Cowan's not cowed by tough road

[VodkaFish]

Cowan's not cowed by tough road

Jeff Cowan is taking the high road heading into training camp -- even though there are enough potholes to send the wayward winger into the ditch this season.

Not only is the Canucks grinder trying to steady his career after missing 25 games last season with hip flexor and shoulder injuries -- and another 11 as a healthy scratch, including the season-opener -- a glance at the veteran camp roster makes you wonder if Cowan has become redundant.

The Canucks acquired heavyweight winger Darcy Hordichuk and shot-blocking specialist Ryan Johnson in free agency. They're also high on winger Mike Brown, who could bully his way onto the roster. And who knows about feisty-yet-injury -prone centre Rick Rypien, who can also play wing?

Full

[blackngold]

I would take any of those guys over Cowan.

[Cat Smasher]

either way, the 'Nucks are going to be tough to play against. They have some real bangers and gritty guys there now, and on their way.

It's a shame they couldn't dress em all Cowan showed up for them. Or they can take the "Brad May" approach to things, and dress him when need be.

I think anyone would be happy with him on your fourth line, as long as it doesn't replace an "legit" enforcer.

[canuckfan]

I drool over the idea of a Cowan - Ryien - Hordichuk line....I doubt we'd see it, but you never know as injuries occur while the season progresses. But man, that would be one entertaining line.

I hope all the best for Cowan this season - he had a pretty good run at the end of 2007, and last season everything that could go wrong for him did go wrong. But signing Hordi, and still having Rypien and Brown in the plans, its going to be tough for Cowan to find regular ice time.

That being said - no doubt he got a little complacent last season - so I'm betting we'll see a more motivated, more energized Jeff Cowan this year who will recognize that he has to fight for his job every night. And that will make him a much more effective hockey player.

[FurnaceFace]

I too like the fact ..no matter what.. alot of tough guys are competeing for the 4th line. So no matter how the cookies crunmble the 4th line will be an entertaining group to watch.

[PastorJ]

Cowan took some real beatings last year. He's really going to have to prove himself to get a spot. Not sure he has it in him.