It's a question that people have been answering with vigor for 2 months. People all over BC are very excited about the prospect of the Canucks winning the Stanley Cup. A sports analyst commented that he was most excited for the fans, if Vancouver were to win.
With 1 game into the Stanley Cup finals, I can't help but finally feel some confidence in the outcome of this season. I have struggled with my confidence in the Canucks, and rightfully so. For years (decades?) they have come very close, and been very prepared to win hockey's holy grail, only to slip, trip, or just plain fail. It's been agonizing on one hand, yet predictable at the same time. But now, after beating Boston only once, I'm finally convinced we have what it takes to beat everyone, and be the best.
The fate of the Canucks is very important to me. I started following the 2010-11 season back in August. Really. I read the paper every day that I work, and while 'The Province' is a glorified high school newspaper in my opinion, they have 1st rate Canucks coverage. I have followed the news, stats and players very closely since before opening day, and it makes me happy to know so much about the team I enjoy watching so much.
Moving to Victoria in September 2010, I was leaving a lot of my friends behind. Many nights where I would otherwise be with friends, I instead spent watching Canucks games. Because of this, I have never watched as much hockey as I have this year.
I feel like I know more than the average fan, and I also feel like I want the cup more. I also feel like when a potential victory belongs to the fans, like the analyst said, that he's speaking directly to me.
I can talk all day about the players on the roster this year. What I like, their story, and what they've done for the Canucks in 2010-11.
As far as the skaters on the team, the head office put Vancouver in very good shape this year. The depth alone was a driving factor for Hockey News to predict Vancouver to win the cup back in September, a magazine I got for my birthday that month.
Alex Bolduc, Victor Oreskovich, and Sergei Shirokov saw really limited time for the big club this season, and spent most of their season with the Canucks AHL affiliate, the Manitoba Moose. Bolduc and Oreskovich are currently with the big club, switching between being scratched and 4th line duty. Same story for Cody Hodgson, except the expectations were much higher for Cody. A 4th liner from years past, Rick Rypien, didn't last long. After a scuffle with a Minnesota fan in the fall, he went into rehab for alcoholism. He finished the year with the Moose. The most consistent 4th liner was Tanner Glass, who fights a little but has really improved this season. Jeff Tambellini is the last 4th liner, who also spent time with the Moose and is currently with the Canucks. Tambo doesn't get much ice time, but he sure makes the most of it.
The 3rd line saw Glass sometimes, but most commonly featured Jannik Hansen and Raffi Torres. Torres was an offseason acquisition, and I was stoked, remembering how often he torched the Canucks while playing for the Oilers. Hansen is also a beast, and he's my 2nd favorite Canuck. The guy can skate and he can hit. My favorite Canuck, Manny Malhotra, centered the 3rd line until he suffered a career threatening eye injury. What made him my favorite player was the smaller parts of the game that he excelled at. He was one of the Canucks best penalty killers, and he was the in the top 3 in faceoffs in the league all year. After the trade deadline, Chris Higgins and Max Lapierre both spent time on the 3rd line, and they've both been huge in the playoffs.
The 2nd line was usually Kesler, Raymond, and Samuelsson. If 1 canuck won't be pleased with their season, it'll be either Raymond or Samuelsson. Kesler was on beast mode most of the year though, and I really hope he wins the Selke trophy for best defensive forward. I also hope he lifts the Conn Smythe right after lifting the Stanley Cup. One thing about Kesler, he always kept it light off the ice.
The most consistent line all year was the 1st line of Daniel and Henrik Sedin, and Alex Burrows. Henrik was made captain before the faceoff of the season opener in October, after winning the league MVP last year. After following the Sedins since they were drafted, I think 2009-2010 may have been the only year Daniel had less points than Henrik. Oh well, Dank made up for it this year, leading the league in scoring. New captain next season?? Either way, the boys are sick. Ridiculously good goals.
Not much to say about the top 6 defensemen, who made up the leagues best d-corps. Bieksa/Hamhuis, Edler/Ehrhoff, and Salo/Ballard were the usual suspects, but often there were a few guys injured. The fill ins were amazing. Chris Tanev would have been a staple during the playoffs if it hadn't been for a serious concussion late in the year. Lee Sweatt also saw a little time, and made the most of it with a sick game winner and an equally sick reaction to scoring. Aaron Rome and Andrew Alberts played the most out of the reserve d-men, and are still with the Canucks for the finals.
Behind them, Luongo was his usual self, only playing less games. He learned to play back in his net more, resulting in a better G.A.A. than recent years. Cory Schneider was easily the league's best back up goalie, making Vancouver the best defensive team in the league.
How important is the fate of the Canucks to me? I'll be really happy to see the Canucks do well, and they've already done that. I lowered my expectations long ago, and now I'm just enjoying the ride.
Mike
'Where the oar and the axe flies'
