The Canucks Play Like They Want It, Win Game 7

WoohoO!

After a disappointing, lackluster performance in Game 6 that had bandwagoners declaring their hatred for our home team, the Canucks stepped up and played with some heart, taking Game 7 by a score of 4-1 and ending the Dallas Stars’ season. While I’m still a Markus Naslund fan, it is undeniable that the leaders of the team during this tough series were our superhuman goaltender, Roberto Luongo, and the greatest Canuck of all time, Trevor Linden. Our 37-year old former captain scored the winning goal for the second time in the seven game series, playing like he did when he was the hero of the unforgettable Cup run of ‘94.

The veteran has five points, including his two game winners, so far in the playoffs, leading our team by example. Working hard, skating for loose pucks and forechecking. While some have been hard on Linden’s lack of production during the regular season and…well, he’s not getting any younger…, real fans of the team know exactly how invaluable Linden is to our team regardless of his point total.

Of course, credit should also go to Roberto Luongo, who was amazing throughout his first seven playoff games in the NHL. Seriously, we are not worthy of such a talented goaltender. There just aren’t enough words to describe how spectacular Louie is. He was the only Canucks who was consistently awesome throughout the series and kept us in games we would otherwise be blown out in.

And now that the series is over, let’s give credit where it’s due. Marty Turco was equally amazing on the other side of the rink. His annoyingly good ability to handle the puck and crazy saves made the difference for the Stars. He played a monsterous series, shutting us out three times and has absolutely nothing to be ashamed of in losing. He played great, totally worthy of being one of the three Canadian National team goalies. Anyone that questions his ability in the playoffs is crazy…or not watching the same games that I was. Of course, I can’t say any of this while we’re playing against him since I don’t care if you’re Wayne Gretzky or Little Orphan Annie, if you’re on the other team, you’re the enemy. However, now that the series is done, well played, Marty.

So it’s onto the Ducks for what will be another tough test for our team as they play a more physical game than the Stars but if the same team that beat the Stars in Game 7 shows up in Anaheim this Wednesday, I think we have a pretty damned good chance.

Oh, no victory would be complete without celebrating with my fellow fans downtown, yelling and honking til midnight. My friends and I drove down to…that street…after the win and…wow, it gets pretty crazy when we’re all gathered in one place. I’ll post some videos later on.

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