Review of the Canucks 08-09 Regular Season

After a devastating loss of a friend and teammate the Canucks started their 2008-09 regular season with an emotional tribute to the late Luc Bourdon. What appeared to be a determined team took the ice dedicating the year to Luc. The Canucks came out to a big 6-0 win over the Calgary Flames. The season had ups and downs throughout. From hitting rock bottom with a nine game losing streak in January to an astonishing 10 game home win streak in February. With a strong push late in the season the Canucks surpassed the Calgary Flames to win the North West Division by two points and placed third in the Western Conference. A serious groin injury to the Canucks star goaltender Roberto Luongo in December sent the Vancouver Canucks into a tailspin eventually leading them into the nine game win less streak. Mats Sundin signed with Vancouver in December and began to play mid January. The acquisition of Mats opened up space for the Sedin Twins helping to add some secondary scoring. Mats Sundin, Pavol Demitra and Ryan Kesler found some chemistry while Alex Burrows appears to be the long lost Sedin Triplet. These two lines made a solid one two punch for the Canucks along with their tough and dependable back end consisting of Willie Mitchel, Kevin Bieksa, Mattias Ohlund, Sami Salo, Shane O'Brien and Alex Edler. A strong season by Ryan Kesler (named team MVP) and Alex Burrows added some much needed secondary scoring for the Canucks allowing them to win the division and grab home ice in the playoffs. A team that was predicted to miss the playoffs the Vancouver Canucks took the underdog roll coming into the season. Motivated by the tragic loss of Luc Bourdon a determined Canucks team proved all wrong and had a strong season back boned by the one and only Roberto Luongo. Grab your popcorn, put your feet up and get ready for a long spring of Canucks Playoff Hockey!