Canucks Report

Witnessing upwards of 100,000 people stuffed like sardines on the streets of Vancouver, it’s easy to see that something big is happening here.  The Canucks are far more than a hockey team to British Columbia. They’re our identity, a common thread between complete strangers.  Even the most casual fan can’t help but hit the streets in anticipation of this city’s defining sporting moment. 

The Olympics were incredible, but we had to share that with the rest of Canada and while there are many who consider the lone remaining Canadian team in the NHL playoffs as “Canada’s team”, a Stanley Cup would truly be ours, to be viewed and celebrated by any who want to, but not to be shared.

"How'd you like the taste of that Boston clam chowder, buddy?"

The Bruins had just defeated the Canucks and Eaton was wearing his Canucks shirt---proudly. It was Game 4 on Bruins' home turf. 

Boston.  Where Eaton went to university.  Boston.  Where he'd returned to cheer the Canucks.

The Bruins' fan pushed his face right up into Eaton's and it could have gotten nasty.  But the guy backed off.  Still,  hostility mounted as Eaton rooted for his team.  It didn't stop him and he got out alive.

Now, he's back on a flight to Boston for Game Six and he will be live blogging with pictures and updates tonight from Bruins-land. 

Hopefully, the Canucks are psychologically more prepared today to deal with the Bruins' fans desire to see them destroyed than than they were in Game 4.

Howard Eaton, circa 1974, ready to hit the ice. 

This was a view from Eaton's perspective during Game 5.

The Canucks won three of four games in a busy week that included a three game road trip.  Monday in St. Louis the Canucks bested the Blues 3-1.  Wednesday saw the Canucks play Detroit in a battle for first place in the Western conference.  Despite holding a late lead, the Canucks lost 5-4 in overtime in a very entertaining game.  One night later Vancouver avenged the loss to Detroit, beating the Columbus Blue Jackets 7-1 before heading home for the final game of the week Sunday, a game which saw the Canucks come back from two goals down to beat the Oilers.

Markus Naslund’s jersey retirement headlined a week that saw the Canucks win two of three games.  Although picking up five out of a possible six points on the week, the Canucks could not earn the victory for their former captain, losing 5-4 in overtime to the Tampa Bay Lightning the same night Naslund’s jersey was raised to the rafters of Rogers Arena alongside Stan Smyl and Trevor Linden.