Canucks @ Wild: A chance to take top spot in the Northwest
4:05 PM ET Update: As warned earlier, Rypien returns to the ice tonight. How long he stays healthy is another matter, but we have the defacto energy guy back for a big game.
In his paltry five games this year, Rypien had two goals and seven PIMs.
(g/t Beantown Canuck for the heads up)
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11:42 AM ET Update: Just as a heads up, keep in mind Vigneault says Rypien will play before the end of the regular season, potentially as soon as this evening.
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GAME TIME: 5:00 PST
TV: Sportsnet Pacific
ENEMY TURF: Hockey Wilderness
The talk of the town is about how the Flames lost against the Sharks last night and the Canucks now have a chance to take over the Northwest Division lead....finally. But to do so they will have to beat yet another team in Minnesota that is fighting for it's life to earn a playoff spot. The Wild are 3 points behind the 8th place Blues. St. Louis has won 5 straight. The Predators, who occupy 7th spot, are 4 points ahead of the Wild and have won 3 straight.
It looks like the Wild are going to have to win every game remaining, and they know it.
The Canucks, who are 4-0-1 against the Wild this season, can pretty much kill Minnesota's chances in their own rink. It wouldn't be the first time they've done that recently. (How you doin', Dallas?)
Can this Vancouver team muster up the same kind of effort that they put forth against the Blackhawks to go 4-2 to close out heir road trip? It's not going to be easy, but is there any point denying this Canucks team lately?
By my count, the Canucks are 12-4-3 against divisional opponents this season. Ownership.
It's going to be key to keep Marian Gaborik in check. The Wild have 3 wins and 2 losses since his return on March 22. Gaborik has 4 goals and 2 assists in that span. Overall this season the Wild are 7-3-1 with the softy in their lineup.
This game could get ugly as well. Cal Clutterbuck has easily surpassed the record for most hits in a season. Then there's always that piece of dung Derek Boogergaard lingering around as well.
Get it done boys, and head back home with your heads held high! Sink the damned Wild!
I think Slayer's Tom Araya said it best when he said: "Waaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrr!"
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3-2 Canucks in OT
Bieksa, Sundin, Johnson
Clutterbuck, Koivu
Burrows is given a game misconduct for pulling the hair of Jacques Lemaire’s balding scalp.
Dammit, I just called that exact prediction to a guy on the floor an hour ago!
OK, 2-1 Canucks in overtime.
by Sean Zandberg on Mar 31, 2009 12:27 PM PDT up reply actions
Remember last time we played the Wild how Burrows and Backstrom had signed their brand new contracts that day? And remember how we came back from being down 2-0 to win 4-2, with Burr raping Back for 2 goals?
Man I liked that game.
Let’s do it again!
by Beantown Canuck on Mar 31, 2009 11:00 AM PDT reply actions
They didn’t have Gabby last time though. He’s been doing pretty well since coming back so if we can hold him and Koivu off I think we can get the win.
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
by Yankee Canuck on Mar 31, 2009 11:20 AM PDT up reply actions
RYP IS BACK TO RIP THE WILD!
Canucks.com has announced that Rypien will play tonight!
Hordi and Hansen are out. Very interesting. I got to say, I like that we have too many players. Good to have come postseason.
by Beantown Canuck on Mar 31, 2009 12:06 PM PDT reply actions
Perfect! I like Rypien better anyways. He’s quicker, and much more cruel!
by Sean Zandberg on Mar 31, 2009 12:26 PM PDT up reply actions
Blame the Hawks for unleashing the Rypien on the NHL.
Though I’d rather see Hansen in there over Raymond. Whatever.
So what’s the over/under on Rypien not getting injured before the end of the season?
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
by Yankee Canuck on Mar 31, 2009 12:47 PM PDT up reply actions
Groin injury coming…he’s had too much time off :)
I am liking Raymond more and more lately. He’s not scoring, but he’s quick, a little more physical now, and gelling with Woody and Bernier. He’s earned his spot.
by Sean Zandberg on Mar 31, 2009 12:51 PM PDT up reply actions
You just won’t be content until Hansen and Bernier are shuttled out of town huh? I defy you Sean. Defy you fiercely!
Watch Bernier get the GW tonight. It cooooooooould happen.
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
by Yankee Canuck on Mar 31, 2009 1:01 PM PDT up reply actions
that guy could have forty goals
if he sold the cement-hands he’s currently sporting and picked up a more efficient set.
I like Hansen actually. But Raymond has played well in the current winning ways of the team.
Bernier has failed me, yes.
by Sean Zandberg on Mar 31, 2009 1:40 PM PDT up reply actions
you’ll both soon learn the error of your ways.
It’s the father, son and Holy Bernier from here on out.
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
by Yankee Canuck on Mar 31, 2009 2:06 PM PDT up reply actions
I wonder if/when we’ll learn the real story behind Ryp this year.
by Beantown Canuck on Mar 31, 2009 1:05 PM PDT reply actions
You bet. The team stated that over a month ago. My guess is that we wait until the summer, or whn he’s in front of a mic after the Canucks win the Stanley Cup.
by Sean Zandberg on Mar 31, 2009 1:42 PM PDT up reply actions
I just got an email from the Boston Bruins saying that their playoff tickets go on sale tomorrow. I’m stoked! I hope they play the Habs first round.
by Beantown Canuck on Mar 31, 2009 1:44 PM PDT reply actions
Florida has to get their act in gear. I want the Rags outta there!
'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.
by Yankee Canuck on Mar 31, 2009 2:16 PM PDT up reply actions
And if they do, may they kick Montreal’s ass 4 straight!
by Sean Zandberg on Mar 31, 2009 4:02 PM PDT up reply actions
People here in Boston see Montreal as the big rival they always want to beat. The Habs are to the Bruins what the flamers are to the Nucks. So if they do match up, this city will be excited. Perhaps the Bruins might even make the third page of the sports section! (Unless the Red Sox, Patriots, and Celtics do anything at all, in which case the back page of the sports section in a little corner).
by Beantown Canuck on Mar 31, 2009 4:50 PM PDT up reply actions
Dirty! haha
“All the single ladies! (All the single ladies) All the single ladies! (All the single ladies) Well put your hands up!” Stupid song in my head all day.
by Sean Zandberg on Mar 31, 2009 4:06 PM PDT up reply actions
Haha
You should hear her song “Halo” It’s my favorite from her.
I might miss the first part of the game. You going to Rodgers?
I’ll be back online here for the game at about 5:15 in case anyone cares. Go Canucks!
If they win tonight, no Flames site is safe!
I’ve already done my part to heckle the Wild faithful. I take full responsibility if it comes back to bite us in the ass.
Well, we should all be Habs fans for tonight. They’re up 1-0 on Chicago at the moment, though it’s early on. Come on Habbies, beat those birds!
by Beantown Canuck on Mar 31, 2009 5:12 PM PDT reply actions
And it seems Hordi is in and Raymond is out tonight. Interesting. We’re going tough tonight.
by Beantown Canuck on Mar 31, 2009 5:17 PM PDT reply actions
One Sedin Gets away With Holding Brunettes Stick
and The other gets away with Hooking Johnnson as the horn blows…How does that happen..Come on Refs get off your knees.
End of 1
Canucks: 0
Wild: 0
That should have been a call, yes
What’s up Tony_O? There’s not a lot of people on here right now. Must be the trapping hockey! haha
Consarn it Zanstorm, I find myself unable to watch a game these days without checkin out this site durin play.
A little quiet here, Nuckels…like the game!
by Sean Zandberg on Mar 31, 2009 6:01 PM PDT up reply actions
Watching the game with some friends…drinking some Spiced Rum. Oh yeah!
Damn it..Burrows is going off for goallie interference.
by Sean Zandberg on Mar 31, 2009 6:02 PM PDT up reply actions
The Canucks look tired after a long road trip. If they win…
Tony, if I moved to the hellhole called USA I’d move to Minnesota. I love a hockey state with lakes and forest and a passion for hockey
That was a needed point
we have to get the win though….Damn did Luongo Play on his head during that Penalty
Our Season is pretty much over
we have to win out now..And thats hard…We host the Flames Then @ Detroit..Home vs Dallas and Nashville Then @ Columbus!.
Sigh. There goes Mitchell’s long streak without a minus game. But anyway…. DIVISION LEADERS BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YAHOO!
by Beantown Canuck on Mar 31, 2009 7:41 PM PDT reply actions
2-1 OT!!!
Zanstorm called it correctly! Nice!
One thing that really bothered me tonight: no shot on goal in the entire 3rd period. I don’t think we can have this kinda effort comes April.
We are all Canucks.
Should be okay
End of a long road trip against a team fighting for their playoff lives… I am sure Coach Vig will let the boys know about this stat a lot in the future.
At least two points were had by the Canucks in this game.
"What is Jumanji?" --Jason Owens
They just wanted to go home…and still got the 2 points! Trap vs trap is what that was!
by Sean Zandberg on Apr 1, 2009 12:59 AM PDT up reply actions

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