Odd Sleeping Patterns

Karl's Blog. Stardate Blah Blah Blah,



The Flames defeated the Canucks today in over time. The Flames continue to the next round of NHL play-offs, while the Canucks as a team/organization/group/family takes a much needed break to assess the season that was, and the preparations needed next year for further success.



On one stand point, I am sad that the Canucks lost. However, I am amazed they made it this far amidst all the drama in the closing of the NHL regular season.



Just to warn readers, I am by no means an expert in hockey. Although, it will become apparent (if not already) as my rant continues. Growing up, I never played ice hockey. Hell, I can barely ice skate. My only brushes of playing hockey of any sort is at school during PE or intramurals in the form of street hockey. Even then, I'd be relegated to goal because I was big and fat. Hence, I occupied a lot of space in front of the net. Plus, my skills are non-existent and physical contact was not allowed.



I do watch hockey. But, not to the extent as most of my friends. They could go on and on about stats, players' tendencies, rankings, the myriad of rules, rule changes, etc. I merely watch and cheer for things that I can equate with effort: hitting, checking, shooting, crisp efficient passing, fighting for the puck, and protecting the puck. A lack in these aspects (I often look for this in other sports as well; at least the equivalents) and I get annoyed about a lack of effort or being too conservative in their play.



With that in mind, I felt that this series was a success. As ugly and frustrating as it got, it was still an exciting series. Sure I would have liked the Canucks to win, but, considering what had happened, I am okay.



Throughout the regular season, the criticism of the team was that while they were good, there was something missing. An "X" factor they would often say. Something that would make them a bonafide force in the league. As good as they were, they weren't great.



I believe the pieces are there. The first round proved that the last minute acquisitions were made for a reason. A lot of the attention was placed upon Rucinsky, but, Sanderson proved to be the firecracker to inspire both the Canucks and the Canuck faithful. His speed, his hustle, his tenacity made even the most rudimentary fan (like me) thankful for his presence on the ice.



There were absences in the play-offs that were just glaring. Bertuzzi made a mistake and was penalized thusly. While not a great season for him this year, his presence would have brought the team closer to their ultimate goal: The Stanley Cup. He should return sometime next season depending upon the health of Steve Moore and just how vindictive the league bureaucrats can be. So I dunno . . . late mid-season?



As for the crisis in between the pipes. We have a starting goalie. His name is Cloutier. He's not great, but, he is good. Good enough to bring the team to the play-offs. Injury prone? Perhaps. It became a factor in his departure in the series. However, we do have two goalies laying in wait. One is more than capable to step in (Hedberg), while the other is just waiting to blow up and be a future star (Auld). As long as they are not sold out by bad defensive play, they should both be more than adequate. And even then, they have both made clutch saves against the Flames.



Next year should prove to be an exciting year. Just as long as Burke and company can find a way to keep them together with minor tweaking here and there.



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Growing up there were three hockey franchises that I followed as a fan. These were as follows,



1) The Canucks



They were the home team. The team of the community. Sure they were Hallowe'en colours, they rarely made it past

the second round, and played in a stadium on the PNE grounds, but, they were our team. Fuck you. You can't criticize

our team, that was our job, and boy do we ever.



2) The Oilers



It was the 1980s. It was Gretzky's Oilers. Sure, it had some fucking Neanderthal/Cro Mag named Messier, who even

captained them to one Stanley Cup, but, they were Gretzky's team and it was his era.



3) Les Canadiens



For some reason I've always liked the Habs. Was it due to the short Canadian animated film "The Sweater"? Je ne

sais pas. Perhaps. Aussi, I always liked Patrick Roy.



There was a brief period when I felt conflicted over the Maple Leafs. For years I've despised them. All of a sudden, Pat Quinn became the man in charge. He also brought along a few ex-Canucks (eg. Mogilney & Lumme). However, this odd peculiar feeling towards the Leafs subsided. Then it was back to business as usual. Fucking Leafs.



But yeah, with the trade of Gretzky, my love for the Oilers waned. Left were the Habs and the Canucks. While there will always be a place in my heart for the Canadiens, they will always come second to my home team.



However, the dynamic of the franchise and our understanding of them has changed drastically over the years. From their meager beginnings as a family owned club in a Pacific shipping town to the transformation into the conglomerate they are now, the Canucks continue to change.



Nolonger are they the unofficial farm team of the NHL. One that produces future stars for other teams. Now they are championship contenders year in and year out.



We've experienced the lows as well as the highs. Right now we are at a low. But then again, we aren't that far from being on top. It's not like it's the dark ages of Keenan and Messier again is it?



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These odd sleeping habits and rare chances to update leave me with weird thoughts.



Later Days.



End Transmission.