Vancouver Canucks: 5 Clips to Pump Fans Up for the 2012 Playoffs

Although it was never truly in jeopardy, the Vancouver Canucks secured themselves atop the Northwest Division with a 3-2 overtime win in Colorado Saturday.  

Now that it's official, Canucks' fans can stop worrying about regular season games and look forward to the run for the cup.  

In light of the good news, the following are five video clips to pump fans up for the upcoming post season.  

Enjoy!

Mitchell Levels Toews

I realize this clip isn't from a playoff game, but the hit was too huge to leave off the list. Any hit this size is highlight worthy, but when it's clean and against a rival, it's just that much more enjoyable.  

Jonathan Toews had trouble getting back to his feet after this hit, which is hard to watch even for an enemy. Luckily, the damage only caused the young Hawk to miss six games.  

If another Vancouver vs. Chicago series is in the near future (as fate would suggest it is), Canucks' fans can prepare to see more hits of this caliber against the rival Blackhawks.  

Keith Ballard Picture Perfect Hip Check

Keith Ballard has recently resumed skating with the Vancouver Canucks and has now been cleared for light contact. While there are many skeptics who may not welcome this news, it could be a blessing in disguise.  

If Daniel Sedin misses significant playoff time, the Canucks will have to fight and hit their way through the playoffs to make up for the loss of the leading goal scorer.  

If Keith Ballard gets back in the game by playoffs, it will benefit the Canucks greatly.  

After all, who wouldn't want a player who's mastered the art of the hip check as well as Keith Ballard—as he shows Jamie McGinn in last year's conference finals.  

Burrows Game 2 Overtime Winner

Alex Burrows is starting to make a name for himself—and no, it's not for being a pest.  

Early into overtime, Burrows nets the winner against Boston to put Vancouver up 2-0.

As we all know, the Canucks went on to lose the series, but the atmosphere in Rogers Arena after a big goal is too electric to keep off this list.  

Bieksa Ices It

Although this wasn't the prettiest goal, Kevin Bieksa's series winner is worthy of the list.  

After a lucky bounce in double overtime, Bieksa—the only player in the rink who knew where the puck was—fires a bouncer into the back of the net to send the Vancouver Canucks to the Stanley Cup finals.  

Burrows Game 7 Overtime Winner

After Chicago eliminated Vancouver in back to back seasons, the Canucks came back with a 3-0 domination in the first round last season.  

When the Blackhawks won the next three, fans had little hope, but when they tied the game in the dying minutes of game seven, we thought it was all but done.  

In overtime, Burrows catches a clearing attempt before blasting home the rolling puck for what is most definitely the best memory as a Nucks fan.  

With the playoffs nearing, we're hoping Burrows can step up yet again.  

For another great YouTube Canuck pump-up video, click here.