Huge game tonight, Canucks vs. Blues for Game #4. The Canucks have a chance to take it all, and for the Blues it is do or die. Will St. Louis be able to elevate their game tonight and play desperate?

So far my playoff streak of wearing a jersey every day of the playoffs continues. I’m not stinky yet, but the playoffs ain’t over yet either… *cough* I haven’t had a chance to go to a playoff game yet this year and with trying to save up for all the surf trips I have planned this summer, I don’t think I’ll get a chance to. That said, if they make it to the Stanley Cup finals (and I think they have a pretty decent chance), I’ll be there

For most bandwagon fans, the Canucks continue to surprise them with their speed and toughness. For us die-hard fans, it’s just the good team we’ve seen playing most of the year taking it to the next level. They got better and better as the season progressed and now they are finally showing what they can do when they play with a little heart… something that has been sorely missed on a Canucks team for a long time, especially since Trevor Linden retired in my opinion

Mats Sundin is supposed to be a game-time decision tonight. I’d like to have him back, but definitely don’t want him rushed through his injury to play. Kariya has said he’s not going to play tonight, but if they make it to Game 5, I’m almost certain he will. Special teams is going to be the story again for tonight. Canucks will need to continue their excellent penalty killing and continue scoring when they get power play chances.

Tonight is going to be a tough game. The Canucks aren’t known for their killer instinct and have only swept a playoff series once before. We’ve seen a lot of the young guys on our team step up, like Burrows, Kesler, Bernier, and Raymond… and even the Sedins! Now I’d like to see some of the veterans really pull out all the stops and play hard tonight. The Canucks are going to need to play every game like it is their last and not get complacent if they want to keep up their momentum into the second series. But let’s not count our chickens before they hatch. It isn’t over till it’s over.

As I mentioned, my friend who is a Blues fan is a little unsettled by the series so far but I have to give it to him — he hasn’t jumped ship and continues to support his team. I have something to admit that no self-respecting Canucks fan would ever admit. I secretly want St. Louis to get the next game… not just so my friend can have a smile on his face, but also so the Canucks can come back home… and win the series in Vancouver for the fans. But don’t tell anyone I told you that!

In other news, what’s with Library Square kicking out a guy for wearing his Canucks jersey? What a shame. I’m boycotting them from now on. Come on — get with the program! It’s playoff time and this is a hockey town. Here’s the link for those who haven’t read the story yet on CBC: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2009/04/20/bc-canucks-jersey-ban-library-square-pub.html

Shame on them.