Although it is likely that the Vancouver Canucks, Prince George Cougars and PG Spruce Kings will qualify for the playoffs, it’s doubtful any one of these organizations will boast about a truly successful season.

 

Yes, it’s hard to believe that we are in mid January and the Canucks have just passed the mid-point of their schedule; the Cougars have 27 games left; and the Spruce Kings have just 14 games to go.

The Canucks have always been and will continue to be the favorite NHL team for most BC residents
and this support is heightened this year with the addition of PG’s Jason Labarbera and Mats Sundin.

 

Vancouver is a better team than last season, especially when one considers that they have maintained a spot in the top six of the Western Conference, despite Roberto Luongo’s two month absence.

 

Even though five games aren’t enough to form an opinion on Sundin, obviously he will help. Luongo won’t have the fatigue and/or baby factor affecting him and assuming he stays healthy, he will be a main factor in Vancouver securing a post-season berth.

 

The Canucks have added offensive depth and possess a solid defensive core. They have also strengthened their goaltending situation, with the addition of Labarbera.

 

While optimism remains high, the Canucks still are not as strong as the Sharks and the defending champion Red Wings. If Vancouver doesn’t reach the Western final, which I certainly don’t predict, then indeed it will be another year of frustration; especially for the long time, loyal, but starving fans in this province.

 

The West is separated into three tiers. San Jose and Detroit are in a class by themselves, while the next group includes Vancouver, Anaheim, Calgary and Chicago. Although each of these teams has more than 35 games left, I think it’s safe to assume that these clubs will compete in the post-season with the last two berths wide open.

 

Meanwhile, there are many question marks that linger around the Cougars, including whether they will achieve their modest goal of making the playoffs. I was surprised the Cougars didn’t make a move or two on trade deadline day; however this was consistent with many other WHL teams, which is a contrast to what has transpired at the trade deadline in past years.

 

The Cougars much maligned goaltending has been getting better; and the defence is somewhat improved since the coaching change. The Cats still lack firepower, but so do the teams behind them (the Bruins and Winterhawks).

 

I expect the Cougars to hold on to the 8^th and final playoff spot which means a quick first round loss to the Vancouver Giants. In other words, look for another tumble in season ticket renewals, unless the team offers its dwindling fan base incentives at a reduced cost.

 

The Giants are the class of the Western Conference with Tri-City, Spokane and Kelowna the only teams with a legitimate chance of knocking them off.

 

 

So, what can you say about the Spruce Kings; the most disappointing of these three teams? The Spruce Kings season can be characterized as a flop. The team hasn't won in more than a month, a span of 10 games, and that includes match ups against the lowly Millionaires and Centennials. How can a team be so bad (with a losing record) and yet have five of their players picked to play in the all-star game in Victoria?

 

The Kings are a shoe in for the playoffs, not due to their dazzling play, but because of Quesnel’s and Merritt’s incompetence. The team is destined to place 6th out of 8 in the Interior Conference for the second straight year, which is a huge underachievement for a veteran filled club.

 

Salmon Arm and Vernon are the best in the Conference with Penticton and Westside in the tier below. Then it’s Trail and PG on the same level before a big drop to the Millionaires and Centennials.

 

Since the Spruce Kings have capable goalies, there is a possibility, the team might score a first round upset; however, a long playoff run remains remote.

 

In conclusion, PG hockey fans can expect their three beloved teams to play extra games beyond the regular season. This will be an upgrade over last year but certainly not enough to avoid more disappointment which has become a regular occurrence in the springtime.

“Vice president Dick Cheney said that “no one saw the financial crisis coming.” Is he kidding? Plenty of people saw the financial crisis coming. Now, the Arizona Cardinals against the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC title game? No one saw THAT coming.”Contributor Janice Hough of Palo Alto, California (www.leftcoastsportsbabe.com)

 

“President George W. Bush defended himself against accusations that he has been out-of-touch and in a "bubble." Then he added that he was rooting for the Cardinals to win the Super Bowl because he thought it would be a great thing for their long suffering fans in St. Louis.”Janice Hough

 

“David Beckham bought his wife, Victoria, an $80,000.00 handbag. It's believed to be the most overpriced purse since Tyson-Holyfield II.” Contributor Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California

 

“Sean Avery on Jarko Ruutu's biting of the hand of Andrew Peters--"At least they stopped him from going after sloppy seconds.”Bill Littlejohn

“It's not just Ruutu. The whole team bites.” Ottawa Sun columnist Chris Stevenson, on Jarko Ruutu's suspension (for chowing down on the thumb of Buffalo's Andrew Peters)

“A world wide poll is being conducted to find the greatest natural wonders of the world. Canada's entries include Niagara Falls, Alberta's Dinosaur Park and the annual faith of Toronto Maple Leaf fans.”Contributor Derek Wilken of Calgary (http://smacksport.blogspot.com/)

“A study says that eating disorders may be rising in male athletes. Apparently the researchers have never seen David Wells.”Comedy writer Jim Barach of WCHS-TV in Charleston, W.Va (http://jokesbyjim.blogspot.com/)

 

“A New York doctor who is going through a divorce wants his estranged wife to return the kidney he donated to her. She has not yet turned over the kidney, but she has given him the finger.”Comedy writer Jerry Perishohttp://monologuewriter.blogspot.com/

 

 

 

“First of all, I love the city of Japan.”Mixed martial arts fighter Kimbo Slice, making his debut as a commentator on an MMA telecast from Japan.http://mma.fanhouse.com/2008/12/08/kimbo-slice-i-love-the-city-of-japan/