Canucks Game Preview

GAME DAY: Canucks vs Flames

The Canucks are in a bit of a slump, and there's nothing like the boys losing a few games to bring out the brightest and best of our fanbase. Holiday cheer. Good tidings. Hot takes. Pass the Tylenol.

By Kent Basky Dec 20, 2014, 11:21am PST

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Time	Saturday 7:00 PM PST	TV	CBC
Season Series	1-0 Canucks	Last Meeting	4-2 Canucks Oct 8/14
The Enemy	Matchsticks And Gasoline	Scoring Leaders	D. Sedin: 7-19-26 M. Giordano 9-23-32

Canucks	CATEGORY	Flames
18-11-2	SEASON RECORD	17-15-2
38	Points	36
7th	Conference Position	9th
Lost 3	Streak	Lost 7
2.81 (10)	Goals For Per 60 (GF60)	2.79 (12)
2.81 (22)	Goals Against Per 60 (GA60)	2.68 (18)
17.4 (18)	Power Play %	19.7 (13)
86.4 (4)	Penalty Kill %	77.4 (26)
48.7 (21)	Faceoff Win %	46.4 (29)
10.3 (17)	PIM / GP	8.4 (4)
50.3 (16)	Corsi For %	47.5 (25)
99.1 (22)	PDO	100.6 (13)

It wasn't long ago that both teams were right at the top of the standings in the West, but with the Canucks winless in their last 5, and Calgary's losing streak hitting 7, things seem a little more where they should actually be for these two teams. And while even when the Canucks were chugging along and cranking wins while people said they really aren't sure what to think of it all, we were all told beyond a shadow of a doubt that the Flames are for real, yo.

Calgary Flames are for real - solid goaltending, dynamic defense corps & a talented group of young forwards. Lot of skill - & grit, too.
— Todd Lewys (@Lewysonsports) December 7, 2014

@JasonGregor @TravisHeHateMe @JonathanWillis the #Flames are for real & they aren't gonna slow down. There getting players back which is....
— Joshua Boscorelli (@Boscorelli93) December 5, 2014

YEAH BABY. You can put that in the win column!! What a play by Gio and Monahan. The #flames are for real, watch out #NHL.
— Riley (@apollorising) December 5, 2014

It's December 1st. The #Flames are two points out of first overall in the #NHL. Think about that. It's not a fluke. This team is for real.
— Derek Wills (@Fan960Wills) December 1, 2014

Two thoughts won’t go away this morning: 1.) Why in the world did the Sabres and NHL have that game last night? 2) The Flames are for real!
— Jimmy Murphy (@MurphysLaw74) November 19, 2014

Look at the dates of those proclamations. Most of them are on or around Dec 4, after a 4-3 OT win over the powerhouse Colorado Avalanche. Since then? Yeah, it's those 7 straight losses.

And here on the best coast, the usual rational response to the Canucks struggling has been on display...

I really hope this kassian on the trade block rumor is bogus. If the #canucks trade him I'm done. #camneely2.0
— COLBERT COPOWSKI (@colegrizzy) December 20, 2014

I will LEGIT CRY if the #Canucks acquired Brad Marchand. #dontbetrue #pleasebearumor #sigh
— lea (@lmbueno4) December 20, 2014

Something about a Kassian to the Bruins?src=hash">#Bruins trade screams Cam Neely. Come on #Canucks, learn from your mistakes!! pic.twitter.com/ORfnMUteZn
— Pucks on net (@Pucksonnetca) December 20, 2014

If you think Boston's going to send that rat-faced lil bastard they so adore for the gap-toothed behemoth (let alone think he's going to be the next Cam Neely) please send all your christmas presents to me so that I can help you during this busy time by doing the wrapping for you. I promise I will have them back to you for Christmas morning.

One of the great things our fanbase does so well, is variations on the classic 'What If...?' game, as in 'What if they didn't trade/ not sign (insert player name here)'...

Jason Garrison with his 14th assist tonight. No #Canucks D has 10 points this season.
— Ryan Biech (@ryanbiech) December 20, 2014

But the hottest take of all? Tom Sixtito, laying down the law, or something about his lack of playing time, because obviously the Canucks troubles can be traced back to him not being in the lineup.

#TheProviesReport: Tom Sestito brings the hammer down on the #Canucks http://t.co/wv8IMpHSqD
— Province Sports (@provincesports) December 20, 2014

Here's how it all boils down, folks. The Canucks are cooling off, and will need to make some adjustments. The Flames are regressing to where they actually should be. One of these teams is gonna lose tonight, and it's likely gonna be the Flames because no matter how bad things have gotten for the Canucks, the Flames always seem to serve it up for them.

There is some good news for the Canucks this morning, as Dan Hamhuis was on the ice testing out his knee before the optional practice, and Zack Kassian was in full gear, aiming for a return just after Christmas.

GAME DAY BATTLE HYMN

Every year one of my favorite bands, LICH KING, releases a special treat for fans for Lichmas. This year it's an EP featuring some re-recorded tracks from older albums (which had really shitty production) as well as this kickass cover of Van Halen's 'Hot For Teacher'...