Ryan Kesler, PNG
To sum up Game 7 between the Vancouver Canucks and Chicago Blackhawks, I have two words: jammer time.
As usual, the Canucks can’t do anything the easy way, testing the heart health of all their fans by taking a Game 7 series into OT… After leading the series 3-0… Then losing 3 straight.
Fans everywhere began to feel that pit of dread sitting like a stone in the bottom of their guts. Across Vancouver you could practically see the question forming in the air above the city: Will the Hawks oust us again?
There’s only so much a poor Canucks fan can take, especially after a 40-year dryspell.
Many fans figured the Canucks could sweep the Blackhawks, and on paper, that seemed highly possible. I mean after all, the Canucks are the Presidents’ Trophy winners and currently boast two Art Ross twins and Jennings goalies.
The Hawks? Well, they only made it into 8th place last minute on a technicality(Dallas losing).
But of course, history is a bitch and as someone trained in historical studies (Russian, but whatever), I can say that these Vancouver/Chicago series have the tendency to repeat themselves.
At a few points during this series I felt like throwing up. At another I actually cried. This was following the Game 6 loss in OT (by the way, the only other time I’ve ever cried watching hockey was during the Gold Medal game last spring).
It was a series of love, hate, fights, nausea, swearing, drinking and even a fear of rioting.
As I mentioned earlier, the Canucks can’t do anything the easy way, even driving the Vancouver police to stressful extremes as an OT in Game 7 was the last thing they needed. No doubt the riots of 1994 are still fresh in the city’s memory, and as this Round 1 series was a far cry from the ’94 Cup run, Tuesday’s Game 7 was said to be the second most important game in Canucks history.
If you’re not a Canucks fan, you may think that sounds silly, but really, this is supposed to be the best Canucks roster this city has ever seen. For such a team to be ousted in the first round by an arch rival would not surpisingly push a few (intoxicated) fans over the edge. That plus the three consecutive losses to Chicago had many fans nervous, agitated and angry. They can’t be blamed for feeling any of these emotions, but combine those with alcohol and a Game 7 and you could easily have another riot on your hands.
Thankfully that wasn’t the case, and instead Canucks fans took to the streets to celebrate their team’s victory.
After Game 7 there was a rather peaceful celebration on Granville Street, and only 7 arrests in comparison to the hundreds in 1994.
I’m sure the police were just as relieved as the fans.
To continue on with my light review, my favourite players of the series were: Kesler, Hansen, Bieksa, Luongo (yes, Luongo).
Least favourite: Most of the Hawks, Torres, the Sedins – mostly Henrik, and for the first 6 games Burrows.
MVP?: Corey Crawford, Chicago’s rookie goalie. He was stellar, and I have the utmost respect for the guy.
Biggest annoyance: Henrik, where are you? I wasn’t a fan of you becoming captain as it is (I wanted Kesler), and you’re not helping your cause during a time when your team really needs you!
God this team misses Malhotra.
Overall, it was a rollercoaster series and one hell of a ride, but one I’d rather not take again this year. I don’t think my heart can take it.
In the meantime, the Roxy is preparing for the shame spiral that is Shane O’Brien. At least he’s kind of contributing to the city’s revenue.
PS: It’s been a while since I’ve blogged on my Cantankerous site, so sorry about the wait. If you didn’t know, I have another more professional blogsite going as well. Check it out!
