Vancouver Canucks: Blackhawks Game Perfect for Canucks After the All-Star Break

Often times when the Vancouver Canucks return from an extended break, they appear to stumble out of the gate and it seems difficult for them to get out of vacation mode and back into high intensity game mode. But their matchup with bitter rival club Chicago Blackhawks could cure any woes the well-rested Canucks squad has going into tonight's big game.

Prior to the All-Star Break, the Canucks were on a tear with 14 out of a possible 20 points in the month of January, and had an even better month of December. If the Canucks were to begin the stretch drive to the playoffs against a lowly club like the Columbus Blue Jackets, their winning trend could take a turn for the worse with players still in vacation mode and not taking the game seriously.

To start the final half of the season against Chicago, of whom the hatred between the two teams is unexplainable and the competition level is so high; a game of this magnitude could only increase the passion and adrenaline of the Canucks players that much more.

Chicago is currently sitting out of the top three in the Western Conference as the Detroit Red Wings lead the Central division with 67 points, but altogether the second place and Northwest division-leading Canucks are tied with the sixth place Blackhawks at 64 points. This is the second last time the Canucks will face the Blackhawks and they could ultimately meet in the playoffs for a fourth consecutive season. It is a perfect opportunity for the Canucks to make a statement heading into the final stretch of the season.

As is with every Canucks/Blackhawks matchup, the two sides should battle like it is Game 7 in the playoffs. With such high intensity, win or lose, this is a great game to get the Canucks started on the road to another Western Conference crown in 2012.

John Bain is a Bleacher Report Featured Columnist

Follow John on Twitter: @JohnBainSports