Vancouver Can’t Win, Please

Vancouver can’t win the Cup.

It’s not that they’re not capable of winning, because they are 100 per cent capable. They won the Presidents Trophy for cryin’ out loud.

The thing is if you’re a Calgary Flames fan, this could be the worst thing to happen since the “blown call” in the 2004-cup finals. The chirping would be endless.

It’s bad enough to see a divisional foe raise a banner, but the Canucks have become a lot more. The Flames-Canucks rivalry has outgrown the legendary ‘Battle of Alberta’ as the most heated, competitive and hate-filled matchup in the Northwest division.

The Canucks faithful will talk all day about their “world-class” goalie (who loves nothing more than to choke in a pressure-cooker). They’ll obviously bring up the whole Presidents Trophy thing. They might get a word in about how the Sedins are numbers one and two in the league (but also can’t bring it in the post-season). Of course they’ll mention Kesler’s breakout season and how Bieksa gets robbed of the Norris (or even Norris nomination) every season.

The point is that Canucks fans are more arrogant than ever before and a Stanley Cup would certainly be the straw that broke the camel’s back. It would ultimately give Canucks fans immunity in arguments at least until the Flames won a playoff round, which might be later rather than sooner.

Baring amazing off-season acquisitions, the Flames are most likely about to go through a few rough years. It would be a small consolation prize to see the Canucks choke just once more.  Another Vancouver collapse would surly keep the wave of blue at bay at least one more year.

Remember, up to this point, Vancouver’s greatest franchise accomplishment is retiring Trevor Linden’s number. For now they have nothing else, and they know it.

Go Sharks.