The Fifth Liners

It's all change in British Columbia this week as today it was announced that Jim Benning has been appointed the new General Manager of the Vancouver Canucks , replacing Mike Gillis who was fired previously. Benning has been the Assistant GM of the Boston Bruin since 2006, but is this man the right choice to lead this team into a new age? Here are some points for consideration Positives Brings a Stanley Cup win with the Bruins in 2011  Proven track record in the front office Also spent 12 year with the Buffalo Sabres Former Canucks defenseman from 1986-90, so at least knows what fans will expect of him  Is a younger candidate who may be able to come up with fresher ideas unlike Gillis who really made a mess of affairs in his time in office.  Negatives  First real position of authority  Unknown if he is able to handle the big time pressure  Is un-tested in the trade game so we are unsure if he will be able to pull off any major coups to better ...

In the midst of a thrilling playoff series which has seen numerous upsets such as the LA Kings coming from 3-0 to be beat San Jose over 7 thrilling games and the Columbus Blue Jackets pushing the Pittsburgh Penguins all the way in an honourable loss, the biggest news for Vancouver Canucks fans was that Head Coach John Tortorella , will be given his marching orders after only one year of his five year; $10 Million contract. To some this news will come as no surprise. The team has struggled for consistency this year and finished a disappointing 13th overall in the Western Conference, over 8 points away from the final wildcard slot for the playoffs. Tortorella also made headlines for the wrong reasons when he was suspended for two weeks after confronting the Calgary Flames team in January after a brawl at the start of the game. After much hype and hope from the Canucks fans that JT would mould this team into something memorable, it just hasn't happened. The Acquilani brothers ...

The axe has finally fallen in British Columbia and Vancouver Canucks fans cannot argue with the head that has gone on the block! After last nights 3-0 defeat to Anaheim, our playoffs have officially ended- it also saw GM Mike Gillis relieved of his duties by owner Francesco Acquilani after an awful season at the helm! In state issued, the Canucks owner said, "The Vancouver Canucks had success under Mike's leadership, and we nearly reached our ultimate goal; but I believe we have reached a point where a change in leadership and new voice is needed." Firstly, I have to say this one has been coming for sometime because Gillis has not been popular with Vancouver fans for the last couple of seasons and has quite honestly, made some horrendous choices as GM player wise. As Mike's previous post in September denoted, his handling of player trades has brought some questionable decisions (Yes I do mean trading Cory Schneider for Bo Horvat) and his sacking of Alain V...

Yesterday in a press conference, Vancouver Canucks GM Mike Gillis was asked regarding the future of head coach John Tortorella. In typical fashion, Gillis was elusive on giving a direct answer as whether JT would remain next season saying "I'm not sure I'll be back next season!" Although we are still unclear as to whether Tortorella's so far unsuccessful reign in British Columbia will be winding up soon- it does pose an interesting question, does JT deserve a second season at the Rogers Arena? Rather than shooting my mouth and calling for his head (which has become my trademark this year!) I thought I would prepare a constructive for/against argument to see if he deserves his place. Reasons For Tortorella Staying  Proven winner in Hockey with a Stanley Cup win in 2004 with Tampa Bay He finally solved Luongo-gate by trading him to the Florida Panthers, which Alain Vigneault failed to do on numerous occasions. Brought us on a winning streak of seven straigh...

By Alex Watson During this Friday’s team practice, Vancouver Canucks keepers Roberto Luongo and Corey Schneider playfully mocked each other before their 7-4 win over Nashville Predators at the Rogers Arena. In a moment of solidarity Schneider wore a ‘Thing 2’ t-shirt while Luongo wore ‘Thing 1’ and the two played up to the media’s image of their supposed rivalry. Behind the scenes however, matters aren’t nearly so peaceful and the Canucks seem to have a goal tender situation that is frankly challenging and doesn’t appear to be working itself out quickly and after Saturday’s 5-2 defeat by Detroit, matters it seems will complicate further! Roberto Luongo has long been the main man between the sticks for the Canucks and his superb goaltending famously led Team Canada to Gold in the 2010 Winter Olympics in on home soil in Vancouver and guided the Canucks to their famed Stanley Cup final appearance in 2011. But his patchy form last season prompted many to wonder if his number o...