We’re getting close to playoff time, with a 10-game stretch at the end here…

The Vancouver Canucks, coming off a long winning streak at home, and  breaking a losing streak on the road last night… are well-positioned for these last few games before the playoffs. And I would argue, also in a good position to do well in the playoffs.

In this last half of the year, we’re finally getting some spark and jump from players that can make it happen, like the ever-darling Burrows, Kesler, and even the Sedins. And Luongo is stepping up his game… and we know how awesome he is in the playoffs.

And that’s the kind of spirit I want to see us keep on the Canucks. The kind of players who are willing to play for less to play on our team. The kind of players who are willing to play on the ice even if they are bleeding. I want to see us bring this grit and passion into the playoffs that has somehow been so elusive on a Canucks team in this city for the past few years.

Currently we’re sitting 2nd in the Northwest Division, and 5th in our conference. I’d like to see overtake Calgary at the end here. That would just rock.

So I say Bring It, Canucks! Let’s see what you can do here. I’m looking forward to wearing my Canucks jersey every single day… even if it gets stinky… in my annual tradition of wearing my jersey every day for good luck during the playoffs. Even to work.

Who’s excited for the playoffs?

GO CANUCKS GO!

First, before I begin, let me say that I am not off the bandwagon. I’m always ON the Canucks bandwagon. I’ve stuck with them through thick and thin and every single year I believe that they will somehow win the Cup that year. I still watch or listen to every game and root for the boys. I’ll never give up on them.

However, I believe that Canucks fans are a special breed. We are put through a lot. Yet somehow we always find a way to cheer them on. We may possibly be the most frustrated fans in the league.

So therefore I present to you…

TOP 10 REASONS WHY CANUCKS FANS HAVE IT HARDER THAN ANY OTHER FANS IN THE NHL

10. Trevor Linden retired. (Sorry, I had to put it in )

9. Trying to get tickets to a Canucks game requires you to either take out a loan on your house or beat down scalpers over the head with a bat and run.

8. The majority of seats in the lower bowl are filled with suits who don’t wear jerseys, don’t cheer, arrive halfway into the first period and walk out with 5 minutes in the game left, blocking everyone’s view.

7. We had to deal with Mark Messier.

6. Our players are always injured in the most crucial times.

5. Our players rarely win fights.

4. We have a “third period” Achilles heel where we either a) If the Canucks are down, they play their hardest hockey of the game in the third period when it is too-little-too-late or b) If the Canucks are winning, they find some way to lose in the third period, usually in the dying seconds.

3. A player is acquired and is heralded as the team’s saviour or a player comes back from injury and is heralded as the team’s saviour.. in both cases fans are often left feeling disappointed with the result.

2. The Canucks give away the puck more than any other team in the league.

And the number one reason why Canucks fans have it harder than any other fans in the NHL…

1. When arguing with a Toronto Maple Laffs fan about which team is better, all they say is, “Well at least my team has won a Stanley Cup!”… then we hang our heads in shame, swallow down the acrid bile that rises in our mouths just thinking about the Leafs, and admit that yes, our team has never won a Stanley Cup.

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Yes, I’m mostly just joking about all of this. But — please Canucks, please start playing smarter hockey. Please stop turning the puck over. Please find some chemistry in your lines. Please start winning at home! We’re sticking by you guys and we’re trying to be patient.

I hope we can make a run for it here in the last stretch here before the playoffs.

Go Canucks Go!

Do you have any additions to my list?