Edmonton Comes to Town

This should be a much more interesting game tonight than the previous game against Calgary. Edmonton's got speed and exciting young players and they play a very up-tempo style of game. I expect the Canucks to win this one, extending their record points streak to 15 games. Vancouver's shown that they can lock down the Oil and not allow them to use their speed to gain entry into their zone throughout the year so far.. I expect them to do much of the same.

Schneider's expected to get the start tonight, Lui will start in Detroit tomorrow night. Kurtis Foster is a healthy scratch for the Oil and Strudwick will come into the lineup in his place.

Well, I was kinda right...

A goalie did steal the show. The Canucks were flat (expected, most of the time the first game home off a road trip is low energy) and Calgary was playing decent, but Luongo stole the game. Too bad the boys didn't get him the shutout, but a win is a win.

Next up, Edmonton on Friday. I expect the streak to live throughout the weekend, beating both Edmonton and Detroit back to back. The Canucks haven't lost the 2nd game of a back to back yet this season, and they have the talent to play like they did tonight and still find ways to win, which should take care of Edmonton.

Canucks vs. Flames, still a rivalry?

With the Canucks icing probably the best team in it's 40 year history (ironically on it's 40th anniversary), and the Flames looking rather directionless, disinterested and mediocre, is there still a true rivalry between the two Northwest Division foes?

True rivalries are bred in the playoffs, these two having a rather storied history against each other in the playoffs. They've met 4 times, and each time the victor has gone to the Stanley Cup. They play against one another 6 times in a course of a season, but is that enough to keep the rivalry ignited? It's been 6 years since these two last met in the playoffs. There are but a handful of players on either team that was playing in that series. On Vancouver's end, the Sedins and Sami Salo are the only Canucks left from that 2003-2004 team. On Calgary's, there was Jerome Iginla, Mikka Kipprusoff, Craig Conroy, and Robyn Regehr.

If there is reason for rivalry now, it is between the fans of the two teams more so than the teams themselves. Vancouver would tell you Chicago's their biggest rival because of recent playoff history, but ask any Canuck fan what they think of Calgary and they'll let you know that they still hate the Flames, probably more than the Hawks. I'm sure it's the same way for Flames fans, in fact I know it is just from message boards and websites I lurk on a regular basis.

Tomorrow night, one of 3 things is going to happen.

1. The Canucks will lose, they are due for a loss and their play as of late is looking like a loss will happen sooner rather than later.

2. The Canucks will win, and win big (14 goals for the last 2 contests for the 'nuckleheads)

3. They both play a chippy 'in your face' game and the goaltenders steal the show.

My money's on 3, Calgary's playing a little better and Van's play as of late hasn't been too hot.