When my brother asked me how I felt following the Vancouver Canucks 4-1 win over the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 5, I told him that no matter what happens from here on out, I have “a sense of closure”.
Much like the Detroit Red Wings’ 7-1, Game 4 victory over the San Jose Sharks in front of Joe Louis Arena faithfuls, the Canucks have earned some redemption.  Though the Red Wings lost a close one the following game in San Jose, it was nonetheless a classy display put on by Niklas Lidstrom and company.  There is far too much pride and [...]

Following their 5-2  loss to the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 3, the Canucks have essentially one option in Game 4: Win.
Although the Minnesota Wild managed to come from behind twice in one playoff run while down three games to one (against the Colorado Avalanche and our beloved Canucks), it is the exception, not the rule in the NHL.  Very few teams are able to win 3 straight games in a series, particularly when the opposition has dominated them in the early going.  Already having lost the ability to claw home ice advantage away from the Blackhawks, much more is at [...]

In an interview earlier today with Rick Ball from Team 1040 Radio, Kevin Bieksa says the Vancouver Canucks have already forgotten about last game and are focused on Game 2 against the Chicago Blackhawks.
After a commanding 5-1 win over the Blackhawks in front of a stunned sell-out crowd at the United Center in Chicago, the Canucks truly seem focused on the task at hand.  During the interview with Kevin Bieksa, Rick Ball asked Bieksa if he even knew what day of the week it is.  ”Actually, I don’t really.  I know it’s a weekday, but with the schedule that we’ve [...]

After defeating the Los Angeles Kings in Game 6 (as predicted), the Vancouver Canucks get a shot at redemption with the Chicago Blackhawks, who ended their playoff run a year ago.
The Chicago Blackhawks held on Monday night for a 5-3 win over the Nashville Predators, setting up a Canucks – Blackhawks meeting for a second consecutive year.  The Blackhawks, having earned the 2nd seed in the Western conference, will take their turn at home ice advantage in this series.  While the official schedule has not been released yet, Alain Vigneault and the Canucks were informed that their 2nd round series [...]

After losing Game 3, Canucks coach Alain Vigneault called out his top players, including twins Daniel and Henrik Sedin, and goaltender Roberto Luongo.  They were the best players on the ice in a Game 4 win over the Los Angeles Kings.
With a 6-4 victory over the Kings, the Canucks escaped what would surely have been akin to playoff death – being down 3 games to 1 in a best of 7 series.   With the series now tied at 2-2, the format is shortened to a best of 3, with 2 of those in Vancouver, if necessary.  The ‘Cardiac Canucks’ [...]

After a Game 2 overtime loss to the Kings, the series shifts to Los Angeles for games 3 and 4, and the Vancouver Canucks have adjustments to be made.
Post game reaction following Game 1 of this series from Team 1040 call-ins was that this was going to be a long series.  With Los Angeles stealing a split following a 3-2 overtime (powerplay) win over the Canucks, that possibility became more evident.  The change of venue always brings a different look as well, so adjustments in either teams’ game will be tempered by the fact that a different energy will encompass [...]

For the first time in years, all eyes were on the Vancouver Canucks Saturday night, as their leading scorer took control of his own destiny.
With the newfound parity in the league partially created by the “3 point system” (overtime loss points), season’s end creates more subplots.   The last time a Vancouver Canuck was being watched this closely league-wide was when Markus Naslund was chasing Peter Forsberg for the league scoring title.  Naslund would eventually lose that race, due in part to a poor Canuck finish to the season.    But that was a different Canuck franchise.
I claim just about [...]

With 3-2 regulation win over the Vancouver Canucks, the Edmonton Oilers won their third in a row, looking to wreak havoc within the Western conference standings.
Last time out, it was the San Jose Sharks that learned that Edmonton is looking to have the last laugh in the tight Western conference.  Secure in their assured last place (15th) finish in the West, and most likely the entire NHL, the Oilers are having fun with their new power.  The power to frustrate the big guns out West, and to throw major curveballs into others wishes to position well for the playoffs.  That [...]