GAME DAY: Canucks @ Sharks

Game 81 sees the Canucks return to the (looks at his notes) the um, HP Pavillion, affectionately known as The Shark Tank. Meh. From this day forward, we shall call it The Laptop. Anyways, the Canucks playoff position is set, division title clinched and just awaiting an opponent.

So how do they get motivated for this game? Well, there's the opportunity to keep San Jose from clinching top spot in the West, but you know the Sharks will be just as motivated for that reason. There's the chance to tie the team record for most wins in a season, but they had that opportunity against the Avalanche the other night and it didn't quite go to their liking. So I guess the real motivation should be an opportunity for a Sharks team that struggles with self-doubt heading into the playoffs to get a real solid fear put into them. Slap them around at home and let them know that should they be able to overcome the mental block of the 1st round, and more of the same could be waiting for them.

Can the Canucks actually do this? Certainly. They managed to defeat the Sharks at home once this season, and while the Sharks truly are a different beast in the friendly confines of the um, Laptop, they're not an invincible juggernaut. The Canucks will certainly need better team defence, and some of the line changes tonight might be able to help that. Nolan Baumgartner will likely draw into Andrew Alberts' spot and Ryan Johnson has been replaced by Matt Pettinger, who was called up from the Moose after Johnson suffered another fracture blocking shots.

Here's the situation for the Canucks: Lingering doubts about this teams' ability to win in the playoffs, centered around the goaltender. A defence core so beaten and battered it looks more like the starting lineup of the Moose. The bottom 6 still struggling with consistency. Can this team silence the critics? Despite overcoming huge odds, Vancouver's numbers rank them with the elite this season, yet many are loathe to do so because of past performance. Forget the sheer hypocrisy of this, they are right in a way. The regular season proves nothing but home ice in the playoffs.

So despite clearing the 100 point mark and winning their division handily, the Canucks are once again being written off, some even going so far as to say their potential first round match against the Kings should be nothing for LA to fear. No respect. Good. I say let them walk into it cocky. Let them underestimate us. Up until a bad game the other night at the Staples Center the Canucks had handled the Kings easily. Going to predict a cruise to victory on one game? Go for it.

The Canucks may be struggling, as they have all season with injuries. But they are determined, none more so that Henrik and Daniel Sedin. They've had incredible seasons, especially Henrik, who is poised to become the first Canucks player to win the NHL scoring title and possible the Hart trophy as well. There are a number of players who have had career worst years in a season that's turning out to be one of Vancouver's best. They want to prove the critics wrong, and no one more than Roberto Luongo.

The criticism that he couldn't win the big game was vanquished when he backstopped Canada to gold in front of the hometown fans, but when you look at criticisms of the team lately, it's as though it never happened. Is he playing his best hockey right now? No. Is he getting more rest heading into the playoffs than in previous years? Yes. And that could end up being one of the reasons the Canucks are actually a team to fear. So like I said, take the Canucks for granted. You'll be sorry you did.

GAME DAY: Canucks vs. Blue Jackets

Don't look up Ken, that just may be the Sword Of Damocles hanging over your head. A touch dramatic? Perhaps. But I certainly wouldn't put money on Ken Hitchcock having a job with Columbus if they were to get the doors blown off by the Canucks tonight. The Canucks are fresh off a great road swing where they procured 7 of a possible 8 points, including an OT win in St. Louis that saw them come back from a 3-0 deficit. The Blue Jackets meanwhile are 3-13-7 in their last 20, 6-12-4 on the road and a mere 3 points out of the basement of the Western Conference. After last year, when they made the playoffs for the first time in franchise history, you have to know the ownership and management in Columbus are not pleased. So why does a team with a legitimate superstar, solid secondary players and last year's goaltending surprise end up in this situation? Slumps, injuries and the worst sophomore jinx ever. Hitch's defensively responsible style doesn't seem to be working, and certainly isn't winning over the fans in Ohio. If you factor in the 9 OTL points, it makes the situation even worse.

The Jackets have a PP and PK comparable to the Canucks, it's 5 on 5 where they get killed. Their PK will need to be good, as the Canucks have one of the best PP's at home. Henrik Sedin, the NHL's first star of the month for December, continues to have a career year. He currently sits 3 points behind San Jose's Joe Thornton for the scoring lead. He and brother Daniel lit up the opposition for 48 points in December, and became the first brothers since Maurice and Henri Richard to finish 1-2 in scoring in a month. Roberto Luongo has been, well... Luongo-like as of late. He withstood a Dallas barrage, and battened down the hatches against the Blues, giving the Canucks the opportunity to win in every game save 1 or 2 in the month of December. With the Penguins struggles of late, perhaps we can put all this nonsense about who is the #2 to rest, hmm?

The Canucks need to take that killer instinct they showed on the road and apply it at home tonight. This season, as in years past is littered with tales of a Canucks team that got outplayed by teams that had no business walking out of GM Place with 2 points. They sometimes show up a little soft first game back after a road trip, but with how strong they have played as of late, and knowing GM Place is a rink teams fear to enter once again, Coach Alain Vigneault should have his troops ready to roll tonight.

The news on Kevin Bieksa was worse than expected. 2 severed tendons requiring surgery with a 3 month timeline for recovery. The Canucks also place Ryan Johnson on the IR with a fractured foot. Ryan Kesler has certainly stepped up to try and replace Johnson's tenacious shot blocking. Pavol Demitra has been skating with the team, as has call up Brad Lukowich. Demitra should be back on Monday against the Predators, while there is a possibility Lukowich could draw in tonight. Micheal Grabner continues his conditioning with the Moose.

As bad as the Blue Jackets have played this season, the Canucks can't afford to take them lightly, as they try to stockpile wins in preparation for the pre and post Olympic road nightmare.

Monday morning coffee

Well, wasn't that a surprising road trip? 3-0-1, with some gutsy performances from a team that looked like the hockey version of the Washington Generals a few weeks ago. The timing couldn't be better too, as they continue their pursuit of the Flames and Avalanche for control of the Northwest division. Let's look back at the week, and then at the week ahead, shall we? (cue the Tardis noise)

The previous week got off to a glorious start as the Canucks marched into Calgary and laid a little beating on the Flames that was more than just payback for the previous match between the two clubs, but sending a message that this team, when healthy can manhandle the cowpokes. In a season that has been a coming out of sorts, akin to last year's emergence of Kesler and Burrows, Mason Raymond had a hat-trick, including a gut-buster from in front of the benches that no one is gonna let Kiprusoff forget (just ask Dan Cloutier). Roberto Luongo continued his strong December play, and Canucks fans were reminded once again how good this team is when the entire team plays a 60 minute game. And did I mention Kyle Wellwood got the winner?

The Canucks made their way down to Phoenix to play the surprisingly (still...) hot Coyotes. The team had been on a roll at home, and battled the Canucks hard all game, fueled no doubt to help former Canucks backup Jason LaBarbera get a win over his old team. Speaking of former Canucks, Ed Jovonovski's power play goal gave the Coyotes the lead, but it was matched by Mikeal Samuelsson, who has played very well since telling his homeland his thoughts on not being selected for the Olympic team. Petr Prucha restored the lead for the Coyotes, after slicing Kevin Bieksa's calf with his skate in a collision on the boards. Two things about this come to mind: 1) Why is the NHL not using Kevlar socks to keep up with the technological changes to skate blades? and 2) Kevin Bieksa is a cursed man. It looks like a minimum of 2 months recovery for Juice, and considering how much his game dropped after the first time this happened, you have to know the Canucks are concerned about this. The biggest issue for the Canucks this season (IMO) has been their inability to get games to OT. They're losing outright too often, not being able to get that late clutch goal they need. They got it Tuesday, and no surprise... it was KYLE WELLWOOD? Welly goes back to back and the Canucks make it to OT for just the 3rd time this season. Sure the Canucks lost in the shootout, and sure they didn't give Kesler a shot at it (I am sure the stick-breaking that ensued from Mr. Kesler was to do with the loss and nothing more), but they got a point after trailing into the 3rd, and that is a huge step forward for this team.

New Years Eve, and seriously... who wouldn't want to spend it in Missouri? Considering the way the Canucks played the last time they visited the Blues, you had to know they were eager for a little payback. They played well in the 1st, but gave up a late goal to Alex Steen on the 5 minute PP for Rick Rypien and his rule 'interpretation'. The second was a bit of a let down (gasp!) as they soon found themselves down 3-0. Cue the Sedins. Strong down-low work by Daniel and Henrik led to a late goal of their own, giving the Canucks the spark they needed. Sure it was a fluky goal, I mean he didn't mean to bank it in off that skate, right? Another goal after some strong forechecking by Mikeal Samuelsson made it 3-2, and Henrik Sedin late in the 3rd sent the Canucks to their second straight extra session. The Blues have been utterly dreadful at home, and the lack of confidence showed, as the Canucks cashed in on a 4 minute PP via Brad Boyes clipping Ryan Kesler, with Christian Ehrhoff getting the winner. Another character win, and the final nail in the coffin for Andy Murray, who micro-managed himself out of another coaching job.

The last stop on this brief road swing is Dallas, and while the Stars and Marty Turco have been playing better of late, their record is so deceptive because of all the OTL points they have. Lots of emotion in this game, as is always the case with the Stars and Canucks, but it took until late in the 2nd for someone to open the scoring, Ryan Kesler with his 11th gave the Canucks the lead. The Stars thought they had tied it on a goal from Brendan Morrow, but after a surreal 5 minute delay to examine the video replay (the Sportsnet team confirmed it long before the war room did) the goal was waved as Morrow had clearly kicked it in. The Stars were game though, and Loui Eriksson tied it in the first minute of the 3rd. Another bank shot from Daniel however put the Canucks right back into the lead, and Alex Burrows potted an empty-netter with 17 seconds to go to give the Canucks a much-deserved 3-1 win. Odd to see someone win by more than 1 when these two teams play.

The defense of the Canucks has been taking a beating, and not just because of the injury to Bieksa. Mathieu Schneider's dispute with the team that saw him placed on waivers meant a call up of Brad Lukowich from the Texas Stars of the AHL. Both cleared waivers, and Schneider will report to Manitoba (and continue to collect his NHL salary, including bonuses) while Lukowich is in the #7 slot until Aaron Rome shows that he is not what they need in a #6 dman.

3 Stars Of The Week:
1- Henrik Sedin 2 goal, 4 assists and for a moment, the NHL scoring lead. Hank is making a case for the Hart trophy, as he continues his strong play.
2- Roberto Luongo Solid all week, even in the loss as the weak goals that plagued him earlier in the season aren't beating him now. Hitting a nice groove as the Olympics approach.
3- Kyle Wellwood Yes, Wellwood. 2 goals including a game winner and a much improved work ethic. He has to be consistent, but I felt he deserved some recognition.

Another tough week for the Canucks as they return home for another string of home dates. Columbus on Tuesday followed by rematches against Phoenix Thursday and the Flames at home for the first time this season on Saturday night. The Canucks have been one of the league's best at home and will need to continue that trend as the 14 game road trip from hell looms...

GAME DAY: Canucks vs. Capitals

It's always a treat when one of the beasts from the East come to town (thank you Gary Bettman by building the game through lack of exposure to it's greatest talents), and tonight is no exception as Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals take on the Canucks at GM Place. Far from a one man show though, the Caps are near the top of the Eastern Conference with their scary offensive power and a rock solid D led by Mike Green, who should be in the lineup tonight after that hit from behind by Colorado goon David Koci. The Canucks will have their hands full trying to contain Ovi and his mates Nik Backstrom and Alexander Semin, as well as former Canucks C Brendan Morrison, who has seen his career reborn in DC, 9 goals and 24 points for the Pitt Meadows native. The Canucks will be looking to rebound from a disappointing loss to Anaheim on Wednesday as once again the team didn't get the clutch goal they needed to at least get a point after giving up the lead late. Roberto Luongo continued his strong play since returning from injury, and the Sedins are riding an 8 game point streak each heading into tonight's contest. Alex Edler is practicing with the team once again after hurting his shoulder, but likely won't play. Aaron Rome draws in as Mathieu Schneider will sit, as will Darcy Hordichuk, as the embattled Kyle Wellwood gets another shot at redemption tonight against the Caps. Former Hab and Avs goalie Jose Theodore will get the nod tonight against Luongo, puck drop is at 7 pm on TSN.

Canucks 3 Flyers 0

Just one night after an incredibly well-played road effort in New Jersey, the Canucks and Roberto Luongo went into the Comcast Center in Philly, and with Steve Yzerman in the stands, shutout the Flyers 3-0. A very well-rounded defensive effort by the Canucks (in spite of the shot total) as it seemed like the only Flyer who could really get a decent scoring chance was Aaron Asham, who was stoned by Bobby Lu SIX times. You almost feel sorry for the guy. Almost. Goals came from Willie Mitchell on a nice backhand shot off a rebound after Tanner Glass drove to the net (and got away with a little contact on Brian Boucher, which I think he tried too hard to sell), Alex Burrows (off his rear-end) and Christian Ehrhoff. The game wasn't without the traditional Flyers/Canucks ugliness however, most notably legendary D-bag Chris Pronger with a vicious 2 handed chop to the wrist of Ryan Kesler, and a spear by Daniel Briere on Mikeal Samuelsson that the league will likely be looking at given Briere just returned from a suspension for a stick foul, and is a repeat offender. Check out the video below (the spear wasn't detected on the Canucks PPV feed):




Pathetic. Could there be any greater proof that they need to eliminate the instigator penalty? Guys like Briere wouldn't dare try stuff like this if they knew they would be held accountable for their actions on the ice. Not surprised in the least however, as he has proven himself to be a True Flyer, buying in to their long tradition of thuggery and cheapshots (often referred to by those that would defend this garbage as 'old time hockey').

A day off before the ridiculous afternoon game on Saturday (really? 3 games in 4 days and the last one goes at 1:30pm local time? Why Mike Gillis was happy with this schedule is beyond me). That's 10:30 am for those of us here at home. So a lil hockey and a late breakfast, not a bad way to start your weekend, right? Expect Andrew Raycroft to get the start against the surprisingly bad Hurricanes. Sure they have injuries, but no one could have predicted the team would be floundering at the bottom of the NHL's barrel.