So, I’m ridiculously late. Also, I didn’t post Postscripts on the last two Canucks games. With the Olympics going on, I figure a) not many people care and b) I wanted to enjoy the festivities myself, so I took a bit of a break from blogging this weekend. I’m sure my ones and ones of fans are devastated with this communications blackout.

Anyway, a recap of the Canucks last week before the Olympics, yes?

Games

The first stage of the Road Trip From Hell ended this week, with the Canucks going .500 for the first eight games of the fourteen game extravaganza. The week opened up with a pair of games against the two Florida teams, which saw the Canucks split decisions between them, losing to Tampa in an ugly affair and then having Luongo post a shutout against Florida in the first of back to back games. The second affair saw the Canucks pull off a stunning come from behind victory, earning Andrew Raycroft his 100th career win over the Columbus Blue Jackets, after a rather ugly start from the team.

Things closed out on Sunday against the Minnesota Wild, an afternoon affair that saw the Canucks put in a completely ugly effort before going off before the Olympics. I hate making excuses for the Canucks, especially in games where the Canucks get trounced, but I’d say that the Canucks were pretty clearly distracted by the Olympics. With 8 players set to represent their respective countries, it’s pretty hard to stay focused.

Then again, Minny has now won the last two matchups between the squads, so perhaps the better team simply won on Sunday.

Injuries

Nothing new with Mitchell or Bieksa. It’s hoped Mitchell will be back sometime after the Olympics, as he’s still exhibiting concussion symptoms. I haven’t seen anything new on Bieksa, who is still hoped to be back in mid-March.

The big news this week, though, is that Henrik Sedin has been playing with an injury for the past ten games or so, according to Jason Botchford.

Off Ice

Pavol Demitra left the team early in the week to travel back home, due to his wife falling ill (original article, not in English.) He missed most of the action this week and suited up on Sunday.

I missed this earlier, but apparently there was interest exhibited by Mike Gillis in St. Louis Blues defenseman Darryl Sydor last offseason. This might explain, at least in part, who Gillis and company were scouting at that Montreal/Blues game a few weeks ago. While I have nothing against Sydor, the Canucks already have an established veteran blueliner with playoff experience in Brad Lukowich and I’m not sure he’d be much (if any) of an upgrade for the Canucks.

The Moose

Canucks prospect and defenseman Taylor Ellington was re-assigned to the Victoria Salmon Kings earlier this week. Not particularly a good sign for the former second round pick.

Speaking of disappointing, Matt Pope, a guy who racked up a some points in the Moose’s Calder Cup run last season, was also demoted to the ECHL’s Bakersfield Condors. Pope only has 1 point in 25 games played with the Moose this season and is part of the contingent of disappointments that have panned out this season. I liked what little I saw of Pope as an energy player, but I guess the coaching staff were expecting a bigger contribution from him.

Not everything was dire in Mooseland this week, though, as they received some help on the blueline. Nick Boynton of the Anaheim Ducks was also placed on waivers this week and, since the Ducks don’t have an AHL affiliate this season, was assigned to the Moose. Nolan Baumgartner was also sent back down to the Moose, presumably for the duration of the Olympic break and contingent on Willie Mitchell still being out once the Olympics are over, so the Moose’s blueline is looking a lot better now.

I love the picture the Moose used to herald Baumgartner’s return to Manitoba:

Whoever picks the photos over at their website has a sense of humor, methinks!

Oh yeah, there were some games, too. The Moose played a pair of games this week, both against the Toronto Marlies. Friday’s game went rather well, Michael Grabner netted a pair as the Moose trounced the Baby Leafs (the Seeds?) 5-1. Toronto bounced back the next night, though, as they beat the Moose 2-1, with Grabner getting the lone marker.

Hopefully this is a sign that Grabner is starting to heat back up, after going cold for a spell.

Prospects

I got something cooking later in the week, so I’m going to forego updates on the Canucks prospects tonight. I know, second time in a week, but I have made a promise for content and I WILL deliver (hopefully!)

Enjoy the Olympics everyone!