Canucks All Access
If last Saturday’s Stanley Cup Final rematch between the Vancouver Canucks and Boston Bruins was supposed to be just another game, an afternoon of animosity rung in a new level of hate between the two teams and their fan-bases.
Renewed Rivalry Not Just Another Game
The Canucks prevailed 4-3 in a brutal game against the Bruins that featured a first period brawl, a controversial challenge from Shawn Thornton and another viciously low hit from Brad Marchand.
After the Canucks earned a tough two points against the Bruins, the consistent conversation surrounding the renewed rivalry between Vancouver and Boston has remained lively throughout the last week.
Around the Rink
The first period brawl between the Canucks and Bruins created its own branch of controversy this week beginning a war of words between Vancouver Columnist Tony Gallagher and forward Shawn Thornton of the Bruins.
With Thornton waiting for Gallagher in studio, the opinionated Vancouver writer was invited on the show to defend his comments in regards to Thornton and Weise’s near-fight during the first period in Boston.
The awkward confrontation between Thornton and Gallagher only further fuelled Boston’s belief in tough guys juxtaposed by Vancouver’s emphasis on skill and speed.
As it turns out Pass It To Bulis has discovered that Thornton did indeed pull a fast one on Weise, citing Brad Marchand’s testimony on WEEI radio earlier this week.
Sadly, Marchand’s admission won’t change the opinions of either fan-base and is only likely to encourage the two sides to dig deeper into their bunkers of hockey hate.
Traditionally a rivalry of this magnitude would have my tail wagging like a Pit-bull after a piece of beef, but the brand new lows reached by players, media and fans this week has only distracted the league from the brighter side of hockey.
Outside of the Bruins vs. Canucks rivalry bubble, Marc Savard recently donated a TD Garden luxury suite to paediatric patients at Children’s Hospital Boston.
Despite the heavy hate hanging around hockey over the last week, Savard’s gesture reminds that off the ice NHL players past and present represent positive role models for fans everywhere who are otherwise often engrossed by the violence of the game.
NHL All Star Game
The NHL has announced the final 2012 All-Star list including 36 veterans and 12 rookies – with four of the Canucks’ best – forwards Henrik Sedin and Daniel Sedin, defenseman Alexander Edler, and rookie forward Cody Hodgson making the squads.
State Of The Canucks January 12th
After team captains are selected, a 2012 NHL All-Star Player Fantasy Draft will be held on January 26th to select team rosters. Are we excited Canucks fans to watch the 2012 version of the All Star Game?
In the Infirmary
After losing Mason Raymond to the tough confines of Boston’s TD Garden during last year’s Stanley Cup Finals, forward Andrew Ebbett will be out of the Canucks lineup for the considerable after taking a hard hit on Saturday.
Ebbett broke his collarbone on the hit by Dennis Seidenberg and is out of the lineup indefinitely.
Call-up Mike Duco has fit well on Vancouver’s newly discovered #WMDline alongside Dale Weise and Manny Malhotra as the Canucks anticipate David Booth’s return to the ice.
In The Community
Meet Chris Higgins
Higgins will be signing autographs for 150 lucky fans at the Canucks Team Store on Robson Street on January 16th at 4pm. Pick up your voucher starting at 10am Monday at the Robson Store between Bute and Thurlow.
Vouchers are limited, and distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Every Kids Dream
Skate with your heroes and stand alongside the starting lineup of your Vancouver Canucks. It’s “Every Kid’s Dream” presented by Save On Foods and Heinz. Find out how here.
Whats On Tap This Week?
|
||||
| Date | vs | Last Meeting | ||
| 1/12/12 | @STL | L 2-3 11/4/11 | ||
| 1/15/12 | ANA | W 5-2 12/29/11 | ||
| 1/17/12 | LA | L 1-4 12/31/11 | ||
| 1/21/12 | SJ | L 2-3 (SO) 1/2/12 | ||
| 1/24/12 | EDM | W 5-3 12/26/11 | ||
About Kevin Vanstone
