Apparently there is a shortage of crutches in the Lower Mainland. Hospitals and clinics are scrambling to find them. Why? Because of the rash of broken ankles in recent days.
I could not believe how many people were jumping off the Canucks' Bandwagon on Saturday in response to Friday's 2-0 loss to the Stars. I was shocked at how many people approached me yesterday with the attitude that the Canucks were pretty much done as far as the playoffs go. That the Stars were a far superior squad and it was just a matter of time before the local lads were swept aside.
Are you kidding me? After one loss? Give your head a shake people!
Am I going to guarantee you that Vancouver wins this series? No. But I will say this - did you think it was going to be a cakewalk? The west is so tight this year - 7 teams with over 100 pts - that I won't be surprised at any of the first round results. That being said, I think the Canucks are going to win the series. These two teams are a very good test for each other and I just happen to like the team with the better goalie at the end of the day.
But that's beside the point. The real concern is the amount of people who bail on their team when the road gets a little bit rocky. Yeah, I know. It's cool to wear the vintage jersey or t-shirt when the Canucks have won 4 in a row. But as soon as a little adversity hits, you start in with the "I told you these guys weren't very good" routine. Listen, whether it's the 'Nucks or any other team you root for, you should be at your loudest and proudest when the chips are down (which isn't even the case right now; it's 1-1 people!).
Which brings me to the atmosphere at GM Place. If you are truly a fan of the Canucks, you should be screaming your lungs out when they trail 2-0 in the 2nd. You should be the one getting your section to chant "Go Canucks Go" at that point. Do you really think they need inspiration or motivation when they grab a 5-2 lead? That arena was like a morgue for most of the 2nd period in Game 2 and for long stretches in Game 1. Do you want to be part of the solution or part of the problem? It drives me nuts when people rip Vancouver for having bad sports fans because I know a lot of you out there are diehards. So don't let the "Canucks are trendy so let's go to the game" people ruin your reputation.
I will admit that part of it is on the Canucks organization. I think they could do a better job with that sweet scoreboard and screen at the Garage to fire the crowd up. But until that happens (and with CEO Chris Zimmerman, believe me, they are going to make it happen), get on your feet and get behind the home side. Or don't bother calling yourself a Canucks' fan. Because there's nothing worse than sitting on the fence. All you get is a sore groin.
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4 comments:
Scotty,
Couldn't agree with you more. In general, there are a lot of 'fans' in Vancouver who become 'fans' when it becomes fashionable. How many people have you met who talk about 'Nazzy' and the 'Sedins' NOW instead of during the regular season when the Canucks were fighting to get into the playoffs.
Anyone who has watched the Canucks this season knows full well that this team is BUILT for the playoffs. Can Vancouver beat Dallas? I think so. Is this going to be a cakewalk? Definitely not.
Kevin
Well, you really made some great points. It is so hard to be a diehard fan and then have to watch a playoff game on tv and have GM Place filled with a bunch of "trendy" fans. That's the only way to put it. The arena is now filled with people who don't give two s**** about hockey, but rather with people who like to be doing the "in" thing. It drives me nuts! And the unfortunate thing is that this isn't about to change anytime soon. The real fans can't get tickets to the games. Well, not at a reasonable price, at least. I know it's a business and it's all about making money, but is there some sort of solution that would allow more people the opportunity to come to games? I would hope there would be. Get those people at the games and then you'll see what a true playoff atmosphere should be like!
It all comes down to previous team failures. Canucks fans have suffered from decades of disappointments... Hopes raised to lofty heights and then shattered by bad breaks and horrible goaltending. Those bad memories don't just disappear, they stick in the fans' minds and make them think, "Don't get too high on this team 'cause they'll just figure out a way to blow it in the end." Once bitten, twice shy you might say.
As to the atmosphere in the stadium. When I look around, I see hardcore fans shelling out big bucks to live and die with their team. I don't buy this "trendy" "just want to be seen" line. Some newer tunes and better use of the in-house AV gear might provide better atmosphere in the lull times, but hey, Canucks fans have earned the right to be wary, and seeing their team sleepwalk through that 2-0 defeat isn't going to change things.
Scott,
Wow! The new-look blog, the photo of you wearing the 'cat in the hat' hat...the new entries. Holy crap! You're taking this seriously!
Lance
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