Latest Loss to Cup Champs has Canucks Fans Calling for Rebuild
We all saw it, we all know what happened. It was ugly. What made it even uglier was the fact that the Vancouver Canucks jumped out to a 2-0 lead on the defending Stanley Cup Champions raising the hopes of the hometown faithful. Only to have it ripped away like velcro on a kids running shoes.
The Chicago Blackhawks responded with 4 unanswered goals in approximately 8 minutes in the second period on their way to a 5-2 win.
Cue fan angst. Cue widespread panic. Cue unruly mobs and general pandemonium.
If you've listened to the call-in shows or seen the
message boards or peaked at Twitter you know that this town is in full-on panic mode. Trade everyone. Blow it up. Demand players with NTCs waive them. Further adding to the dismay is word that Mike Santorelli has had successful shoulder surgery but will require 5-6 months to rehabilitate, meaning he is done for the year. A team that is already having problems scoring and has already been bitten by the injury bug in a big way is missing two of their top scoring centres, essentially decimating their scoring depth. Both thanks to the stick of Martin Hanzal of the Phoenix Coyotes who got to take out two prominent players from the team they're trying to catch for a playoff spot for the low, low price of $5000; and the NHL wonders why the Canucks feel the need to stick up for their teammates. Kevin Bieksa also appears to be injured.
message boards or peaked at Twitter you know that this town is in full-on panic mode. Trade everyone. Blow it up. Demand players with NTCs waive them. Further adding to the dismay is word that Mike Santorelli has had successful shoulder surgery but will require 5-6 months to rehabilitate, meaning he is done for the year. A team that is already having problems scoring and has already been bitten by the injury bug in a big way is missing two of their top scoring centres, essentially decimating their scoring depth. Both thanks to the stick of Martin Hanzal of the Phoenix Coyotes who got to take out two prominent players from the team they're trying to catch for a playoff spot for the low, low price of $5000; and the NHL wonders why the Canucks feel the need to stick up for their teammates. Kevin Bieksa also appears to be injured.
It is looking more and more like Canucks GM Mike Gillis is going to have to make a decision here; and soon. Give up on this season as hopeless due to the vast amount of injuries and inability to score regularly and start trimming some fat off the roster looking to next season? Or does he recognize the effort put forth by some of the veterans on this team, who, despite everything still are in playoff contention and find a band-aid or two at the trade deadline.
One way or another, I expect to see some action coming out of the Canucks head office immediately after the Olympic break. It looks like Mike Gillis' hand is forced.
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You can follow Sporting Vancouver on Twitter
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