The Vancouver Canucks have kicked off a new decade. We’re taking one more trip down memory lane to look at the best of the best in the 2010s.
The first half of the 2010s decade was the greatest stretch run in the history of the Vancouver Canucks. They won four straight Northwest Division titles from 2010 to ’13, two Presidents’ Trophies (2011 and 2012) plus a trip to the Stanley Cup Final in 2011.
But Vancouver wound up making the postseason just once between the 2013-14 and 2018-19 seasons. The silver lining is that they received plenty of high end draft picks, which led to the arrivals of Elias Pettersson, Brock Boeser and Quinn Hughes.
As we prepare to endure a new decade of Vancouver Canucks hockey, staff writers at The Canuck Way decided to reflect one last time on the very best of a special 2010s decade. Brayden Ursel Jacob Calvert and myself decided to run an unofficial team award ceremony.
And without further ado, we present the following awards for the Canucks in the 2010s decade.
Best goal
This was an easy one for me. It took no more than five seconds to think.
That would be Daniel Sedin’s between-the-legs goal against the Calgary Flames on Apr. 10, 2010. Brother Henrik delivered a fancy tip pass to his twin, and Daniel scored the prettiest goal of his career to put Vancouver up 6-2.
T’was a fine exclamation point on another Northwest Division-winning season.
Best save
Roberto Luongo received plenty of criticism for his inconsistent performances in big games, but there’s no denying that he carried his team on the back more often than not.
Unsurprisingly, Bobby Lou takes home the save of the decade award. It took place in Game 6 of the Canucks’ first round match up against the Los Angeles Kings. Luongo got a glove on a point-blank shot by Ryan Smyth to keep it a one-goal game.
The Canucks would go on to win the game 4-2, thus clinching the series. If Luongo didn’t make that save, Vancouver would have probably had to go back home for Game 7.
Best moment
Two words: Dragon slayer.
Alexandre Burrows ripped a slap shot past Corey Crawford in Game 7 of the opening round in 2011 to send Vancouver to the second round. It took them three opportunities to eliminate the arch rival Chicago Blackhawks. Burrows delivered when Vancouver needed it most.
You may suggest Kevin Bieksa’s infamous “stanchion” goal against the San Jose Sharks — which sent Vancouver to the Stanley Cup Final — should be on here instead. But without Burrows’ heroics, the Bieksa goal doesn’t happen.
Best trade
Former general manager Mike Gillis and current GM Jim Benning made plenty of questionable trades during the 2010s. But the former at least set up Vancouver’s rebuild nicely at the 2013 draft, when he traded goalie Cory Schneider to the New Jersey Devils for the ninth overall selection.
The Canucks took Bo Horvat with that pick. And the rest, as they say, is history.
Best signing
Looking to upgrade their blue line, the Canucks inked B.C. boy Dan Hamhuis to a bargain six-year deal worth $27 million. Hamhuis provided incredible defensive play, superb leadership and remarkable performances on the special teams unit.
This was one of the rare instances where the Canucks actually hit a home run in free agency during the 2010s.
Best draft pick
The 2017 NHL draft was widely regarded as one of the weakest in recent memory, with no Connor McDavid or Sidney Crosby-caliber players available.
Benning went off the board and took Pettersson with the No. 5 overall pick that year. I’d say that selection turned out nicely!
Next up, Brayden shares his picks for four best forward, best defenceman, best goalie and best two-way forward.