Playoff hockey is officially headed back to Vancouver for the first time since 2015.
The Vancouver Canucks clinched a Stanley Cup Playoff berth Saturday following the St. Louis Blues 4-0 loss to the San Jose Sharks. The Canucks last made the playoffs in 2019-20 and lost in seven games in the Western Conference second round. Due to the pandemic at the time though, NHL clubs played in the “bubble” during the playoffs.
The Canucks have compiled a 45-20-8 record and held first place in the league for a brief period, they currently sit first in the Pacific Division four points ahead of the Edmonton Oilers.
Ever since losing the Stanley Cup in 2010-2011 to the Boston Bruins, the Canucks have tried to get replicate that season and get back to the Stanley Cup Final. Unfortunately, times have been tough and since losing in the Final, the Canucks have failed to make the playoffs eight times.
This year, it’s different, the Canucks are led by J.T. Miller who currently has 35 goals and 57 assists for 92 points, Elias Pettersson who has 33 goals and 51 assists and Norris Trophy favorite Quinn Hughes with 13 goals and 68 assists for a whopping 81 points this season which ties Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar for most points by a defenseman leaguewide. Thatcher Demko has compiled a 34-13-2 record and 2.47 goals against average, Demko is currently sidelined with an upper-body injury. Demko has notched five shutouts which is tied for third in the NHL.
The Canucks have never won the Stanley Cup, but have hopes this year. They have made the Final three times in their franchises’s history, most recently of course in 2011, the others in 1993 and 1982.
Vancouver is set to face off against the Anaheim Ducks on Easter Sunday.
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