Mainly Mattias Ohlund

Ohlund Article - Ohlund on Naslund's Jersey retirement

2010-12-24T08:34:00.000-08:00

OK, so I'm playing a bit o' catchup. Won't post about Ohlie's Oct knee related missed attendance but I can always count on Iain M to write an Ohlund piece (Van Sun Dec 10/10). Man, I wish I could've been here to watch the ceremony. I wonder if someone youtubed it. Hmm..

Blue-liner bolts back to Vancouver for first time in rival's jersey
Mattias Ohlund is excited to witness Naslund's jersey retirement, but says he's thinking more about his health and less about homecoming

It is the long-overdue return of one of the greatest Canucks, the Swede who came to regard Vancouver as home and bled his team's many-changing colours for more than a decade.

Finally, there will be acknowledgment what this warrior did for the National Hockey League team. Hopefully, Markus Naslund won't mind sharing the spotlight for a second or two Saturday with Mattias Ohlund.

Ohlund will be an honoured guest at Naslund's retirement ceremony, but won't be wearing a tuxedo as he'll be playing against the Canucks about an hour later.

The 34-year-old defencemen is playing in Vancouver for the first time since a seven-year free-agent contract took him to the Tampa Bay Lightning 17 months ago.

"The one thing you do miss is being in a hockey market," Ohlund said before the Lightning travelled to Edmonton for tonight's game against the Oilers. "Our fans in Tampa are very good but we play a lot of games [in the Southeast Division] against teams like Atlanta and Florida, which are struggling attendance-wise.

"So that's one thing you miss -- playing games in hockey markets like Calgary and Edmonton and, of course, Vancouver. But the fans in Tampa have been great. The attendance at our games is not that different than Vancouver."

Ohlund said he is looking forward to seeing his friend Naslund honoured before tonight's game, but actually hasn't spent much time thinking about his return to Vancouver.

The Lightning have played a pile of road games since October -- Tampa is near the end of a 21-game stretch that included only five home dates -- and Ohlund is trying to find health and form following off-season knee surgery.

He missed the first eight games of the season, the third time in four years Ohlund has had a significant injury setback, and he may not get anywhere near the end of that $26.25-million contract that expires when he is 39.

"I've been struggling with injuries the last few years, so I'm just taking it a day at a time," Ohlund said. "I enjoy hockey as much as I did seven or eight years ago, but health-wise, as you get older, it becomes more of an issue."

Ohlund's average ice time of 18:13 is four minutes fewer than last season and nearly seven minutes below his career average. He has just two assists in 20 games, and hasn't scored a goal since leaving the Canucks.

His 11 seasons in Vancouver included 770 games and 325 points, the most by a Canuck defenceman. It's quite possible had he re-signed in Vancouver and surpassed 1,000 games, Ohlund's number might have been retired, too, because there isn't much debate he was the best defenceman in team history.

And yet, Ohlund said he is happy in Tampa and has no regrets about leaving.

"It was time for me to move on," he said. "I was ready for the change."

Ohlund said he was in Vancouver last May so his son, Victor, could have continuing nonlife threatening treatment at BC Children's Hospital. The family, which includes his daughter Hannah and wife Linda, is planning a Vancouver vacation next summer.

"We didn't have a ton of playoff success, but we had some great teams there," Ohlund said. "I'm very happy for Markus and excited to be a small part of that event. He's a great person, got a great family and I'm very happy for him."

Saturday's ceremony begins at 6:10 p.m. to accommodate NHL guidelines that demand pre-game retirement ceremonies be finished before regular warm-up times for the teams. CBC has moved the opening faceoff to 7:30 p.m., so a packaged version of Naslund's ceremony can be televised nationally, starting about 7 p.m.

Well Shucks, it's been half a year already

2010-12-24T07:50:00.000-08:00

I knew it had been some time since I did any Ohlund related posting but I had no idea that half a year had gone by already! My goodness. Unfortunately, the absence was due to health issues in the family, some travel and finally, an intercontinental move.

I am back in Van for the holidays so Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Ohlund Photos - Changed my computer

2010-12-24T07:41:00.000-08:00

Well, in addition to all of my personal life changes, I've also changed computers and don't know if I can do any further updates to the Mattias Ohlund Appreciation Page. Anyhoo, here're some Ohlie photos. I have missed soooo many.

Naslund's Jersey Retirement on Dec 11, 2010

2010-07-28T01:22:00.000-07:00

I would love to be at the game on December 11, 2010 to see Naslund's jersey being retired. It'll be a night when Tampa Bay and Mattias Ohlund will be playing in Vancouver. TPTB probably planned that. Definitely nice and respectful of the decision makers to decide to retire Nazzy's jersey. Good on them. He deserves it.

I still feel heartbroken over the 2005/06 year... even years after the fact. =(

New Ohlund baby and the Hart trophy

2010-07-01T07:42:00.000-07:00

Looks like the Ohlunds are going to be expecting in July. Still not sure if Ohlie's still on crutches but he was at early June. See Magnus Tosser's Swedish article June 5, 2010. Well, at least try to understand google's translated version.. haha!

And it was nice that Henrik Sedin thanked Ohlie (along with Markus Naslund, Trent Klatt and Trevor Linden) in his acceptance speech for the Hart trophy.

Here's Hank's acceptance speech, word for word (aftonbladet.se):
Henrik Sedins tacktal – ord för ord:

"Tack så mycket. Jag antar att jag måste vara riktigt snabb här... Jag vill tacka Canucks-organisationen. Aquilini-familjen som är här ikväll. Mike Gillis och klubbledningen. Våra underbara tränare, och självklart mina lagkamrater. Utan er skulle jag inte vara här i kväll.

Tack till alla fans i Vancouver. Vi är lyckligt lottade som får spela i en sådan stad, och ni har varit ett väldigt starkt stöd de senaste tio åren eller så. Min hustru Johanna, mina två söner – tack för att ni finns där för mig. Mamma och pappa, tack för alla uppoffringar ni gjort genom åren. Mina två äldre bröder, för att ni lät oss spela med er trots att vi var väldigt irriterande småsyskon.

Jag vill också tacka några före detta lagkamrater. Markus Näslund, Mattias Öhlund, Trent Klatt, Trevor Linden, för att ni tog hand om oss de första åren.

Också, tack till Daniel... Det finns inte en chans att du kan säga att du är en bättre spelare än mig nu, så... Tack!"

Update on Ohlie... late May

2010-05-30T00:47:00.000-07:00

So I heard through the grapevine that Ohlie had flown into Van recently for his son. E Pap reported that he and Viktor were in the pressbox watching one of the Canucks playoff games against Chicago. Now, I see that he's undergone surgery, according to Erik Erlendsson..

OHLUND ON CRUTCHES: Lightning defenseman Mattias Ohlund underwent a minor procedure on his right leg and is walking on crutches. A team spokesman said the surgery is not related to the ankle injury Ohlund had this season. He should be ready for training camp in September.

Ohlund may be out for the rest of the season

2010-03-20T08:32:00.000-07:00

I miss Ohlie playing for the Canucks. I went to a game last week and though we won and it was exciting (at least the first period was), it was all very meh without Ohlie. I was pretty disappointed when the Swedes were bumped off the Olympic gold running. I think it was injuries and underlying flu but who knows?

In Ohlie news, apparently he hasn't skated since colliding with Christian Hanson (who?) from Toronto last Thursday. Another ankle injury. Not sure if it's the same ankle that was sprained from November.

Ohlund scores for Sweden

2010-02-19T09:13:00.000-08:00

Why wasn't the Sweden game televised?? Anyway, Ohlie scored in their game against Germany February 17, 2010.

Ohlie's first game against the Canucks

2010-02-10T19:13:00.000-08:00

Well.. I missed the ppv game last night with Tampa Bay and Vancouver meeting up for the first time with Ohlund on the Lightning side. I miss him. Lightning won 3-1.

When interviewed, Ohlie was intent to play a physical defensive to the Sedins' offensive but did acknowledge that it would be best to avoid a Henrik Zetterberg situation (injuring a soon to be fellow Swedish Olympic teammate). I guess he was micced (sp?) up for the game. Sad to have missed it!

On Canucks news, the Canucks are first in the Northwest division.

Tampa/NJ Game postponed due to.. lighting?

2010-01-10T17:28:00.000-08:00

OK, so outdoor sports you would expect to see game delays or cancellations due to things like the weather.. but HOCKEY?

Friday's NJD/TBL game in New Jersey had the Lightning up 3-0 in the 2nd period when the lights on part of the ice went dead. They tried for almost 2 hours to fix the computer/circuit breaker issue while the players hung out in the dressing rooms.

Mattias Ohlund: "I guess there is a first for everything. But it is what it is, there's nothing you can do, and it was out of our control."

Eventually, Colin Campbell made the decision to suspend the game.

The Lightning played in Philly on Sat and instead of having Sunday off, came back to NJ to continue where the Friday game left off. Ohlund could not play due to stomach flu. Lightning still won the game 4-2.

Merry Christmas! 800th game for Mattias

2009-12-27T09:49:00.000-08:00

Well, it's the holiday season! It's the only time of the year that I choose to be more like my old self.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

Dec 23, 2009 marked Ohlie's 800th NHL game. Here's to another 800!

Here's an article on Ohlie by Erik Erlendsson at the Tampa Tribune - I love how he still gets appreciated down in Tampa.

Ohlund making an impact with Bolts
Dec 26, 2009
For the past decade, Lightning fans had heard of Mattias Ohlund in name only.

He was the steady defensive stalwart for the Vancouver Canucks.

The numbers never jumped out - 325 points in 770 career games. And when the Canucks' top players were discussed, it was Markus Naslund, Brendan Morrison, Todd Bertuzzi, Trevor Linden or more recently Roberto Luongo who immediately came to mind.

Even if Ohlund was a barely recognizable name to Lightning fans before signing a seven-year free-agent contract last summer, the rugged blue liner hasn't wasted time making an impression.

Ask Henrik Zetterberg, the Red Wings superstar who is on the shelf after he leaned in for a puck only to take the brunt of a vicious - and clean - shoulder check from Ohlund on Dec. 17 that left him with a partially separated shoulder.

Or Phil Kessel, who in his first game back following offseason shoulder surgery, made the mistake of coming across Ohlund's blue line with his head down only to be greeted with a devastating hit that knocked him backwards onto the ice.

Those are the extreme examples of what Ohlund brings with his physical presence as he patrols the Lightning blue line.

"I knew he was physical, but this year he's had some huge hits," captain Vinny Lecavalier said. "But obviously not watching him out west, it's like, now you know that's why when you see in the playoffs, guys going after him, it's because that's how physical he is."

Andrej Meszaros knew Ohlund was much more than just a name on the roster. While the 24-year-old defenseman played one year of junior hockey in Vancouver, he remembers hearing of Ohlund's reputation.

"I used to watch the Canucks, so he was great for them, and he's been great for us, too. We are lucky to have him," Meszaros said.

The Lightning and Ohlund have been a perfect match from the moment he hit the free-agent market. Tampa Bay was in need of a veteran leader for a young defensive unit, while also wanting somebody to serve as a mentor for rookie Victor Hedman, who was selected second overall in the 2009 draft.

In need of a change after feeling he was no longer wanted in Vancouver, Ohlund was seeking a new challenge.

Ohlund certainly has delivered, despite only seven assists and no goals in 30 games this season. He has provided the leadership the team envisioned, taken to his mentor-like role for Hedman and been the same steady presence he was during his decade with Vancouver, leading the team in average ice time at 24 minutes, 2 seconds per game.

"He's been a solid guy with a workmanlike attitude each game," Lightning coach Rick Tocchet said. "His physical play, too, is something that the other team will have his name circled and tell each other to be careful coming through the middle.

"And when you have players like that, you put on the brakes a little bit more through the neutral zone, where sometimes you are going through on your heels a little bit, and that's just enough to slow teams down. It's nice to have those guys on your team."

Ohlund said adjusting to a new situation has been every bit the challenge he expected, but he also knows that he can give more as the season goes on.

"I don't think that I've played my best. I want to be able to give more and do more than I have," he said. "But I've been feeling better and better and hopefully my own personal game can improve. I do have that level and obviously I want to play a little bit better."

Ohlund is a big body to run into

2009-12-19T15:27:00.000-08:00

Here's Ohlund hit on Henrik Zetterberg from December 17, 2009.

Well, for the sake of the Olympics, I hope Zetterberg's shoulder will be ok. Apparently he's out for at least 2 weeks due to the resulting should separation. I wish I had tickets to go watch the Swedish mens hockey team play.

Mattias is back but scoring has left Tampa

2009-12-14T22:51:00.000-08:00

So Mattias Ohlund is back in the lineup but the Bolts are having scoring issues. Vinnie not happy and not having happy hands? The Lightning have dropped out of having a playoff position.

Hopefully they'll have better luck soon..

For the Canucks, they're still on the outside looking in but that may change soon. (Unfortunately) Other than Ryan Johnson, Willie Mitchell and Jannik Hansen, I really couldn't care less about the Canucks.

In other news, it leaked that Willie Mitchell and Ryan Kesler were at odds at a Canucks practice recently. Markus Naslund and Peter Forsberg are playing for Modo and have declined receiving a salary.

Ohlund Injury update: lower body = right ankle

2009-11-25T19:12:00.000-08:00

So apparently after missing 5 straight games, it's been released that Mattias has a right ankle injury and is day to day.

Mattias tops Tampa Bay's hot 20 under 40

2009-11-24T18:20:00.000-08:00

Excerpted from an article by Stephen Brown - Tampa Bay Illustrated:
The Iceman, Mattias Ohlund, 33

As one of the newest members of the Tampa Bay Lightning, Mattias Öhlund is bringing a new level of determination, and sometimes aggression, to the back-ice as the high-powered defenseman takes to the rink. Öhlund’s career started in Sweden, wearing the jersey for his national team in the World Championships in 1997, and quickly followed by the birth of a NHL career with the Vancouver Canucks in 1997. As a three-time Olympian, Öhlund helped lead the Swedish team to gold in the 2006 Winter Olympic games in Turin, Italy. Signing Öhlund during the off-season, the Lightning and the rest of the Bay hope this is the season the Bolts again lift Lord Stanley’s Cup.

Happy heyday! Hail Henrik's hat trick!!

2009-11-15T10:11:00.000-08:00

Watching last night's After Hours with Weekes interviewing Craig Andersen was so painful, I had to change the channel. It wasn't Andersen, it was just Weekes. *cringe*

Anyway, not really quite sure how the Canucks managed an 8-2 victory but they did and Henrik Sedin earned his 1st career hat trick! WOOT!!! YAY Henrik!! And since I can't find a vid of the 3 goals, I'll post up the Sedin swedish twin dancing commercial. Haha!

Hedman is back, Luongo back in net

2009-11-12T23:33:00.000-08:00

Lots of little news: Hedman is back after missing a game due to a concussion from that huge hit. The GMs got together and talked about head shots and Mark Messier's new helmet got a plug from Brian Burke (I think). Mattias Ohlund also had a big hit that got everyone excited. Luongo is also back in net after Raycroft had strange performance issues. Still, Lui's presence didn't keep us from losing tonight's game against the Red Wings. I so knew we were going to have a ton of injuries and they'd be missing Ohlund. Oh well, his team is doing pretty well so far. Go Tampa!

EEK! Ryan Johnson is down!

2009-10-27T22:58:00.000-07:00

Last night's game had him loosing his footing and bouncing head/shoulder first off the boards. After being prone on the ice, except for the attempt to lift his head and move his left arm, he was carried off on stretcher to VGH. 1st reports indicate that he is has a concussion but is not seriously further injured. GEEZ!! Please let there be no permanent damage. *virtual hug of support to Ryan*

Bertuzzi's Red Wings ended up taking the game 5-4. Exciting 3rd period with lots of goals.

Aside: Sydney Crosby will be a torch bearer during the Olympic torch moving through Nova Scotia. Just visited Halifax, and boy, is it a small city. Drug problem there too. Very unfortunate. Saw a panhandler facedown on the floor being cuffed by police. Shades of Vancouver's east side..

ASIDE: (GODAMNED bad ice - i think gm place is playing around with the temp of the building in preparation for the olympics and it's affecting the quality of the ice. everyone seems to be falling down a lot)

Mattias Ohlund: "It is a little bit warm for a dog."

2009-10-27T22:49:00.001-07:00

I was surprised to read an article on Ohlund in the Vancouver Sun, considering that OHlund isn't a Canuck anymore. Regardless, it was nice to get an update on how he's doing. I guess the Ohlund family isn't minding the heat (except for Eros, their labrador). In Tampa news, I've heard about Victor's giveaways but nothing on Ohlund's play. I guess that's a good thing. I'm sad that I can't watch any of his games.

Anyway, here's the Elliott Pap article on Mattias.

Mattias Ohlund in a sunshine state with Bolts

Former Canuck D-man enjoying new role, and going to the rink in shorts
Mattias Ohlund was trying not to rub it in but it still sounded totally outrageous.

“It’s 91 degrees and sunny here right now,” the ex-Vancouver Canuck announced Monday, happily giving the weather report from his new home in Tampa, Fla. “We had a little bit of rain and lightning when we first got here but it’s been pretty much in the 90s for the last month. So there is nothing to complain about. Actually, our dog might be the only one complaining. It is a little bit warm for a dog.”

After 11 seasons as a Canuck, Ohlund opted for a gigantic leap to the U.S. south and a non-traditional hockey market. A lucrative seven-year deal worth $26.25 million certainly didn’t hurt but Ohlund insisted he wanted something completely different. He has it now. He’s even wearing a new digit on his jersey, No. 5.

“It’s been very good,” he said of the transition. “Obviously we loved Vancouver but it’s been a nice change both on and off the ice. We are really enjoying all the new experiences.”

One of those “new” experiences is driving to the practice rink in shorts and a T-shirt. That, Ohlund noted, is not among the toughest things to take.

“You adjust easily,” he chuckled. “But even though you go to the rink in shorts and a T-shirt, once you get inside, you have no idea what it’s like outside. It feels like you could be anywhere.”

Ohlund, 33, is an integral part of a revamped Lightning blueline. He has four assists and is a plus-1 in nine games — Tampa is 3-3-3 — and he has been partnered with much touted rookie and fellow Swede Victor Hedman since the season began.

It’s no secret Lightning GM Brian Lawton wanted Ohlund to mentor Hedman, just as Ohlund had done in Vancouver with the likes of Brent Sopel and Alex Edler.

Hedman was drafted second overall last June. Not coincidentally, he has four assists and is a plus-1, numbers identical to Ohlund.

“Victor is a very, very talented guy,” Ohlund said. “He still has a lot to learn but, for being 18, he’s very mature and obviously he has a ton of skill. So it’s been fun playing with him.”

The Lightning don’t play in Vancouver this season so Ohlund’s only chance to skate in a meaningful game at GM Place will be during the Olympics. He is hoping to be selected and likely will if he remains healthy.

He was a member of the

2006 gold-medal winning Swedish team although he

didn’t suit up for the final in Turin due to injury.

“Absolutely, I would like to play in the Olympics,” Ohlund stated. “They haven’t picked the team yet but I’m obviously hoping to make it. After playing so many years in Vancouver, that would be a lot of fun. It feels like a long ways away, which it’s not, but it feels like it because we have so many games before that.”

Only 52 more, to be exact, and the 49th will be a home game against the Canucks. Ohlund admits he is keeping a keen eye on his ex-mates and talks regularly to a few of the boys.

“I watch the highlights and I watched a little bit of their game against Edmonton,” he said. “I know they had a rough start to the season but they’ve played a lot better lately. They have a great team there.

“Our team? We’ve had some good games and some not-so good games. This is a team here that’s been close to the worst record in the league the last two years so we have a long way to go. But I do feel we’re going to be able to compete for a playoff spot.”

Whatever the case, Ohlund is clearly happy to be feeling the heat, not the rain, during an NHL season.

Tampa Bay related: strip shootout?

2009-10-26T07:38:00.000-07:00

So being on vacation away from BC doesn't allow for any NHL following apparently. I knew the Canucks weren't doing well, Daniel and Sami were out on IR and that Tampa Bay wasn't doing so hot either.

What I didn't expect was to see some video about St. Louis shedding articles of clothing in consequence to not scoring on shootout. Martin St. Louis shooting vid. Here's the full youtube: No, it wasn't anything indecent but definitely cute. Apparently, when it came time for shootout, Ohlie got called before him, which surprised some TB fans. Go Ohlie!

Pub appearance for Ohlund and Walker

2009-10-10T09:03:00.000-07:00

I guess the Lightning have a lot of public appearances for the players, which is no different than here, although the venues and public reaction is. In Vancouver, Mattias would be mobbed by hundreds of fans wanting an autograph and photos. In Tampa, maybe a 100 would show to have a drink with him. Haha! The TB vibe sounds good to me!
Look at how chill Ohlie is while answering questions. He looks happy and less stressed. Good for you Mattias! We miss you here.

Oh Ohlie.. =(

2009-10-04T09:13:00.000-07:00

I missed the first game for Tampa Bay. Chuckle. Actually, I'll miss pretty much all of them, I figure. Once again, if anyone who's a Tampa Bay fan wants to take on keeping us up to date about Mattias Ohlund and his play, let me know..

As for what I can find on the net, I liked this cheeky psuedo letter to Mattias Ohlund in the form of a blog post by D. Vanspall:

Sorry I missed it back on Sept 9, but I've been thinking of writing you for a while.

I still have your jersey hanging on the wall in my bedroom. You are still awesome. I'm happy that you'll get to spend your final years in sunny Tampa Bay, collecting millions of dollars that you deserve, with virtually no pressure at all. I hope your son Viktor is doing great and wish you and the rest of your family all the best. And I hope you enjoy and relish working the next few seasons beside your countryman Victor Hedman, you will make a formidable duo on the blueline for both the Lightning and Team Sweden.

I wish you could have stayed in Vancouver. When we decided we couldn't pay you anymore we went out and attempted to replace you with someone presumably younger and cheaper. I think we've managed to replace you but in pieces. We signed 40 yr old Mathieu Schneider for $1.5mil to replace you on the point on the powerplay. I think Christian Ehrhoff is supposed to replace your skating and puck moving for $3.1mil. And I think Brad Lukowich is going to replace your toughness for another $1.5mil, but if he can't handle the load I guess we still have Lawrence Nycholat, Nolan Baumgartner, Ossi Vaananen, and some guy named Aaron Rome to fill in.

Of course with the other top six D-men from last year still in town, that means we have to play eight defencemen a game and pay them roughly $2mil more than we would have had to pay you (did I mention we're having salary cap problems?). But oh well. Happy Belated Birthday!

Mattias still has the "A"

2009-10-04T01:31:00.000-07:00

Although he was already skating with the "A" on his jersey, they announced that Mattias Ohlund was going to get the other alternate captain position joining Marty St. Louis.

Rick Tocchet: "I wanted to have a defenseman leadership guy in that role.. I didn't like having three forwards. But any time we have a leadership meeting, Jeff Halpern will be in that meeting."

"It's a tremendous honor to wear a letter in this league," Jeff Halpern (the previous holder of the alternate title) said. "But I don't feel it changes the role I have. I didn't have a letter in Dallas, and I felt like I acted the same way when I was captain in Washington. And having an A here last year, I don't think it will change how I act with the guys this year."

In Vancouver, Henrik Sedin was announced as the new other alternate captain.

Exciting game tonight!

2009-09-22T00:21:00.000-07:00

Got treated out to the preseason game against the Calgary Flames tonight and whoa, was the ending ever exciting! People started leaving with 2 minutes to the end of the third. The Canucks were down 3-4 (after being up 3-0). Amazingly enough, there was a Canucks goal at the 10 second mark. (People started coming back). After that one was disallowed (it was after the whistle), people started leaving again but then there was ANOTHER Canucks goal with TWO seconds left on the clock, tying the game and bringing it to OT! .. then to shootout.. then to sudden death shootout.. then to a Canucks WIN thanks to Daniel Sedin. OH my god. Awesome game for the entertainment factor.

ASIDE: Mattias Ohlund has a minor hip injury and is wearing #5. I guess he and Lukas Krajicek have switched numbers from when they were both in Vancouver. Ha ha. Here's a link to the Lightning Round with Mattias Ohlund. I enjoyed these answers:

LR: If you had to pick someone to play you in a movie who would it be?
MO: That’s a good question. Wow. How about Brad Pitt?

LR: If you could be in a band, which one would you be in and which instrument would you play?
MO: I would be the lead singer for U2.

LR: What is something fans may not know about you?
MO: I’m not that exciting.

I would like to be a cameraman

2009-09-14T20:34:00.000-07:00

I just happened to be close to the media area of the rink and overheard a few people being interviewed. "So what do you think of the team's chances this year?" The couple of girls in front of me answered something non-committal and optimistic and all I could think of was, you better damn well not come and ask me that question b/c I'm not going to lie. Thankfully they didn't. I talked mainly about the venue instead of the Canucks.

I took pictures of the cameramen for some reason. It looks like a fascinating profession, as does reporting (saw Shorthouse and Dan Murphy there). Media is another one of those guys club only areas. Maybe that's part of the appeal.. This one tsn cameraman caught my eye.. I'm not sure if he caught me drooling. Haha!

Canucks Training Camp/Day

2009-09-14T20:06:00.000-07:00

So my friend and I joined the 300 some people who came out to watch the two groups of Canucks practice at Thunderbird at UBC yesterday. We parked beside Totem res and then bladed up Thunderbird and then oooed and ahhhhed over the cute rink that's going to be used primarily for Women's Olympic Hockey. Definitely more Olympic worthy than the old ice rink. The rink has great/harsh lighting which made for excellent photo taking but the lights needed to be off in order to let the ice refreeze well in between practice.
Here's Ryan Johnson in action. I didn't stick around for autographs or else I would have asked about how his finger is healing after the surgery. It sure was nice to see hockey and be around hockey fans again.

Happy Belated Birthday Mattias!

2009-09-10T19:31:00.000-07:00

I missed Ohlie's birthday yesterday! Hope it was a good one!

What is Mattias Ohlund's new number?

2009-09-05T11:39:00.001-07:00

Is is 2 or 12? And if he's taking 2, then what number does Lukas Krajicek take?

EDIT: Found this photo of 3 jerseys with the number 12: Ohlund, Meszaros and Jablonsk. I guess they haven't quite decided on numbers yet then.

Shots on Ohlund from Tampa's Fan fest

2009-09-05T10:55:00.001-07:00

celebrity coach
Originally uploaded by Sagrei.

Thanks Indi on the links and for posting them! I have to admit that it's very strange seeing him in a non-Canucks jersey. I hope that they're treating him ok there. I'm glad that they've got Walker to be the physical defenseman so Ohlie can concentrate on shooting and defending instead of laying down the law. Ohlund's birthday is coming up September 9!

bench interview
Originally uploaded by Sagrei.

Luongo for 12 years and Pyatt now a Coyote

2009-09-05T10:31:00.000-07:00

This week was a bit hectic. In real life as well as Canucks news. So it looks like Gillis has signed Roberto Luongo to a 12 year contract (front loaded) and Taylor Pyatt accepted a 1 year deal with the Phoenix Coyotes. I'd completely forgotten about his unfortunate turn of events last year...

Excerpt from Gord McIntyre's piece from the Province sept 1:

Ryan Johnson saw a lot of Taylor Pyatt this summer and said his fellow Thunder Bay, Ont., native is coping as best he can.

The quiet giant was supposed to marry his fiancee Carly Bragnalo in July, but she died in a car accident in Jamaica in April.

And he's unemployed after the Canucks declined to re-sign him.

"Obviously it was a tough summer for him, but he's picked himself up," Johnson said. "Not moved on, but you carry on in the right manner — the way she would have wanted him to."

A few roster updates on the Canucks

2009-08-30T22:12:00.000-07:00

The Canucks have 3 new defensemen.

Christian Ehrhoff and Brad Lukowich courtesy of a Sharks trade for defenceman Daniel Rahimi and forward Patrick White.

The Canucks also signed free agent veteran defenseman Mathieu Schneider too.

I reserve judgment until I see them in action!

In Tampa news, Alex Tanguay is now a Lightning Bolt.

A Fan shot of Ohlund at the signing

2009-08-14T11:19:00.001-07:00

ohlund
Originally uploaded by Sagrei.

I love this girl's description.

"Came out, did an interview, signed some stuff, disappeared."

S'what happens when you come from a hockey crazed city. Tend to be reserved.

Photos of Ohlund at the signing

2009-08-14T10:54:00.000-07:00

Meh, with just a little bit of effort I found these photos of Mattias from the Young Guns Camp. Hate facebok. Ugh.

Memories of Season 3: Danny and Anya

2009-08-07T13:00:00.000-07:00

Jeanine won this year. Really liked Jason's personality and admired Brandon for his skills. Really wish that I could see Danny Tidwell dance in some more stuff. He'll be in "Memphis" this fall in NYC but not sure in what context. I'm still waiting for someone to discover the potential of a SYTYCD Broadway!

Zimmerman Rumours true..

2009-08-06T03:12:00.000-07:00

Looks like the rumours about Chris Zimmerman, Canucks President and CEO, resigning, are true. He's moving back to New Hampshire for family reasons. Apparently he doesn't have a job lined up but still wants to stay in the field of sports.

Jannik Hansen couldn't get a 1 way contract and now has signed a 2 way one for 1 year: $550k in the NHL, $75k with the Moose. I really like Hansen. Wish he had more ice time.

Arbitration has been good for Kyle Wellwood, who got 1.2 million after all was said and done.

Interview with Brian Lawton

2009-08-06T03:00:00.000-07:00

Not that this article is anything new but I thought I'd post it anyway. We ARE in the off season.. not really much news to talk about. Oh, I noticed that the Mattias Ohlund Appreciation Page has fallen off the 1st page of google. Alas, it was a good experiment!

The Hockey News Snippet:Ed Fraser's article

HN: Was Mattias Ohlund the one guy who you had targeted from Day 1?

BL: We had three guys on our list that we really felt would be beneficial and we really felt like we needed to get one of them to get back on track to respectability.

Mattias was on that list, the other two, of course, were Scotty Niedermayer and (Jay) Bouwmeester.

Those guys signed quickly and Mattias was the only one available on our list and it made it real easy as far as giving us direction on July 1.

THN: Was Ohlund’s ability to mentor Victor Hedman at all involved in the thought process behind signing him?

BL: It definitely was. That’s an added bonus. It’s something we wanted, to have a mentor for Victor either way.

We wanted to get an anchor, quite frankly. We believe strongly in Paul Ranger and Andrej Meszaros, but they’re still young in their careers and we were looking for somebody with a little more experience than those guys.

Mattias really fit that bill for us, as did Matt Walker to some degree – not in experience, but certainly his toughness.

More Ohlund photographs

2009-07-25T16:16:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of recent Mattias Ohlund photographs I've found.

Here's a link to audio of Brian Lawton on Mattias Ohlund.

Brian Lawton on Mattias Ohlund:

"The one thing that I heard from one player which really stuck with me was that this is a guy who goes about his business everyday in such an efficient manner that his previous team probably isn't going to know what they lost until he's not there everyday."

Sigh. Brian, I fear you are completely correct. :,(

Ohlund press conference

2009-07-16T06:57:00.000-07:00

Here's the press conference of the Lightning for Mattias Ohlund and Matt Walker. Ohlund talks briefly and puts on his new team's jersey.

Some Lightning news! Bettman asks Barrie to fork up 10mill

2009-07-13T22:59:00.000-07:00

Looks like I have to stay in touch with Lightning news now..

Well, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has ordered Len Barrie, co-owner of the Tampa Bay Lightning, to cough up 10 million in cash or irrevocable letter of credit to prove that he can keep up the funding of the team.

Apparently Len has an investment property in Victoria - Bear Mountain Golf Resort and Spa, which, last week, received an investment committment of $350 million dollars from Siraj Capital of Dubai, UAE.

Hurry up and release the 09-10 NHL schedule already!

2009-07-12T15:06:00.001-07:00

Trying to plan vacation is useless unless I have the schedule. HELL-OOOO??

And where are the photos from yesterday's Mattias Ohlund authograph signing in Tampa Bay? Anyway, here's a photo of Mattias from a Feb NSD article.

Aside: I know I don't do a lot of personal blogging but I have to say that I was highly disappointed in the level of hotness of people encountered in europe. Out of the 7? countries I went to, people were only hot in.. Belgium. Very disappointing. tsk tsk. Belgians. Their country slogan should be: Hot people... and we make good chocolate too.

Dedicated Fan of Mattias Ohlund WANTED!

2009-07-10T10:16:00.000-07:00

Hmm.. How am I going to continue blogging about Mattias Ohlund if I can't watch any of his games? I guess I haven't really thought of the future of the blog (and website) all that much. Maybe it's time to put a call out for a Tampa Bay resident Ohlund fan to help out with the reins of blogging and website management. =( I can only do web research from here.. not actually give opinion on how he's playing/his effect on the team, etc..

Dedicated Fan of Mattias Ohlund WANTED!
MUST BE: 1. A fan of Mattias Ohlund
2. Someone who CAN and WILL watch Tampa Bay games
3. A hockey knowledgable fan
4. A website and blog saavy person.
5. Willing to take on the responsibility of helping to maintain both a fan blog and website (including but not limited to web research, doing weekly posts) for years to come.. (until he comes back to Vancouver!)

MUST NOT BE: 1. A fly by night / hobby fan!

Tampa Bay is so faarr awayyy..

2009-07-08T00:11:00.000-07:00

The nice thing about going to non-hockey markets is that the players are more anonymous so can have more interaction with the public. The bad thing is that hockey doesn't get airtime.

New Canucks signed

2009-07-06T23:26:00.000-07:00

Goaltender: Andrew Raycroft
Right wing: Mikael Samuelsson

Not new but signed: Shane O'Brien

Gone: Jason Labarbara

I'm quite disappointed in the state of the Canucks right now. I don't really care anymore though.

I think the 2005/06 season was the lowest point. Having Trevor Linden hang up his skates was down there too. I really sympathized with Markus Naslund too. But with Mattias, I'm happy for him. Sure, I'm resentful that management didn't fight for him and I'm sad that he's no longer a Canuck, but I fully support the decision he made an applaud the deal JP made for him.

I miss Ohlund already

2009-07-03T07:20:00.000-07:00

So Ohlund is supposed to be taking part in Tampa Bay's prospect camp autograph signing July 11, 2009. Wow. That was fast. Goodbye mountains, rain, snow, hounding press attention. Hello... sun, beach, hurricanes? Hmm, what's Tampa Bay known for?

TAMPA - Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman, the No. 2 overall pick in last week's NHL Draft, headlines the additions to an updated list of players who will attend a prospect camp in Tampa next week.

Hedman, 18, will take the ice for the first time in a Lightning jersey during the week-long event, which begins on July 9.

The team is designing a special Hedman T-shirt for the occasion, to be given away free to the first 200 people who attend an intrasquad scrimmage on July 11. Voting for one of three potential designs is being conducted on the team's Twitter page at www.twitter.com/TBLightning.

The camp, which is open to the public, will run from July 9-15 at the St. Pete Times Forum. The scrimmage/skills competition will be from 7-9 p.m. on July 11, with newly signed free agents Mattias Ohlund and Matt Walker expected to join the prospects to sign autographs before and after the scrimmage session.

Ohlund with reporters

2009-07-01T18:46:00.000-07:00

This is a blog posting from a reporter following the Lightning Bolts at Mattias Ohlund: "My best years are in front of me"

Here is some of Mattias Ohlund's conference call with reporters:

Opening statement: I think it’s a great opportunity for me. I was ecstatic when they called and I felt from the beginning this is the place I wanted to be. It felt right and felt like something I wanted to be part of. Having said that I’m also grateful for the 11 years I played with Vancouver. It’s a great place to play. It’s a great organization. I made a lot of friends there, friends for life. But having said that I felt it was time for me to move on and I’m excited about the future.

On mentoring draft choice Victor Hedman: I’m real excited about joining him. I never met victor to be honest but I heard so many good things about him. I was sitting tonight with Daniel and Henrik Sedin and they’re from the same hometown and know him quite well. They had nothing but good things to say about him as a person and a hockey player.

On Hedman’s reputation in Sweden: Victor has a great reputation. He’s from the same town as a lot of NHL hockey players. The Sedins (Daniel and Henrik) and Markus Naslund are three of them. I spoke to the three of them about him and hear only good things about him. I’ve barely seen him play. I saw the world junior championships a few games they played and noticed he was an extremely skilled player. I heard only good things about him as a person and I’m looking forward spending the next few years with him.

On creating a relationship with Hedman: You make a phone call. I’m sure I’m going to be calling him and talking to him the next few days after things settle down. You share your experiences you had when you were younger. I made mistakes when I was young and hopefully I learned from them and I can prevent him from making th same ones. It’s a tough league to play in he’s got a lot to learn. I’m excited to be a small part of getting him started here.

Advice he would give Hedman: First of all realize how lucky we all are to be in this league. It’s a great league to be part of. Come in with a smile on his face regardless of whether he had a tough day the night before. You got to realize your extremely lucky to be part of this league.

Is he a good fit for Tampa?: Tampa has a very talented hockey team. They have a talented group of guys. I do think I can help out with a lot of experience and be a big part of helping their D corps. I feel like I have my best years ahead of me and I’m extremely excited about my next little while here.

Is there a mental adjustment going to a bad team?: This team won a Stanley Cup not too far away and they have some guys who were part of that team. Last year they didn’t have a great year. Obviously, I’d like to be part of turning things around here, and I do feel like I bring a lot to the hockey club. But in fairness, we only played them once last year and I haven’t seen them play over the years tons. I do feel like I can be part of hopefully bringing this team on the right track again.

When did he realize he needed to leave the Canucks?: I felt maybe last year that, in this business when you have a year left or just over a year left, you realize you might be heading in this direction to unrestricted free agency and we had some discussions but in all honesty I never really felt a big interest from their side. I might be wrong. I think it was mutual. I felt I needed a change. I had a great 11 years I have no hard feelings. But I just felt I needed a change. I’m not sure exactly when that happened but it was a while back.

It’s going to be a big change but I’m excited about it. I’m curious how it’s going to be. I haven’t spent a lot of time down there and I know it’s going to be different. Positive thoughts and I’m looking forward to it.

What will he miss about Vancouver?: It’s a fantastic place to live. We raised two wonderful kids in Vancouver and they have a lot of friends and we have a lot of friends we met through our kids’ schools and stuff, and we’re going to miss that. But that’s part of life. Just because you move to a different city, you won’t keep your friends. I met a lot of people in Vancouver I know I’m going to be in contact with the rest of our lives.

How did GM Brian Lawton sell you on Tampa?: Brian spoke about there team and the city of Tampa and it’s a very talented hockey club, and I do feel like I can bring a lot to this hockey team with my experience. I’m 32 years old I feel like I have my best years ahead of me and to be able to help Victor Hedman out is an important part of my job. So there’s a lot of stuff I’m excited about.

Is Tampa Bay's ownership situation troublesome?:: No, I spoke to Brian and I felt like this was a good situation for me. I felt this was the team that wanted me and wanted me to be a big part of the organization and that’s all I needed to hear.

I do feel like I have my best years ahead of me and I’m going to push to get better and better every year. If I can help some young guys out with my experience, that’s great.

Ohlund signs with Lightning for 7 years

2009-07-01T11:18:00.000-07:00

SNIFF!!!

Well, it looks like Tampa Bay lucked out by signing Mattias Ohlund. Sigh. Bye Ohlie! Good luck in Tampa Bay! We love you!

Ohlund signed for a 7 year contract for 3.75 million (cap hit) and joins ex-Canuck, Lukas Krajicek, on the blue line. He's expected to mentor TB's draft pick, Victor Hedman. He's good at that. ;-P

I wonder if there's a NTC there?

Sedins stay Canucks!

2009-07-01T09:27:00.000-07:00

Well, looks like that Gillis flight to Sweden managed to secure Hank and Daniel Sedin. Each got five year deals worth 30.6 million. I wonder if there's a NTC in there too..

CBC article.

Happy soon to be Canada Day! and Free Agency day!

2009-06-30T21:24:00.000-07:00

Just recently got back from my trip and boy, have things been hectic! The Penguins won the Stanley Cup, there's rioting for Iran's fixed election, Michael Jackson, Ed McMahon and Farrah Fawcett have passed away and there is a for sale sign on Mattias Ohlund's front lawn! (uhhh.. I should note that this was in an article.)

Ohlund interviewed by Carrie Serwetnyk

2009-06-03T06:35:00.000-07:00

Found this interview of Ohlund by Carrie Serwetnyk. A nice article, but not too sure about those "two boys immersed in youth soccer" though.

ASIDE: If there's any news on Ohlie for the next few weeks, it won't be up on the blog because I'll have limited internet access while in europe. Ciao et a beintot!
----------------
I kept hearing from
folks in Vancouver about how nice of a guy Mattias Öhlund is. I was not disappointed. Gracious with his time and humble in speech, the longest-standing Canuck and I met to talk about the world game that rivals his hockey passion. With his two boys immersed in youth soccer and his ancestral links to Europe, it is natural for him to be intimately connected to the beautiful game.

I assume you are a big football fan coming from Sweden. What are your roots or inspiration as a football player?
Well, football has been so huge back in Europe...I played from age seven to fifteen and at fifteen I had to stop because hockey took too much time. I was never a great great player but I loved playing and it's a great sport. I played midfielder most of the time and then when I got older, around fourteen or fifteen, I got slower, so they put me back on defense.

Did that happen in hockey too?
No (he laughs). I am defense but I don't know if that's what happened, too. We all played, all my buddies played.

Did you dream of becoming a professional player?
Absolutely. When I grew up, I dreamt as much about soccer as I did about hockey. I dreamt that one day I am a good or decent player. I watched all the big leagues over the years when I was younger. Even today, I follow it a lot. In Sweden we have a lot of great players.

Did you have a favourite player?
I am a big Man United fan, I watched them a ton before I came over here between the ages seventeen and twenty. I have been to Old Trafford to watch a game, walked around there for a while. My favourite? I loved Maradona. In Sweden, we had a guy named Thomas Brolin who played a number of years in Italy. He stopped playing when he was 28, but he was the number one guy in Sweden.

Your kids play?
Absolutely. It's a great sport. I love the fact that it's outdoors and they are outdoors and it's easy - you put on a pair of shoes or go barefeet in the summer time. We play all the time. We go back to Europe and we have a nice big grass backyard at our summer home. We have nets sets up. Me and my buddies play all the time.

If your kids had the same athletic ability you have, which sport would you like them to choose?
I don't know. They can do whatever they want. I know that obviously I love my sport but I love soccer, it's so easy. Kids spend a lot more time indoors way more than we did so I love that they are outside.

We talk about the World Cup in 1994 when Sweden lost in the semi finals to Brazil?
Everything stopped that summer for a couple of weeks. I remember it like it was yesterday. Those games they played were unbelievable.

You are the longest-lasting Canuck. Are you planning to stay?
I have no idea what is going to happen. We will see. I have been here for a long time and it's a great city. And maybe it's time to go see something else strictly from a hockey standpoint. We will see what happens in the next few weeks. We will figure it out.

Would you keep your family here?
No. In our business, I have been lucky to be in one place for so many years, especially with young kids. I probably have one move in me and then it's done.

Do you think you will play in the Olympics this year?
I sure hope so. I have played three times before and it's a fantastic experience. Especially over here in Vancouver where I have so many friends, so many good years...it will be a special special thing.

I read about the your experience with the gold medal where you were hurt for the final in Turin. The Sedin twins offered their medal if the Olympic committee didn't give you one. You must have really felt like brothers after such an offer?
Absolutely ... at the end I did get the medal. We have a great group of guys and we always do when we play with the national team. I did feel like I was a part of that team, even though it ended in a sour way not to play. But that's part of getting injured and that's part of sport. I guess you have to learn to accept that.

Zidane is coming to town on July 4th for a charity match. Would you like to play?
Oh, I would love to but I don't think I can run with him. I have watched him over the years and he is obviously one of the best that has ever played and yes it would be fun. Most of us Canucks would be concerned about hurting ourselves. Most guys are really careful in the off season with what they do.

Are you not allowed to play?
I would be surprised if they got Canuck players because of the injury factor -if you hurt yourself or blow your ACL. We are not allowed to ski, for example, or do water sports. Guys obviously do at times but you have to be careful.

Cross training ... as a soccer player what do you think the benefits are from playing hockey?
Hockey players today have done so many weights. I am 230 today. I think there are few soccer players so heavy, they are obviously way quicker and the endurance is way better than ours. Our game is very different. Even though both sports have very good athletes, we are built really different. Soccer training would be more beneficial for us for quickness.

If you do leave Vancouver, how would you like people to remember you?
Oh I don't know. I haven't really thought about it - just an honest hard working guy, I am not that complicated. Luckily if I move, I am excited about the future. Who knows I might be back one day. You never know.

In other hockey news

2009-05-30T06:57:00.001-07:00

Here's a shot of Mattias being interviewed after the season.

Looks like Mike Keenan's been replaced by Pat Quinn as head coach for the Edmonton Oilers. Rick Rypien has got a 2 year deal with the Canucks. Still no word on Ohlund's or the Sedin's contracts but Barry is probably waiting for July 1 for some other numbers and better bargaining power before suggesting anything to his clients.

Aside: Man, it's hot out. Good thing my dogs just got a shave.

Ohlund: "Life is too short to be sad"

2009-05-15T09:19:00.000-07:00

Ohlund: "Life is too short to be sad"

How true. But guess what, Ohlund? We'll be sad anyway.

Well, what a difference a week makes. The Canucks are out of the Cup race and we've likely just witnessed Ohlie's last game. Haven't really wanted to deal with it or talk or blog about it, quite frankly. I kinda really wanted Trevor and Mattias to end their times with Vancouver with a Stanley Cup ring and it's pretty heartbreaking that it wasn't meant to be.

Here's a link to Elliott Papp's article from yesterday on Ohlund.

Jim Jamieson's article pretty much reports what we've always known but Barry's comment was telling:

Ohlund’s agent, Calgary-based J.P. Barry of CAA Sports, said he’s had little interaction over the past season with Canucks GM Mike Gillis regarding Ohlund.

“We never really got traction on negotiations,” said Barry on Wednesday. “The door is not closed, but it’s almost closed.”

"Or maybe it just hurts when you pee" - Salo

2009-05-07T23:34:00.000-07:00

God, this guy is soooo funny when people actually notice him. Apparently Sami Salo was questioned about his lower body injury and he responded with, “Maybe it’s an ankle… or maybe it just burns when you pee, who knows?”

Ohlund spoke to the media today and this was a mysterious line on the cbc playoff blog: "He is very obviously sick. He also suffered through the flu in first round." Does that mean he's still sick with the flu or is he sick but with something else now? In the playoffs everything is so obscure.

Oh yeah, so the series is even at 2. So much for the ressurection of the infamous Vigneault trapping system. Although, I have to say that Luongo had no chance on that tipped in winning goal tonight.

Canucks 1st playoff loss 3-6

2009-05-02T21:26:00.000-07:00

Well.. a few thoughts on tonight's game:

The wave of puck luck and injury dodging looks like it's over for the Canucks. Salo didn't play tonight's game - but I don't think that was a game tipper. The Canucks didn't quite fall.. rather, the Blackhawks finally understood how to play against them; they were aggresive on the check, didn't let the cycling start and got in the crease in a big way. I winced everytime Ohlund and Byfuglien came into contact, not to mention Byfuglien's bowling of Luongo. I did notice some weak goals for Luongo and I wanted to shake Ryan Johnson for taking it to the extreme when it was a 5-3 game late in the 3rd. Ryan, we need you for the long run! Take care of yourself for God's sake!

Ohlund Playoff photos

2009-05-01T23:54:00.000-07:00

Canucks 5- Blackhawks 3

2009-05-01T20:49:00.000-07:00

So what the heck? Good on the Blackhawks for coming back from a 3 goal deficit but if they would have won, Vancouver would have been pissed. I loved Sami Salo's reaction to his game winning goal though. Good job for getting it done everyone!

Ohlund quote: "Being tough is not going out and slugging it out for a minute with another guy. Being tough is going and getting the puck in the corner when a big guy like Dustin Byfuglien is coming to get you."

Cabbie visits Vancouver

2009-04-29T23:49:00.001-07:00

Brooks Laich discusses a possible format
Originally uploaded by cabbie on the street.

Cabbie's so funny. Apparently there was a swarm of reporters today (53 at one count), with Cabbie from the Score being one of them. I tried looking for the segment but it probably will be up next week after the editing and whatnot because I couldn't find anything on the website. There was a little bit on NHL players and yoga which had some cute bits with Luongo and Getzlaf.

Oh! And me thinks Cabbie's flickr site will have some Canucks photos up soon!

Anyway, game on tomorrow night! 6pm start time folks!

Aside: I felt the need to have some visuals so this is Cabbie with Brooks Laich of the Washington Caps

A little nhl vid on Ohlund

2009-04-27T00:08:00.000-07:00

I love the high fives that Mattias is giving in the middle of the video.

Another article giving some love to Ohlund

2009-04-25T10:07:00.000-07:00

And because we love Mattias Ohlund around here, here's an article WOOTing Ohlie from Tony Gallagher:

All-round fine effort by prime-time Ohlund
April 20, 2009

ST. LOUIS — With 34 seconds remaining in the game here Sunday night, Mattias Ohlund made his only mistake of the evening when he put too much mustard on a clearing effort and iced the puck.

Everything else, pretty much gold. And while some say he’s slipped a little bit as he’s gotten older, he hasn’t slipped far if you watched him closely while the Vancouver Canucks were taking a guzzle hold on this series.

“What can you say?” said Sami Salo about Ohlund with a smile. “Big on penalty kill, big minutes, big-time player. That’s what it’s all about.”

In typical Ohlund fashion, he played down every aspect of his performance, which saw him take over for the normal lion on the kill, Willie Mitchell, on the left side of both two- man disadvantages — evidently the officials feeling such situations are acceptable as a way of getting the Blues into this series.

But with Ohlund looking every bit in his prime since the playoffs started, it just wasn’t happening for St. Louis, the big Swede blasting pucks around the boards, blocking shots, slipping little backhand clearing passes up the middle and generally making life more bearable for Roberto Luongo, who normally would have been trying to catch bullets in his teeth in such a situation.

“If you analyze why we’re taking all these penalties, I don’t really know what it is — whether we’re not moving our feet or what — but killing them off is a big part of the playoffs and with Willie our main PK guy, I had a little more work on that than normal. But I’ve felt pretty good most of the year and tonight we got it done on the kill.”

Ohlund managed to chip in the Canucks’ first goal on the power play, as well, although he was feeling like the goalie in the commercial who has the horseshoes drop out of his shorts afterwards.

“It was lucky, I mean I hardly hit the puck at all and it just kept going,” said the big Swede, who would love to stay with Vancouver next season but may be worth more than the Canucks can afford, given all the emerging talent that needs to fit under the umbrella.

Salo talked about how important it is to win faceoffs and pointed to Ryan Johnson’s great night on the draw, but after the win on those shorthanded situations the defenceman’s response to possession is crucial. Ohlund was at his best, coolly picking spots and hammering pucks out, getting far more ginger on those pucks than he did on the seeing-eye goal, all of which he’ll take, thank you.

“I’ve never felt we’ve done enough in playoffs here in Vancouver on the teams I’ve been on and that’s something we’d all like to change,” he said.

They appear to have set off in the right direction, and Ohlund is one of men leading the way.

Damn straight!

Canucks in 4! Who would have thunk?

2009-04-25T09:39:00.000-07:00

OH MY GOD. Who is this team that's posing as our beloved Vancouver Canucks?

I know we've been doing the whole winning bit all season but it feels so abnormal. I'm ecstatic. I'm in shock. I'm actually dreaming of making the 3rd round. Don't wake me if I'm dreaming..

I thoroughly enjoyed the last game against the Blues though. An exciting comeback attempt from the Blues with a little bit of a soft goal to end it at the end of the 1st OT. =S

My fav players didn't let me down: Mattias Ohlund, Ryan Johnson - SOOO PROUD of you guys! Excellent play for Round 1! Hope you get over your cold soon, Mattias.

Have I mentioned yet that I'm so happy to hear Jim Hughson's voice again? *sigh*

Here's the winning goal:

Game 4 tomorrow!

2009-04-20T22:59:00.000-07:00

Well, I obviously haven't been at a computer long enough to make a post for awhile.

The Canucks are up 3-0 in the series. Mats Sundin is injured with a mysterious lower body injury and missed game 3 and is questionable for game 4. Jannik Hansen came into the lineup (yay!) and Ryan Kesler was moved to the third line. Mattias Ohlund had the first Canucks goal which came at a good time as we were down 1 and the Blues had their feet over us.

Here's a swedish article from January that pretty much says everything we already knew - nothing is happening but Ohlund will command big money if the Canucks don't re-sign him and he goes into free agency..

Mattias Öhlund kräver högre lön - kan lämna Vancouver i sommar

VANCOUVER. Mattias Öhlund är Vancouvers bäste back.
Men efter elva säsonger i Canucks kan det här vara hans sista månader i klubben.
Förhandlingarna om ett nytt kontrakt har nämligen strandat.
- Nu har det gått så långt att det lockar att testa marknaden som unrestricted free agent i sommar, säger Öhlund till HockeyExpressen.se.

Han tjänar den här säsongen 28 miljoner kronor och vill ha ett rejält lönelyft i sitt nästa NHL-kontrakt.
Hans marknadsvärde lär ligga kring 40-52 miljoner kronor.
"Ligger stilla just nu"

Öhlund är Canucks trotjänare i försvaret. Han sliter i alla uppställningar - förstafemman, box play och power play.
Något som hans agenter J.P Barry och Claes Elefalk påtalat under förhandlingarna med Vancouvers nye klubbdirektör, Mike Gillis.
Själv säger Öhlund nu när halva säsongen gått:
- Vi har inte förhandlat speciellt mycket senaste tiden, den där biten ligger stilla just nu. Men Canucks måste väl fatta någon form av beslut om min framtid ganska snart.
Canucks riskerar bli utan pengar

Vad han syftar på är trading deadline den 3 mars.
Om klubben inte lyckas skriva ett nytt kontrakt med sin svenske backklippa före sommaren riskerar man att förlora honom till något annat NHL-lag utan ersättning 1juli.
Problemet för Canucks är att Öhlund har en klausul om "no-trade" i sitt nuvarande kontrakt.
Det innebär att man inte kan byta bort honom utan hans medgivande.
Stannar i NHL

Och sedan landslagskompisen Mats Sundin anslutit till laget har Öhlund inga tankar på att flytta på sig.
- Då ska det vara till något verkligt speciellt lag, men som jag ser det i dag vill jag avsluta säsongen här i Vancouver.
Några tankar på att som 32-åring packa ihop och flytta hem till Sverige för gott i sommar har han inte.
- Nej, jag vill fortsätta i NHL i några år till.
- Helst här i Vancouver, men kommer vi inte överens är jag beredd att flytta på mig i sommar.

Av Gunnar Nordström

2 Goal Game for Mattias!

2009-04-11T11:29:00.000-07:00

OK, so I guess I'm a bit late to be posting about Ohlie's 2 goal game against Calgary back on April 7, 2009 but I have to go WOOOOO HOOOOOO!!! Go Ohlund!!

With the win against LA, we are currently in 3rd, having home ice advantage over Columbus but dammit, I wanted to play against Chicago (with home ice). Unfortunately, that's not gonna be happening.

Ticket sales for the first 2 home games of round 1 went on sale at 10am this morning and were promptly sold out. By the looks of it from cdc, a few lucky members were able to secure some seats but me and my friend weren't part of the lucky bunch. Oh well! Watching with friends at a pub is also great fun.. Maybe the next games that become available..

My friend's wedding is finally over with so I can go back to hockey immersion. I wonder if I can get away with putting up my Canucks flag in my window at the office?

Oh no! Sorry Taylor..

2009-04-03T09:52:00.000-07:00

Taylor Pyatt's fiance, Carly Bragnalo was killed in a car crash in Jamaica yesterday.

Pyatt has left the Canucks and gone home to Thunder Bay.

Canucks lose 6-5 OT to the Ducks

2009-04-03T09:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday's game was not good.. Neither Luongo nor Ohlie had a good night. But we got a point out of it and clinched a playoff spot at least. It's funny how we're conditioned to expect the worst out of the Canucks but it seems like the guys are optimistic at going all the way..

Willie Mitchell: "I was having lunch with a couple of the guys and we all agreed this is a great opportunity in front of us. I've played 10 years and this is the best chance I've ever had to go the distance. That wasn't a good game for us tonight but this is a great chance.

"This is really exciting, to be honest with you. We're definitely stronger [than the last two years]. We've got scoring in more areas, a little more character, a little more speed. This is the best team I've ever been on."

Awww Willie!

A Win over the Wild 2-1 takes us into 1st!

2009-03-31T23:10:00.000-07:00

Can you feel that playoff feeling? Last night's game in Minnesota was low scoring as expected but with Henrik and Daniel with a little help from Bieksa and Ohlund in OT, the Canucks took the second point delighting Canucks fans and disappointing Minny players and fans.

Oh, I love it when a plan comes together!
Oh, and just for the heck of it, here's a shot of Mattias Ohlund taking down a Blackhawk from the previous game against Chicago where the Canucks shut them out 4-0.

Now a little love for Ryan Johnson

2009-03-30T17:24:00.000-07:00

Ryan Johnson is another one of my favourite players. Great home-grown ethics and values. Hmm.. seems like my preferences are centered around their work ethic rather than their hockey skills. Heh. Whatever.

7 more games til the playoffs!! I love hockey. If I had lots of money, I would travel to watch Canucks hockey.. and the tennis grand slams.. and sail.. and do European blading races.. and sample world cuisines. Screw working! Can't I retire yet?!

4-1 Canucks v. Avalanche

2009-03-28T12:19:00.000-07:00

Boy, things have been busy! I managed to do an update to the Mattias Ohlund Appreciation Page (the first one in months). Prepping for a friend's wedding takes a lot of time and work. Thank goodness it'll be over with next week.

As for the Canucks, that last game against the Avs was a bit disconcerting. After the 1st period, it looked like we might end up losing to the last team in the Western conference (not that that would be a surprising occurance) but after the Canucks' second goal, it looked like the Avs wilted. 4-1 Canucks = 5th in the Western Conference still.

I almost missed this quote from Iain's article on Daniel Sedin getting stitched up and heading back out after a high stick took out a tooth:

"It's not easy to get a stick in the mouth and then come right back out and score a goal by going to the front of the net, sacrificing yourself," Luongo, the Canuck captain said. "He's the toughest Swede in the league."

We though that honour belonged to Canuck defenceman Mattias Ohlund.

"It did," Luongo said. "But he lost his title."

"I never had it," Ohlund said, "but I'll give it to Daniel on that one."

And here's another Ohlund article on nhl.com

Tony Gallagher on Ohlund

2009-03-23T23:12:00.000-07:00

Here's a great one from Tony Gallagher from March 18..:

VANCOUVER- There was a certain poetry in the fact the Vancouver Canucks set a franchise record for consecutive victories at home on a night when Mattias Ohlund enjoyed one of the most deserved standing ovations in the 38-year history of this NHL team.

This most consistent of understated hard rock defencemen has been through thick and thin in his years with this franchise. It started when Vancouver had the right to match a Toronto offer when former GM Pat Quinn was trying to beat Ohlund for a few thousand dollars on his rookie contract. Quinn finally had to spend the money when Leaf GM Bill Watters at the time forced the issue with an attempt to poach the promising star.

Ohlund's been nothing but gold since he arrived and it's as though he's being somewhat rewarded for all his hard work with this team. Where it all ends up this season remains to be seen - as does his future in this league given he'll be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the campaign - but for his years here the best way to describe him is with two words: captain material. He's never been named captain of course but you certainly get the feeling he received strong consideration at the outset of this season and had fellow Swede Markus Naslund not been the proceeding holder of the position, he might well have had a C on his jersey when he stood at the Vancouver bench Tuesday night acknowledging the fans' heart felt salute.

In his 11 years on the West Coast there's never been a night when he didn't give absolutely everything he had, and what he had was a whole lot of talent which had so many manifestations it's hard to pick what he's done best. Was it the great intimidation he provided with open ice hits? Was it his ability to move the puck, clear the front of the net, handle the other team's top forward or lead the franchise in points for a defenceman?

He's done it all and he's still doing it and if by some chance the dollars can be worked out at the end of the season, GM Mike Gillis would like nothing more for him to keep doing it for the foreseeable future. And so would his teammates.

``We've played together all of about three shifts in our three years together as teammates because they like to keep us apart but he's been a great teammate, composed, quiet and he's led the team in goals and points as well,'' says fellow defenceman Willie Mitchell. ``I don't think he knew exactly what was going to happen but we knew they'd do something so we were all kidding him before the game. I don't think he's too comfortable taking credit like that.''

Indeed he was not.

``It was really nice that it came on a night when the team is playing so well and we're having a lot of fun,'' said Ohlund of the salute for becoming the club's all-time leading scorer as a defender. ``We feel good about our team but we've felt good about it before and not had the kind of playoff success we'd hoped for. Obviously we're hoping this year will be different.''

Ohlund's 62-year old father Kenneth, who used to coach him as a youngster as he came up through the Swedish club system, would have been proud watching on the satellite at four in the morning back home.

``They get about 30-35 games a year live and he's up for all of them,'' says Ohlund of his dad

Ohlund has been through all kinds of injuries over the years yet shown remarkable durability through all the hurts a physical defenceman will suffer over so many years, not the least of which were the serious eye problems early in his career which could well have kept him out of the hearts of Vancouver fans.

Yet he persevered, maybe took a little less money to stay with the Canucks in a couple of his deals to help bring this team to where it is this season. He'd like to see it go a lot further of course, but that chapter hasn't yet been written. What he's done to date however will almost certainly guarantee more standing ovations from these fans in the future, whether he's wearing a Canuck uniform or returning some day in a suit after his retirement.

322 points for Mattias Ohlund!

2009-03-16T04:29:00.000-07:00

Awww.. so little Ohlie (Viktor, not Alex Edler) apparently keeps tabs on his dad's stats and knew about Mattias' imminent record of all-time points by a Canucks defenseman.

I knew by the way the camera kept panning to Ohlund that he'd taken the record last night and strained my ears to hear his interview but I must've missed the part about his son.

Aside: The crowd at GM place gave Ohlund a standing ovation. Awwwwwwww..

From Eliott Pap:

VANCOUVER — Mattias Ohlund had more than just the media observing his pursuit of the Vancouver Canucks’ franchise record for points by a defenceman. He was getting constant reminders from a member of his immediate family as well.

“My son is a real stats boy,” Ohlund said Sunday after his third-period assist — and 322nd Canuck point — pushed him past Jyrki Lumme and Dennis Kearns for the all-time lead. “He knows the stats better than I do. He reads the paper and was talking about it at home.”

Ohlund, 32, has been a Canuck his entire career. He was drafted in the first round in 1994, less than two weeks after Vancouver’s improbable march to the Stanley Cup final. It took him almost 11 seasons and 756 games to surpass Lumme and Kearns, who co-held the mark.

“Obviously it means I’ve played a lot of games, that’s what it means,” said the modest Swede with a smile. “At this time of year, it’s not something you think about too much. It’s just fun being a part of this group right now with the way we are playing.”

Ohlund’s record-setting point came on Vancouver’s fourth goal — a power-play tally by Alex Edler — and put away the pesky Colorado Avalanche 4-2. Ohlund finally admitted, after some prodding, that he was proud to claim a second team record. He also holds the mark for most goals by a Canuck defenceman (92).

“When you think about it, it is something nice to have, I guess,” he said.

Ohlund will have to go some to collect the record for most assists by a blueliner, held by Kearns at 290. He trails the latter by 59 and, with his contract up, likely won’t get the seasons needed to take a serious run at it.

I need some distance in this relationship..

2009-03-10T08:50:00.000-07:00

My resolution for this year's playoffs is that I will not become 100% emotionally invested in the success of the Canucks. Being a Canucks fan is like being in a goddamned relationship. You experience elation, pain, heartbreak, fury and but really.. you're just a 3rd party to the whole thing. Ridiculous!

This Province article from Ed Willes March 4, 2009 really captures the reality of the Ohlund situation I think. Thanks Ed.

Ohlund will be remembered no matter what
Pending UFA might go, might stay but will always be blueline horse

After 11 seasons and 751 regular-season games, the best defenceman in Vancouver Canucks' history understands the future holds no guarantees.

And he's OK with that. Back at the start of this season, it was made clear to Mattias Ohlund there's a fundamental difference in the way the Canucks interpret his value and the way he interprets his value. He believes he's a front-line NHL defenceman and should be compensated as such.

The Canucks, who already have four proven blueliners under contract for next season, have a slightly different take on things.

But far from being a source of angst, that knowledge has been liberating to the 32-year-old Ohlund. Six months ago, he went through his dark night of the soul and now he's at peace with his circumstances. Whatever happens will happen. And if that means a new team and a new start, it won't for a second diminish Ohlund's affection for a place he's called home for over a decade.

"This is a positive thing," Ohlund said before Tuesday night's 4-2 win over the Minnesota Wild. "I'm not sitting around feeling sorry for myself because I know how lucky I've been the last 11 years.

"I'm excited about the future. I'm excited about the uncertainty. This hasn't been a distraction. It's way past that. I've had a lot of times to reflect on things."

And in that reflection there's been little room for sorrow.

Ohlund, as the faithful know, is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer after 11 seasons of meritorious service to the Canucks. The organization has said it won't ask him to waive his no-trade clause for today's deadline, which means they run the risk of losing him without compensation this summer.

But, despite some wild rumours to the contrary, GM Mike Gillis and his staff have seemingly made the determination that Ohlund is more valuable to the Canucks in their playoff drive than he is as a trade bauble.

That's also the way the system should work. Ohlund earned the no-trade clause and he's earned the right to sell himself on the open market. The Canucks, for their part, have options of their own and they don't believe Ohlund is a fit in their future payroll at front-line dollars.

It's nothing personal. It's just business. It's also possible Ohlund will return to the Canucks next season.

As of this writing, it's just not very likely.

"I see myself as a good player, a player you'd want to have on your team," Ohlund said. "Maybe they have a different feeling, but I don't want to be kept around just because I've been here a long time.

"Maybe when I'm 36 I'll feel that way."

"He wants to play this thing out," said his agent J.P. Barry. "This might be the last thing he does with this team and he wants to help them win."

To that end, Ohlund hasn't enjoyed a vintage season. When healthy, he's knocked off 10-goal, 30-point, 25-minutes-per-game campaigns like clockwork.

But this year, much of his offence has been supplanted by young Alex Edler and Ohlund sits with just four goals and, more significantly, 21:45 of ice time per game, third among Canucks' defencemen.

"I'd like to play more," he said. "That's no secret."

Still, Ohlund doesn't believe his game has dropped off. Changed, yes. Deteriorated, no.

"I'm going to be honest," he said. "I think my season has been pretty good. My role has changed. But that's part of the business."

There's that word again.

In the right circumstances, Ohlund still believes he's that blueline horse who commands the big minutes and the big dollars. It remains to be seen, of course, if another team shares that conviction and, if they do, this will be Ohlund's last season in Vancouver.

But he'll be remembered here, remembered as a player who embodied the qualities of consistency and reliability.

There was never anything particularly flashy about Ohlund's game. He simply showed up for battle each night, lined up against the other team's best and played his heart out.

Maybe that sounds like it can be replaced. Maybe it's a lot more difficult than it seems.

Barry on the Sedins.. and Ohlund

2009-03-03T21:58:00.000-08:00

Sedins staying put on trade day Jim Jamieson:

The agent for Daniel and Henrik Sedin said Monday that he doesn't believe there's much chance his clients could be moved in a pre-NHL trade-deadline deal and that negotiations with the Vancouver Canucks are hinging on a contract term both sides can agree on.

Both Daniel and Henrik are on track to become unrestricted free agents on July 1, but want to re-sign and would like to finish their careers in Vancouver. Both are completing contracts that pay $3.575 million US per season.

Calgary-based agent J.P. Barry of CAA Sports said that Wednesday afternoon trade deadline doesn't represent a pressure point for Canucks management to either have a deal done or make a trade to avoid the prospect of losing the twins to another team for nothing in the summer.

"I never really anticipated a chance of a trade, quite frankly," said Barry. "In this situation, it's more about us finding a common ground. I'm sure that will probably continue after the trade deadline.

"I get the sense from both sides that there is a willingness from both sides to make something happen. It's just a matter of taking the time to understand the landscape in front of us and come to a deal that's mutually acceptable."

Barry said he has had some discussions in recent weeks regarding the Sedins, but classified them as "basic."

"It's an ongoing dialogue about the economy, the salary cap, what the world's going to look like, what it takes to make up a team, but no progress about the actual contract negotiations," said Barry.

Barry said a successful deal with hinge on term, with the value of the contract driven by that.

"All the discussions today have been on longer-term deals, in the range of three-four-five (years)," he said. "From our end, it's more toward the five-year range. A longer term deal could equal one (salary) value (per season) and a shorter-term deal could equal another, but we haven't come to any agreement on a term yet."

Henrik said he and Daniel are seeking a deal longer than three years.

"We want to play our whole careers here and we're going to play longer than three more years," he said.

Barry said no talks were presently scheduled for the Sedins or defenceman Mattias Ohlund, also due to become an unrestricted free agent.

Barry said Canucks management wants to wait until the end of the season to see how "Mattias is playing, how the rest of the defence is playing and whether or not they make any changes" before talking further about Ohlund.

Mattias Ohlund is the best defenceman the Canucks have ever had

2009-03-02T10:33:00.000-08:00

I wasn't too worried about Ohlund's contract renewal but I'm seeing things that I don't like.

First of all, negotiation is an art form. It takes skill, balls and patience to play well because there are definite risks to take. The other side has to see that you are able to walk away. Ohlie's situation is hard to read because both sides are well skilled at negotiation tactics.

If I were management, I would look towards ensuring that there would be skill and consistency for the future. Bieksa's and Edler's contracts are in place so..
Check.

Next would be to quietly show that every player is replacable. Throughout the year, Ohlund's ice time has been played with. As with all experienced employees, management uses their experience, work ethic and skill to train newbies and gradually wean the organization's dependance on them.
Check.

As for public backlash, after having dealt with the departure of the most loved Canuck of all time, Trevor Linden, it looks as though the Canucks would be willing to let the PR department handle Ohlund's departure as well.

I see the signs and I don't like it. Ohlund is not replacable. He's skilled at both ends, well rounded, hard working, physical and dependable. He's loyal and has proven that he can be a defenceman in the new NHL and essential in the playoffs. In the words of Jim Robson, "I think Mattias Ohlund is the best defenceman the Canucks have ever had."

Some more quotes on the awesomeness of Mattias Ohlund:
John McGourty's article on NHL.com:

Nonis was told that opponents and former teammates speak in glowing terms about Ohlund. One departed Canucks defenseman recently insisted he is one of the top ten defensemen in the NHL. He plays the position so smoothly, he rarely gets noticed.

"I would agree he is among the 10 best defensemen," Nonis said. "He's so quiet. He's not a guy that draws attention to himself. He just goes about his business. He's a very good defenseman that we use against all the top players in the NHL. He's also a guy who puts up decent point totals.

NHL.com

Ohlund, 30, is the complete package: A 6-foot-2, 220-pounder with great skating ability, strength and anticipation who has a cannon for a shot. Ohlund gained a reputation as injury-prone early in his NHL career, but that thought should be dispelled. Ohlund has missed only four games in three of his past four NHL seasons, sandwiched around his 59-game season in 2002-03. Ohlund led the Canucks last season with 25:40 minutes of average ice time, just ahead of Salo's 24:29.

Teammates, former teammates and rivals speak with great respect for Ohlund, the 13th overall pick of the 1994 draft. An eight-year veteran, Ohlund has played most of his career in Jovanovski's shadow, although he was a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy in his rookie season. Fans last season voted him the best Canucks' defenseman and at age 30, he's ready to take an NHL leadership role. He set an NHL career high with eight power-play goals. Ohlund has 67 goals and 178 assists for 245 points in 558 NHL games.

Rinkside - Lukas Ackroyd:

Whether doling out big hits or delivering tape-to-tape passes, Ohlund simply gets the job done.

“He’s so solid,” said teammate and fellow Swede Daniel Sedin. “He rarely makes a mistake. You know what you’re going to get from him every game. Among the top Swedish NHL defensemen, he’s right up there."

Ossi Vaananen joins the club

2009-03-01T19:11:00.000-08:00

The Canucks cliamed this finnish defenceman off of waivers this week and though he skated with the Canucks, he was not in the lineup for tonight's game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Looks like we're stacked with D men for the playoffs!

Pavol and Jannik - I hope your broken fingers heal better than Ryan Johnson's!

What a welcome back for Mats Sundin!

2009-02-22T11:13:00.000-08:00

The first game back in Toronto with a new team had Mats Sundin probably the most emotional he's ever been. Toronto had a nice salute to him, made him first star and fans from both sides of the country were appreciative.

From CBC:

A few minutes after the former Toronto Maple Leafs' captain scored the winning goal in a shootout for his visiting Vancouver Canucks on Saturday night, he stepped back on the Air Canada Centre ice as the game's first star.

The standing ovation must have taken his breath away.

Sundin, who played in Toronto for 13 years, emotionally blew kisses to the crowd, waved and then bowed before heading off with cheers, not boos, ringing in his ears.

The Canucks did not play their best game, always seeming to come from behind but they managed to tie it up bringing it into OT. There was a a scare from the high stick into Mitchell's eye but he came back out playing (an action that Don Cherry fully praised of the "typical Canadian lad"). Sundin's play was forgettable until he scored the winner in the last of the 3 shootout attempts for Vancouver.

Aside: What a beauty of a shootout goal by Bertuzzi in the Flames/Oil game

Mattias Ohlund at Superskills

2009-02-13T19:46:00.001-08:00

m_ohlund3
Originally uploaded by csztova.

Some white balance adjustment is in order but other than that, here's a good shot of Mattias Ohlund at the Superskills uploaded by csztova. I wish my photos of Ohlund were as clear as this.

3 Weeks to trade deadline..

2009-02-11T21:22:00.000-08:00

Sigh. There is lots of reporting about the lack of progress with contract renewals for the Sedins and Ohlund. Now the speculation is that all three Swedes will not be in Vancouver in 2009/10, but, rather, in Toronto. Well, after practically all of the team has been shuffled around them, they should know by now not to expect any happy endings even after years of good service. I sure hope that they've been given offers though instead of the insulting kissoff that Markus Naslund received.

I still have hope that Ohlie will stay here but realistically, the Sedins are going to go elsewhere. If the numbers and NTC aren't there, Ohlie might just follow them.

The Canucks of late

2009-02-07T21:03:00.000-08:00

Well, 7-3 against the Blackhawks made for some exciting hockey. I'm really liking the quick tape to tape passes and the winning of faceoffs. The penalties are holding us back but if it's the byproduct of our being a grittier and high energy team, I'll live with it. Salo was bloodied - i wonder if he lost some teeth. And it may be a bit late but YAY! Edler lost his red mouth guard! hahahaha!

Another article on Ohlund's future on the team

2009-02-06T07:37:00.000-08:00

This article by Iain MacIntyre made me sad.

While a brush fire raged Monday near Vancouver Canuck defenceman Shane O'Brien, who dropped napalm as reporters asked him about being a healthy scratch, across the Vancouver Canucks' dressing room the slow smoulder around Mattias Ohlund continued unnoticed.

Ohlund isn't angry, merely largely resigned to the likelihood that his decade-long stint as the backbone of the Canucks' defence is nearing an end. Any frustration Ohlund harboured about a slightly diminished role in what seems his final National Hockey League season in Vancouver, long ago dissipated. It was never expressed publicly.

In Saturday's 4-3 loss to the Minnesota Wild, everyone saw that Mats Sundin didn't get off the Canuck bench in the final minute of regulation time and overtime. Maybe you didn't notice Ohlund was sitting at the other end of it.

Ohlund's only contribution was a fragment of broken stick, snapped against the dasher when Marc-Andre Bergeron scored in OT, that skipped across the ice as the Wild celebrated.

"That was just frustration that we got scored on," Ohlund said.

When the Canucks pressed desperately for a tying goal, coach Alain Vigneault used defencemen Sami Salo and Alex Edler in the final minute. And when he changed penalty-killers in overtime, going to two defencemen from one, Vigneault left blueliner Willie Mitchell on the ice and sent Salo out to join him. Ohlund stayed on the bench.

"Without a doubt in my mind, Sami and Alex Edler were our two best Ds as far as moving the puck and trying to get their shots on net," Vigneault explained Monday. "Those two guys, at the end of the game, were our two best defencemen. That's why they were out there."

Fair enough.

It was a far more defensible position than Vigneault's decision to scratch O'Brien and winger Mason Raymond in favour of Rob Davison and Mike Brown, replacing two guys who can handle the puck with two guys who can't. Though admirably competitive, Brown and Davison combined for just 7:34 of ice time, about 221/2 minutes fewer than what Raymond and O'Brien offer.

Partly because of Davison's limitations, Ohlund logged 25:12. But that nudged the 32-year-old's season average to only 21:59, nearly two minutes less than last season and about 31/2 minutes off the Swede's career average.

Small changes, but Ohlund has noticed.

"I'm not trying to analyse it," he said. "They're going to put out whoever they think gives us the best chance to win. When I get tapped on the shoulder, I go out and play. That's all I know. I'd like to be out there. I'm sure other guys would say the same thing."

Overshadowed by the possible free agency of first-liners Daniel and Henrik Sedin, Ohlund's contractual status generated little fanfare when talks on an extension broke off last fall.

Ohlund, eight points shy of becoming the franchise's all-time leading scorer on defence, is probably the first Canuck victim of the global economic crisis. He badly wants to stay in Vancouver and general manager Mike Gillis reiterated Monday he'd like to keep the defenceman who has spent his entire 11-year career with the Canucks.

But no one knows what the NHL salary cap will be next season, except that in the next two years it is likely to plummet. With the Sedins still to sign, goalie Roberto Luongo under contract next season at $7.5 million US and defencemen Kevin Bieksa, Mitchell, Salo and Edler on the books for $14 million, Gillis simply doesn't have enough money to keep Ohlund.

Not for anything close to market value ($5-6 million US over 4-5 years), anyway.

Ohlund understands this. He believes the Canucks have acted in good faith, and accepts there are consequences to the economic uncertainty. He is not bitter. Not even close.

But that doesn't make this season easier for him. It is no accident that he has never played for another team. So content was he to stay -- and willing to give a discount -- none of his previous contracts made it to the final year before Ohlund re-signed.

He lives here more than 10 months a year, spending just July and another week or two back home in Pitea. Vancouver is the only home his children, Viktor, 9, and Hannah, 7, have known. Viktor was born with one leg shorter than the other, and the Ohlunds have strong ties to staff at Children's Hospital.

"My son is pretty interested in hockey, so he knows what's going on," Ohlund said of not knowing where he'll be next season. "But they're kids. They don't think much further than the next minute.

"I'm sort of past that point [of worrying]. We've played most of the year. There were talks last summer that didn't lead anywhere. You get to the point where you're kind of reconciled to it, and then you move on. You go through times where you reflect on it, but now I'm excited about the future."

Gillis said he hasn't given up on trying to sign Ohlund after the season and praised the assistant captain for his professionalism and commitment.

"No one knows what the future is from a salary-cap situation," Ohlund said. "I know this is a business. I've been here 11 years and it has been great. But if I'm not here, I'll move on and be perfectly happy somewhere else."

Will it be 10 straight at home? Ooooo

2009-02-03T18:46:00.000-08:00

Carolina Hurricanes at GM Place tonight.. Will it become the 10th straight loss at home? Hmmm..

Sean Avery is planning to be back skating in a week or so (after his counseling) but it won't be with Dallas. Will any other team want him? :|

Anyway, Pavel Demitra's back in the lineup after being out with a healing groin. He'll be on a line with Sundin and Kesler. Also, babyface O'Brien is putting on his 'contrite' face a day after complaining about being scratched. I noticed during a game that he does seem a bit on the talkative/whiny side on the ice. Amazing that Kelser is younger than him but seems so much older.

Here's a photo of Mattias Ohlund for no good reason!

Well the all star break didn't do anything...

2009-01-30T07:47:00.000-08:00

So much for the break doing some good for the Canucks. Whenever I get too stressed out at work, I always am able to regroup after some time off. But 2 games post break and it looks like the tension is still there. Poor Mitchell looked so not happy to be on After Hours tonight... especially when asked about the little incident with Mason Raymond.

Bah. Just end the pressure. Be a complete failure of a team that everyone stops paying attention. The Canucks always seem to play better when they're the underdogs.

Welcome back Salo and Ohlie hurt again..

2009-01-21T00:41:00.000-08:00

... Ohlund left in the first period in the Columbus game after being cut below the left knee pad Sunday while blocking a first-period shot. Apparently it was a bloody cut as he trailed a stream of blood while leaving the ice.

"You're never comfortable when you see a lot of blood and we figured it out pretty quick that it wasn't a big deal," shrugged Ohlund, whose skate laces were coated in blood. "I feel fine."

And Salo's back! Yay!

I'd like to break something right about now

2009-01-20T22:04:00.000-08:00

ARGHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

I've been disappointed, frustrated and miffed while watching the Canucks but I've never been as angry as I am now after watching that Sharks goal go in with 39 seconds to go and that OT goal after Nabakov's jump into play.

The Canucks went back to their defensive roots and for the most part, it worked at keeping the Sharks off the scoresheet. It would have done so much to not only win against the Sharks but blank them on home ice and then it turned to hell.

ARGHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

An era of "Boo"s instead of "Luuu"s

2009-01-16T07:09:00.000-08:00

Here's Ohlund from the game against the NJ Devils - Sanford's last game.

The Canucks were flying high and then Luongo went down. Sundin knew the challenge was going to be able to get chemistry with a team mid-season and he was totally spot on.

The sad bit is that it's not just 1 guy trying to mesh with an already cohesive unit. The team is in shambles right now. Hansen, Davison and Nycholat are part timers, Luongo, Johnson and Pyatt are back, Salo is on the cusp, Sundin and LaBarbara are new additions and Sanford is gone.. Sanford is gone!! I think that's going to be the hardest change for the team to deal with.

Gonna be hard times ahead. They need a break. The all star break should be good for them.

BRING BACK THE WOO!

Ryan Johnson and Jannik Hansen back in the saddle again

2009-01-08T23:41:00.000-08:00

Woo hoo! I'm glad Johnson's well enough to come back into the lineup. Apparently he's still in a lot of pain with his finger but he's no stranger to playing with pain.

And Hansen's coming back from the Moose while Bolduc's heading down. I likey!

Oh, and it was some new guy's first game as a Canuck - uhh Mat, Mats Sedin, Sundin? hahaha! What a non-news event. But eveyone sure took a lot of pictures, eh?

Here's a snippet from Brad Zeimer's piece in The Vancouver Sun .

IN THIS CORNER: Canuck enforcer Hordichuk smiled Thursday when asked if he might be giving defenceman Mattias Ohlund a few pointers about dropping the gloves.

Ohlund was challenged by Oiler counterpart Sheldon Souray in Wednesday’s 4-2 Vancouver win after the Canuck crushed Erik Cole with a huge hit along the boards.

Souray promptly dropped Ohlund with a devastating right hand.

“You know what” said Hordichuk. “Mattias is the last guy I’ll be giving tips to. He’s held his own this year. I think it was just unfortunate that Souray’s hand came out of the jersey and he wasn’t expecting that.

“I went to Souray right after that and he chirped me back a little bit. He told me if I wanted to fight, we could drop them in the middle of the ice but it never ended up happening.”

I thought that Ohlie wasn't supposed to fight with taped fingers but I guess the tape had come off already..

Ohlund injured but still plays

2009-01-04T19:31:00.000-08:00

"Canucks keep Ohlund's injury a mystery" was the headline of Zeimer's article yesterday.

Vigneault: "He's got an upper-body injury and is going to be re-evaluated when we get home and we'll let everybody know on Sunday."

Ohlund: "I just got hurt on a play and we'll see how it is tomorrow..I just got hit and didn't feel comfortable enough to finish playing and hopefully it's not too bad."

Well, here we are Sunday and Ohlund's okay. Thank you! He's actually got 9+ minutes going into the 2nd..

Hey Edler, you awake?

2008-12-28T10:18:00.001-08:00

Apparently that's the question that he says that he's most asked according to the CDC Offside with Alex Edler

Q: What question do you always get asked?
A: Are you awake?

No news is STILL news on Ohlund?

2008-12-28T10:11:00.000-08:00

I don't know how this became a story. I guess it's a slow news week.

Contract talks stall between veteran defenceman Ohlund and Canucks

VANCOUVER, B.C. — Contract talks between veteran defenceman Mattias Ohlund and the Vancouver Canucks have stalled.

"I don't think there's too much going on at the moment, but we'll see what happens," Ohlund said Friday after the Canucks' morning skate in advance of a game against the Edmonton Oilers....
...
"Right now, I'm just focusing on hockey and I'm leaving (a possible new contract) to J.P. (Barry) and Mike (Gillis)," said Ohlund. "We've still got some time. We'll figure it out one way or the other."

and now a little love for Henrik and Daniel Sedin

2008-12-21T07:44:00.000-08:00

These Sedins never get any of my attention. Now that they're the main scoring line, however, they sure have the attention of other teams' main defence. The 'cycle' has not been able to flourish this year because they've been so well-checked. Hopefully the addition of Mats Sundin will ease the opposition attention on the Sedins so that the cycle may flow freely once again.

I'd like to take the time to praise them for being so resilient, talented, hard working, and blessed with high endurance.

Matty calls long distance to Mats

2008-12-20T13:30:00.000-08:00

Apparently Mattias talked to Mats on the 18th. Here's a snippet from the article by Iain MacIntyre.

“It sounded like he was coming,” Ohlund said Friday when asked about his Thursday morning telephone call with Sundin. “I’m going to be honest: I did think I had a pretty good scoop yesterday morning.”

A few hours later, the National Hockey League team announced the most impressive free-agent acquisition in franchise history.

The way Sundin told it during a conference call Friday morning, the brief telephone call with Ohlund sealed the deal.

“I had nothing to do with that,” Ohlund said. “I just talked a little bit about our team and the way we play. That’s about it.”

Agent J.P. Barry, who represents both players, asked Ohlund to call Sundin to assuage his countryman’s fears about possibly disrupting the chemistry or continuity of the Canucks.

Sundin said he didn’t want to displace or upset anyone.

“I think that speaks about the kind of guy he is, to even have those concerns,” Ohlund said. “Obviously it shows he’s a very humble guy. That was one of things we talked about. Obviously, the guys in this dressing room are nothing but very excited to have him come in.

“We spoke for a couple of minutes, maybe, but I just said guys would love for him to come here and it would be a great fit for our team.”

Ohlund and Sundin were teammates, as were Canucks Daniel and Henrik Sedin, on Sweden’s gold-medal winning team at the 2006 Olympics in Turin.

“I’ve played with him a handful of times and I’ve got nothing but good things to say about him,” Ohlund said. “I don’t, by no means, know him really well, but he’s a nice guy.”

Mats Sundin seriously signed with Vancouver??!

2008-12-20T01:52:00.000-08:00

Oh don't tell me you're not thinking it. Everyone thought he'd go with New York!

So, ok, Mats will take $10 mill next year... How is that going to effect the signings of the Sedins and Ohlund? Well, I never had much faith that the Sedins were going to get re-signed, unfortunately. I had more faith that Ohlund would be but there's so much talk of him being involved as trade bait, it can't all be coming from nothing. I wonder if JP Barry's clients are miffed at some of his other clients' contracts.

EDIT: See? Kuzma's put some thought to this too. Here's a snippet of his article.

"We're not making any progress," said Barry. "We're trying to talk about the league in general and the difficulty here is that we're talking about two players, not one.

The thought of giving up a no-trade clause bid won't wash with the twins.

"That's almost a non-starter for these guys," added Barry. "They've been pretty clear about that since the day they entered the league."

Meanwhile, extending Ohlund might also be a slippery slope. At 32, he's not considered old, but Gillis is loathe to extend older players to multi-year deals. But Ohlund, who is earning $3.5 million in the final year of his deal, could command up to $5 million on the open market.

"You see high-calibre defencemen playing into their late 30s," said Barry. "We're not looking at a seven or eight-year deal. Mattias is probably looking at a four- or five-year deal."

The hockey chapter closes for Linden

2008-12-18T19:32:00.000-08:00

Sigh. Well, we all knew that it was coming but it was still a bittersweet moment to watch. I doubt there was a dry eye in the house (or in BC) as the blue and white banner with Linden's number 16 was raised to the rafters of GM Place.

Here are the highlights of the ceremony honouring Trevor Linden on cbc.

I suppose it was all very proper and tasteful but as with all official ceremonies, I yearned for the personal aspect. The closest that came was Shorty's little pre-introduction to Mattias Ohlund, Willie Mitchell and Roberto Luongo (at around 5:00 on the video below).

Shorty: "I should say first of all actually when Trevor retired, he left behind a roommate and one of the saddest sights this year has been watching Mattias Ohlund mope around like a lost puppy dog on the road."

Mattias: "... we were roommates for a lot of years, seven years and we had a lot of fun together and it's been a tough year without you buddy."

An old Mattias Ohlund article from 1997

2008-12-10T18:29:00.000-08:00

I had bookmarked a few old articles on Ohlund that I promised myself that I would eventually get to posting. Unfortunately, the sites and links died and the Ohlund articles were lost. Sigh. Anyway, here's one from when Pat Quinn matched Toronto's offer sheet on Mattias Ohlund back in 1997.

Canucks match offer sheet for Swedish D Mattias Ohlund
Posted: Thur August 7, 1997 at 4:24 p.m. EDT CNN Sports Illustrated

The Vancouver Canucks today opted to match the offer sheet for Swedish defenseman Mattias Ohlund, signed by the Toronto Maple Leafs last Friday.

Ohlund, who was the 13th overall selection in the 1994 NHL draft by Vancouver, agreed to a five-year contract worth $10 million with a signing bonus in excess of $7.5 million, according to IMG, which represents Ohlund.

Vancouver had seven days to match the offer entirely or make a deal with Toronto to deal his rights. Now that the Canucks have matched the offer, Ohlund cannot be traded for one year.

"Mattias has proven to be a solid player in international hockey and we look forward to having him play for our team this season," said Canucks president and general manager Pat Quinn. "He possesses a high skill level that will make him a valuable NHL player."

The 20-year-old Ohlund was voted the best defenseman at the past World Junior Championship tournament, and earned second all-star team honors at the World Championships in Finland.

He recorded seven goals and nine assists in 47 games last season for Lulea of the Swedish Elite League.

Ohlund's losing ice time..

2008-12-09T19:45:00.000-08:00

Hmm. So I guess I'm not the only one who's noticed this. I blame Alain Vigneault! He always had it out for our veterans. Hmph. I haven't forgiven him for Trevor Linden!

From The Windsor Star (of all places):

OHLUND LOSING TIME: Mattias Ohlund, the Vancouver Canucks' best defenceman for several years, went into Sunday's game averaging 21:16 of ice time after logging only 18:43 in Minnesota. Ohlund's average ice time last season was 23:46.

"You'd have to ask the coach," Ohlund said about his playing time. "The year started like that. If you ask any player, especially defencemen, everyone wants to play more and play a lot. I'm no different. But we've got good depth and we're playing well."

Defencemen Kevin Bieksa (24:01), Willie Mitchell (22:49) and Alex Edler (21:23) are all playing more than Ohlund, a 32-year-old in the final year of his contract.

Aside: Good to have a win for the morale of the boys.

No news on further Ohlund contract talks

2008-12-01T11:02:00.000-08:00

From Ben Kuzma's article today..

Mattias Ohlund has nothing to report on the contract-extension front after his agent J.P. Barry and Canucks assistant general manager Lawrence Gilman met Saturday.

"I'm leaving that up to them," said the defenceman, whose earning $3.5 million US this season. "I'm very mindful of having a good year and helping the team win and go from there."

Aside: Hey A, Thanks for posting the Men's Journal spread on the Rangers.. I saw this on msg tv and wondered what kind of info would be on there.

Ohlund in the new 3rd jersey

2008-11-30T23:30:00.001-08:00

canucks
Originally uploaded by empty_netters.

Rick Astley live at Macy's Thanksgiving parade 2008

2008-11-28T22:46:00.000-08:00

This is so awesome.. I love Rick Astley. My best friend and I were such fans... Ahh the 80s had the best music. haha!
EDIT: Oh, the point of it was this was a live Rickroll! I think probably the 1st one ever with the real Rick Astley.

Injuries keep coming..

2008-11-27T07:07:00.000-08:00

So Luongo is week to week and Steve Bernier is out probably day to day with the bruised shoulder. Ryan Johnson is out for 3-6 weeks with a broken finger and foot. Johnson from Elliott Pap's article:

"Obviously the finger was pretty bad and the foot wasn't good either. We wanted to get them checked out when we got back from the road trip and both are pretty serious breaks. It's unfortunate - but to find out both at the same time is nice so we can take care of them both at one time."

So if he's been playing with a broken foot since game 3 and the finger since Minny from 2 games ago, no wonder they're 'bad breaks'. On the upside, the 'other' guy with the fractured foot, Kevin Bieksa, is expected back in tonight's lineup.

Also, this was interesting.. Tony Gallagher's article in the Sun on Ryan Walter.

Mitchell is the best "Wooo"er!

2008-11-25T08:33:00.000-08:00

It's strange. It's surreal. The Canucks are winning. My mind is still not processing it..

So more news after the MRI on Luongo. He's out week to week with an Adductor Strain (groin) and his agent says probably 4-5 weeks. No news yet on Bernier's shoulder that took him out of the game yesterday though.

I'm really liking the confidence of the team,the "Wooo"ing and mini mobs at game ends. The guys are playing well despite suffering from the flu except for Mr. Edler..

Here's a photo of a Woo!

Nooooooooo!!! Luongo is down, Cory called up

2008-11-23T07:47:00.000-08:00

Oh man. Sure we can handle being without the occasional defenceman, but Luongo? Looked like an innocent push to reach a wide shot in the Pittsburgh game but after having to be helped off the ice, everyone is now worried about a long term groin injury. Cory Schneider has been called up from Manitoba. I wouldn't mind seeing how he plays with the Canucks in a game or two actually..

And since we haven't had any Ohlund related stuff in awhile:

Back from the New York trip

2008-11-21T23:08:00.000-08:00

So! Back in Vancouver after catching both Canucks games in New York.. along with 30 other people it looked like. Meh, the trip was not memorable outside of the hockey. Although, I must admit that I have never talked to so many male strangers as I did during those two games in New York. I think I've discovered the way to meet guys - go to away games. At least you know 2 things: 1. They're Canucks fans and 2. They're employed with enough vacation/money to travel.

I felt sad for Morrison and Naslund all over again when I read that Naslund spoke to Brendan over the phone before the game in Iain MacIntyre's article. Jim Hughson also had a blog posting on the lack of Van love for Naslund.

I miss these guys

2008-11-12T00:40:00.000-08:00

I have diddly squat to blog about. The Canucks are doing well, games are exciting and life is good. I'm about to see one of these guys soon though. Gotta pack my jersey for representation in New York City!