Will Canucks Make It To The Playoffs

Following a stellar pre-season that was comprised of merely two losses, the Vancouver Canucks are continuing their glorious return to form with an incredible opening week.

Some things are bound to change. For the Canucks, the off-season was all about change. Ryan Miller became the new starting goaltender. Willie Desjardins was announced as the 18^th head coach of the Canucks. Jim Benning graciously accepted the responsibilities of general manager. The Canucks recruited players such as Nick Bonino and Luca Sbisa.

Sure, some things are bound to change. Still, there are some things that just never change. Among those things that never change is the dominance that the Canucks exert on the Calgary Flames. Last season, the Canucks swept the five-game series with Calgary. This season, the Canucks picked up exactly where they left off, and won a 4-2 victory over the Flames as the teams began their seasons with a game at the Scotiabank Saddledome on October 8^th. The Flames haven’t won a season opener since 2009, and this year was no exception. Ryan Miller was especially on the ball during this game, and it was apparent that he was the heart and soul of the Canucks during the season opener.

On October 11^th, the Canucks went up against the Edmonton Oilers at Vancouver’s Rogers Arena. The game was nothing less than intensely wild. During the game, frustration, passion, and ferocity were in the air. It was evident that both teams had an unquenchable thirst for a win. In truth, it seemed like the players were participating in a playoff game. The Oilers’ emotionally investment in the game was especially apparent when Nugent-Hopkins decided to drop his gloves and engage in his very first fight. In the end, the game went to shootout, and Vancouver’s Chris Higgins led his team to a 5-4 win. Once again, Miller proved exactly why he was chosen to be the team’s starting goalie.

Overall, the Canucks began the season on the right foot. If the team can keep up the strong work and remain humble, and if Miller can continue his admirable performance, there’s no reason why the Canucks can’t make it to the playoffs. This week, you can catch the Canucks as they take on the Edmonton Oilers and the Tamp Bay Lightning.