Doom Brother Willes feels the need to remind more could go wrong

In reviewing the many crises the Vancouver Canucks have endured this season, it seems the team has survived only through the benevolence of an all-knowing, all-forgiving higher power.

Remember back in October when Roberto Luongo was being booed like Abdullah the Butcher. Or November when it looked like Ryan Kesler would never recover from his offseason labrum surgery. Or December when the controversy over Cody Hodgson's ice time first raged. Or February when Mason Raymond established himself as the worst player in the history of the NHL.

And March, don't get us started on March. In a 10-day stretch they lost to Buffalo, Dallas, Montreal and Phoenix on home ice. And they couldn't score a goal to save their lives. And Mason Raymond was still the worst player in NHL history  More…

Shacks’ Take:  I think someone needs to point out to Ed that most of the crises this team has endured since the start of the season have been created solely by himself and the other ‘Brothers of Doom’.

If it were up to Ed, all Canuck fans wouldlook as worried as these ones. 

To most observers of the team, the Canucks have won despite lacking any desperation or any underlying need to prove they’re the best regular season team in hockey.

Personally, I think it’s a good sign that a team can win despite not playing it’s best while playing teams with so much more to gain in the standings. It also should be noted that going on a small losing streak before the playoffs might actually be a blessing in disguise because it likely forced the team to be more aware of their faults, allowing them to correct them and work on them before the playoffs.

No the only thing to worry about right now is the health of Daniel Sedin.  If he’s not back healthy before the playoffs, that may actually be a concern.  But if you’re the type that likes to worry, don’t fret, I’m sure Ed and his brothers of doom will find some reason to panic before the playoffs.

Mirtle says Leafs wasting Kessel’s goal scoring talent.

His next goal will be his 100th in a Toronto Maple Leafs uniform, tying him with Daniel Sedin of the Vancouver Canucks for the eighth highest total in the NHL over the past three seasons.

And with his career high 37th in a 4-3 win over the Buffalo Sabres last Saturday, Phil Kessel kept alive an outside shot at becoming just the 13th player to hit 40 goals in that span.  More…

Shacks’ Take:  This article is on the Leafs so I’m not going to dwell too long but this writer’s take is absolutely ridiculous. 

Phil Kessel is not a star, he's a good support player.

Because Kessel has the ninth highest goal totals in the last three years, the Leafs should have been able to build a team around him that competes? Huh?  As one-dimensional a player as exists in the league, Kessel gives up as much opportunity as he creates for the Leafs but that’s neither here nor there really. 

The fact is that bad teams often have good players, it’s not about the talent of players 1 – 6, it’s about the talent of players 12 – 18 that matter most.  If top end talent were everything Tampa Bay would not have missed the playoffs two of the last three years. 

Tampa has a top 3 of Stamkos, St Louis & Lecavalier, all players I would take ahead of Kessel yet they struggle as well.  Does Mirtle think there’s some magic elixir that once you have a top ten-goal scorer you add two players, mix with water and you compete? Especially one that helps you only in one third of the rink, the offensive end?

No, Mirtle misses with this article completely, the only thing that’s been wasted by the Leafs in the last three seasons is their fans time and money. 

Raiders trade for Mike Goodson – Fantasy Take

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Oakland Raiders acquired running back Mike Goodson from the Carolina Panthers on Friday in exchange for offensive tackle Bruce Campbell, a trade both teams hope will improve their depth.

Goodson, who ran for 501 yards and three touchdowns in three seasons with Carolina, became expendable after the team signed free agent running back Mike Tolbert earlier this month.  More…

Darren McFadden owners should draft this man.

Shacks’ Take:  Mike Goodson just vaulted onto my draft board.  Prior to the trade, Goodson was a number 4 back on a team that uses its quarterback to run as often as its running backs; he was useless to fantasy teams.

Now Goodson should be the number two running back on a very good running team, playing behind a very fragile Darren McFadden.  This makes Goodson a RB4 on any roster and an almost must have handcuff for Darren McFadden owners.  If you own McFadden, move Goodson up a few spots because you know Goodson will end up starting a least a couple of games for you this season.

The Links I would read today - 04/02/12

 The Tinfoil Tuque has his weekly cheers and jeers - why ya late brotha? Don’t keep us waiting…

Ziemer says Canucks know conference is theirs for the taking.

Dave Ebner says the Canucks are flaunting their depth before the playoffs start.

Ed Willes stays positive with his Monday Morning Musings

Tony Gallagher think Henrik has started playing well again at the right time.

Sean Zandberg found a couple of Bruins mash ups by Makaveli

Bruce Arthur says the Pens – Flyers rivalry is already playoff intense

Chris Harlan thinks the war just got started between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia

Katie Baker breaks down all the remaining playoff races in the NHL.

Larry Brooks doesn’t like the current playoff format, hopes realignment solves it.

Dave Shoalts has the week ahead in the NHL

Rob Longley says there's a bit of war of words between Ottawa coach Paul Mclean and the Lefs.

Feschuk says Phaneuf leaves a lot to be desired as captain of Leafs

Peter King’s Monday Morning Quarterback

Rick Reilly says Andrew Luck is one cool customer.

Tom Verducci thinks the Blue Jays are one of two teams hurt by being in American League

Jason Whitlock has an interesting take on the Trayvon Martin murder case