Another in a long line of the most difficult posts to make. Thanks to being a fan of the 'Nucks, though, I'm getting kind of used to it. There really isn't much need to delve into a recap of last night's match, so instead I will quickly make a couple of points and then talk about how you still love and support your team even in hard times.
It was a 5-1 final in Game 6 of the 'Nucks/Hawks series, eliminating the Orca, and sending the Hawks into an exciting Western Finals match up with San Jose. I was in San Jose this weekend, by the way, and the town is buzzing with hockey excitment. Here is what I think after letting the frustration settle down over the last 12 or so hours:
-- This was so like the Canucks: Memories of last year, first and foremost, but now my boys have been eliminated in the second round 3 out of the last 4 years. In fact, my boys haven't advance past the Western Conference Semifinals since 1994, when A) I became a fan thanks to my cousin and B) The Canucks lost to the Rangers in the Stanley Cup Finals. Same song, different year.
-- This was so not like the Canucks: Going 0-3 at home in the series, and winning 2 out of 3 on the road is really bizarre for this team. Even more unlike this team was the complete lack of keeping their heads on straight. I have never seen the 'Nucks play less disciplined hockey. Cross checks where you're breaking your stick across another player after the whistle? Come on guys.
-- But, the defense was all busted up: I guess this would be excuse #1, if I was that kind of guy. Big Willie style was obviously gone after missing a lot of the season, Sami Salo played last night despite getting a reptured testicle in Game 5, and Alex Edler went down on a dirty hit in the first period. We were playing with a patchwork blue line all series long, and it was clearly exposed by the grip of breakaways Chicago had all night/series long.
-- Luongo let 'em in, and let 'em in, and let 'em in: Look, I'm not a goalie blaming guy. However, it was obvious that our Captain was off his game after the first period. Luongo was standing on his head in the first period, giving the Canucks faithful hope that he'd take us by the hand and single handidly lead us to Game 7. He broke down, though, and here we are eliminated.
-- The shortie broke my spirits: Down 0-2 late in the second, the Vannied got a power play for a high stick. All of the sudden, my sullen attitude was lifted. Then, at 19:15 of the middle frame, Dave "Canuck Killer" Bolland got the puck away from a moronic Demitra-Wellwood exchange and broke in alone on Lu, scoring the heart breaking shorthanded goal. In my opinion, that was the end of the game. It hurt.
Whatever. We march on. Canucks fans have high hopes and high expectations for this team, year in and year out. While we failed to meet those goals this year, I'm still proud of my boys. We suffered through "The Road Trip From Hell," and came out on top. We produced the leading scorer in the entire NHL, and (in my opinion) had one of the most successful seasons in recent memory. So, hold your heads high, Canuckleheads. Be proud of your boys...and root for the Sharks.
Best of luck, J. You are the LSF's only hope.
-- Sent from my Palm Prē
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