Metro - Vancouver : Columnist - Toul Box by Scott Rintoul

toul box by scott rintoul

Canucks on the ropes

May 11, 2009

For the first time in their second-round series with the Blackhawks, the Canucks find themselves in trouble.

Burrows gives heart and soul to Canucks

April 23, 2009

If you didn’t think the Alex Burrows story could get any better, Tuesday night was the most recent chapter in what is truly a captivating emergence.

Penalty kill has been impressive

April 20, 2009

Roberto Luongo has been the biggest story of the playoffs for Vancouver, but the Canucks’ penalty kill is a close second.

Refs need to shape up

April 17, 2009

It’s a Canadian birthright to complain about officiating in hockey, but what transpired in Game 1 between the Blues and Canucks cannot be allowed to continue.

Here we go ... head to head

April 15, 2009

Vancouver has won both previous playoff meetings with St. Louis, winning each series in seven games.

Canucks set high bar for themselves

April 09, 2009

In previous seasons, Tuesday’s win over the Flames would have been hailed as a monumental accomplishment in Vancouver.

Home-ice advantage clearly a top priority

April 06, 2009

Teams without it argue “it’s no big deal,” while those who possess it speak about its importance.

Staying healthy key for Canucks

April 02, 2009

With games against motivated clubs from Anaheim, Edmonton and Calgary on the horizon, there will be plenty of talk about what Vancouver can hope to gain from these contests.

Hawks offer good match for first round

March 30, 2009

If they do in fact exist, the hockey gods will schedule a first-round meeting between the Canucks and Blackhawks.

Twins seem poised to make some noise

March 26, 2009

If Tuesday’s performance by the Sedins is any indication of what lies ahead in the postseason, the Canucks may have a lengthy playoff run followed by a pair of expensive signings.

Don’t read too much into Luongo musings

March 23, 2009

Before you utter the words, “Trade him, he doesn’t want to be here,” take a look at what Roberto Luongo actually said on Saturday night’s After Hours on CBC.

Soccer snobs should give MLS a chance

March 19, 2009

Given the trials and tribulations the franchise has endured over the past twenty years, the Whitecaps are well aware that bringing Major League Soccer to the Lower Mainland is nothing compared to making it work.

Recent trends good for ‘Nucks?

March 17, 2009

With just under a month until the playoffs begin, it would still be a stretch to nominate the Canucks as an elite team in the Western Conference.

Fixing fighting a tricky business

March 12, 2009

Politics, religion and fighting in hockey; three things you don’t mention at a dinner party in Canada.

Bouwmeester’s trade price too high: Gillis

March 05, 2009

Vancouver Canucks GM Mike Gillis decided that no move was the best move for his team at the deadline.

Briere fallout creates trade options

March 02, 2009

If the Canucks are able to pull the trigger on a trade before Wednesday’s deadline, Vancouver loyalists will have Paul Holmgren to thank.

Canucks unlikely to add big name

February 26, 2009

One loss is no reason to start looking for flaws in a month that has seen the Canucks win eight of 10 games, but with the trade deadline less than a week away, Mike Gillis has a decision to make.

Support is the key

February 12, 2009

When the 2010 Olympics open in exactly one year’s time, my hope is that our athletes will be viewed in much the same manner our soldiers are.

Thank Nonis for sticking with Kesler

February 09, 2009

If you’re impressed with Ryan Kesler’s play of late, thank former GM Dave Nonis.

A turning point?

February 05, 2009

Though the players and fans would have appreciated some breathing room, the manner in which the Canucks snapped their lengthy losing skid may be more beneficial in the long run.

Can Canucks’ season be saved?

February 02, 2009

January 2009 will go down as one of the worst months in the history of the Vancouver Canucks.

Sundin likes to take it easy

January 29, 2009

Mats Sundin’s decision not to skate or work out at GM Place during the all-star break is an interesting one. On one hand, Sundin is a veteran who knows his body well enough to decide how much work is necessary for him to be in game shape.

Dempster ‘should be playing’

January 22, 2009

Canada’s chances at this spring’s World Baseball Classic were damaged this week when three B.C. boys opted to skip the event.

Panic time in Canucks nation?

January 19, 2009

Mike Gillis isn’t panicking. Neither is Roberto Luongo. Canucks’ fans on the other hand … well, let’s just say the police have increased their bridge patrol these days.

What can Captain Luongo do for you?

January 16, 2009

With Roberto Luongo back, fans are wondering whether or not the Canucks’ captain can cure what ails a struggling hockey club.

Fans unlikely to be patient with Sundin

January 12, 2009

Mats Sundin’s first three games in Canucks’ colours could quite easily be labelled the Good, the Bad and the Ugly, though not in that order.

Predicting Sundin’s value to the Canucks

January 08, 2009

How will you evaluate whether or not Mats Sundin is success in Vancouver? The real answer may lie in the post-season, but let’s concentrate on the guaranteed portion of the schedule.

Here we go again

January 05, 2009

Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but the Canucks find themselves in the middle of a crucial stretch of games over the next few weeks.

Canucks still need another piece

December 22, 2008

Now that Mats Sundin has proven the majority of us wrong by signing with the Canucks, what is this team missing to be mentioned with the Detroits and San Joses of the world?

Consider everything, Sundin

December 18, 2008

Today could very well be decision day for Mats Sundin, although his agent indicated that word might not come down until tomorrow.