Though we do not typically cover NHL hockey here at the Nouvelle, one team has gone above and beyond the norm this regular season and deserves an honourable mention before playoffs begin later this month.
The Vancouver Canucks have steadily improved over the last three seasons, reaching 100 points two seasons ago, 103 last season and culminating with a 113 point season this year, with three games remaining.
Not only is it the best season points-wise in Canucks history, it is also the first time the franchise has won the Presidents' Trophy, with the league's best record in the regular season.
But it's not just the best record getting the team all this attention. The team leads the league in several categories, including goals for (254) and goals against (181).
The Canucks boast two players, Daniel and Henrik Sedin, in the top three in league scoring, while second line centre Ryan Kesler is fifth in goals.
And backstopping them to the top are two solid goaltenders. Roberto Luongo leads the league in wins (37) and is third in both goals against average (2.14) and save percentage (.927). And backup Cory Schneider has been no slouch, coming into his own this season, posting a career-high 15 wins, while stopping 93 per cent of shots on net.
Even more impressive has been the Canucks' ability to continue winning, despite another season filled with injuries. The Canucks have dressed 12 different defencemen this season, but each has stepped in admirably when called upon.
Media members have gone on and on about how strong the Canucks have been this regular season, and it is deserved. But ask the players – they know they are just getting started.
Playoffs are when the real test begins for a team that has bowed out in the second round the previous two seasons.
When asked by media, following a win this past Thursday, what he thought of the team's first ever Presidents' Trophy, Luongo responded confidently, “It's nice, but we want another first to come in a few months. (The Stanley Cup's) the big one we're all keeping our eyes on here.”
Several other teammates answered in a similar fashion.
There is a sense the Canucks are not satisfied with being the best in the regular season. They want to be the best when the playoffs are all said and done. They want to be holding that Stanley Cup – something a Canucks team has never done.
With players like Luongo, Kesler, the Sedins and Alex Borrows coming into their own, reaching career highs year after year, and with an incredible supporting cast, the Canucks appear poised to make an extended playoff run.
That is if they can get past possible first round opponent, defending Stanley Cup champion and nemesis, the Chicago Blackhawks. The Blackhawks have ruined the Canucks' playoff aspirations the past two seasons.
But let's just say, Vancouver would be a nice place for playoff hockey in late May.
