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I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and is recovering just in time to celebrate the end of this year. This time of the year is almost hockey overload with the WJC and the Spengler Cup going on. (Both teams won their first game). The Canucks end the year with a trip to Alberta to face both teams and then the Devils on New Years Eve to end the year. (Is that an Omen?)
Tonight the Canucks face the Oilers for only the second time. The first time was great, unless you listen to Hitchcock. “The Canucks are dirty, rotten cheaters, who literally jumped on Conner’s back and rode him like a sheep at a kids rodeo. The referees are supposed to call all the penalties in his favor.”
Ken might get his wish tonight. The Canucks won’t get the last change. so McDavid will get some favorable shifts against a guy like Pouliot. The key to tonight will be penalties...and hopefully the lack thereof by the Canucks.
You hear me Eddie!!!!
A strong showing in Alberta will get the masses talking about playoffs. And not to get too far ahead.....in January, the Canucks have a light schedule against some very average teams. They would need to win the majority of those games to really get the peanut gallery talking. And cue the peanunt....
Brian Burke on the #Canucks pushing for the playoffs: "I think it is realistic to talk about playoffs. Their young players are carrying them, they’re not quitting on games. They’re 1 point out and they could be sitting in a playoff spot tomorrow."
— Sportsnet 650 (@Sportsnet650) December 27, 2018
Burke is wrong of course. With games in hand, the Canucks are realistically are 5 points out.
But tonight first...Go Coconuts Go!