Matt and Blake discuss the 45-year career of Stan Smyl upon his retirement from a day-to-day role with the Canucks, as well as the final preseason game lineup and the possibility of player moves over the long weekend. Does Quinn Hughes and Filip Hronek mean desperation, loading up or no other right-handed options? Conor Garland with upward mobility for the finale, whereas Anthony Beauvillier and Nils Höglander are down. Plus, Noah Juulsen drawing in as Cole McWard comes out. Other topics include...
Oct 06, 2023•1 hr 35 min•Ep. 659
And then there was one...preseason games left, that is. So Matt and Blake's analysis of the Canucks roster choices is heating up! Patrick Johnston of The Province stops by with his view on the cuts already made, and the choice of lineup for the Canucks in Abbotsford. Not to mention, his answer to the still unanswered question of “Who plays alongside Quinn Hughes?” Thursday’s bring Rob Williams in as well, and his hot takes on both baseball post season celebrations, the Canucks defence corps, and...
Oct 05, 2023•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 658
Matt and Blake discuss the lineup dressing in Abbotsford for the Canucks' penultimate preseason game; the decisions left to sort before the final roster is set; the path forward for Nils Höglander; the importance of these games for Cole McWard; how many starts for Thatcher Demko; as well as the opening of AHL training camp and the number of players on the farm team who could be called up this season. Other topics include the Lions and Whitecaps in huge games over the next 48 hours; and the Blue ...
Oct 04, 2023•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 657
It’s the final week of the NHL preseason and the MLB playoffs are beginning, so a huge show today! Matt and Blake go over the latest line combos from Canucks practice, and what that means for the tilt with the Kraken in Abbotsford. Our new weekly insider from Daily Faceoff, Frank Seravalli , stops by to recap his couple of days spent at training camp in Vancouver, and shares a bold prediction or two. John Shannon joins as well, with a breakdown of the Canadian NHL television and streaming rights...
Oct 03, 2023•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 656
Matt and Blake talk Canucks' cuts, the roster battles remaining, the status of Ilya Mikheyev, the continuing conundrum of who plays with Quinn Hughes, and the coach's comments on why Vasily Podkolzin and Akito Hirose were sent down to the minors. Other topics include the Lions clinching a home playoff game, the Caps closing in on a playoff spot, a fiery Ryder Cup and the Jays and Ms going separate ways as the MLB postseason hits. Rink Wide: Vancouver co-host Jeff Paterson joins to tell us what h...
Oct 02, 2023•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 655
Matt and Blake discuss the Canucks' most recent preseason loss in Seattle, ask whether any of the fringe defencemen are stepping up to claim a job on the 3rd pair, and debate whether Vasily Podkolzin should start on the roster in Sekeres vs. Price. Other topics include: Spencer Martin being claimed on waivers and the domino effect in the organization's crease, Dakota Joshua responding to Rick Tocchet's tough love, the Lions adding Colin Kaepernick's rights to their negotiation list; and a huge g...
Sep 29, 2023•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 654
Fresh off the Canucks’ latest preseason game, Matt and Blake go over what went right versus the Oilers, including the PK, goaltender Casey DeSmith and Elias Pettersson’s newest superpower. Cory Schneider stops by to discuss his retirement, how he closed out his career and he relayed some new stories around the infamous “Game 8” vs the Bruins and is old pal Roberto Luongo. Thursday means a visit from Rob Williams as well, with the debate around Luongo’s upcoming ceremony taking centre stage. In p...
Sep 28, 2023•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 653
Matt and Blake reminisce over Roberto Luongo and Cory Schneider with the former getting his Ring of Honour day announced and the latter announcing his retirement. They also discuss Rick Tocchet carving Dakota Joshua, lineups for preseason games, the Athletic's model prediction for the season, Ilya Mikheyev's progress, and rookie defenceman Cole McWard. Other topics include the Lions and Caps with huge playoff-implication games; Taylor Swift's influence on the Kansas City Chiefs' and Travis Kelce...
Sep 27, 2023•1 hr 39 min•Ep. 652
Matt and Blake discuss the what then Canucks need most this season when it comes to health, a good start, star power and better defensive play; the Canucks' power play potentially changing formation; the committee getting a look beside Quinn Hughes; Ian Cole and Filip Hronek together as a thing for the regular season; Phil Di Giuseppe getting some top-6 run at practice; and Jack Studnicka and Nils Åman on the wing of the 4th line. Other topics include the Lions' and Whitecaps' lineups for big ga...
Sep 26, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 651
Game on! Fresh off the first game of the Canucks preseason, the guys take a look back at a 10-0 drubbing at the hands of Calgary. Rink Wide: Vancouver podcast co-host Jeff Paterson stops by with his takeaways from the night that was, including some spotlights on young players like Höglander, Podkolzin, Räty and McWard. Also, Matt and Blake are joined in studio by Daily Faceoff’s NHL Insider Frank Seravalli . He gives the latest from around the league, his projection for the Canucks’ season and o...
Sep 25, 2023•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 650
Matt and Blake discuss the opening of Canucks training camp, including whether Pettersson's contract situation matters to fans, where Nils Höglander and Vasily Podkolzin fit; whether Pettersson & Andrei Kuzmenko and J.T. Miller & Brock Boeser are locked-in duos; who plays with those duos; whether Noah Juulsen can be an opening night defenceman with Rick Tocchet preferring lefty-righty pairs. We hear from Höglander, Miller and Tocchet. Rink Wide: Vancouver co-host Jeff Paterson stops by w...
Sep 22, 2023•1 hr 37 min•Ep. 649
Training camp begins! The Canucks finally hit the ice for the 2023 edition of the training camp and we are on the scene as Jeff Paterson joins the scrums and we hear from Elias Pettersson for the first time in a long time. Hear about EP40’s offseason training, his thoughts on the captaincy of Quinn Hughes, and his expectations for the season. New/returning Canucks broadcaster Dave Tomlinson stops by with his takes on the season to come and the thrill of returning to the Canucks booth. Plus, Rob ...
Sep 21, 2023•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 648
Matt and Blake talk about the Pearson-DeSmith trade and everything it entails for the salary cap, backup goaltender, and young wingers Vasily Podkolzin and Nils Högalnder. We also hear from the Canucks' braintrust on the season ahead, what it will take to make the playoffs, whether Elias Pettersson can be re-signed in-season, status of a new practice facility and training camp in Victoria. Plus a Welcome Matt on Ray Ferraro joining the Canucks broadcast team. Frank Corrado joins to tell us about...
Sep 20, 2023•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 647
Matt and Blake discuss the report of the Canucks aggressively pursuing a trade in order to be cap-compliant for opening night. Do you trust Rutherdford/Allvin's cap management? Which players could possibly be moved out to create room? Will they submit a roster short of the 23-player limit? Other topics include the Canucks broadcast release and the hiring of Dave Tomlinson and Ray Ferraro as TV analysts; training camp storylines to watch for; the Caps big game Wednesday vs Houston and how they'll...
Sep 19, 2023•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 646
It was a clean sweep weekend for the BC sports teams, so no shortage of things to talk about on Monday’s show. Matt and Blake look back on a nice performance by the Canucks at the Young Stars Showcase in Penticton, plus, the C’s win the Northwest League title, the Lions win a comeback for the ages at BC Place, and the Whitecaps remain road warriors with a win in Toronto. Jeff Paterson from the Rink Wide: Vancouver podcast joins in to give his report card from the weekend games in Penticton, and ...
Sep 18, 2023•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 645
Live from Young Starts at Neighbourhood Brewing in Penticton, Matt and Blake discuss the Canucks prospect tournament and what to expect. The guys discuss Elias Pettersson's projected contract number, the B.C. Lions game on Saturday vs. Ottawa, the Blue Jays continued struggles down the stretch and a spicy quote from Whitecaps coach Vanni Sartini. Chris Faber from Canucks Conversation and Canucks Army previews Young Stars and highlights some of the top prospects in the organization. John Shannon ...
Sep 15, 2023•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 644
Matt and Blake discuss the comments of Elias Pettersson's agent saying they're going to wait until the end of the year before considering an extension, as well as the possibility of a Tyler Myers trade tomorrow after his bonus is paid out. The guys discuss Bob McKenzie's draft list with another Vancouver prospect ranked #1; Olli Juolevi on a PTO in Arizona, and the NHLPA looking into the cellphone matter with Mike Babcock and Columbus Blue Jackets players. Other topics include the Lions game Sat...
Sep 14, 2023•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 643
Matt and Blake talk about the Canucks' Young Stars roster, which is deeper and stronger than most years, including 4 players who have made their NHL debut. They discuss the path forward for Akito Hirose, Cole McWard, Aidan McDonough and Aatu Räty, as well as the rosters being sent by the Oilers, Flames and Jets. Other topics include the unknown health status of Ilya Mikheyev; the eventful start of the KHL year for Vitaly Kravtsov, who remains Canucks property; the Lions' injury situation heading...
Sep 13, 2023•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 642
Matt and Blake discuss the list of 27 players invited to the Canucks' Young Stars tournament, including whom they're most interested to see and which guys actually have a chance to play NHL games this season. Other topics include whether Thatcher Demko should be named an alternate captain; feedback from around the hockey world on Quinn Hughes being named captain; the club's defence and how many blue-liners have been needed over the years; and the bizarre controversy about Columbus head coach Mik...
Sep 12, 2023•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 641
Matt and Blake discuss the coronation of Quinn Hughes as Canucks captain. Will Bettman ever present him the Cup? What kind of leader will he be? His ascension to this point. His leadership style. The captains he is following. And the timing of this announcement before training camp and not letting it fester til a ceremony at the home opener. Other topics include: Canada winning bronze at the FIBA World Cup, opening weekend of the NFL season and a devastating loss for the Seahawks, the BC Lions g...
Sep 11, 2023•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 640
Matt and Blake discuss the signs pointing to Quinn Hughes as the Canucks next captain, the shredded shape and stakes at hand for new defenceman Filip Hronek, and Jonathan Lekkerimäki continuing his fine play in Sweden. Other topics include: whether the captaincy matters on SvP, Canada losing to Serbia but playing the USA for a medal at the FIBA World Cup, the unlikelihood of a repeat wild card series between the Jays and Mariners, and the Detroit Lions' stunning victory over Kansas City in the N...
Sep 08, 2023•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 639
Matt and Blake react to Brock Boeser speaking with the media about working with a new off-season trainer and whether Elias Pettersson can live up to the lofty point projections ESPN has him pegged for. With training camp looming, the guys discuss which Canuck has the most curious case when the blades hit the ice in Victoria in two weeks time. Rob Williams opines on Boeser's outlook for the 2023-24 season, training camp and chats about our interview with Piero Manetta , who sits behind the visito...
Sep 07, 2023•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 638
Matt and Blake are together again and talking Canucks' summer. Who had a good/great/big summer to endear themselves to Coach Tocchet? What did you miss -- or may have forgotten -- about the Canucks this summer? What was Tyler Myers' summer like? And which players unsigned over the summer might make for interesting PTO candidates in Vancouver? Frank Corrado stops by to talk what passing Labour Day means for NHL players. He talks about catering to a coach's whims while working out in the summer, a...
Sep 06, 2023•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 637
Is it hockey season yet? Now that we're past Labour Day and NHL training camps are right around the corner, Blake and Jeff Paterson(in for Sekeres) broke down their start date for "hockey season" and also started the countdown to September 15th which is also known as Tyler Myers bonus day. Patrick Johnston joined the guys to talk about what changes there might be to J.T. Miller now that his extension has kicked in and also talked about Canuck players on the ice today at UBC. Presented by Applewo...
Sep 05, 2023•58 min•Ep. 636
Matt and Blake pay tribute to fans with one familiar face and one familiar voice joining a special S&P Presents Labour Day edition. Piero Manetta has been sitting behind the Canucks bench at Rogers Arena for two decades. Fans have long speculated about who he is, what he does, and why he looked right at home with guys like Odjick and Rypien. Hear Piero tell his own journey to Canucks' fame, how he gets stopped around town, and how he's become part of an ever-changing culture in Canucks club ...
Sep 04, 2023•45 min•Ep. 635
Matt and Jeff discuss the future of Tanner Pearson now that he's back skating -- and golfing! -- which seems like great news for that an injured hand. Can he help the Canucks? Is he a Tocchet-type player? Where does he fit in the lineup? Does he need to start in the American Hockey League? Plus, it was this Friday last year when the Canucks signed JT Miller to a seven-year extension. Who should be his wingers and how will he live up to the pressure of performing as an $8 million man? John Shanno...
Sep 01, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 634
Matt and JPat discuss Rick Tocchet's comments about the Canucks core. They are all sensational talents who have had individual success, but are they ready to sacrifice for team goals? And how does the leadership transition work? Other topics include the franchise carnage of the Jim Benning era, Émilie Castonguay sitting on a Hockey Canada panel, and ex-Canuck Zack Kassian getting a new opportunity in the Pacific Division. Rob Williams stops by to discuss his belief in the core, the piecemeal app...
Aug 31, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 633
Jeff Paterson sits in for Blake and discusses Rick Tocchet's wide-ranging Q&A with Sportsnet. Topics include: no practice facility preventing an August centralization of Canucks players for informal skates; a PP with no dedicated coach; his refusal to commit to Pius Suter at third-line centre; an improved PK; Pettersson heading into a contract year and what the Canucks have to prove to him. Frank Corrado stops by with his take on a PP run by committee, Kuzmenko's Bali adventure, Mikheyev's r...
Aug 30, 2023•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 632
Matt and Blake discuss the season ahead for Andrei Kuzmenko coming off his sensational 39-goal campaign in his first NHL season; the problems at Rogers Arena with the videoboard installation postponing Monday's Drake concert; and a theory on how Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton turned up at Francesco Aquilini's birthday party. NHL player agent Dan Milstein joins the show to tell us about Kuzmenko's worldwide/whirlwind summer, how the Canucks were not on board to start, how he knew Kuzmenko neede...
Aug 29, 2023•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 631
Matt and Blake talk about Elias Pettersson's future with the Canucks and how this year needs to be the year they make the playoffs. No, really. Serious this time. One last dance with Petey if the team falls short. Other topics include ex-Canucks signing PTOs with Edmonton, the Canucks chairman celebrating a star-studded birthday, the Lions baffling loss to Hamilton, the Whitecaps' sensational win at Portland, and CPKC Women's Open at Shaughnessy. Former Canadian national team player and head coa...
Aug 28, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 630
