AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > April > 16
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Vancouver Is A Tough Crowd
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
OK, I know we covered this a lot the other night, but allow me to revisit the issue in an “official” capacity here. Monday night David Nonis was dismissed of his duties as the general manager of the Vancouver Canucks. How poorly did his team have to perform to cost him his job? Well, let’s examine his the past three season’s worth of work, shall we?
’05-’06: Record of 42-32-8 for 92 points, missing the playoffs by 3 points.
’06-’07: Record of 49-26-7 for 105 points, good enough for the 3rd seed in the Western Conference…making it to the second round where they were ousted by the Ducks who were on their way to the Stanley Cup Championship.
’07-’08: Record of 39-33-10 for 88 points, missing the playoffs by 3 points.
Let’s see, that’s 3 winning seasons averaging 95 points. This past year, the Canucks had the 7th best GAA as a team…yeah, sheeze…what a bum. Toss him out on his ear!
Thank God OUR team didn’t stink up the ice like THAT!
Anyway…
The following was posted on the team’s official web site:
“The decision to relieve Dave of his duties was difficult,” explained Francesco Aquilini, Chairman, Vancouver Canucks. “We want to thank Dave for the many contributions he has made helping to build our organization during his tenure. However, I think this important change in leadership is critical to the future of the team and the direction we need to take. It’s not acceptable to our fans or to us as owners that our team isn’t in the playoffs.” “As owners we made a commitment to deliver the kind of hockey our fans deserve. At the same time, with leadership comes responsibility. So, our search begins today for a new general manager, and our focus going forward is on a winning season in 2008-09.”
Interesting…the ownership felt they needed to change the leadership in order for the team to begin moving in the right direction. Apperently in Vancouver, three straight winning seasons does not constitute such progress. Oh, and they believe that not making the playoffs is…brace yourselves…“not acceptable”.
Also this, “…with leadership comes responsibility”. Fascinating concept, wouldn’t you agree?
But check this out…the last phrase of the statement is, “and our focus going forward is on a winning season in 2008-09.” This is AFTER 3 consecutive “winning” seasons. Hmmm, maybe the definition of success is just a wee-bit different in these parts than it is in western Canada.
Atlanta, Georgia and Vancouver, British Columbia are 2,741 nautical miles apart. However, the NHL franchises of these two beautiful cities could be measures in astronomical units.
NHL Playoff Update
Montreal goalie Carey Price turned away all 27 shots he faced and Patrice Brisebois’ power play goal with 42 seconds left in the second provided all the offense the Canadiens needed as they took a 3 to 1 series lead on the Bruins. Did you see Marc Savard’s nifty save?
Philadelphia held Washington to a Thrasher-esque 19 shots on goal as they beat the Caps 6-3. This was a one-goal game with three minutes in the contest. Daniel Briere scored twice and chipped in a helper for Philly. Washington now trails 2-1 in the series that I hope goes the full seven.
Whoa! Minnesota and Colorado actually played a game that did not require an overtime to determine the winner! Somebody…quick…check for locusts! The end is near! Colorado snowed under Minnesota in a first period, 3-goal avalanche and roll 5-1. Series tied at 2.
San Jose was five minutes away from going down 3-1 in the series against Calgary as they trailed the Flames 2-1. But Jonathan Cheechoo tied it and Joe Thornton netted the game winner with about a dime on the clock. Speaking of a dime…The Calgary Flames were held to ten shots by the San Jose defense. The Sharks give me D-envy!
After dropping the first two at home, the Anaheim Ducks traveled to Big D and took care of business beating the Stars 4-2. Chris Pronger tallied 2 power play goals and had the secondary assist on Todd Marchant’s goal that opened the scoring. The Ducks won despite taking only 15 shots on goal. Man, there’s a whole lot of good defending going on out there, eh?
Hmmm, strong play on the blueline coming from teams that qualified for the post-season. I wonder if there’s a connection there…
Tonight, Nashville and New Jersey look to pull their series even at two-apiece and Pittsburgh will get out the brooms in an attempt to sweep Ottawa right out the door.
Whatcha wanna bet this time next year we are discussing Vancouver in this section of the blog?
