Canucks Playoff Ready? They Better Be

Last night's game between the Vancouver Canucks and the Chicago Blackhawks can be looked at in two ways depending on your perspective.

One might say that the Vancouver Canucks played one of their best games of the season thus far against the top team in the NHL and soon to be crowned President's Trophy winners the Chicago Blackhawks. One might say that the Canucks, despite missing 3 of their top 6 defensemen shut down the explosive Blackhawks save for a fluky rarely seen ref-assisted goal.  One might say
that they dominated the Blackhawks --took it to them, even --outhitting them 14-3 in the first period while creating multiple grade A scoring chances forcing Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford to stand on his head to keep the score close, especially early on.

That's one way to look at it.

Another might say that the Blackhawks were not at their best and, in fact, played one of their worst games of the season.  That this game meant little to them in the standings and why should they exert themselves and potentially risk injury so late in the season getting emotionally invested in what would certainly be a heated game.

It is likely that somewhere in the middle lies the reality of the matter.

While we will certainly see more from the Blackhawks in the playoffs, one would be hard-pressed to build a reasonable argument that the Canucks were only successful last night because Chicago didn't bring their "A" game.  The Canucks quite clearly were motivated and engaged.  They wanted this game and it appeared as though they would not be denied.  It was likely one of, if not the, most physical the Canucks have been all season with virtually all players getting involved. Even the Sedins were mixing it up with the Blackhawks --particularly with Duncan Keith driving him to distraction and frustration.  (I won't get into it as his exploits during and after the game have been more than well-documented)

It was quite clear the Blackhawks were frustrated at not being able to get anything going and being thoroughly outplayed throughout the game.  On more than one occasion they took runs at the Sedins (and others) with flying elbows, 2-hand slashes, gloved punches and the like.
The Sedins, and the Canucks as a whole, handled themselves well carrying the play and administering physical punishment as required.
It was playoff style hockey.  Perhaps the most playoff style hockey we have seen the Canucks play in quite some time.  Not a moment too soon.  Is it possible the Canucks have 'flipped the switch' and are able to instantly ramp up their intensity just in time for the playoffs? @strombone1 seems to think so... #fliptheswitch

#fliptheswitch
—Strombone (@strombone1) April 23, 2013

You can follow Sporting Vancouver on Twitter