Stanley Cup win would mean everything to fans
The Canucks sit atop the NHL.
But Canucks fans have long known that even when they look close to the summit, there is in fact a second peak beyond the crest of the slope they're climbing.
Still, there are many who dream of glory. How could you not? Most of the fan base won't care if we suck for another five years, if we push the chips in and finally win a Cup. I can deal with the rest of the league saying it was a one-off fluke. Nobody can take away that one Cup win, the team taking the Cup home to Stanley Park, the banner of 2024 Stanley Cup champions in the rafters. I want to experience that joy just once. I want it for myself and others like Jim Robson and Tom Larscheid so they can experience that before they leave us .
— Mcmotorsportschannel on Youtube
One of the things that stood out from last week's news conference where Jim Rutherford's contract extension was announced was how chairman Francesco Aquilini spoke about the importance of the fans. Asked about what he thought most sold Rutherford on coming to Vancouver when the owner was trying to hire the experienced hockey man to take over as president two years ago, he highlighted the team's fans. He said “fans” seven time across two answers.
There are so many Canucks fans in this town. Many may have seen their interest wane or even lapse over the past decade. But it's clear many are coming back. And young fans are being won over again. There's a hope, a desire, for a championship. It's been an elusive task through 54 years. There aren't many fan bases that have been through more frustration or disappointment than Canucks fans. And so, yes, you do hope the fans get their wish this year.
This is just another example of the officiating the Canucks can expect as they vie for the Stanley Cup ... poor and amateur. — Brian Peterson via Theprovince.com
There was some unevenness to the decisions made by the refs for Wednesday's Canucks versus St. Louis Blues game at Rogers Arena.
For his part, Rick Tocchet defended the officials post-game, even if the winning goal came after what many thought should have been a penalty. But one thing is certain: There will be fewer calls made by all refs once the playoffs start.
A study last year by The Athletic found that referees do actually start calling more penalties early in the first round — as much as 17 per cent more compared to the regular season — but as a series moves past Game 4, penalty calls actually decrease, as much as seven per cent less than the regular season. This is why having a top power play really does matter, because you want to give yourself as much of a chance to score on the man advantage when there are simply fewer of them.
This is the kind of thing the marketing department dreams up during a LOSING season. We're winning. Leave well enough alone.
— Rob Scott via Theprovince.com
Bad idea to wear these helmets. Vegas and Kings aren't playing well with their chrome helmets. Canucks are in first place, and if they start wearing these big silly Christmas ornaments on their heads, then Canucks could start losing and the Oilers may catch up. Get rid of these helmets ASAP! — K. Kwan via Theprovince.com
All right, I liked the chrome blue helmets. I do wish they were a better colour match for the rest of the uniform, but here we are.
But OK, fine. Most of the players aren't fans of the helmets, and there is a pretty vocal segment of the fan base who aren't either.
The Canucks are already auctioning them off ... so, other than today's game, they won't be seen again. Maybe, at least, the Canucks can finally win a game in a one-off special outfit. They've had little success in their Millionaires look or in either of the Retro Rewind uniforms they've worn. @risingaction.bsky.social