Optimism reigned supreme, and rightfully so, for the Vancouver Canucks, as they entered the playoffs as President’s Trophy champions for the first time.

 

Because they were the best team in the regular season, does that mean the Canucks have to win the Cup in order to declare this season a success? Not necessarily so, unless one believes there is only 1 winner and 29 losers.

 

Past history indicates this team struggles in the spring. Since reaching the Stanley Cup finals in 93/94 the Canucks failed to qualify for the playoffs six times, were eliminated in the first round four times, and knocked out in the second round five times. To this end, I present five possible scenarios and what each one represents:

If the Canucks lose in the first round to Chicago….

The critics will be out in full force. Goalie Roberto Luongo and Coach Alain Vigneault will take the most heat, and the Sedins will feel crucified as not being big time-big game performers.

 

The Canucks will be labelled as “choke artists” that could not handle the pressure. Theo Fleury’s prediction will come true and others will suggest that Vancouver did not have the grit. The President’s Trophy curse and even the “Chicago curse” will also be blamed. Everyone will be an expert about why they did not perform and demand changes, despite 117 points in the regular season. 

Therefore, that feel good story entering the post-season will become a nightmare and another long golf season will begin with many more questions than answers. 

A first round exit will hurt more than any previous year. 

If the Canucks lose in the second round….
Let the chants begin. “Here we go again” “We have seen this movie before”. “Why do they always stumble in the Conference semi-finals”?

 

The Canucks have lost in the second round in each of the previous two years, both times at the hands of Chicago. They also were beaten in the Conference semis in 06/07 by Anaheim. The disappointment of losing here will be nearly as great as if they had lost in round one.

 

Again, the regular season success will be nullified. 

A second round exit will not be received well and the word “character” or lack thereof will be the catch phrase.

 

 

If the Canucks lose in round three (Western Conference final) …
There will be disappointment for sure, but Canucks fans will be satisfied that progress has been made. There will be comparisons to the San Jose Sharks, who like Vancouver, were perennial playoff failures, until the Sharks came of age when they reached the Western Final last year.

 

The word process will be prevalent. GM Mike Gillis will insist albeit they did not achieve the ultimate goal the team progressed and with the experience are ready in the future to take that next step.

A third round exit will be considered a tease, but the players and supporters will be able to hold their heads high.

If the Canucks lose in the Stanley Cup Final…
What a great ride! Fans will be euphoric but it will not be the Canucks fault they lost. The officiating will be blamed and/or a controversial goal, an untimely injury, a fluke play or something out of the ordinary that will be the reason(s).

 

Scalpers will be able to go into retirement, asking $5,000 or maybe even $10,000 per ticket for each of the finals games in Vancouver.

 

Even non-hockey enthusiasts will jump on the bandwagon. Paul’s party bus will take a group of Prince George fans to one of the games and will return home very “tipsy” but very “happy” with the experience.

 

A loss to the Eastern Champions in the final will be considered a great achievement and the consensus will be “wait until next year” because the Canucks will win it all in 2011/12. 

If the Canucks win the Stanley Cup …

The “I told you so” folks will be in frenzy. The celebration will make the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver look like a picnic. The Sedins, Luongo, Vigneault, Hamhuis and the rest of the team will be worshipped more than royalty.

 

The President’s Trophy will even have some meaning. Premier Christy Clark will jump on board and declare the day in June the Canucks won the Cup as a provincial holiday every year. The only negative twist will be when the looters appear in full force, as those hooligans will try to steal the headlines by causing millions of dollars in damage to public property and private businesses.

 

All in all, I guess it is safe to say if the Canucks do indeed win the Stanley Cup, their many supporters will finally be able to go to heaven and yes, REST IN PEACE. 

 

All three California hockey teams made the NHL playoffs. When asked what they thought about this most Californians responded, "We have hockey teams."

The media reports are that Manny Ramirez is retiring just because he got a second positive drug test that would have resulted in a 100 game suspension. Manny’s response - “Please, I prefer to think of it as an extended maternity leave.”
Contributor Janice Hough of Palo Alto, California (www.leftcoastsportsbabe.com)

Watching Tiger make a charge on Sunday was unusual by his golf standards but according to his mistresses coming from behind isn’t unheard-of.

Upset after her application to attend the leaders debate was denied, Green Party leader Elizabeth May invited voters to watch the broadcast with her. This is similar to what Brian Burke of the Toronto Maple Leafs intends to do if his application to include the Leafs in the playoffs is turned down. Burke says the Leafs have millions of fans and must be a part of any national sport playoff for the sake of democracy.
Contributor Derek Wilken of Calgary (http://smacksport.blogspot.com/)Rory McIlroy is to meltdowns at The Masters what Meatloaf is to meltdowns on Celebrity Apprentice.

The masses following Arnold Palmer on the course were called Arnie’s Army.
Those following Charl Schwartzel: Charl’s Schwartzealots.
Comedy writer Jerry Perishohttp://monologuewriter.blogspot.com/

 

 

Kim Clijsters is suddenly doubtful to play in the French Open after dislocating her ankle and tearing ligaments while swinging to the music at her nephew's wedding.
On the bright side, she's the No. 1 pick for Dancing With The Scars. 

 

 

 

In honor of Lebron James comparing the Heat to the Beatles, my top five sports figure - rock band matches:

5. Sean Avery - Simple Minds;
4. Lawrence Taylor - Bad Company;
3. Tiger Woods - The Temptations;
2. Barry Bonds - 10cc;
1. Wilt Chamberlain - Loverboy.