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I'm good... thanks.
Being the always-optimistic-rose-colored-glasses Canuck fan that I am I am going to go out on a limb here and say that we will be alright. We probably aren't going to win this series but to call it an embarrassment would be a pretty big misconception. We haven't played "embarrassingly" and we definitely haven't deserved to lose every game this series.
I would love to have a laundry list of excuses why the Canucks are down 0-3 to an 8th seeded team (referees, conspiracy, coaching, injuries, etc) but that would be just that, an excuse. Sometimes even the best of teams can fall short. Upsets happen every year. Should we be ultra-sensitive that our beloved Canucks are on the receiving end of an upset? Yes ... we can because we love this team. We have expectations that aren't being met. That is a great thing ... in a weird sort of way.
What a nice problem to have ... really
. Our team's success is measured in playoff wins, not just simply making the playoffs. That puts us in the top 5 organizations IMO. Not too many other teams can legitimately make that claim. I would say that 70% of the teams that make the playoffs are just "happy to be there". They can pull out any cliches and quotes that they want but most of those organizations would secretly admit that they are just glad they get to play some extra games. The players on the other hand, all want to make it to the dance. I don't claim complacency from the players, just the organizations, ownership, and fan bases of most of the respective NHL clubs.Was I expecting a long playoff run this year? Of course I was. I don't expect less from this group. Call me conceited or stupid but that is the pedigree that we have established with this club. Once again, it's a good problem to have. 25 or so other fan bases wish they had the expectations year in and year out that we do. The fact is, not too many teams can realistically make that claim.
Looking at the BIG picture, we are in great shape. There is solid ownership, management, coaching and players. Back to back presidents trophies, a game 7 loss in the finals on top of four consecutive division titles will back that claim up. If we look at the SMALL picture, a snapshot of where we sit right now (down 0-3 in the first round) one could claim that we are a failing organization, but that would be a false statement. We should consider ourselves lucky to have a competitive team year in and year out.
Speaking of competitive teams by the way ... this series isn't over yet. The Vancouver Canucks are a highly-skilled, excellent hockey club. We haven't lost more than 3 in a row all season and I am sure they don't plan on beating that record in April. Should we fear the LA kings ? No, but they deserve our respect. LA is a very well coached team and a finely tuned machine. They have world class goal tending right now and they are doing all the little things just right. They are also healthy. That makes a huge difference in the scope of any team, playoff or not.
The Canucks on the other hand, are not playing the way that they can. They have shown glimpses in the series but for whatever reason they cant seem to get it going. It's literally do or die time now. If they don't win the next four games, quite frankly they don't deserve to advance ... and that is OK with me. If the Kings win, they deserve every bit of it.
Win on Wednesday. One small victory could completely jump start this team. One weak goal on Quick and this team might see some light at the end of the tunnel. These guys aren't emotionally fragile little babies that are living in defeat. They are an excellent hockey club that is facing elimination, big difference.
They need no extra motivation, it is do or die time. Every shift, every shot, and every hit has to count. Let's find out what we are made of.
Believe
