"Was that good enough for you? I did that for you."
That is a post-game quote from Ryan Kesler, directed at a media member who questioned him before the game about only scoring once in the last nine games, and pointing out that even that goal was scored on a 5-on-3 power play. I wonder how that media member felt as he watched the hats rain down onto the ice after Kesler's third goal of the game, his fortieth of the season. Probably like a dummy. But clearly not as dumb as he felt when Kes called him out after the game.
Kesler's three goals were spot on, and combined with Mason Raymond's two, and Roberto Luongo's shutout for a huge 5-0 bounce back win over the Wild. I think us savages around Orca Nation are satisified with the win, and now will stop pretending that all hope is lost heading into the playoffs. I, for one, am hopeful that the celebration of throwing fish on the ice (as happened in the game last night) will catch on.
Before the game, Manny Malhotra came out onto the ice, wearing sunglasses to hide his injured eye, to accept the President's Trophy with Henrik Sedin at center ice. It was a special moment for Vancouver Canuck fans as we reach the end of the greatest regular season in our 40 years of hockey history. And the powerful performance the Vannies put on the ice in their home finale last night was the icing on the cake.
Where did Kesler's wrister come from all of the sudden? He looked like he flipped a switch to pick up his speed, and his wrister looked even better than a ferocious Salo slapper. Kes scored two goals on quick wrist shots from somewhat far out, blowing Backstrom away both times. His other goal, I think it was #2 of the game, was an awesome goal where he battled in front of the net, and worked for a huge netter. How about another oft maligned in the media Vannie forward going for a multi-goal night? Mason Raymond also looked great out there, picking up #14 and #15 on the season, and seemed like he's picking it up at the right time. And with Raffi out on suspension for three more games, Ma$e's ability to contribute on the third line is all the more important.
And what got lost in the season finale at home last night? Roberto Luongo was on fire. With Cory Schneider set to start between the pipes in game 82 tomorrow night, it was El Roberto's final start of the year, and he reminded us of just how great he has been this season. 29 for 29 against the Wild, he stepped it up and stopped 9 of 9 on the PK, and some of those 29 were pretty exciting. Our playoff success may not completely rest on Lu's shoulders, but he sure is going to need to hold up his end of the burden. With his impressive regular season, I don't think Vancouver fans have ever felt more confident in Lu's probable playoff performance.
I'd just like to point out how much I appreciate this franchise before I go any further. The Canucks have done so much this season to celebrate their 40 year anniversary, and last night was no different. The huge statue of Roger Neilson presented outside of the Roger before the game was one of the best ways to point to the amazing history of this team. For those of you who don't know, Neilson was the head coach of the Canucks from 1982-1984, which means that he's the man who helped lead us to the Stanley Cup Finals against the Islanders back in the day, our first of two total Cup runs.
Neilson took over late in the season, and found himself smack in the middle of an intense playoff rivalry. After beating the Chicago Blackhawks in game one of the Campbell Conference Finals, the Canucks got blasted by the refs in the second game. Down 1-4, and after having four consecutive penalties called against the team, Neilson placed a white towel on a stick and raised it up in a gesture of surrender to the refs. The players joined in. Neilson may not have realized what he was doing, but when the series returned to Vancouver, all the fans in attendance were waving white towels throughout the game in a sign of solidarity. The Canucks busted the Hawks in the series to move onto the Cup. Thus, towel power was born. Not only for the Canucks, not only in the NHL, but across sports. Sorry, Pittsburgh Steeler fans, we started it, and Neilson will always be remembered for the iconic moment honored in his new statue (that was also the official start of the 'Nucks/Hakws playoff rivalry, as the series was just completely brutal, but we can talk about that later).
What's my point in all this tangential thinking? Well, we need to be proud to be Canuck fans. We don't have a Stanley Cup, but we do have a ton of history, and as such, deserve a ton of respect. So, when you're rocking your Blue & Green at your favorite pub and some dork tells you to shut up because you haven't won a Cup, just tell him a little about the impressive history of this amazing squad, and tell him to get back to you in a couple of weeks, because we'll be taking care of that Cup issue soon enough.
At 53-19-9, the Canucks have a franchise record 115 points with one game to go in the regular season. This Saturday we get to watch the Canucks try to close things out with a win, bust a Canadian rival, and work to hep Daniel Sedin secure the Art Ross after his brother accomplished the same feat last season. With Alex Edler returning last night, and Dan Hamhuis set to rejoin the team in Calgary, this weekend will also be the first time over the entire season when all of our top six defensivemen will be on the ice together. Should be a fun weekend.
In closing, I'd like to just provide an update on the race for the eight spot, as we head toward the final weekend:
4. Los Angeles (98 with 2 to go)
5. Nashville (97 with 2 to go)
6. Phoenix (97 with 2 to go)
7. Anaheim (95 with 2 to go)
8. Chicago (95 with 2 to go)
9. Dallas (93 with 2 to go)
It's still a tight race, and it'll be fun to see how it finishes up. By Sunday night, we'll know just who we'll be facing in round one, and if it happens to be the Chicago Blackhawks, may God help us all.
-- Sent from my Palm Prē
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