Abbotsford Canucks Talk | Part 2

[Mr. Canucklehead]

Just ran into Chad Nychuk at YVR, wished him well in the playoffs. I think he thought I was confused lol

He and I were on the same flight from Chicago I guess

He was probably impressed you recognized him - I’m a hardcore Canucks fan and I wouldn’t have!

-

I think it’s kind of slid under the radar how well the Canucks did to get through Round 1. Sawchenko coming in clutch after barely getting any game action this year is a great story.

 

[VanJack]

It's so tough to finish as a lower seed in the AHL's divisional setup, and basically have to start your first two playoff series on the road.

By the time the Canucks get back home, they'll have played five road-games---three in Colorado and two in Ontario, CA. If they can survive that 'trial by fire' this team might have a real shot at doing some serious damage in these Calder Cup playoffs.

 

[Vector]

 

[Just A Bit Outside]

Love a good transcation.

Is that kinda of like a staycation?

 

[arttk]

What a name

 

[VanJack]

So any confirmation?.....is Podkolzin enroute to Abbotsford as rumored? He'd be a welcome sight in the five-game series against Ontario.

 

[Vector]

So any confirmation?.....is Podkolzin enroute to Abbotsford as rumored? He'd be a welcome sight in the five-game series against Ontario.

Yes.

 

[THRILLHOIAF]

Abby's record vs Ontario this year 4-4.

Were 4-4 against Colorado too!

Calgary and Coachella Valley being a matchup in the second round is such a huge break for Abbotsford if they can get past Ontario. Especially if Dustin Wolf goalies the Firebirds.

 

[ManVanFan]

Were 4-4 against Colorado too!

Calgary and Coachella Valley being a matchup in the second round is such a huge break for Abbotsford if they can get past Ontario. Especially if Dustin Wolf goalies the Firebirds.

They beat Calgary a couple times near the end. They really do suck vs Coachella though.

 

[arttk]

Oops

 

[Vector]

 

[THRILLHOIAF]

They beat Calgary a couple times near the end. They really do suck vs Coachella though.

Yep. I think they can beat Calgary in a seven-game series. Coachella though...that's like an auto-out in baseball right there, lol.

 

[VanJack]

Still can't understand why Podkolzin hasn't been inserted into the parent Canucks lineup, with somebody like Di Giuseppe coming out. I mean I thought at times Podz was very effective on the forecheck late in the season.

But I suppose at least it's a positive that he's finally getting some playoff hockey action.

 

[Vector]

 

[Mr. Canucklehead]

Still can't understand why Podkolzin hasn't been inserted into the parent Canucks lineup, with somebody like Di Giuseppe coming out. I mean I thought at times Podz was very effective on the forecheck late in the season.

But I suppose at least it's a positive that he's finally getting some playoff hockey action.

In fairness to PDG, he’s been very good on the PK and I think solid at ES.

I look at a guy like Mikheyev - who while hustling better is still accomplishing nothing - and wonder why Podkolzin hasn’t gotten a look there.

 

[Lindgren]

That's got Johansson on two pairings.

 

[Nucker42]

Where is Klimovich?

 

[Lindgren]

That's got Johansson on two pairings.

The unnamed D-man is Wolanin.

Scoreless coming up to mid-way through the first.

 

[Canucks LB]

Where is Klimovich?

Needs a change of scenery

 

[Billy Kvcmu]

1 goal on 2 shots
Oilers are getting some PDO at the right time

 

[THRILLHOIAF]

That's got Johansson on two pairings.

lol, god dammit...that's Cicek-Wolanin

McWard/Hirose is seemingly the only pairing not getting caved in the d-zone tonight. Forwards look a step and a half behind their opposition.

 

[Lindgren]

Abbotsford loses the opener 3-1. The lone Abby goal was Sasson, unassisted.

 

[VanJack]

A generally disappointing, low event Pacific Division opener against the Reign. Had trouble identifying more than a couple of scoring chances through two periods for Abbotsford.

Canucks came on a bit in the third--but a lot of that pressure was generated when they pulled the goalie with five minutes left in the game. Podkolzin was almost invisible through two periods, but played better in the third. Bains and Sasson might have been the Canucks best players--but then they needed a lot more help.

It looks like D-Petey is sitting out these games. As for Klimovich, it's apparent we won't see him in another game this year. I really hope Allvin and Colliton can clarify what's going on with him once the season is over.

 

[Lindgren]

Questions for the Abby watchers:

How is ice-time being distributed on the back end as the playoffs move along?

Is there an obvious top pairing?

Are there any positive signs from "prospects" McWard and Hirose?

 

[VanJack]

McWard has a great set of wheels for a d-man, and is a valuable right-shot defender who's still only 22. He might have a shot down the road.

As or Hirose, he's been better recently and is earning a regular shift in these playoffs.....but his size is a big deterrent. He struggles mightily against an aggressive forecheck.

The d-man who's kind of intriguing in Abbotsford is Filip Johansson, who's quietly had a decent season. He's a fixture on the PP and gets some PK work, in addition to a regular shift. He's also a right-shot defender that ups his value.

I don't know if any of these guys crack the Canucks lineup in the near future.....but all you're looking for right now is continuous improvement at the AHL-level.