For the first time in their 40 year history the Vancouver Canucks have won the Presidents' Trophy!
Sure it doesn't mean a whole lot, but it is a nice accomplishment. What's more impressive is the way they accomplished the feat. They've scored the most goals while allowing the fewest. They have the NHL's best power play and the best penalty kill. They could boast the league's top 2 scorers and will have multiple nominees for the NHL awards. They went 10-2 in March, playing against teams fighting for their playoff lives, when they themselves had little to play for. It's been an incredible season, but all the accolades will mean nothing without playoff success.
They know it, the fans know it. It's Stanley Cup or bust.
They could get bounced in the first round, but there's something that tells me this team is something special. Sure they have the scoring and the depth, but it's the intangibles that are going to make the difference this year. The way they go about their business is something we've never seen in Vancouver. This team has one goal and everyone is buying into the process that will achieve it. Under the leadership of the Sedins this team is on a mission.
The fragility of the Markus Naslund era has been purged.
This team knows it can win and more importantly, knows how to win. They're getting stellar goaltending. Despite numerous injuries the defense core has been great all year. Everyone has been contributing up front and when the Canucks need to step up, the Sedins lead the way. From top to bottom this is the best team Vancouver has ever seen.
Only four more games until we get to see this team in playoff action. I can't wait...
