The Canuck Way
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Canucks: The best moments of the 2019-20 season

By Joshua Rey

EDMONTON, ALBERTA - SEPTEMBER 03: Thatcher Demko #35 of the Vancouver Canucks is congratulated by his teammates after his 4-0 shutout victory against the Vegas Golden Knights in Game Six of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place on September 03, 2020 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
EDMONTON, ALBERTA - SEPTEMBER 03: Thatcher Demko #35 of the Vancouver Canucks is congratulated by his teammates after his 4-0 shutout victory against the Vegas Golden Knights in Game Six of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place on September 03, 2020 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FLORIDA – JANUARY 07: Antoine Roussel #26 of the Vancouver Canucks and Mitchell Stephens #67 of the Tampa Bay Lightning fights for the puck during a game at Amalie Arena on January 07, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA – JANUARY 07: Antoine Roussel #26 of the Vancouver Canucks and Mitchell Stephens #67 of the Tampa Bay Lightning fights for the puck during a game at Amalie Arena on January 07, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

Seven-game winning streak

One of the highest points of the regular season was a seven-game win streak through the holiday season. It began with a 5-4 overtime win at home over the Vegas Golden Knights. Tanev recorded the overtime winner, and Pettersson scored two goals. This game is also remembered as the last time Josh Leivo suited up for the Canucks in 2019-20, as he was hit into the boards by Nick Holden and was sidelined for the season with a fractured kneecap.

Home wins against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Edmonton Oilers and Kings followed. A 5-2 win against the Calgary Flames marked a superb ending to the 2019 calendar year.

Vancouver started off 2020 with a thrilling 7-5 home win over the Chicago Blackhawks, and they followed it up with a 2-1 victory over the New York Rangers. Markstrom  was instrumental in keeping the streak in tact; he made six starts during the stretch.

Unfortunately, the streak ended in rough fashion: A 9-2 road loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, who extended their own winning streak to eight games. Vancouver wasn’t perfect during the streak by any means, but it was a fun to see them win seven in a row for the first time since the 2013-14 season. (Yes, the John Tortorella year.)

Sedins’ retirement night

On Feb. 12, the Sedins were both immortalized in franchise lore. Daniel’s No. 22 and Henrik’s No. 33 were both raised to the rafters, never to be worn by a Canuck again. It was a celebration to their contributions on and off the ice.

Not sure if there was a dry eye in the house, either. At least, there wasn’t for me.

Members of the 2011 team that went to the Stanley Cup Final returned, including Mason Raymond, Alex Burrows, Roberto Luongo, Kevin Bieska and Ryan Kesler. Franchise legends and former captains Markus Naslund, Trevor Linden and the aforementioned Stan Smyl were also in attendance.

Brian Burke, the man who made the deals to draft both Sedin twins in 1999, was also there with fellow former Vancouver GMs Dave Nonis and Mike Gillis.

Bieksa was the emcee for the ceremony, cracking many jokes during his speech.

Both Daniel and Henrik gave their speeches, thanking the many current and former members of the organization, further showing us why they are beloved in Vancouver.

Finally, the numbers were raised.

https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1227788404127141888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1227788404127141888%7Ctwgr%5Eshare_3&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fdailyhive.com%2Fvancouver%2Fcanucks-sedins-jersey-retirement-ceremony

The Canucks didn’t play particularly well during the game against the Blackhawks. They managed only 20 shots on goal while the Blackhawks got 49. Despite being outplayed, Vancouver won 3-0, with Markstrom tuning in perhaps his best game as a Canuck.

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