After a horrible slide in January that had most of us hoping and praying that the Canucks could turn things around and get a sniff at the post season the next couple months more than made up for that stretch. February and March were months to remember for the Canucks as they were the best team in the NHL during this time.
The team was on such a roll that we caught the Flames for the division lead, a team that at one point held a 12 point lead with games in hand. Truly an remarkable feat.
Before March had ended we saw ourselves briefly in the Northwest lead only to have issues with the first 3 games in April and let the Flames back in the drivers seat for the title. Fortunately last night we faced the Flames and our captain held us in the game long enough for us to get our legs and we pulled out a 4-1 victory.
Luongo played fantastically stopping 46 shots thrown his way and Ohlund scored on 2 of his point shots to frustrate what the Flames must have felt was a great effort.
Now with 2 games left the Canucks and Flames are tied with 96 points, the Flaming C's holding the tie break. So we must pick up one more point on Calgary in the final two games to take the division away, come on Oilers.
The most important aspect of this whole scenario is the fact that no matter what happens we are in the post season. Canuck Nation will once again be able to watch their team battle for the ultimate prize. Sadly I shouldn't be as excited as I am about my team simply making the playoffs, but thus is the life of a Canucks fan!
So in roughly one weeks time we will be watching our Canucks embark on the long journey for Lord Stanley's mug, it will be down to 16 teams from 30. Still to be determined is where exactly we finish in the regular season standings which could be anywhere from 3rd to 6th, most probably either 3rd or 5th looking forward to the coming schedule. Which would give us a first round match-up vs. either Columbus, who will be making their first playoff appearance in franchise history, or Chicago who we have seen in the past at this time of the year.
I have a good feeling that we can best either of these foes in a 7 games series so who we play really does not concern me. This years version of the Canucks has fought through much adversity stemming not only from the off season but as close as last week when the Canucks lost a member of it's extended family so suddenly.
Our captain is showing that he is rounding into his elte form just in time for the real season and throughout the year we have shown that our achilles heel the past couple years (ie. scoring) is not as much of an issue anymore.
The Sedin's are looking to improve on their best season as Canucks and prove that despite popular opinion they can indeed play when it counts. I think that Mats will improve his play in the playoffs and make less people wonder why Gillis made him an off-season (and regular season) UFA signing priority.
What can I say I hope that all of you are as excited as I for next week. The journey is only beginning and I have a good feeling about this team - could this finally be THE year.
Only time will tell and I will enjoy the ride.
Go Canucks Go!
