State Of The Canucks – Weekly Notebook | October 19

Bronx Cheers Deserved?

While many prognosticators predicted the Vancouver Canucks would have a slow start to the season, the fickle fans of Vancouver refuse to accept anything but success, picking up the cold criticism they left off with last summer.

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Roberto Luongo remains public enemy number one in the eyes of fans and will be blamed and bombarded all season long once again as the go-to fall guy in Vancouver.

The Canucks’ 4-0 loss to the Rangers on Rick Rypien night Tuesday was again blamed on Luongo, earning him a Bronx cheer from fans unimpressed by his performance. Apparently, Luongo’s goal scoring drought is becoming unacceptable.

Around the Rink

In another glimpse into the life of Roberto Luongo, Puck Daddy wrote Wednesday another “fan” has come out of the woodwork this week to criticize the Canucks’ man in the crease, this time for his involvement in BCLC’s online poker game.

The criticism comes from a Vancouver addiction expert who claims Luongo may as well be saying to children “sure, go and smoke,” by representing the gaming system.

State Of The Canucks – Weekly Notebook | October 19 RIP Rick - You Will Be Missed!

While the dangers of gambling addiction are appropriately recognized, drawing a parallel between the promotion of poker to conclude Luongo endorses other vices is absolutely Luuudicrous.

Luongo may have driven a few fans to take an extra drink or two during the Stanley Cup Finals, but give the guy a break, thanks to his promotion of poker the Canucks for Kids charity stands to generate an estimated $30,000 and that is all that matters.

In the Infirmary

Lost in the emotion and energy of Rick Rypien’s pre-game ceremony was the return of Ryan Kesler to the Canucks’ lineup. Kesler appeared to lack a bit of chemistry and timing with his teammates Tuesday against the Rangers but otherwise had a solid debut considering the amount of time lost to injury.

Look for Kesler to grow stronger with every game played. Fond memories of last year’s series versus the Predators could come in handy for Kesler during Thursday night’s matchup against Nashville.

In Our Hearts

The Canucks’ pre-game video tribute and ceremony in honour of the late, great Rick Rypien was a classy and touching gesture to the fallen Canuck, but did you notice what didn’t make the cut into the final video?

Not a single punch is thrown during Rypien’s tribute, and Rogers Arena’s in house vocal description failed to mention the fallen fighter’s special skill set when describing the young man’s most positive traits both on and off the ice.

While Rypien is a human being first, a hockey player second and a fighter third, it felt awkward to celebrate the life of a man without recognizing his most tremendous talent.

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