Vancouver Canucks Faced with Untimely Confusion
By David Joun
Benning vs. Linden: Did the Canucks have a Chance this Season?
So much for all the talk surrounding the Aquilini ownership meddling with the management — I would not be surprised if Linden and Benning were not on the same page themselves. Well, as the word is coming out of the Town Hall meeting, that was the case.
Trevor Linden, President of Hockey Operations, apparently did not expect to make the playoffs even before the puck dropped for game one.
Linden said that his club had “punched above [its] weight last year,” with lowered expectations this year. This certainly was not the impression the city got to begin the year, before all the injuries started piling up. Playoffs seemed like a possibility, especially with the Pacific struggling mightily.
But then Jim Benning had different ideas.
"It looks like we’re not going to make the playoffs this year. But in my heart, I really believe if we had Brandon Sutter the whole year and Alex Edler didn’t get hurt, we’d be right there. We’re four wins out from being in the playoffs.” – Jim Benning"
Well, firstly. Benning, your club is now five wins out from being in the playoffs. You are also four Maple Leafs wins away from a 20 percent odd to win Auston Matthews. You are one point above dropping to the bottom five in the league.
Secondly, Benning. Why are you and Linden disagreeing? You are causing a lot of confusion here. Is there a subconscious reason that kept you from pushing a potential Radim Vrbata trade here? Is this just a look-good-to-ownership tactic?
If so, you are not making your management looking good in the process. I get it that these meetings are supposed to be clear, see-through presentations of the management. Don’t make it look bad, though.
Next: Benning vs. Agent: Nikita Tryamkin, Try Again