Andrew Sturgeon who com-
hed to score the Royals first 14 points. The Royals led
22 at halftime. The Royals used a balanced scoring
ack in the second half and cruised to a 77-61 victory.
hyton Heuring led the Royals with 22 points while
oyals Win Kwantien Winter
asketball Tournament
Veale chipped in with 13 and Geoff Lenahan added 10.
The tournament final pitted the Royals against the
only BC team to beat them this season, The Capilano
Blues. The Royals were without their starting posts,
Andrew Sturgeon and Shane Heuring, but roared out to
a quick start behind the hot shooting of former Blue
Graeame McCallum. The Royals got a Geoff
Lenahan lay-up to close the half up 47-29.
The second half was a different
story. The Blues came back behind
the hot shooting of second year
guard Nick Toews who had 25
points in the second half. The
Blues were able to cut the
Royals lead to 84-82 on a J.P.
Kamand lay-up with under a
minute to play. However, the
Royals were able to run a play at
the end of the shot clock and
Chris Veale knocked down a 3
pointer to put the game out of reach.
The Royals went on to win the game 89-
83. Graeme McCallum scored 22 points for
the Royals and Chris Veale had 17. The Blues were led
by Nick Toews and J.P. Karmand who had 30 and 19
points respectively.
Graeame McCallum was named tournament MVP.
Tournament All-Stars included Chris Veale from
Douglas, Jeff Krawetz from Camosun, Kyle Watson
from Langara, Nick Toews from Capilano, and Matt
Senges from Kwantlen
Calendar : of. Upcoming Game
Canucks Corner
Stephanie Smith, OP Sports Editor
pDsports@gmail.com
~oma
CS |
After the last 30 games, who could have ever predicted this for the Canucks?
As of the 11th of January, they have won seven games in a row. They are sit-
ting on top of their division. This is most in part to the fact that the Canucks
have been scoring goals, something that they have not being doing on a con-
sistent basis this year. The Sedins have kicked it into high gear and are now
on a top line, which means mote ice time, and more points for the twins.
Another key difference is the fact that Trevor Linden’s ice time has been
up. Instead of playing 11 minutes, playing on the penalty kill, and taking key
face-offs and jumping back on the bench, Linden is seeing power play time.
Alongside the Sedin’s he is a force on the Canucks top power play unit, and is
seeing almost 19 minutes per game now. The result; better stats. And goals!
After going 30 games without a goal, Linden now has 5 goals in his last 11
games.
Helping the Canucks win streak most of all is goaltender Roberto
Luongo. In the past week, Luongo has picked up four victories, and has held
onto a 1.92 goals-against average and a .940 save percentage.
What remains to be seen is whether they can continue on like this. I don’t
expect them to go on a 40-game winning streak, but if they can continue to
play exactly how they are, they will make the playoffs. They may even take the
division! But the worry I have is them falling back into old habits. Right now
they are playing strong offensively, and they are being careful in front of their
own net. How many times did a goal go in against Luongo actually come off
the butt of Mattias Ohlund? More than a few I can tell you. I-had jokes
about signing his butt to a contract elsewhere, just to eliminate this problem.
But it looks as though it has been. Not one butt-goal in the last ten games or
So.
My biggest concern is Markus Naslund. Yeah, he had a pretty good game
against Florida on January 7. He managed a goal and an assist, which is
something that he hasn’t been doing too often lately. The problem with that
is the reason he hasn’t been producing. He won’t say anything, and neither™
will the staff, but Naslund is hurting. He missed the puck entirely in the
shootout against Dallas a few games back, and his shot has been way off the
last few weeks.
If the Canucks can stay healthy, they can do well. If they can keep up
their work ethic, they can do well if Naslund can take a rest and get himself
back in working order, they can do well.
e Douglas College Royals Men’s Basketball team
med their second tournament title of the holiday
ak. After winning the Bearcat Holiday Classic in
cember, the Royals took to the floor in the 6-team
antlen Winter Basketball Tournament this past week.
e Royals were able to sweep the tournament and take
e a tournament title for the second time in
any weeks.
The first game pitted the Royals
inst a Langara team that had
to the Royals just five days
ore. This time the Royals
re better prepared for the
cons. With 23 points from
drew Sturgeon and 22
m Chris Veale, the Royals
by as much as 26 points
e second half. Capping
a great night from the
vals was a huge put back dunk
m rookie Ryan Hatch who start-
for the injured Shane Heuring. The
yals finished the game with an 89-71 vic-
vy.
Game 2 saw the Royals take on an up and coming
imosun team. The Royals got off to a good start
ind Chris Veale and Andrew Sturgeon who com-
hed to score the Royals first 14 points. The Royals led
22 at halftime. The Royals used a balanced scoring
ack in the second half and cruised to a 77-61 victory.
hyton Heuring led the Royals with 22 points while
oyals Win Kwantien Winter
asketball Tournament
Veale chipped in with 13 and Geoff Lenahan added 10.
The tournament final pitted the Royals against the
only BC team to beat them this season, The Capilano
Blues. The Royals were without their starting posts,
Andrew Sturgeon and Shane Heuring, but roared out to
a quick start behind the hot shooting of former Blue
Graeame McCallum. The Royals got a Geoff
Lenahan lay-up to close the half up 47-29.
The second half was a different
story. The Blues came back behind
the hot shooting of second year
guard Nick Toews who had 25
points in the second half. The
Blues were able to cut the
Royals lead to 84-82 on a J.P.
Kamand lay-up with under a
minute to play. However, the
Royals were able to run a play at
the end of the shot clock and
Chris Veale knocked down a 3
pointer to put the game out of reach.
The Royals went on to win the game 89-
83. Graeme McCallum scored 22 points for
the Royals and Chris Veale had 17. The Blues were led
by Nick Toews and J.P. Karmand who had 30 and 19
points respectively.
Graeame McCallum was named tournament MVP.
Tournament All-Stars included Chris Veale from
Douglas, Jeff Krawetz from Camosun, Kyle Watson
from Langara, Nick Toews from Capilano, and Matt
Senges from Kwantlen
Calendar : of. Upcoming Game
Canucks Corner
Stephanie Smith, OP Sports Editor
pDsports@gmail.com
~oma
CS |
After the last 30 games, who could have ever predicted this for the Canucks?
As of the 11th of January, they have won seven games in a row. They are sit-
ting on top of their division. This is most in part to the fact that the Canucks
have been scoring goals, something that they have not being doing on a con-
sistent basis this year. The Sedins have kicked it into high gear and are now
on a top line, which means mote ice time, and more points for the twins.
Another key difference is the fact that Trevor Linden’s ice time has been
up. Instead of playing 11 minutes, playing on the penalty kill, and taking key
face-offs and jumping back on the bench, Linden is seeing power play time.
Alongside the Sedin’s he is a force on the Canucks top power play unit, and is
seeing almost 19 minutes per game now. The result; better stats. And goals!
After going 30 games without a goal, Linden now has 5 goals in his last 11
games.
Helping the Canucks win streak most of all is goaltender Roberto
Luongo. In the past week, Luongo has picked up four victories, and has held
onto a 1.92 goals-against average and a .940 save percentage.
What remains to be seen is whether they can continue on like this. I don’t
expect them to go on a 40-game winning streak, but if they can continue to
play exactly how they are, they will make the playoffs. They may even take the
division! But the worry I have is them falling back into old habits. Right now
they are playing strong offensively, and they are being careful in front of their
own net. How many times did a goal go in against Luongo actually come off
the butt of Mattias Ohlund? More than a few I can tell you. I-had jokes
about signing his butt to a contract elsewhere, just to eliminate this problem.
But it looks as though it has been. Not one butt-goal in the last ten games or
So.
My biggest concern is Markus Naslund. Yeah, he had a pretty good game
against Florida on January 7. He managed a goal and an assist, which is
something that he hasn’t been doing too often lately. The problem with that
is the reason he hasn’t been producing. He won’t say anything, and neither™
will the staff, but Naslund is hurting. He missed the puck entirely in the
shootout against Dallas a few games back, and his shot has been way off the
last few weeks.
If the Canucks can stay healthy, they can do well. If they can keep up
their work ethic, they can do well if Naslund can take a rest and get himself
back in working order, they can do well.
e Douglas College Royals Men’s Basketball team
med their second tournament title of the holiday
ak. After winning the Bearcat Holiday Classic in
cember, the Royals took to the floor in the 6-team
antlen Winter Basketball Tournament this past week.
e Royals were able to sweep the tournament and take
e a tournament title for the second time in
any weeks.
The first game pitted the Royals
inst a Langara team that had
to the Royals just five days
ore. This time the Royals
re better prepared for the
cons. With 23 points from
drew Sturgeon and 22
m Chris Veale, the Royals
by as much as 26 points
e second half. Capping
a great night from the
vals was a huge put back dunk
m rookie Ryan Hatch who start-
for the injured Shane Heuring. The
yals finished the game with an 89-71 vic-
vy.
Game 2 saw the Royals take on an up and coming
imosun team. The Royals got off to a good start
ind Chris Veale and Andrew Sturgeon who com-
hed to score the Royals first 14 points. The Royals led
22 at halftime. The Royals used a balanced scoring
ack in the second half and cruised to a 77-61 victory.
hyton Heuring led the Royals with 22 points while
oyals Win Kwantien Winter
asketball Tournament
Veale chipped in with 13 and Geoff Lenahan added 10.
The tournament final pitted the Royals against the
only BC team to beat them this season, The Capilano
Blues. The Royals were without their starting posts,
Andrew Sturgeon and Shane Heuring, but roared out to
a quick start behind the hot shooting of former Blue
Graeame McCallum. The Royals got a Geoff
Lenahan lay-up to close the half up 47-29.
The second half was a different
story. The Blues came back behind
the hot shooting of second year
guard Nick Toews who had 25
points in the second half. The
Blues were able to cut the
Royals lead to 84-82 on a J.P.
Kamand lay-up with under a
minute to play. However, the
Royals were able to run a play at
the end of the shot clock and
Chris Veale knocked down a 3
pointer to put the game out of reach.
The Royals went on to win the game 89-
83. Graeme McCallum scored 22 points for
the Royals and Chris Veale had 17. The Blues were led
by Nick Toews and J.P. Karmand who had 30 and 19
points respectively.
Graeame McCallum was named tournament MVP.
Tournament All-Stars included Chris Veale from
Douglas, Jeff Krawetz from Camosun, Kyle Watson
from Langara, Nick Toews from Capilano, and Matt
Senges from Kwantlen
Calendar : of. Upcoming Game
Canucks Corner
Stephanie Smith, OP Sports Editor
pDsports@gmail.com
~oma
CS |
After the last 30 games, who could have ever predicted this for the Canucks?
As of the 11th of January, they have won seven games in a row. They are sit-
ting on top of their division. This is most in part to the fact that the Canucks
have been scoring goals, something that they have not being doing on a con-
sistent basis this year. The Sedins have kicked it into high gear and are now
on a top line, which means mote ice time, and more points for the twins.
Another key difference is the fact that Trevor Linden’s ice time has been
up. Instead of playing 11 minutes, playing on the penalty kill, and taking key
face-offs and jumping back on the bench, Linden is seeing power play time.
Alongside the Sedin’s he is a force on the Canucks top power play unit, and is
seeing almost 19 minutes per game now. The result; better stats. And goals!
After going 30 games without a goal, Linden now has 5 goals in his last 11
games.
Helping the Canucks win streak most of all is goaltender Roberto
Luongo. In the past week, Luongo has picked up four victories, and has held
onto a 1.92 goals-against average and a .940 save percentage.
What remains to be seen is whether they can continue on like this. I don’t
expect them to go on a 40-game winning streak, but if they can continue to
play exactly how they are, they will make the playoffs. They may even take the
division! But the worry I have is them falling back into old habits. Right now
they are playing strong offensively, and they are being careful in front of their
own net. How many times did a goal go in against Luongo actually come off
the butt of Mattias Ohlund? More than a few I can tell you. I-had jokes
about signing his butt to a contract elsewhere, just to eliminate this problem.
But it looks as though it has been. Not one butt-goal in the last ten games or
So.
My biggest concern is Markus Naslund. Yeah, he had a pretty good game
against Florida on January 7. He managed a goal and an assist, which is
something that he hasn’t been doing too often lately. The problem with that
is the reason he hasn’t been producing. He won’t say anything, and neither™
will the staff, but Naslund is hurting. He missed the puck entirely in the
shootout against Dallas a few games back, and his shot has been way off the
last few weeks.
If the Canucks can stay healthy, they can do well. If they can keep up
their work ethic, they can do well if Naslund can take a rest and get himself
back in working order, they can do well.
e Douglas College Royals Men’s Basketball team
med their second tournament title of the holiday
ak. After winning the Bearcat Holiday Classic in
cember, the Royals took to the floor in the 6-team
antlen Winter Basketball Tournament this past week.
e Royals were able to sweep the tournament and take
e a tournament title for the second time in
any weeks.
The first game pitted the Royals
inst a Langara team that had
to the Royals just five days
ore. This time the Royals
re better prepared for the
cons. With 23 points from
drew Sturgeon and 22
m Chris Veale, the Royals
by as much as 26 points
e second half. Capping
a great night from the
vals was a huge put back dunk
m rookie Ryan Hatch who start-
for the injured Shane Heuring. The
yals finished the game with an 89-71 vic-
vy.
Game 2 saw the Royals take on an up and coming
imosun team. The Royals got off to a good start
ind Chris Veale and Andrew Sturgeon who com-
hed to score the Royals first 14 points. The Royals led
22 at halftime. The Royals used a balanced scoring
ack in the second half and cruised to a 77-61 victory.
hyton Heuring led the Royals with 22 points while
oyals Win Kwantien Winter
asketball Tournament
Veale chipped in with 13 and Geoff Lenahan added 10.
The tournament final pitted the Royals against the
only BC team to beat them this season, The Capilano
Blues. The Royals were without their starting posts,
Andrew Sturgeon and Shane Heuring, but roared out to
a quick start behind the hot shooting of former Blue
Graeame McCallum. The Royals got a Geoff
Lenahan lay-up to close the half up 47-29.
The second half was a different
story. The Blues came back behind
the hot shooting of second year
guard Nick Toews who had 25
points in the second half. The
Blues were able to cut the
Royals lead to 84-82 on a J.P.
Kamand lay-up with under a
minute to play. However, the
Royals were able to run a play at
the end of the shot clock and
Chris Veale knocked down a 3
pointer to put the game out of reach.
The Royals went on to win the game 89-
83. Graeme McCallum scored 22 points for
the Royals and Chris Veale had 17. The Blues were led
by Nick Toews and J.P. Karmand who had 30 and 19
points respectively.
Graeame McCallum was named tournament MVP.
Tournament All-Stars included Chris Veale from
Douglas, Jeff Krawetz from Camosun, Kyle Watson
from Langara, Nick Toews from Capilano, and Matt
Senges from Kwantlen
Calendar : of. Upcoming Game
Canucks Corner
Stephanie Smith, OP Sports Editor
pDsports@gmail.com
~oma
CS |
After the last 30 games, who could have ever predicted this for the Canucks?
As of the 11th of January, they have won seven games in a row. They are sit-
ting on top of their division. This is most in part to the fact that the Canucks
have been scoring goals, something that they have not being doing on a con-
sistent basis this year. The Sedins have kicked it into high gear and are now
on a top line, which means mote ice time, and more points for the twins.
Another key difference is the fact that Trevor Linden’s ice time has been
up. Instead of playing 11 minutes, playing on the penalty kill, and taking key
face-offs and jumping back on the bench, Linden is seeing power play time.
Alongside the Sedin’s he is a force on the Canucks top power play unit, and is
seeing almost 19 minutes per game now. The result; better stats. And goals!
After going 30 games without a goal, Linden now has 5 goals in his last 11
games.
Helping the Canucks win streak most of all is goaltender Roberto
Luongo. In the past week, Luongo has picked up four victories, and has held
onto a 1.92 goals-against average and a .940 save percentage.
What remains to be seen is whether they can continue on like this. I don’t
expect them to go on a 40-game winning streak, but if they can continue to
play exactly how they are, they will make the playoffs. They may even take the
division! But the worry I have is them falling back into old habits. Right now
they are playing strong offensively, and they are being careful in front of their
own net. How many times did a goal go in against Luongo actually come off
the butt of Mattias Ohlund? More than a few I can tell you. I-had jokes
about signing his butt to a contract elsewhere, just to eliminate this problem.
But it looks as though it has been. Not one butt-goal in the last ten games or
So.
My biggest concern is Markus Naslund. Yeah, he had a pretty good game
against Florida on January 7. He managed a goal and an assist, which is
something that he hasn’t been doing too often lately. The problem with that
is the reason he hasn’t been producing. He won’t say anything, and neither™
will the staff, but Naslund is hurting. He missed the puck entirely in the
shootout against Dallas a few games back, and his shot has been way off the
last few weeks.
If the Canucks can stay healthy, they can do well. If they can keep up
their work ethic, they can do well if Naslund can take a rest and get himself
back in working order, they can do well.