(Photo: Canucks TV Screenshot/Canucks.com)

The Vancouver Canucks clinched their fifth straight North West Division title Monday night with a 3-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. While the Canucks have been criticized for their lackluster play as of late, last night’s dominant effort against the Cup contending, conference rival, Blackhawks showed that Vancouver is indeed playoff ready.

The Canucks personifed playoff intensity Monday night, playing physical and outhitting the Blackhawks 37-23, with Maxim Lapierre leading the way with nine hits. All four lines were at their best, getting pucks deep and forechecking hard, something Daniel Sedin said the team set out to do early: “[f]rom the first shift we were focused on getting pucks deep and we were…forechecking the right way, which is a key for our team” (x). The energy they brought early, set the tone for the game, opening the scoring with Jannik Hansen’s first career powerplay goal in the first period, followed by second period goals by Zack Kassian and Daniel Sedin.

After the game, Captain Henrik Sedin noted that it was one of the Canucks’ strongest complete games this year, “[t]here was no hesitation, the [defence] was pinching, [and] the forwards were covering for them,” (x) their full team effort was clearly too much for the Blackhawks to handle. After the loss, Blackhawks Head Coach Joel Quenneville commented that the game “was the worst game of the year” for his club, which suffered their first regulation loss in 12 games (x).

Zack Kassian’s second period goal proved to be especially noteworthy because the assist Daniel Sedin drew on the goal moved Daniel past Markus Naslund as second on the Canucks’ all-time leading scorer list. The Rogers Arena crowd showed their appreciation of his milestone with a standing ovation. “It was a little surprising” says the humble Swede, “second place, I don’t know how big a deal that is…But it was nice for both me and Henrik. It’s a big thing for us” (x).

It took Daniel 905 career games to surpass Markus Naslund as the Canucks’ second leading scorer, not surprisingly that number is identical to the number of games it took Henrik to accomplish the same feat. Daniel, with 758 career points, now only trails his brother Henrik, who stands as the Canucks’ all time leading scorer with 791 career points.

With the playoffs starting in just a week, the Canucks are set to make a long run for the Stanley Cup this year. Henrik Sedin feels confident about his team’s chances stressing, “[t]his year, in this room, we know we have a good team. If we play like this, we’ve got as good of a team as anyone else” (x).

The Canucks have just two regular season games remaining, they face the Anaheim Ducks at home on Thursday, then hit the road to close out the regular season against the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday.

(Photo:VancityAllie/Flickr)

After the Canucks’ premature playoff elimination last April, a majority of the hockey world thought they had seen the last of Roberto Luongo in Vancouver. However, 7 games into the season, not only is Luongo still a Canuck, he will receive his third consecutive start versus the Chicago Blackhawks tonight.

Luongo, who is known for his slow starts to the season, is not wasting any time this year in getting into mid-season form. The Montreal, Quebec native’s game has been solid all season, most evident Wednesday night where he shutout the Colorado Avalanche, stopping all 24 shots he faced, leading the Canucks to a 3-0 victory and earning his 61^st career shutout.

The 33 year old, entering his seventh season with the Canucks, received a warm ovation from the Rogers Arena crowd towards the end of the game, and after being named the game’s first star. “It was nice… [and] [i]t was something I very much appreciated” (x), Luongo noted. Given his stellar performance, Head Coach Alain Vigneault wasted no time Thursday in announcing that Luongo would be starting against the Blackhawks. Not surprising, considering that his goals against average of 1.61 (4^th in the NHL) and save percentage of .938 (5^th in the NHL) showed he is off to one of the best starts of any goalie in the league.

Luongo credits his stellar start to the season to his lockout training regiment, in which he spent 7 weeks in Florida training with goaltending coach, Francois Allaire. Luongo feels that his time with Allaire helped him adapt his game for the better. He explains, “I feel great…I’m moving really well. I’m trying to keep my body centred on every shot and not leaning away from the puck. I’m really happy with the way I’m moving in the crease and the way I’m seeing the puck” (x).

The Olympic Gold medalist has struggled at times when facing the Blackhawks, one of his most demanding opponents, but Luongo is eager to stand up to the challenge tonight. “It’s exciting, nothing better than a game against the Blackhawks to get a little playoff intensity going there” says Luongo, stressing that “[t]hose guys have been one of the top teams in the league so far so it’s a good measuring stick for us” (x). Teammate Daniel Sedin assures that despite what the media may suggest, players in the Canucks lockeroom have no qualms about who starts in goal, game after game. “For us it’s never been an issue…[because] [w]e’re confident in both goalies, they’ve been good so far so it’s a non-issue for us” (x).

Luongo is making the most of his time with the Canucks, emphasizing, “I don’t know what the future holds, with this situation…I’m just enjoying every moment right now and having fun being around the guys and playing some hockey” (x). In true Lu fashion, he’s staying humble, full of class and grace: “I’m in a happy place right now, playing well, the team’s playing well, and I just want keep ’er going” (x). Cool, calm, and collected Luongo looks to be playing with a point to prove, that point being that he is still an elite contender who is ready, more than ever, to carry his team to win the NHL championship.

(Photo: Loxy!!/flickr)

Many Canucks fans were less than ecstatic after hearing about the acquisition of Zack Kassian at last season’s trade deadline, particularly due to what it cost to bring him to Vancouver: Cody Hodgson. Not surprising, considering that prior to the trade deadline, there were talks of Hodgson being a potential candidate for the NHL’s Calder Trophy as Rookie of the Year. Kassian’s less than stellar start with the Canucks (1 goal and 2 assists in 17 games played), did not help matters either. More recently though, after dedicating himself to an intense off-season training program and following it up with extra allotted development time (as a result of the NHL lockout), Zack Kassian is showing that Mike Gillis’ investment in the 6’3, 214 pound, youngster will eventually pay for itself.

In 7 games played this season with the Canucks’ AHL affiliate, the Chicago Wolves, Kassian stands as the team’s current leading scorer, having recorded 5 points (4 goals and 1 assist) thus far, illustrating that he has more to offer than just size and strength. This past weekend, he pleasantly surprised many Canucks fans present for a 2 game match-up seeing the Chicago Wolves face off against the Abbotsford Heat. Kassian notched a goal in each game and did not hesitate to showcase his multidimensional game-play, by dropping the gloves and coming out victorious. His newly found offensive skill is especially hard to overlook, with him having scored the first goal in four of the Wolves last five games (x).

The Windsor, Ontario native credits his recent success to the summer training program designed for him by the Canucks, which had him traveling to receive specialized training in Vancouver, Portland, and Winnipeg. Kassian’s training program consisted of training for 7 days in Vancouver with the Sedin twins, 10 days in Portland’s Nike High Performance Centre, and 3 weeks in Winnipeg with skills coach, Glenn Carnegie (x). His time with the twins proved to be extremely influential, Kassian explains, “[t]hose guys are great role models…They are always doing extra. When you see players like that with their caliber of skill working that hard it is kind of an eye-opener as a rookie to work even harder” (x).

Canucks General Manager, Mike Gillis is thrilled by how Kassian’s development has progressed: “You can see that the pace of his play is much higher…When he takes off now with the puck he is pulling away from people…He worked really hard and is getting results because of it” (x). Gillis went on to say that he and assistant General Manager, Lorne Henning believe that the young gun may be a stride or two ahead of where he was last season, which is promising news for Canucks fans.

Kassian’s development is a result of his positive attitude and strong mindset, which will be an invaluable asset for his future in the NHL. Chicago Wolves coach, Scott Arniel discloses that “[Kass is] eager to learn and recognizes the opportunity that’s been put in front of him” (x), something that can be hard to find in young players.

The big right-winger has noticed the difference in his game, proclaiming, “I feel quicker…I feel like I got a step faster” after having lost a few pounds and put on lean muscle (x). He adds that with playing more minutes, he is starting to feel confident with the puck, and is making more smart plays every game; the numbers speak for themselves. Kassian’s determination and willingness to learn should assure his future success with the Canucks, especially when he’s declared, “[m]y goal is to make my teammates and my coaches happy. I’m prepared to do whatever it takes” (x).

Canucks fans should find comfort in knowing he has shown signs of becoming something the team has been lacking, and desperately needing, since the days of Todd Bertuzzi, a strong, dominate power forward. There is no telling how far perseverance can take a player like Kassian, but Mike Gillis seems confident that “[i]f he continues doing what he’s doing I don’t see why [Zack] wouldn’t get a great opportunity with our team to show what he can do” (x).

(Photo: forever-canuck/Tumblr)

With the NHL lockout now in full force and negotiations at a stand still, it seems hockey fans will have to continue to be patient and wait indefinitely to see their favourite players back in action. Many NHLers, including the likes of, Rick Nash, Alexander Ovechkin, Pavel Datysuk, and Jason Spezza (just to name a few) have already opted to play in Europe for the duration of the lockout. Fortunately, Canucks fans will not have to wait for the end of the lockout to see some of their favourite Canucks hit the ice, thanks to Kevin Bieksa.

Bieksa, recognizing that local charities are suffering as a result of the NHL lockout, has organized a charity hockey game to be played at the University of British Columbia’s Doug Mitchell Sports Centre in Vancouver on October 17, 2012. The game will have “Bieksa’s Buddies,” consisting of fellow Canucks, Daniel and Henrik Sedin, Maxim Lapierre, Dan Hamhuis, Manny Malhotra, and Cory Schneider, take on the UBC Thunderbirds. Net proceeds from the game will go to support local organizations such as Canuck Place Hospice, Canucks Autism Network and the Canucks Family Education Centre. Tickets for the game went on sale October 6, 2012 and sold out in just twenty minutes, roughly raising $100,000 for the three charities (x).

Bieksa stresses the need for such an event, explaining, “[t]hese organizations do great work for our community” and they “need funds to continue operating their programs” (x). Elated that tickets sold out so quickly, Bieksa values the public’s support for the game: “It shows the passion of the community here and how much they miss hockey. We’re looking forward to putting on a good show for them” (x).

The Grimsby, Ontario native notes that in addition to ticket revenue, further funds will be collected via a 50/50 draw and online auctions of jerseys and other sports memorbilia, with hopes of raising over $100,000 (x). Aside from the obvious financial support the game will provide the charities, Debbie Butt, director of marketing and communications for Canuck Place, appreciates such an event simply because it helps “build…awareness that [these charities] need funding” (x) and hopefully encourages others to donate.

While Bieksa hopes to be playing NHL hockey again soon, he has hinted at the possibility of holding another charity game in the future, proposing, “[i]f the event goes smoothly we’ll work on another one if the lockout continues” (x).

The event also seems to have become a family affair for the Canucks blueliner, who will be skating alongside one of his brothers and will have his father, Big Al, referee the game. Bieksa jokes, “[d]on’t be surprised if I’m in the penalty box at one point even if I don’t deserve it” (x). The game, much like Kevin Bieksa himself, will not disappoint and guarantees to be a thrill to watch.

in his natural habitat.

Today on Canucks in Wonderland, I spy with my little eye, Mason Raymond in his natural habitat.

Mason Raymond and Tanner Glass (Photos: Adrienne C./UBC)

Yes, I know, it’s not a very good picture. But today, spotted practicing up at UBC was in fact none other than Mason Raymond, Tanner Glass (who has recently signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins), Daniel Sedin (minus Henrik)  and some various others.

All those practicing today were not wearing the jerseys of their respective teams, but jerseys that said NHLPA on the front and #theplayers on the back. Of course, the main reason for that is simply that there is still a lockout going on.

Others who were also up at UBC this morning, included Cory Schneider, Maxim Lapierre, Chris Higgins and Willie Mitchell of the LA Kings.

Let it also be known that I miss hockey.

Huh.

Today on Canucks in Wonderland…

The Vancouver Canucks – Era: 2011 (Photo: Naki Edits/canucks.com)

The Vancouver Canucks are separated into their individual districts and their industries, specialties and most notable members (and the up and coming) are determined.

Sweden

• Industry: style, twins, sleepy eagles
• Notable Members: the Sedin Twins, Alex Edler
• Specialties: Tick Tack Toe Passing, sleeping, being stylish
• Up and Coming Members: Eddie Lack (modeling, Swedish goalie extrordinaire)

Canada

• Industry: sassy French men, a Juice box who likes milk dogs, ‘Kids Who Could Play With Cigarettes in their Mouths’ and men who can grow amazing beards
• Notable Members: Alain Vigneault, Alex Burrows, Hammer the community man, Luu the amazing goalie and Kevin Bieksa
• Specialties: Sass, the art of growing beards (see: Kevin Bieksa, Dan Hamhuis),  the attempt at the art of growing beards (see: Mason Raymond).
• Up and Coming Members: Frankie Corrado; Italian

United States of America

• Industry: sets of Abs, Golden Locks of American Freedom and impressionists Extrordinaire
• Notable Members: Chris Higgins, David Booth and Ryan Kesler (the American Express) and Cory Schneider (impressionist extrordinaire)
• Specialties: the showing off of abs and the impersonating of his teammates/coach
• Up and Coming Members: Jordan Schroeder; Darth Vader (references at x and x)

Denmark

• Industry: a unique set of vocal chords , the art of growing beards
• Notable Members: Jannik Hansen
• Specialties: being fiesty and ‘hot’ at all the right times, also the art of growing beards
• Up and Coming Members: Nicklas Jensen, the little Danish Prince

(Photo:VancityAllie/Flickr)

The expected wave of criticism surrounding the Canucks and their disappointing early exit from the playoffs this season is in full force. Critics and fans alike have heeded every opportunity to lay the blame and find reasons for why a team favoured to win it all this year was eliminated just five games into the post-season. Everyone from the likes of General Manager, Mike Gillis, to players including Ryan Kesler, David Booth, Chris Higgins, and Alexandre Burrows have been targeted for the team’s inability to advance past the first round. Scrutiny following the team’s elimination by the LA Kings has not escaped Head Coach Alain Vigneault either, despite him having lead the team to two back-to-back President’s trophies and its fifth North-West division title in six years.

Frustrated fans have criticized Vigneault for everything from his constant line juggling to benching certain players, and allotting excessive ice time to underachievers. While he may be a scapegoat for those looking to incriminate someone for the Canucks’ disheartening end to the season, Mike Gillis recognizes just how valuable Vigneault is to the team. Gillis assures that he is proud of what the Canucks have accomplished in the the last few years under Vigneault and is confident in wanting to keep him behind the bench. Gillis explains, “I feel very comfortable with Alain as a coach…He’s done an excellent job, and I don’t know why you wouldn’t want somebody back that has done an excellent job and has the results to show for it” (x). Gillis, who won General Manager of the Year at the 2011 NHL Awards, has nothing but praise for Vigneault, who became the Canucks’ winningest coach in franchise history early this season after recording his 247^th win.

Vigneault’s biggest critics never fail to point out that he has yet to bring a Stanley Cup to Vancouver, but tend to overlook the simple fact that he has shown that he has what it takes to win. In his six years as Head Coach, Vigneault has brought five North-West division titles, two President’s trophies, and a Western Conference championship to Vancouver. Vigneault has also been a finalist for the Jack Adam’s award as, NHL Coach of the Year, three times in his career, winning the award in 2007. The Quebec City native’s winning ways are also reflected in the individual successes of certain Canucks such as Ryan Kesler (Selke Trophy), Henrik Sedin (Art Ross and Hart trophies), Daniel Sedin (Art Ross and Ted Lindsay trophies), Roberto Luongo, and Cory Schneider (William Jenning’s Trophy) who have excelled under his coaching system.

Although Vigneault’s system and methods may be unconventional, his track record of success speaks for itself. After all, it was Vigneault, amidst his line-juggling, that placed Alexandre Burrows, a hard-nosed, grinder on a line with offensive minded, Henrik and Daniel Sedin. Since then the unexpected trio has been proven to be one of the best top lines in the NHL. In Vigneault, the team has a coach that thinks outside of the box and will not hesitate to conjure up new strategies to assure victory. His atypical coaching style also keeps the opposition guessing and envious of what he may think of next. So with just one year remaining on Vigneault’s current deal, it is no surprise that Mike Gillis has said that securing AV’s spot behind the Canucks bench for years to come is “the first thing on [his] agenda” this off-season (x). Gillis also confirms that Vigneault would like to stay the Canucks’ bench boss, having “made every indication that he does want to come back and coach this team” (x).

In the end, Alain Vigneault can not solely be held responsible for the Canucks pre-mature exit from a playoffs that has been far from convention, having seen both teams from the previous year’s finals eliminated in the first round. The Canucks abrupt end to the season is also not a reflection of AV’s coaching ability, having shown last June, after taking his team to within one win of a Stanley Cup, that he is equipped to go the distance. Gillis stands by Vigneault and notes that “having a good head coach is one reason [other teams are] envious” (x) of the Canucks. Gillis goes on to credit Vigneault’s accomplishments with the team and stresses the importance of maintaining him as Head Coach, explaining, “we [have] accomplished 98 percent of what we set out to do, and in those circumstances most people continue on and continue with the plan…to finish off the last two percent” (x). Clearly, with reason, that plan includes Alain Vigneault as Head Coach.

Fans should be reassured by the confidence Mike Gillis, the NHL’s reigning General Manager of the Year, has in Vigneault. They should keep faith in the fact that it is only a matter of time before the Canucks most winningest coach in franchise history rallies his troops and leads them to only thing left for him to win, the Stanley Cup. Remember Canucks fans, patience is a virtue.

The Canucks thank the fans. (Photo: Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images)

Welcome to the Stanley Cup Playoffs 2012.

Welcome to the place where dreams are made, dreams are broken and where we the fans will see history go down.

Welcome to Finding Stanley Round 1; Game 5 of the Western Conference Quarter Finals; in which the Vancouver Canucks (1^st in the Conference) go up against the Los Angeles Kings (8^th in the Conference).

Now let’s get started!

Lining Up – Fun Facts

• Tonight’s lineup saw Alex Dragon Slayer split up from his usual linemates, the twins. The Sedins would instead play with David Booth, thus meaning the very famous AMEX line was split up for tonight’s game as well. The second line, which would usually consist of Chris Higgins, Ryan Kesler and David Booth, instead saw Ryan Kesler centering Maxim Lapierre and Alex Burrows. The third and fourth lines would consist of Chris Higgins, Samuel Pahlsson and Jannik Hansen and Mason Raymond – Manny Malhotra and Dale Weise respectively.
• Our D-pairings tonight would remain the same, except for between the pipes. Cory Schneider would be the goalie out on the ice tonight.
• Tonight’s game also saw the return of the Green Men; who were seated in their usual spot next to the opponent’s penalty box!!
• Please note that this is also Sami Salo’s 100th playoff game! Congratulations Sami and may you come back to play with us next year!

The Fun Facts of the First, Second, Third and Overtime

• Tonight’s First Period saw 1 goal, 4 penalties, 14 shots on net, a Green Men sighting,  some De-Schneids, a fantastic singing of the Anthems and the Power of Towels.
• Let me just say, it is ALWAYS nice to hear Mark Donnolly sing Canada’s National Anthem for us during the playoffs and to see those white towels waving in the air at Rogers Arena. yes.
• And thus the first goal of the game goes to Canucks Captain Henrik Sedin! This is his second goal and 5^th point of the series!
• The Second Period on the other hand, did not see much, but for 2 penalties, 20 shots on net, several good scoring chances and plenty of players being De-Schneided.
• Said scoring chances were provided by both twins and Vancouver’s resident Danish Ninja: Jannik Hansen!
• The Third Period once again saw shouts of #WINDATURD from Canucks Journalist Derek Jory and Canucks fans. It also saw 1 goal, 1 penalty, a post, and more De-Schneiding.
• Said goal was scored by Brad Richardson of the LA Kings, thus making the score 1-1.
• I would also like to take the opportunity to thank the Posts on either side of Cory Schneider for helping us tonight. I appreciate it and I salute you!
• And then came Overtime. In which Playoff Overtimes consist of 20 minutes and not the 5 minutes in regular season and this one ended and ended too quickly.
• And thus the Game Winning Goal went to Jarret Stoll and the LA Kings.
• Congratulations LA.

And thus the LA Kings take game 5 and win the series against the Vancouver Canucks 4 to 1. Congratulations on your advancement to the Second Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs!!! You played well and I commend you for that!

To the Vancouver Canucks: Thank you. Thank you for everything. You played well, we’ll see you next year and we hope that next year’s run for Lord Stanley is long and successful!!

Welcome to the Stanley Cup Playoffs 2012.

Welcome to the place where dreams are made, dreams are broken and where we the fans will see history go down.

Good Luck everybody.

Have fun.

And may the odds ever be in your favour.

 

Celebration! (Photo: Rich Lam/Getty Images)

Welcome to the Stanley Cup Playoffs 2012.

Welcome to the place where dreams are made, dreams are broken and where we the fans will see history go down.

Welcome to Finding Stanley Round 1; Game 1 of the Western Conference Quarter Finals; in which the Vancouver Canucks (1^st in the Conference) go up against the Los Angeles Kings (8^th in the Conference).

Let’s get started!

Lining Up – Fun Facts

• Today’s line ups saw Mason Raymond back to the lineup. He would play on the 1^st line alongside Captain Hank and Alex Dragon Slayer.  The second line would remain the same, as well as the third. The fourth line, however; consisted of Manny Malhotra, Zack Kassian and Byron Bitz. Marc Andre Gragnani, Daniel Sedin, Andrew Ebbett, Dale Weise and Andrew Alberts were all scratched, some due to injuries and others simply as healthy scratches.
• Our d pairings would remain the same as they did against the Edmonton Oilers and in goal last night was our regular starter Roberto Luongo!
• The Green Men were also seen in Rogers Arena tonight, seated in their usual place next to the opponent’s penalty box. Their sign tonight? ‘This run is for Rypper’ in honor of late Canuck Rick Rypien.

 Fun Facts of the First, Second and the Third Period

• The First Period saw 2 goals, 6 penalties, 19 shots on net and plenty of LUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUing.
• The first goal of the night and of the series went to Alex Burrows, who turned 31 yesterday. What a way to spend your birthday! Congratulations Alex and Happy Birthday!!
• LUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUuuu.
• There were plenty of those throughout the night, but not as much as there was during the first period. LUUUUUU would echo throughout Rogers Arena plenty of times over the course of the first 10 minutes.
• There were also plenty of good chances for us to score and lengthen our lead, but unfortunately the puck did not hit the back of the net. It was a very good try on the part of  Messers Booth, Kesler, Raymond and Burrows though.
• The second goal of the night went to Mike Richards and the LA Kings on the powerplay. The score would then be 1-1.
• The Second Period would see 2 more goals, 5 penalties, a post and 24 more shots on net.
• Former Canuck Willie Mitchell would score a power play goal for the LA Kings, making the score 2-1.
• However, their lead was short lived as Alex ‘Eagle’ Edler slipped one past Jonathan Quick, tying the game once more.
• And the post decided it was our friend tonight as a shot of an LA King somehow richoched off said post and out.
• The 3^rd and Final Period contained 2 goals, 2 penalties and 22 shots total.
• Dustin Penner would score for the Kings, as well as Kings Captain Dustin Brown, who would score an empty netter which would also serve as the game winning goal.
• The final score would be 4-2 in favour of the Kings.

And thus game 1 goes to the LA Kings.

Congratulations LA, we’ll see you in Rogers Arena on Friday for Game 2.

Welcome to the Stanley Cup Playoffs 2012.

Welcome to the place where dreams are made, dreams are broken and where we the fans will see history go down.

Good Luck everybody.

Have fun.

And may the odds be ever in your favour.

Congratulations! (Photo: Rich Lam/Getty Images)

Opponent: The Edmonton Oilers.

Total number of times we’ve faced the Oilers: 5

Number of wins against the Oilers: 4

Game Number: 82.

Number of Games left in the season: 0

So let’s get to it!

Lining Up: Fun Facts

• Last night’s changes to the lineup saw Andrew Ebbett to the first line alongside Henrik Sedin and Alex Burrows. Maxim Lapierre would play on the second line, alongside David Booth and Ryan Kesler. Chris Higgins, in turn would play on the third line with Samuel Pahlsson and Jannik Hansen. The 4^th and final line would consist of Manny Malhotra, Dale Weise and the newly recalled Byron Bitz.
• Our d-pairings consisted of Alex Edler and Kevin Bieksa, Dan Hamhuis and Chris Tanev and Aaron Rome and Sami Salo.
• And you may have noticed that Mason Raymond did not play last night. That was due the fact that his wife was expected to give birth last night. And give birth she did! And therefore I extend a congratulations to Mason and Megan Raymond on their baby boy: Max Raymond!

The Fun Facts of the First, Second and Third Period

• The First Period consisted of several really, REALLY nice saves, 5 penalties and 22 shots total.
• I have nothing else to report for said period.
• The Second Period, on the other hand saw 2 POSTs, 1 goal, 4 penalties, a LUUUUUUUUUUU and 15 shots total.
• Canucks Captain Henrik Sedin scored one for the Canucks though not before several shots rang of the post.
• The post could not seem to decide whose side it was on last night, as 3 shots went of the post, 2 would ring of the post next to netminder Roberto Luongo and the third (as shot by rookie defenceman Chris Tanev) would ring of the post next to Devan Dubnyk.
• LUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU
• The Third and Final Period saw 2 goals, 1 penalty and plenty of cheering.
• Samuel Pahlsson and the beautiful blonde locks of American Freedom David Booth would score for the Canucks.
• Roberto Luongo and Kevin Bieksa would get an assist on David Booth’s goal, which was also the GWG of the final game of the season.
• The Canucks would go on to win the game 3-0 and would leave Rogers Arena with their fans on their feet and their heads held high.

And thus the Vancouver Canucks will enter the 2012 playoffs with 111 points and number 1 in their division, their conference and in the League.

Congratulations on clinching the top spot in the NHL!

Next up: The Fight for Stanley begins April 11^th 2012. The Canucks face off against Jonathan Quick and the LA Kings in Round 1.

Good Luck everyone and may the odds be EVER in your favour!