I hate Canucks...

[Chaerophon]

As a native Vancouverite and avid Canucks fan, I take exception. The Canucks are among the top-five teams in the West in goals scored since Christmas with an average well above 3. They have four lines who can score, a pair of the most exciting playmakers in the game in the Sedin twins, and a number of defensemen who love to join the rush. There is more talent on this team than there ever was on any of the previous "trapping" Wild teams. Plus, more often than not, the Canucks employ a pressure forecheck.

Realistically, their style is more reminiscent of last year's Calgary Flames than of the Wild and Devils of years past. They certainly aren't "sitting back" and waiting for the play to come to them. They regularly employ an aggressive forecheck, and are among the best dump-and-chasers in the league (especially the Sedins). They're hard-working, and you know that the same team will show up night in and night out. I appreciate that.

The Canucks were among the most exciting teams to watch in the league for years under Crawford. It got them nowhere. This Canucks team is more consistent and better prepared for the playoffs than any other team in the Naslund/Bertuzzi era.

Minnesota has a good team. We'll see how thing hash out come the playoffs.;)

Not all Canucks, because some Canucks, such as DeeBye, are among the most interesting & engaging persons I've ever met. Just a few Canucks, specifically the Vancouver Canucks, which makes the Wild's OT victory last nite oh so sweeeeeet.

To you rabid hockey fans who in the past carped and complained about the Wild's boring style of play (like DeeBye), please herewith and henceforth shut your yap. With the addition of Demitra and Johnnson, the Wild now are one of the most potent offenses in the NHL. It is the Vancouver Canucks that are now the most stolid, boring and unimaginative team to take the ice in the NHL. The acquisition of Luongo has allowed them to parlay that dull trap offense into a division title (although, it ain't over yet...).

PS Backstrom would get my vote for the Hart trophy. Without him the Wild aren't in the playoffs, let alone contending for the Northwest Division.

EDIT: typos....