Sunday, March 09, 2008
Markus Naslund's Deep Decline
by Jes
To show you what kind of 'leadership' the Canucks have been getting from Markus Naslund this season, just consider what kind of stats Naslund has been putting up while his team fights for their playoff lives.
March 8 vs STL: 0-1-1 -1
March 6 vs. NAS: 0-0-0 -2
March 4 vs. COL: 0-0-0 -1
March 2 vs. CHI: 0-0-0 0
Feb 29 vs. COB: 0-0-0 -1
Feb 27 vs. COL: 0-0-0 0
Feb 23 vs. DET: 0-0-0 +1
Feb 21 vs. NAS: 0-0-0 0
Feb 19 vs. MIN: 1-0-1 0
Yeah, a whole lot of nothing.
Allow me to repeat myself a bit ...
Now, it's widely known that Naslund has been in a sulk ever since his boyfriend was dealt to the Panthers. There has been little fire in Naslund's game, and, although he won't admit it, he doesn't seem to enjoy being here.
I'm still willing to bet more than a few GMs think that Naslund's game will return once he gets to a situation where he can have the load of the C off of his chest and can be with a coach he gets along with.
Buyer beware. I believe Naslund is in a natural decline and won't just bounce back to his point-a-game levels.
1. Naslund's point totals have gone steadily down ... 104-84-79-60 and now 48 so far this season (on pace for about 53-55).
2. Naslund is approaching 35 years of age. Yes, some players are ageless, but most are not. Most 35-year old players are going to keep declining, and Naslund is no exception. His best days are behind him.
3. Just watch Naslund on the ice, and see that he is far from the most dangerous player on the ice. The laser-like wrist-shot is gone, replaced by a slapshot that NEVER WORKS. Naslund isn't even that fast, and rarely seems to create chances for other players like a good player should.
Oh, I'm sure Naslund can put up at least 50 points next season, but I bet he'll be paid way too much to do so.
Face it, folks, Naslund's only going to continue his downward spiral into old age (hockey wise, that is), and his lack of point production is not purely based on his mental state.
It's just too bad that he seems unwilling to show the fire necessary to carry the Canucks to bigger and better things. I can live with old age, but the lack of passion is unacceptable.
To show you what kind of 'leadership' the Canucks have been getting from Markus Naslund this season, just consider what kind of stats Naslund has been putting up while his team fights for their playoff lives.
March 8 vs STL: 0-1-1 -1
March 6 vs. NAS: 0-0-0 -2
March 4 vs. COL: 0-0-0 -1
March 2 vs. CHI: 0-0-0 0
Feb 29 vs. COB: 0-0-0 -1
Feb 27 vs. COL: 0-0-0 0
Feb 23 vs. DET: 0-0-0 +1
Feb 21 vs. NAS: 0-0-0 0
Feb 19 vs. MIN: 1-0-1 0
Yeah, a whole lot of nothing.
Allow me to repeat myself a bit ...
Now, it's widely known that Naslund has been in a sulk ever since his boyfriend was dealt to the Panthers. There has been little fire in Naslund's game, and, although he won't admit it, he doesn't seem to enjoy being here.
I'm still willing to bet more than a few GMs think that Naslund's game will return once he gets to a situation where he can have the load of the C off of his chest and can be with a coach he gets along with.
Buyer beware. I believe Naslund is in a natural decline and won't just bounce back to his point-a-game levels.
1. Naslund's point totals have gone steadily down ... 104-84-79-60 and now 48 so far this season (on pace for about 53-55).
2. Naslund is approaching 35 years of age. Yes, some players are ageless, but most are not. Most 35-year old players are going to keep declining, and Naslund is no exception. His best days are behind him.
3. Just watch Naslund on the ice, and see that he is far from the most dangerous player on the ice. The laser-like wrist-shot is gone, replaced by a slapshot that NEVER WORKS. Naslund isn't even that fast, and rarely seems to create chances for other players like a good player should.
Oh, I'm sure Naslund can put up at least 50 points next season, but I bet he'll be paid way too much to do so.
Face it, folks, Naslund's only going to continue his downward spiral into old age (hockey wise, that is), and his lack of point production is not purely based on his mental state.
It's just too bad that he seems unwilling to show the fire necessary to carry the Canucks to bigger and better things. I can live with old age, but the lack of passion is unacceptable.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Urge to Kill (Canucks) Rising ...
After the Canucks putrid loss to the Carolina Hurricanes earlier this week, coach Alain Vigneault ripped the Canucks' top forwards for being softer than a DQ Banana Split, and only half as tasty. Markus Naslund whined, instead of taking the blame for playing like crap.
So, the Canucks go into Detroit, and decide to roll over and play dead.
*sigh*
Trust me, the 3-2 score flatters the Canucks, who were out-shot 39-15 and were basically toyed with like a cat and a laser pointer. At no point did the Wings look like they are in any danger of losing their lead, and only Luongo's goaltending gave the Canucks half a chance.
Folks, this team is hella frustrating for anyone living in this city who doesn't cheer for one of Canada's other clubs. It's not bad enough that they are 2 games under .500, but they don't work hard, don't win faceoffs, and play a very boring style of hockey.
There aren't a lot of bright spots that stand out and make you think, "Hmm, maybe they'll turn it around like they did last year," other than the continual fine play of Roberto Luongo.
Time to vent a little ...
1. Taylor Pyatt - OK, you got a nice big contract. Does that mean you have to stop working? 2 goals, 0 assists, and -3 in 10 games of invisibility. Apart from his mascara, there isn’t much to this guy. I'm sure Sabres fans will say "I told you so", but the guy was actually useful last season. *sigh*
2. Markus Naslund - A poor example of a Captain, and someone who looks like they don't want to be here. 7 points in 10 games and a -6 is not what you'd expect from someone making uber millions, nor is the lack of effort. If Markus is wearing the C, and slacking off, then he's obviously setting a bad example. Instead of rising up to Vigneault's challenge, Markus basically said "Screw this", and decided to sleepwalk. Obviously, he doesn't like Vigneault and he's going to just pout about it.
3. Aaron Miller - Nice giveaway on the 3rd Detroit goal. I don't think Tomas Holmstrom has ever had an easier goal, even in practice. Miller, all too often, looks old, decrepit, and just plain overmatched. I understand that he's getting more ice time than he should be, but wouldn't the Canucks be better off with Edler?
4. Rick Rypien - Nothing against the guy, but he blocks a shot and breaks his finger?! Guy can't get a break. Even since his promotion, he's been one of the few Canucks that looks like they care.
5. SedinBots - Wake up! You are capable of so much more.
As for Detroit, I finally saw the empty seats for myself. It looks half-empty in the place, which is VERY weird. I know the subject has been beaten before, but it wasn't that long ago where you'd be swearing at the TV because some idiot at Joe Louis Arena was standing up and blocking the (low) camera angle.
So, the Canucks go into Detroit, and decide to roll over and play dead.
*sigh*
Trust me, the 3-2 score flatters the Canucks, who were out-shot 39-15 and were basically toyed with like a cat and a laser pointer. At no point did the Wings look like they are in any danger of losing their lead, and only Luongo's goaltending gave the Canucks half a chance.
Folks, this team is hella frustrating for anyone living in this city who doesn't cheer for one of Canada's other clubs. It's not bad enough that they are 2 games under .500, but they don't work hard, don't win faceoffs, and play a very boring style of hockey.
There aren't a lot of bright spots that stand out and make you think, "Hmm, maybe they'll turn it around like they did last year," other than the continual fine play of Roberto Luongo.
Time to vent a little ...
1. Taylor Pyatt - OK, you got a nice big contract. Does that mean you have to stop working? 2 goals, 0 assists, and -3 in 10 games of invisibility. Apart from his mascara, there isn’t much to this guy. I'm sure Sabres fans will say "I told you so", but the guy was actually useful last season. *sigh*
2. Markus Naslund - A poor example of a Captain, and someone who looks like they don't want to be here. 7 points in 10 games and a -6 is not what you'd expect from someone making uber millions, nor is the lack of effort. If Markus is wearing the C, and slacking off, then he's obviously setting a bad example. Instead of rising up to Vigneault's challenge, Markus basically said "Screw this", and decided to sleepwalk. Obviously, he doesn't like Vigneault and he's going to just pout about it.
3. Aaron Miller - Nice giveaway on the 3rd Detroit goal. I don't think Tomas Holmstrom has ever had an easier goal, even in practice. Miller, all too often, looks old, decrepit, and just plain overmatched. I understand that he's getting more ice time than he should be, but wouldn't the Canucks be better off with Edler?
4. Rick Rypien - Nothing against the guy, but he blocks a shot and breaks his finger?! Guy can't get a break. Even since his promotion, he's been one of the few Canucks that looks like they care.
5. SedinBots - Wake up! You are capable of so much more.
As for Detroit, I finally saw the empty seats for myself. It looks half-empty in the place, which is VERY weird. I know the subject has been beaten before, but it wasn't that long ago where you'd be swearing at the TV because some idiot at Joe Louis Arena was standing up and blocking the (low) camera angle.
Labels: Canucks, Naslund, rants, Sedinbots, taylor pyatt
Monday, March 26, 2007
Markus Naslund: Vancouver's Struggling Star
by Jes
Back on January 29th), I blogged about Markus Naslund's struggles offensively. For whatever reason (missing Bertuzzi, injury, etc), Naslund was far from Vancouver's best offensive weapon, despite the fact he's being paid a superstar's salary.
At the time of the post, Naslund was on a bit of a hot streak and looked to be out of the funk.
For the next 2-3 weeks after that post, Naslund started firing the puck more, playing with a bit more life, and was piling up the points fairly consistently. It looked like we had more of the old Naslund back. Sure, he wasn't the scary-good sniper we'd come to know and love, but we were happy to get about a point a game out of the guy.
Unfortunately, Naslund has fallen back into a funk that's even worse than any point in his Canucks career. In the last 8 games, Naslund has just 1 lone assist, and has developed no chemistry with newly acquired Bryan Smolinski nor Jan Useless. During last night's 5-4 shootout loss to the Crapalanche, Joe Sakic was a man on the mission while Naslund just stood there and watched. It was a great example of where Naslund's head is right about now.
Looking month-by-month:
Back on January 29th), I blogged about Markus Naslund's struggles offensively. For whatever reason (missing Bertuzzi, injury, etc), Naslund was far from Vancouver's best offensive weapon, despite the fact he's being paid a superstar's salary.
At the time of the post, Naslund was on a bit of a hot streak and looked to be out of the funk.
For the next 2-3 weeks after that post, Naslund started firing the puck more, playing with a bit more life, and was piling up the points fairly consistently. It looked like we had more of the old Naslund back. Sure, he wasn't the scary-good sniper we'd come to know and love, but we were happy to get about a point a game out of the guy.
Unfortunately, Naslund has fallen back into a funk that's even worse than any point in his Canucks career. In the last 8 games, Naslund has just 1 lone assist, and has developed no chemistry with newly acquired Bryan Smolinski nor Jan Useless. During last night's 5-4 shootout loss to the Crapalanche, Joe Sakic was a man on the mission while Naslund just stood there and watched. It was a great example of where Naslund's head is right about now.
Looking month-by-month:
MONTH GP G A Pts +/- PIM PPG PPA SOG S/G
October 13 6 5 11 4 10 3 1 37 2.85
November 13 6 2 8 0 10 1 1 54 4.15
December 13 0 8 8 -2 12 0 4 21 1.62
January 12 3 9 12 0 6 1 6 24 2.00
February 12 5 7 12 1 2 3 4 39 3.25
March 12 2 2 4 -1 6 0 0 27 2.25
Somehow, Naslund managed to do quite well in January despite not shooting the puck much at all. February looked like Naslund had perhaps recovered from his shoulder problems, as he was firing the puck on the net a whole lot more.
In March, Naslund's shots on goal has dropped off again, and he hasn't produced a single Power Play point! It's gotten so bad that coach Alain Vigneault actually took Naslund off of the Power Play completely for a brief spell.
The Canucks awesomeness in the standings has really masked Naslund's poor offensive output and hardly anyone outside, or even inside, of our little section of the globe has noticed. I'm just worried that Naslund won't be there when the playoffs start. As good as the Sedinbots are, they can't do EVERYTHING.
At this point, it looks like Naslund will have to be traded in the off-season. There is no way that the Canucks can justify spending $6mil a year on a guy who's been relegated to a 2nd line offensive threat. Yes, his defensive play has improved quite a bit, but we're paying him to be an offensive star, not a Mike Sillinger clone.
---
On a more positive note, congratulations to Henrik Sedin for breaking Andre Boudrias' 30-year old record for assists in a season (62) for a Canucks player. With 3 assists in last night's game, Henrik now has 63 on the season and a few more games to pad his new record.
Labels: Canucks, Canucks team record, Henrik Sedin, Naslund, opinion
Monday, January 29, 2007
Markus Naslund: No Longer on Target
by Gőlbez
"Yes, I make $6mil more than YOU do!"
When you think of the today's best players, I'm sure the name Markus Naslund isn't near the top of your list. Sure, he's paid like a superstar, but 15 goals and 23 assists in 50 games is far from superstar production.
It wasn't so long ago that Naslund was one of the very best snipers in the NHL. Goalies wet their jock straps when Naslund curled around on the side boards and snapped off a quick wrister before they could blink.
While Naslund has certainly had a pretty decent month, complete with a 6-game point scoring streak, most fans in this city are wondering "What the hell is wrong with this guy?"
He misses Todd Bertuzzi - How much does he miss him? We're not quite sure, but we do know that Grumpy Bear did open up some ice for Markus to operate. Those two were also very 'special' friends, and Markus might just be a tad lonely without his teddy bear around. Naslund just doesn't show much enthusiasm at all. Yes, Markus was never the excitable type, but you can tell he looks like a dog who lost his master.
He's not skating - This much is obvious to everyone. Both Naslund and Brendan Morrison have both been guilty of not moving their legs as much as they should. The old Naslund was always flying around the ice. This year's Naslund has him cruising far too often. Is he getting slower in his old age, is he tired, or is he just not trying?
He's not shooting - Seeing a patented Markus Naslund laser wrist-shot has been a rarity this season. The speculation seems to be that his shoulder is hurt, and that is why he is passing the puck more and shooting less. Without his most deadly weapon in his arsenal, he's been downgraded to just another decent offensive player.
Looking at Naslund's splits from this season, we can see some trends...
The most glaring statistic, besides the awful Power Play numbers, is the proof that Markus Naslund just isn't getting shots on goal. He started off the year OK, getting 3-4 shots per game. In the last two months? Not even two shots per game. For your team's #1 sniper, this isn't nearly good enough.
In the prior 6 seasons, Markus averaged 3.58 shots per game. This season, he's at 2.64 and dropping with each game. It's obvious that Naslund is doing more playmaking, and less shooting. This might be fine if the Canucks had other goal scorers to play with him, but they don't. Morrison is a playmaker, Jan Bulis is useless, Matt Cooke has hands of stone, and the Sedinbots have their own chemistry together.
So, is Markus Naslund in a real decline, or can we ever expect him to be a bit more like the old Markus we knew and loved?
"Yes, I make $6mil more than YOU do!"
When you think of the today's best players, I'm sure the name Markus Naslund isn't near the top of your list. Sure, he's paid like a superstar, but 15 goals and 23 assists in 50 games is far from superstar production.
It wasn't so long ago that Naslund was one of the very best snipers in the NHL. Goalies wet their jock straps when Naslund curled around on the side boards and snapped off a quick wrister before they could blink.
While Naslund has certainly had a pretty decent month, complete with a 6-game point scoring streak, most fans in this city are wondering "What the hell is wrong with this guy?"
Looking at Naslund's splits from this season, we can see some trends...
MONTH GP G A Pts +/- PIM PPG PPA SOG S/G
October 13 6 5 11 4 10 3 1 37 2.85
November 13 6 2 8 0 10 1 1 54 4.15
December 13 0 8 8 -2 12 0 4 21 1.62
January 11 3 8 11 1 6 1 5 20 1.82
The most glaring statistic, besides the awful Power Play numbers, is the proof that Markus Naslund just isn't getting shots on goal. He started off the year OK, getting 3-4 shots per game. In the last two months? Not even two shots per game. For your team's #1 sniper, this isn't nearly good enough.
In the prior 6 seasons, Markus averaged 3.58 shots per game. This season, he's at 2.64 and dropping with each game. It's obvious that Naslund is doing more playmaking, and less shooting. This might be fine if the Canucks had other goal scorers to play with him, but they don't. Morrison is a playmaker, Jan Bulis is useless, Matt Cooke has hands of stone, and the Sedinbots have their own chemistry together.
So, is Markus Naslund in a real decline, or can we ever expect him to be a bit more like the old Markus we knew and loved?
