Not good enough

Reeling from their previous night loss to the Yotes in a shootout the Ducks came out tonight to pound the Canucks. Pardon the cliche but POUND they did. In their well known style of play, which also included giving up six power plays, the Ducks muscled their way around the Canucks scoring three goals in a span of six minutes in the first period after which the defensemen made small work of any attempt by the Canucks to gain the zone and create legitimate chances to score. The Ducks funneled shots to Hiller's chest and really didn't challenge Hiller all that much.

Granted the Mason Raymond goal was nice. Actually it should be carbon copied, that one timer goal by more players on the Canucks team. On the powerplay, I can only wish that the setup to Salo or Ohlund would be for that sleek one timer. But enough of the complaints and gripes, we are what we are today. But we can be more tomorrow.

Still eighth with twelve games to go the Canucks are in command of their playoff entry potential with also a game in hand on the Predators who are but only two points behind. They should make it right? The Flames loss tonight makes the Northwest division race ever so interesting with the top four teams all within 2 points of each other.

Where would we like to place? Who would be the preferred match-up? In winning the division, we can score a shot against a divisional rival most likely. I think this is our "best bet." Having to win away games against the other four top teams in the west would be really tough. I think it's important that the Canucks make a push here for some cushion because Luongo looks like he could use a little rest. Kipper played a great game tonight, although he lost, he seemed to be a lot faster on his feet than Luongo. Maybe it was Ovechkin that made him want to be faster, who knows.

Who do you think the Canucks would fair against the best?

To be honest, at this point, I don't think it matters. What's the point in considering what really is a coin flip opportunity anyways. The fact of the matter is that the Canucks have 12 games to get into playoff shape. The two most vital things I think for them are special teams related. Although, the second one I guess you can argue is actually special teams avoidance.

1) PowerPlay improvement. Need to go from middle of the pack to top ten.

2) We have a great PK, but we're Top 3 in terms of Team PIM in the league, as good as Luongo is, if we give up 25% more opportunities, even with a strong PK%, we're still letting in goals and allowing unnecessary opportunities.

Last question. Where do you love to watch the game?

My friends and I seem to always find a good excuse on Wednesday's to chill out at Earl's and take in the game with some cheap wings and pints. Even got lucky there once where a season holder walked up to me and just gave me a pair of tickets he could not use that evening since he saw me in my Luongo jersey. A gracious fan he was.

I've been to 7 games this year. Have tickets to two more, the last two games. It's going to come down to the wire. The division title is vital. Like I said, 12 games to go, 3-3 in March so far with the final nine games against divisional rivals to end the season.

It's going to be a great finish for all Northwest fans, albeit a nervous one. First though, the Canucks should really clamp down and win some in-conference games. Two PHX games sandwiching Saturday's bout versus the Stars. Will write more as I watch, read and think more about what can be, could be and what will be.