Round One: Let's GO!!!

So the time is here; the first round of the playoffs and our mighty Stars are facing the Vancouver Canucks. It has been said before that the best way to defeat your opponents is to know their srengths and weakness's. With that being said I am going to give an insiders perspective on the ‘Nucks. An insider because Vancouver is where I am from originally and I have been watching them for more than 35 years. So; who are these guys, what are their weaknesses and their strengths...

#1 Roberto Luongo: row-bert-oh//lew-onn-go
Goaltender
Acquired in a trade for Bertuzzi, Alex Aulds and Bryan Allen.
Weakness: Roberto is one of, if not the best, Goalie in the NHL. It is hard to find a weak spot in his game but the one factor that can lead to his demise is that he is a workaholic. Since coming into the league (New York Islanders 1st choice, 4th overall in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft, traded to the Florida Panthers then to the Canucks) he has been playing non stop with very few, if any, injuries. Injuries and fatigue in this sport are inevitable. Having played 76 games this season could be just too much to be able to maintain good health through the playoffs.
Assets: everything. He has the heart of a lion and a love for the game. Truly a fans hockey player.

#2 Mattius Ohlund: mah-tee-us//oh-lund
Defence
Acquired: Vancouver's first choice, 13th overall in the 1994 Entry Draft
Weakness: Is an inconsistent offensive performer. Doesn't always play at 100 per cent health, which hinders his performance. Originally when Mattius was drafted he was touted as a future Ray Bourque with more offence. During the 99-00 season he suffered an eye injury that could have easily ended his career. After that injury (38 games missed) he has never regained his scoring touch. Although a very good defenseman he is prone to injury. Not likely to finish the playoffs without an injury that limits his games played.
Assets: Has size, skating ability, a blast from the blueline and intelligence. Is capable of shutting down the very best forwards in the NHL. A good ‘stay-at-home’ defenseman.

#3 KEVIN BIEKSA: Kevin//bee-ex-saa
Defence
Acquired: Vancouver's fifth choice, 151st overall, in a 2001 Entry Draft.
Weakness: experience. This is his first NHL season. He has done exceptionally well but the post season is a different game entirely. It will remain to be seen what he can or can’t do.
Assets: Loves to initiate contact from the back end. Owns a big shot from the point. Is defensively responsible. Stealthy; his offensive skills can be overlooked by the opponents and can cost them dearly. At 42 points and a +1 this player can be the turning point to a close game.

#4 BRENT SOPEL: brent//soap-elle
Defence
Acquired: 2007: in exchange for a 2nd and 4th round pick from Los Angeles Kings. Originally, Vancouver's 5th choice, 208th overall, 2000 Entry Draft.
Weakness: Must make better use of his 6-1, 205-pound frame. Can at times make a mental blunder in the defensive zone. Simply put; some games he just doesn’t show up. He can make good defensive contributions but he is either hot or cold. No middle ground with this player.
Assets: Owns a booming point shot and solid offensive potential. Is a great student of the game and willing to play any style necessary.

#5 LUKAS KRAJICEK: lucas//craag-check
Defence
Acquired: part of the Luongo/Bertuzzi trade
Weakness: Must be able to handle the physical style of the pro game. Needs more bulk for his 6-2 frame and work on his defensive-zone coverage. Basically he ain’t that good.
Assets: potential for the future. Meaning: he is a wait and see player

#6 SAMI SALO: sammy//sal-oh
Defence
Acquired: Traded by Ottawa to Vancouver for Peter Schaefer, September 21, 2002.
Weakness: Isn't very physical, despite being 6-3, 215 pounds. His durability is constantly questioned and staying healthy is always an issue.
Assets: Has one of the hardest point shots in the league. Reads the ice well and knows when to jump into the play. Is solid in his own end and executes good breakout passes. Watch out for this guy when the Canucks are on the PP.

#7 BRENDAN MORRISON
Centre
Acquired: trade with Denis Pederson from New Jersey in exchange for Alexander Mogilny, Mar. 14, 2000.
Weakness: Needs to avoid heavy traffic areas, since he's smallish in stature at only 5-11, 190 pounds. Lacks the consistency needed to play a first-line role.
Assets: Is an excellent skater and playmaker. Has racked up points at every level. Does a lot of damage with the man advantage. He is a sparkplug for this team. Not necessarily a ‘clutch’ performer but he can get the team going.

#8 Willie Mitchell
Defence
Acquired: Signed by Vancouver as an unrestricted free agent, July 1/06. Came to Dallas last year for a cup of coffee (16 games)
Weakness: Needs to prove he can stay healthy and handle a heavy workload over the long run. The mental aspect of his game needs improvement, so as to equal his physical ability.
Assets: Is a huge physical specimen and displays terrific mobility for his size. Possesses a big shot from the point--when he uses it. When this player is healthy and playing with the potential and passion that he is capable of – opponents beware!

#9 TAYLOR PYATT: tailor//pie-at
Left Wing
Acquired: Traded from Buffalo to Vancouver in exchange for a 4th round draft pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. This summer when the Nucks traded for him the general consensus was WTF?! He has been a surprise this year and has exceeded expectations.
Weakness: The jury is still out on his offensive upside.
Assets: Boasts a tremendous combination of size and skating ability. Has sound body-checking skills, and is both defensively aware and an emerging offensive talent. Scores unexpectedly.

#14 ALEXANDRE BURROWS: Alexander//burr-ohs
Left Wing
Acquired: Signed by Vancouver on November 9, 2005.
Weakness: May be limited to the role of checker or energy-line player at the NHL level, due to questionable hockey sense.
Assets: Loves to agitate opponents. Skates very well and has produced good numbers at every level.

#16 Trevor Linden
Centre/RW
Acquired: Vancouver's 1st choice, 2nd overall, in the 1988 Entry Draft. Traded back and forth between Washington, Montréal and Vancouver
Weakness: Has struggled on offence since the 1995-96 season. Needs to step up his game during postseason play. Is clearly on the decline in terms of production.
Assets: An outstanding leader, he commands respect throughout the league. Is a very responsible two-way forward. Likes to crash the net. This guy is (or can be) a clutch performer.

#17 RYAN KESLER: ryan//kess-ler
Centre
Acquired: Vancouver’s 1st choice, 23rd overall, in 2003 Entry Draft. Notable for the Flyers GM Bobby Clarke submitting him an offer sheet that ended up costing the Canucks $1.9 million. An over priced player that is average at best.
Weakness: Must prove he can put up a fair amount of points at the NHL level, or risk being labelled a checking-line player. Needs to add more bulk.
Assets: Owns a very projectable frame. Is already a polished two-way performer but also displays some offensive upside.

#19 MARKUS NASLUND: mark-us//naz-lund
Left Wing
Acquired: Pittsburgh's first choice, 16th overall, in the 1991 Entry Draft ... Traded to Vancouver by Pittsburgh for Alex Stojanov, Mar. 20/96.
Weakness: lacks heart and passion. Needs to step up his game in the playoffs. Could still be more of a presence in locker room.
Assets: Is an awesome offensive package, with a great shot and excellent hockey sense. Has developed into a grittier player in the past few seasons.

#20 Jeff Cowan: jeff//cow-an
Left Wing
Acquired: Claimed off waivers from the Los Angeles Kings by the Vancouver Canucks, Dec. 30, 2006.
Weakness: Must reduce the number of bad penalties he takes regularly. Doesn't seem to have the quickness or anticipation to get into good shooting position.
Assets: Another, “who the heck is that guy?” He has over achieved and become an important part of the success of the team this season. Has good size and strength in fighting off players in the corners. Owns a deceptively quick shot when given the space to get it off. Is extremely determined and feisty. Not exactly a sniper but definitely a player to watch pout for.

#21 BRYAN SMOLINSKI: bryan//Smo-linn-ski
Centre
Acquired: In exchange for a 2007 2nd round pick from Chicago Blackhawks.
Weakness: Can go long stretches without scoring a goal. Doesn't use his body to win battles enough. Is declining in terms of production. A defensive forward
Assets: Is a nifty playmaker. Has excellent two-way ability and face-off skills. Knows where to be at all times. Adds versatility to any lineup.

#22 DANIEL SEDIN: Daniel//seh-deen
Left Wing
Acquired: Vancouver's first choice, 2nd overall, in the 1999 NHL entry Draft.
Weakness: Is lacking in physical play but has been highly durable early in his career. Initially needed to display more confidence on the ice, but has improved in that area.
Assets: Has a great shot and knack for finding open ice. Is also very solid in the defensive zone.

#24 Matt Cooke: mat//cook
Left Wing
Acquired: Vancouver's 7th choice, 144th overall, in the 1997 Entry Draft.
Weakness: Despite his dedication, he doesn't have the size or skill to be a major scorer. Can ill-afford to take any shifts off.
Assets: Plays an agitator's role to perfection and can easily get opponents off their game. A fairly quick skater, he defends his own end effectively and is an outstanding penalty-killer. Is extremely versatile. He’s the guy that’ll get under your skin.

#25 Josh Green
Centre
Acquired: Signed as a Free Agent on August 23, 2005.
Weakness: Hasn't been able to put it all together at the NHL level. Tends to fight the puck at times. Has been beset by injuries.
Assets: Can be an imposing figure, with his combination of size and speed. Has an NHL-calibre shot and a tendency to use it frequently.

#26 TOMMI SANTALA: tommy//san-tal-ah
Centre
Weakness: Hasn't been able to put it all together at the NHL level. Tends to fight the puck at times. Has been beset by injuries.
Assets: Can be an imposing figure, with his combination of size and speed. Has an NHL-calibre shot and a tendency to use it frequently.

#33 HENRIK SEDIN: hen-rick//seh-deen
Centre
Weakness: Doesn't have a natural goal-scorer's mentality. Could stand to shoot more often with limited options at his disposal.
Assets: Is extremely well rounded and more suited to the physical game than twin brother Daniel. Has strong defensive tendencies and playmaking ability.

#35 DANY SABOURIN: danny//sah-boar-in
Goaltender
Aquired: Claimed off waivers October 4, 2006.
Weakness: experience. Since he is backing up Luongo, he rarely plays and when he does the results are poor. As well he playing time is generally limited to weak teams. Low playing time & losing performances = a weak back up goalie
Assets: Has excellent size for the goaltending position and supreme confidence in his ability to stop the puck.

#38 JAN BULIS: yan//boo-liss
Centre
Acquired: Signed by Vancouver as an unrestricted free agent, July 25, 2006.
Weakness: Needs to use his shot more. Must improve his consistency. The jury is still out on whether he can score enough to be a top-six forward.
Assets: Has a strong lower body and is difficult to knock off the puck. Is defensively responsible, skates well and complements scoring forwards well.

This is gonna be a great playoff season!

Darren Morley