The Canucks held off the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday evening for a 2-1 victory and return home for battles against the top and the bottom of the Pacific Division. Tuesday brings the mighty, first place Vegas Golden Knights out of their fortress and into Rogers Arena while Thursday will present the last place San Jose Sharks.
The Canucks might be envious of the latter in one way; the Sharks are just three points ahead of having the worst record in the NHL and the best odds at the NHL Draft Lottery that comes up May 8th. The Columbus Blue Jackets presently hold the title of bottom feeders with 49 points to San Jose’s 52, while the Canucks are tied for 8th worst with 67.
North Vancouver native Connor Bedard is the prize; the lock first-overall pick in this summer’s NHL Draft.
Outside of that reality the Canucks are feeling pretty good about themselves lately, having won seven of their nine games played in the month of March and ramping up their record to 13-8-and-2 since head coach Rick Tocchet took over for the game against the Chicago Blackhawks on January 24th.
They’re also getting a pretty good idea of who they like on the club as this elongated stretch drive continues. Look for more young-un’s to be added to the mix for a try-out as the rest of the season unfolds.
Some Other Canucks
One of the more exciting entities you might come across in your hockey journeys is the Canadian National Para-Hockey team, known previously and/or in other parts as a ‘sledge hockey team’ or ‘sled hockey team’. It’s a fast and furious sport and worth a watch if one gets the opportunity.
The speed and physicality surprises most and the players are elite, sometimes angrily competitive athletes.
Lately however, Canada’s roster hasn’t done so well, swept in a three-game exhibition series against the United States, the latest loss coming Saturday afternoon in a 2-1 match. The Yank’s previously beat the Canadians 9-3 and 1-0 in overtime in the most recent three-game series.
Canada is going through a bit of a roster transition with some of its long-time stalwarts hanging up their sleds. They’ll plan to be ready to rock for the World Championships in May.
Notable Canada News
Hockey Canada made an important announcement on Saturday, given it’s recent scandals, trials and tribulations. Here it is:
CALGARY, Alta. – Hockey Canada has announced that renowned diversity, inclusion and human rights leader Irfan Chaudhry has been hired as the organization’s first vice-president, diversity and inclusion, and will begin his role on April 12.
A step in the right direction.
Enjoy the Hockey Action!!
