Summary
The Vancouver Canucks face a critical moment in their season as they prepare for a matchup against the Minnesota Wild, with tensions rising following a disappointing nine-game losing streak. Head coach Manny Malhotra has expressed frustration over the team's performance, particularly after a lackluster showing against the Detroit Red Wings, where the Canucks failed to register a shot in the second period. Players like Brock Besser have echoed these sentiments, highlighting a disconnect among teammates and the need for accountability.
As the Canucks struggle, the upcoming game against the Wild takes on added significance, especially with former captain Quinn Hughes returning to Vancouver. Fans are expected to channel their emotions towards Hughes, potentially mirroring the intense atmosphere seen in Ottawa during Brady Kachuk's return. The stakes are high for both teams, with the Canucks needing a win to regain some momentum and the Wild looking to solidify their position in the playoff race.
In the broader context of the NHL, the recent trade of goaltender Connor Hellebuck to the New Jersey Devils raises questions about the future of players like Hughes, as teams navigate the complexities of player movement and contract negotiations. The Canucks' current predicament reflects a larger trend in the league, where player empowerment and market dynamics continue to shape team rosters and fan experiences. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Vancouver to see how they respond to the mounting pressure and the challenges ahead.
Show Notes
The Canucks implode versus Detroit, it's 9 straight losses and the rebuild is off to an ominous start, so lots for Matt and Blake to digest on today's show! The guys look back on what might be the worst effort of the season for the Canucks, and then ask how they right the ship in time for Minnesota's visit on Sunday. The guys debate whether Quinn Hiughes' return was actually any sort of distraction or are the Canucks really just one of the worst NHL teams of the modern era?? They also examine whether the losing streak will have any effect on the reception for Hughes this weekend, and whether Hughes' uncertain future differentiates this game from Tkachuk's return. RInkWide's Jeff Paterson stops by with his views on the game last night, the tone of the post game comments, and the expectations for Sunday's game vs Hughes. JPat talks about the problematic play of the vets vs the youngsters, plus, his review of EP40 and Lekkerimäki's goals on the night. The Sheet's Jeff Marek stops by for a wide ranging chat on the woes of the Canucks, the return of Hughes, Tkachuk in Ottawa, and the future of superstar movement in the NHL. The guys debate whether there has been, or ever will be, a shift to Canadians wanting to win in Canada. Matt and Blake finish up with a Müller update and a lineup preview of the Whitecaps in Denver, the BC Lions get set for a weird one this weekend, while the Seahawks get some welcome news at running back as they get set to face their own Super Bowl running back!
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More from Sekeres & Price Show
The Sheet's Jeff Marek stops by for a wide ranging chat on the woes of the Canucks, the return of Hughes, Tkachuk in Ottawa, and the future of superstar movement in the NHL. The guys debate whether there has been, or ever will be, a shift to Canadians wanting to win in Canada.
RInkWide's Jeff Paterson stops by with his views on the game last night, the tone of the post game comments, and the expectations for Sunday's game vs Hughes. JPat talks about the problematic play of the vets vs the youngsters, plus, his review of EP40 and Lekkerimäki's goals on the night.
The Canucks finally face a team at .500 or less tonight as they welcome in the Wings, so Matt and Blake take a look at the opportunity for a win to end the 8 game losing skid. The guys look at the changes to the forward lines, another Lankinen start, and a message sent to Öhgren. But they guys also debate whether tonight is a distraction from the big game on the weekend with the return of Quinn Hughes. Plus, is there any chance that Hughes' return can resemble the reception for Brady Tkachuk in Ottawa? Postmedia's Patrick jumps into the fray to discuss the incoming visit from Hughes and the Wild. PJ has his say on the differences between the Hughes and Tkachuk scenarios, and whether there was any avoiding the Hughes departure in the first place. Plus, are the Canucks able to feed off the energy for a victory like the Sens did in Ottawa? PJ finishes with an update on the Whitecaps situation and whether there's any reason for optimism surrounding the club's future. Then it's Steve Lloyd from TSN in Ottawa with a first hand review of the game last night and what led to the massive fan and team response to Tkachuk's return. Steve chronicles the hilarious subtleties that may have been missed in the lead up and during the night itself, and how the team's tortured history helped contribute to the festivities. Matt and Blake finish up with a look at a very interesting BC Lions' official lineup vs the Bombers, the Seahawks' health heading into the weekend is improving, and same for the Whitecaps as they look to finish their road trip from hell in style!
Postmedia's Patrick jumps into the fray to discuss the incoming visit from Hughes and the Wild. PJ has his say on the differences between the Hughes and Tkachuk scenarios, and whether there was any avoiding the Hughes departure in the first place. Plus, are the Canucks able to feed off the energy for a victory like the Sens did in Ottawa? PJ finishes with an update on the Whitecaps situation and whether there's any reason for optimism surrounding the club's future.
WIth the streak now 8 in a row for the Canucks, Matt and Blake listen in on the coach and players and react to another tough outing for a team that is last in the NHL in win percentage. The guys focus in on C Elias Pettersson, who is back to a point per game this season, but is once again sounding very frustrated with his lot in life. Should the Canucks explore a trade now while his production is back? Also, they look at the deployment of the two promising young forwards in Karlsson and Lekkerimäki, and whether there's more to see from them on a nightly basis. TSN's Frank Corrado stops by to discuss how the dressing room is supposed to deal with so much losing so quickly, and whether there's a fix that's wanted or needed for a rebuilding team. Frank also addresses the subpar play of the "role players" who may not be pulling their weight on the ice, and if the lack of NHL experience on the bench is showing in these losses. Frank finishes up with a preview of the Quinn Hughes return on Sunday and what might be said inside both rooms before the puck drops. The Daily Hive's Rob Williams is back and gives his thoughts on the ceremonies to honour John Garrett last night, plus, he looks at all the losing in Vancouver, and takes a deep dive into the woeful start to the season for Conor Garland in Colombus. Matt and Blake finish up with a peek at Whitecaps training ahead of their match in Denver, the BC Lions seem to be resting a lot of players this weekend, and the tailgate is back at BC Place!