“The Most Hated Team in Hockey” Circle the wagons.

[Strangelove]

Bah, this level of hatred doesn't come from winning alone!

Were even the recent dynasty teams ever hated like this?

Canadiens of the late 70's?

I'm too young to say, but ask a Leafs fan of that vintage.

Well Leaf fans have always hated any other teams that dared to have any success (especially Cdn teams & Philly).

Islanders of the early 80's?

Yes. Ask a Rangers fan who still screams Potvin Sucks in MSG, 30 years later.

Well all Ranger fans have always hated evertything Islander (and vice versa).

Oilers of the late 80's?

Definitely hated. Not only did they run up the score, they had the filthiest players in the league to add injury to insult. Remember Messier on Gradin? The Canucks weren't even if the same class, and they still played wih an intent to injure. And of course, everyone hated Gretzky when he wasn't wearing the maple leaf for his diving, whining, embellishment, etc.

*remembers thousands chanting "Geekski Geekski Geekski!!!" for entire games*

Yes, most Canuck fans hated the Oil during their dynasty. The Oil really seemed to enjoy fucking your Canucks up.

How about the Wings as they won 4 Cups in 11 years of late?

I put a lot of stock in HW's anecdote from earlier from Ken Holland. Yes they absolutely were hated when they won back-to-back championships.

Sure, mostly by Av fans though.

Feel free to disagree ESQ, but going by player & media quotes, your Vancouver Canucks are presently hated further & wider than any of the aforementioned dynasty teams despite the fact they remain Cupless. Imagine the level of hatred after they snag that first Cup!!

IMO.

BTW I have never listened to TEAM 40 or any other Canuck Radio.

Like I say IMO your Vancouver Canucks are the first non-goon team to ever be known far & wide as:

"The Most Hated Team in Hockey".

It's good to be hated though....

[Canuck-One]

A lot stems from the jealousy of how and where we live. The Greater Vancouver area has more beauty, multiculturalism, breath taking beauty, world class cuisine, scenic beauty, outdoor lifestyle, golf all year round, water skiing and downhill on the same day. What has the rest of Canada got...snow? Mosquitoes, dry, brown, barren landscapes. There is no where else in the world that has as much as we do and on top of it all we have one of the best teams in hockey. WHEN we win the cup it will be unbearable for the Alberta and Ontario peons because it will just be so unfair for us to have EVERYTHING. On any given day you can be walking down the street and see Clooney or Pitt or any other major star here just to enjoy Vancouver. Who in his/her right mind goes to Alberta or Ontario just to enjoy the lifestyle. Even Quebec makes those two suck ass. As for the rest of North America, same thing goes. New York has something to offer but Boston..LOL..yeah right. If LA didn't have Disneyland then why sit in the smog. Chicago...CHICAGO...what in hell do they have...NOTHING. When Recchi was so pissed about the Canucks it all boiled down to bitterness of never being wanted here by the Canuck management. Nothing more than that. So most hated..ok..I'll take it but it's more of more envied than anything else.

[rats19]

And beauty..

[Potatoe1]

Canadiens of the late 70's?

Islanders of the early 80's?

Oilers of the late 80's?

How about the Wings as they won 4 Cups in 11 years of late?

I just dont think you can make historical comparisons on this topic.

The internet pretty much changed everything when it comes to the perception of things. in previous decades you watched the games, had a bit of commentary during, and perhaps read the newspaper.

Now we just get bombed with information and opinion, people spend just as much time on the naritive as they do actually watching the games, especially when we are talking about a championship game.

By virtue of their success the Canucks are going to be defined a certain way and a huge audience was there during the final.

They are an edgy team with some players easily portrayed as villains, but the media is far and away the biggest driver behind the "most hated tag".

The perception is that the Canucks are a dirty bunch of whiners and cheaters, but the reality is they aren't dirty at all, and any diving and smack talk comes from a small number of guys.

We have some guys who yap to the refs a lot but who is dirty, and who even dives that much? Sure Kesler and Burrows have the "head snap" down to an art, but I don"t see guys actually taking a lot of dives.

Now if you want to see a truly dirty / diving / whiny team watch the last game we played against LA and play close attention tonight. They are way more yappy, dive fa more, and actually are dirty.

If that team had any relevance at all you wouldn't hear the end of their nonsense, but who the hell cares about the LA kings?

[Strangelove]

Canadiens of the late 70's?

Islanders of the early 80's?

Oilers of the late 80's?

How about the Wings as they won 4 Cups in 11 years of late?

I just dont think you can make historical comparisons on this topic.

The internet pretty much changed everything when it comes to the perception of things. in previous decades you watched the games, had a bit of commentary during, and perhaps read the newspaper.

Now we just get bombed with information and opinion, people spend just as much time on the naritive as they do actually watching the games, especially when we are talking about a championship game.

By virtue of their success the Canucks are going to be defined a certain way and a huge audience was there during the final.

Folks talked just as much hockey back in the day as now. Less stats is all. And okay a bit different mindset. None of those dynasties (Habs, Fishsticks, Oil, & Dead Things) led folks to the consensus opinion: "Most Hated Team in Hockey”. Meanwhile, we HAVE seen that lable applied in the 70's and 00's to three non-dynasty teams.

There's more to this hatred thing than just winning in today's media glare.

It wasn't that long ago the Wings won those 4 Cups, the media hasn't changed all that much since then has it?

Speaking of back in the day... back in the day folks were talking about eastern media bias towards all things west.

Some would say today's media glare just makes said bias more evident is all.

There ARE things for outsiders to hate about this club and a biased media will tend to magnify those things.

In 94 we were led by Pavel the Weasel according to those twisted fucks back east.

And in 82 we were an undeserving bunch of goons from the "Village of Vancouver".

It's a conspiracy I tells ya!

[Potatoe1]

Folks talked just as much hockey back in the day as now.

Uhhh, no they didn't.

There was probably 10K+ post on hockey futures alone after the Boston Vancouver game last week, you think there was anything like that 20+ years ago? It wasn't even a playoff game. I bet there were over 100k total fan posts made about that game and probably a few thousand blogs and media stories.

There is probably 20x the amount of hockey discussion and coverage as there was on the 70's and 80's.

I became a serious fan back in 89 and a big game back then would have generated a few stories in the national papers, a chucnk of time on sports page, and a few extra calls to Dan Russell sports talk.

[clem]

Lucic reveals that Chara won't be picking any Canucks in his all star team
- per tweets by Murphy & Duthie

Go team Alfredsson. The all-star game needs all the controversy it can get.

[Strangelove]

Folks talked just as much hockey back in the day as now.

Uhhh, no they didn't.

There was probably 10K+ post on hockey futures alone after the Boston Vancouver game last week, you think there was anything like that 20+ years ago? It wasn't even a playoff game. I bet there were over 100k total fan posts made about that game and probably a few thousand blogs and media stories.

There is probably 20x the amount of hockey discussion and coverage as there was on the 70's and 80's.

I became a serious fan back in 89 and a big game back then would have generated a few stories in the national papers, a chucnk of time on sports page, and a few extra calls to Dan Russell sports talk.

Potski, I acknowledged "today's media glare" twice above...

... so when I say "talked" about hockey I meant talked.

What..... do you think pre-internet no one talked about hockey?

I'm fully aware the 70's occurred pre-Information-Age buds!

Sure there's more information available these days, but folks way back when weren't dumb mutes.

And they (Canadians at least) were actually more passionate about the NHL

(no information highway = less distractions right ).

Back in the day every red-blooded Canadian knew all about the Big Bad Bruins and the Broad Street Bullies.

And everyone knew exactly why those teams were hated.

These things were talked about far & wide.

Meanwhile the dynasty Canadiens were only hated by anti-Quebecois folk.

And there wasn't alotta... far & wide hatred... out there for the other dynasty teams either.

Why are your Canucks "The Most Hated Team in Hockey Today" instead of one of the other top teams?

Guess what I'm saying is don't blame the internet for the Canuck Hate!

[Potatoe1]

Folks talked just as much hockey back in the day as now.

Uhhh, no they didn't.

There was probably 10K+ post on hockey futures alone after the Boston Vancouver game last week, you think there was anything like that 20+ years ago? It wasn't even a playoff game. I bet there were over 100k total fan posts made about that game and probably a few thousand blogs and media stories.

There is probably 20x the amount of hockey discussion and coverage as there was on the 70's and 80's.

I became a serious fan back in 89 and a big game back then would have generated a few stories in the national papers, a chucnk of time on sports page, and a few extra calls to Dan Russell sports talk.

Potski, I acknowledged "today's media glare" twice above...

... so when I say "talked" about hockey I meant talked.

What..... do you think pre-internet no one talked about hockey?

I'm fully aware the 70's occurred pre-Information-Age buds!

Sure there's more information available these days, but folks way back when weren't dumb mutes.

And they (Canadians at least) were actually more passionate about the NHL

(no information highway = less distractions right ).

Back in the day every red-blooded Canadian knew all about the Big Bad Bruins and the Broad Street Bullies.

And everyone knew exactly why those teams were hated.

These things were talked about far & wide.

Meanwhile the dynasty Canadiens were only hated by anti-Quebecois folk.

And there wasn't alotta... far & wide hatred... out there for the other dynasty teams either.

Why are your Canucks "The Most Hated Team in Hockey Today" instead of one of the other top teams?

Guess what I'm saying is don't blame the internet for the Canuck Hate!

The vast majority of `water cooler`conversations rarely go into much depth and I highly doubt it was much different in the 70`s.

Further to that the average fan had very little access to media outside of the locals. Hell I remember when `The Hockey News`was the only real in depth national hockey publication and even then all you got was a few paragraphs on each team.

The ability to have a `most hated team`was actually very difficult because there wasn't much in the way of a collective media and very little access anyway.

It`s just totally different so looking for a historical comparison is pretty much pointless.

The wide spread and pervasive Canucks hate only happens with the assistance of the internet and social media it simply wouldn't exist in any meaningful way if print media were the driver.

The Canucks are hated because they are a brash and edgy team that plays in high profile games in an age where every nuance of the important encounters is discussed nationally.

If they played in the 70`s they wouldn't be hated, if they sucked they wouldn't be hated, if they played with out any edge or brashness they wouldn't be hated.

It`s all part and parcel to what we are seeing now.

[Cornuck]

The ability to have a `most hated team`was actually very difficult because there wasn't much in the way of a collective media and very little access anyway.

It`s just totally different so looking for a historical comparison is pretty much pointless.

With the Broadstreet Bullies being the exception? They were universally hated and booed in most arena. They relished the notoriety.

I think that before that, the Original Six had some strong rivalries and a lot of hatred was developed.

[Strangelove]

The ability to have a `most hated team` (in the 70's) was actually very difficult because there wasn't much in the way of a collective media and very little access anyway.

And yet; mentioned in the OP; the Bruins were "The Most Hated Team in Hockey" , and at another point the Flyers!

Back in the day folks just watched the games and talked about what they saw.

And the majority hated what they saw in certain teams in certain eras.

Thus the “Most Hated Team in Hockey” moniker.

The wide spread and pervasive Canucks hate only happens with the assistance of the internet and social media it simply wouldn't exist in any meaningful way if print media were the driver.

The Canucks are hated because they are a brash and edgy team that plays in high profile games in an age where every nuance of the important encounters is discussed nationally.

YOU perceive them as a "brash and edgy team".

Three posts up you said unlike yourself most folks perceive them as "dirty whining diving cheaters"

... all because of today's internet & social media!

Which of course begs the questions:

- Is the internet & social networking distorting reality?

- Is media brainwashing at an all-time high?

Afterall, one could argue back in the 70's folks were free to just watch the games and form their own opinions

(I was a Flyers fan btw).

But why do... they.... pick on the Canucks?

There are other brash teams doing a fair amount of winning in this era (say Blackhawks, Bruins, Penguins)

.... why aren't one of THOSE labled “The Most Hated Team in Hockey”??

Admit it Pot, the evil & influential eastern media has always had it in for we westcoasters.

'82, '94, now....

Every time your Vancouver Canucks have any kind of success they go to work....

IT'S A CONSPIRACY!!!

[Potatoe1]

YOU perceive them as a "brash and edgy team".

Correct.

Three posts up you said unlike yourself most folks perceive them as "dirty whining diving cheaters"

Correct

... all because of today's internet & social media!

More or less correct

- Is the internet & social networking distorting reality?

Yes

- Is media brainwashing at an all-time high?

Clearly

Afterall, one could argue back in the 70's folks were free to just watch the games and form their own opinions

Exactly.

If any team in history truly deserved to be hated it was the Flyers.

They did not require any media they way they played was totally over the top.

The Canucks require the media coverage and the internet because they don`t do anywhere close to enough on the ice to deserve the hate.

But why do... they.... pick on the Canucks?

There are other brash teams doing a fair amount of winning in this era (say Blackhawks, Bruins, Penguins)

Alberta + Toronto are automatically going to hate us when we are better then they are. Recent playoff series against Chicago, LA, Boston. NBC + HNIC also hate us.

That is more or less 70% of the non Vancouver media.

Admit it Pot, the evil & influential eastern media has always had it in for we westcoasters.

'82, '94, now....

Every time your Vancouver Canucks have any kind of success they go to work....

I think we are in agreement on this.

[jwmann2]

I hate the Habs the most. Tons of history means the fans have tons of entitlement and arrogance. The Maple Leafs aren't much better either.

[damonberryman]

A lot stems from the jealousy of how and where we live. The Greater Vancouver area has more beauty, multiculturalism, breath taking beauty, world class cuisine, scenic beauty, outdoor lifestyle, golf all year round, water skiing and downhill on the same day. What has the rest of Canada got...snow? Mosquitoes, dry, brown, barren landscapes. There is no where else in the world that has as much as we do and on top of it all we have one of the best teams in hockey. WHEN we win the cup it will be unbearable for the Alberta and Ontario peons because it will just be so unfair for us to have EVERYTHING. On any given day you can be walking down the street and see Clooney or Pitt or any other major star here just to enjoy Vancouver. Who in his/her right mind goes to Alberta or Ontario just to enjoy the lifestyle. Even Quebec makes those two suck ass. As for the rest of North America, same thing goes. New York has something to offer but Boston..LOL..yeah right. If LA didn't have Disneyland then why sit in the smog. Chicago...CHICAGO...what in hell do they have...NOTHING. When Recchi was so pissed about the Canucks it all boiled down to bitterness of never being wanted here by the Canuck management. Nothing more than that. So most hated..ok..I'll take it but it's more of more envied than anything else.

No offense meant. I grew up in Van and I hear you but this attitude, true or not is part of the reason for the hate. Since we do have so much (apart from a Cup and they can keep it if it means we turn into somewhere else) it looks good on us if we are humble. Then we can add being the most humble peole in the world to the list.

[cjc]

A lot stems from the jealousy of how and where we live. The Greater Vancouver area has more beauty, multiculturalism, breath taking beauty, world class cuisine, scenic beauty, outdoor lifestyle, golf all year round, water skiing and downhill on the same day. What has the rest of Canada got...snow? Mosquitoes, dry, brown, barren landscapes. There is no where else in the world that has as much as we do and on top of it all we have one of the best teams in hockey. WHEN we win the cup it will be unbearable for the Alberta and Ontario peons because it will just be so unfair for us to have EVERYTHING. On any given day you can be walking down the street and see Clooney or Pitt or any other major star here just to enjoy Vancouver. Who in his/her right mind goes to Alberta or Ontario just to enjoy the lifestyle. Even Quebec makes those two suck ass. As for the rest of North America, same thing goes. New York has something to offer but Boston..LOL..yeah right. If LA didn't have Disneyland then why sit in the smog. Chicago...CHICAGO...what in hell do they have...NOTHING. When Recchi was so pissed about the Canucks it all boiled down to bitterness of never being wanted here by the Canuck management. Nothing more than that. So most hated..ok..I'll take it but it's more of more envied than anything else.

No offense meant. I grew up in Van and I hear you but this attitude, true or not is part of the reason for the hate. Since we do have so much (apart from a Cup and they can keep it if it means we turn into somewhere else) it looks good on us if we are humble. Then we can add being the most humble peole in the world to the list.

As I sit here on another dull, dreary day, Vancouver doesn't look so attractive. It has lots of positives, that's true, but let's not overstate things. I know tons of people who've been to Chicago and they say it's a hugely impressive city. We have natural beauty but the city itself is pretty darn ugly. Not impressed with the urban planning here and it is kinda deadsville compared to major cities in the world.

Part of the hate comes form Vancouver smugness.