Did the Canucks Miss a Golden Opportunity Today?

 Today started with a walk around my block with a stop at Tim Hortons to get set for the day. My day consisted of watching Trade Centre on Sportsnet and TSN in hopes the Canucks make a big splash and move some valuable assets at peak price. 

When I checked Twitter I thought I saw the Canucks shipping Connor Garland to Boston for a player and a pick. This was just a rumor as things unfolded. 

I'm disappointed about how things turned out. Just a fourth and younger defenseman added over the last 30 hours. 

To me, this means that the management believes that the run that this team has been on is not a fluke and it is sustainable next year. They decided not to break up the core that was established by Jim Benning over the last seven years. 

At this point of rollercoaster that the Canucks have been on since 2011 it is hard not to interrupt that its not playoffs or bust in 2023. 

Without playoffs, their would have to be player movement. The coach doesn't look like it will ever be a problem. Won't be able to fire the GM for at least two full seasons and we can't fire the owner. 

The other thing to look at is this team won't be young forever. Are top players minus Pettersson and Hughes will be entering their prime the next couple of years and this is the NHL of 2022 where 30 is almost feels old nowadays in a league dominated by U25 players. 

Here is a look at where the Canucks stand next year for forwards: 

Garland	Pettersson	Boeser
Pearson	Miller	Hoglander
Dickenson	Horvat	Podkolzin
Lammikko		Highmore

 Eleven forwards are under contract. Next trade deadline will be very interesting if the Canucks are not in the playoff race next year. We will still need a fourth line Center but that shouldn't be too difficult. Full disclosure, these are not projected lines, just laying it out as easily as possible. There will also be trades, I don't expect all eleven to be on the team next year. 

We are deep at Center and still thin on defense. I can talk about the Defense later but we have a imbalance of players on this team. That needs to be sorted out eventually. 

It's too early to judge this day. However, if things don't pan out, this day will be looked at as a huge missed opportunity. At 29, I would have loved to get a player under 24 and a third a bare minimum. 

We need to keep every door open but now I can't wait for the offseason. I love the rebuild that Benning put together and it was completely ruined by Covid. The Bubble Tournament didn't quince my thirst for playoff hockey and I think if we would have had electric nights at Rogers Arena in the 2020 playoffs it would have been more easier to be more patient today.  

 

No Davies but Hopefully No Embarrassment Like 2012

 The Canadian Men's soccer team is on an incredible run of success and they will get a mental test tonight in the country that has gave them their most fits. 

Sometimes in sports two rivals that have no geographical ties at all sometimes become huge rivals. For me, my favourite non geographical rivalry is the Vancouver Canucks and the Chicago Blackhawks from 2009-2011. They met in the playoffs three straight years and Vancouver finally slayed the dragon in 2011 Game Seven. 

For the Canadian Men's soccer team, Honduras and the Estadio Olimpico in San Pedro Sula is that dragon. I believe tonight is the final hurdle. A win tonight and I have a hard time seeing them not qualifying. We have seen them go toe to toe with every other team since our resurgence. 

The number I have to qualify for Qatar is 24. That's eight points in six games. Worst case I see us losing four games. So as long as we at least tie in two of those four than we should be ok. At least tie in El Salvador next Wednesday. Jamaica should be a win and everything else we need to avoid defeats. 

Not having Davies will be felt more for the USA game. We have tons of speed elsewhere on the pitch for us to counter. Honduras will need a win so I expect lots of goals. 

I believe 2012 was an anomaly. 2016 was more like what we are capable of. That being said, 2016 could have easily been 5-1 if it weren't for a few amazing Milan Borjan saves. 

The other thing is that the previous two games were in the daytime and during the Honduras League season. This one will be at night and during most of Honduras' players off season. 

We play at a pace that is special. In 2016, I don't think we were as talented. If you remember where you watched the 2012 game and 2016 game then this day is important to you. These are the days you live for as a sports fan. 

No.	Pos.	Player	Date of birth (age)	Caps	Goals	Club
	GK	Milan Borjan	October 23, 1987 (age 34)	58	0	Red Star Belgrade
	GK	Maxime Crépeau	April 11, 1994 (age 27)	14	0	Los Angeles FC
	GK	Jayson Leutwiler	April 25, 1989 (age 32)	3	0	Oldham Athletic
	DF	Doneil Henry	April 20, 1993 (age 28)	41	1	Unattached
	DF	Steven Vitória	January 11, 1987 (age 35)	28	2	Moreirense
	DF	Sam Adekugbe	January 16, 1995 (age 27)	24	0	Hatayspor
	DF	Richie Laryea	January 7, 1995 (age 27)	22	1	Nottingham Forest
	DF	Alistair Johnston	August 8, 1998 (age 23)	18	1	CF Montréal
	DF	Kamal Miller	May 16, 1997 (age 24)	18	0	CF Montréal
	DF	Derek Cornelius	November 25, 1997 (age 24)	14	0	Panetolikos
	DF	Scott Kennedy	March 31, 1997 (age 24)	5	0	Jahn Regensburg
	DF	Cristián Gutiérrez	February 18, 1997 (age 24)	0	0	Vancouver Whitecaps FC
	MF	Atiba Hutchinson	February 8, 1983 (age 38)	90	8	Beşiktaş
	MF	Samuel Piette	November 12, 1994 (age 27)	60	0	CF Montréal
	MF	Jonathan Osorio	June 12, 1992 (age 29)	49	7	Toronto FC
	MF	Mark-Anthony Kaye	December 2, 1994 (age 27)	30	2	Colorado Rapids
	MF	Stephen Eustáquio	December 21, 1996 (age 25)	18	3	Porto
	MF	Liam Fraser	February 13, 1998 (age 23)	11	0	Deinze
	FW	Cyle Larin	April 17, 1995 (age 26)	44	22	Beşiktaş
	FW	Junior Hoilett	June 5, 1990 (age 31)	39	13	Reading
	FW	Lucas Cavallini	December 28, 1992 (age 29)	28	16	Vancouver Whitecaps FC
	FW	Jonathan David	January 14, 2000 (age 22)	24	18	Lille
	FW	Tajon Buchanan	February 8, 1999 (age 22)	16	3	Club Brugge
	FW	Liam Millar	September 27, 1999 (age 22)	14	0	Basel
	FW	Iké Ugbo	September 21, 1998 (age 23)	1	0	Genk

Will Conmebol and Concacaf Merge for 2026 ?

 Despite this week being an international break with qualifying games being scheduled for the 2022 World Cup, I wanted to discuss something that will be a topic of conversation for 2026 World Cup Qualifying. 

Conmebol is scheduled for six berths in a ten team confederation and I will be very disappointed if they have the same qualifying format. They would basically have 18 game qualifying and there would be way too many teams playing meaningless games. 

The way to fix it isn't easy. My fear is that they don't even fix it at all. I really hope there will be some kind of change. In most Confederations, dropping points at home two or three times is almost the death of a country trying to qualify. 

Concacaf is set to have six teams qualify. Currently, there are 35 teams and so there is still a very competitive competition formats available. 

Move the Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama and Guatemala to Conmebol in exchange for  Ecuador, Venezuela  and Peru. 

As crazy as it sounds. The competitive balance is I think almost equal. Conmebol would have 13 teams which is a odd number but they would still be competitive qualifying. 

Concacaf could have 32 teams and have a number of different potential formats. I know it's not perfect but a complete merger isn't very realistic logistically with travel. The easiest thing for Conmebol to do would be to have one Hex and a seven team group for qualifying. I am aware seven team group isn't ideal but UEFA does five team groups and they have done seven team groups in the past. 

From a Regional Cup point of view I would love to have a Gold Cup every four years and combined Cup competition the other odd years. This would make a Cup to look forward to three out of four years. 

How likely is this to happen? Not likely but I have a fun imagination. This weeks games in both confederations are goin to be intense.   

                                                                    

Put half of your surplus after every month into a separate savings account

 Recently, I wrote a blog post about how we really don't need to be knee deep in a 9-5 job if we don't want to be. We do it because society says we have to. 

My first step was "Step 1 - Put half of your surplus after every month into a separate savings account.

So, when your first 18, this might entail you getting a job but remember, the goal eventually is to find a side hustle that can make you money when you don't have your money.

Two possible worst case secnario's that might come up.

1. Parents insist that you head to University and that might delay the side hustle

2. Your parents don't have the money to keep you at home and your forced to move out and fend for yourself.

For the first point: This option isn't all bad. However, if they are paying for college, that means they can tell you to not drop out. It's also hard to feel financially free if they are helping you out.

This will pass eventually. It does suck at the time especially when you see classmates get to do fun things like drop out and get jobs elsewhere. Remember though that the parents are doing this because they care.

Option two. No one wants this option but this might end up being a sling shot if you are able to set yourself up successfully.

If you turned 18 and were kicked out with only $20 in your pocket, I believe that there are organisations that can help. This is why most foster children can't get kicked out until 19.

The point is, put your your money aside. Even if it's just $100 in 20 years it will add up.

If your in a deficit than ask yourself why. Some reasons are worth it like having a kid.

I would say the key part to getting yourself set up yourself is being as flexible as possible. I'll touch on this in other steps.

Ditch Your Day Job

 I'm a huge fan of sports and over the last few years I have made about 3,000 dollars with sports betting and Cryptocurrency combined. Two things that people say that are risky and should not attempt to do. 

The other thing that I have had success with small cap stocks. Most people don't don't invest but when they do they invest in blue chip stocks that will generally follow the Dow. 

 Here was my game plan the last few years: 

Step 1 - Put half of your surplus after every month into a separate savings account.

Step 2 - Turn passion into a way of making money.

Step 3 - If your not making ends meet find a city with a cheaper cost of living.

Step 4 - Avoid getting brainwashed. Bitcoin, sports betting and penny stocks are all profitable with right strategy and if you follow step 1 are done without money you will depend on.

Step 5 - Don't get a car . They depreciate fast.

Step 6 - Get into the housing market as soon as you can. Even if it's not a desirable city. It's better than paying rent.

Step 7 - Don't go to University unless you can afford it without going into debt

These seven steps made me feel like I had a purpose in life which gave me the inspiration to want to move forward. If you live in a wealthy country their is no reason to think that you are low income even if you don't have much money. That is because some countries currency goes farther in other countries.

This is when I realized that if I didn't put any expectations on myself. After that, I felt really great about myself and started feeling that I was only responsible for what I can control. We are on this planet for a very short time and being a slave to a 40 hour work week is not something I want to be a slave to.

Tomorrow I'll explain stuff in detail how I pulled this off.

Is Altman's Success Sustainable?

 The Oregon Men's basketball team has arguably higher expectations the the football program since 2016. Since the Final four appearance Oregon has had the swagger to be the best team in the Pac 12. However, this year feels much different. 

The team is only 6-6 and 0-2 in conference play. To get an at large spot this team will likely have to go on a 15-4 run to make the Tournament. This team feels offensively and they will be in tough to be atleast 11-9 in conference. 

I think Altman has a lifetime contract at Oregon. In other words, I don't see him going anywhere or being fired anytime soon. I don't like where college basketball is going in general though which has me concerned. 

Too many players are transferring so easily that it has made recruiting almost not important anymore. Oregon has always had good recruiting classes the last few years it doesn't sit well with me that teams are able to build their team around transfers. Oregon gets the transfers too and it looks bad when you add transfers only to have a worse year the next year. 

Last year was a bothersome season despite Oregon being a #7 seed but because it was a covid season I wasn't too interested. 

I guess the real question is, will this mediocre year be an anomaly or a sign of things to come? Altman won't be fired but not firing him will lead to things becoming stale. This will happen if success isn't reached and because the bar was raised so high a few years ago this does create frustration if success isn't sustainable. 

 We will know where we are in a year from now. If not in two years. The record that he has put together is nothing short of amazing but I hope it hasn't turned for the worst.

Dana Altman (Pac-10 Conference/Pac–12 Conference) (2010–present)
2010–11	Dana Altman	21–18	7–11	T–7th	CBI Champion
2011–12	Dana Altman	24–10	13–5	T–2nd	NIT Quarterfinal
2012–13	Dana Altman	28–9	12–6	T–2nd	NCAA Division I Sweet Sixteen
2013–14	Dana Altman	24–10	10–8	T–3rd	NCAA Division I Third Round
2014–15	Dana Altman	26–10	13–5	T–2nd	NCAA Division I Third Round
2015–16	Dana Altman	31–7	14–4	1st	NCAA Division I Elite Eight
2016–17	Dana Altman	33–6	16–2	T–1st	NCAA Division I Final Four
2017–18	Dana Altman	23–13	10–8	T–6th	NIT Second Round
2018–19	Dana Altman	25–13	10–8	T–4th	NCAA Division I Sweet Sixteen
2019–20	Dana Altman	24–7	13–5	1st	NCAA Division I Canceled
2020–21	Dana Altman	21–7	14–4	1st	NCAA Division I Sweet Sixteen
2021–22	Dana Altman

Did the Canucks Make The Right Hires?

 After a roller coaster week that saw a handful of Canucks management fired and a new coach hired which has led to an impressive 4-0 start to the new ERA of Canucks hockey, it's time to evaluate what the Canucks did. 

Bruce Boudreau: 

I like the hire. It means that something has to give. Either the Canucks turn the ship around this year or Bruce Boudreau will have his first losing season as a NHL coach. This doesn't mean we are guaranteed to make the playoffs but finishing with a winning record from the hire to the end of the season will atleast keep most of the optimism for next year. 

Should go without saying but if the Canucks can avoid finishing in the 9th-13th draft standings then this shouldn't be a long turn around. Drafting 14th-16th would be bittersweet but would likely signal that the Canucks played meaningful games in March. 

Next year will be Boudreau's key test. Hopefully an ultimatum. Make the playoffs and he gets a contract extension and if he misses he should be fired. It won't be that easy, injuries and puck luck does happen. We still should be in a win now approach. Lots to look forward to and considering this team two years ago was around 500. at this time that year should be noted. 

There is a couple of things that feel different. The playoff bar seems high. Right now, Las Vegas and Colorado hold down the wildcard spots and those teams will likely finish higher in the standings. That leaves it to Calgary or Anaheim to fall out of a playoff spot. I'm surprised by both teams starts and it will take a lot for one to miss the playoffs. The other thing that might hold Vancouver back is just how competitive the Western Conference is. For instance, Chicago thought they might challenge for the playoffs and have struggled. Dallas and Winnipeg have good rosters are also on the outside looking in. The Canucks have five teams to hop over if they want to be in the playoff race which is just as daunting as their six points back which could rise to 10 if the Golden Knights win their games in hand. 

Jim Rutherford: 

I love this hire but it's a shame that he is 72 years old. He needs to hire a GM that carries out his vision when he retires. Benning was here almost eight years and the whole time we were two years away from being two years away. If Rutherford is here eight years then that brings him to 80. This would likely bring him to retirement if not sooner. Therefore, he needs to hire people that see what he sees. Rutherford might be the best GM in NHL history. He had a 17 year long run with the Carolina Hurricanes He won a Stanley Cup in nine years. Basically taking over a mediocre team that had just relocated from Hartford. 

He made key moves including trading for Doug Weight the year they won. I trust his skills to make Vancouver good again. 

I really hope this is the turning point the organization needs. I'm hopeful but would not put a dime on it. If the next 15 years doesn't work out, Francesco Aquilini might as well just sell the team. We need the next regime to work out.