By Bryce Lokken
The 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs are roughly scheduled to begin April 12th. Right now, it’s likely that the Vancouver Canucks will face either Dallas, Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Jose or perhaps Colorado or Calgary. In the ultra-tight Western Conference, the standings will be a crazy game of musical chairs right up until the regular season concludes on April 7th. For Vancouver Canucks fans, the memory of last year’s run to Game 7 of the Finals is still fresh. As they await their eventual opponent – perhaps feeling reasonably assured of a lengthy playoff run – the first round may feel like a mere formality.
However, anything can happen in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Here are – by possible opponent – reasons why you should get your tickets for the first round:
Dallas
We’ve played these guys too much too quickly. For two teams separated by thousands of miles and a few divisions, this has turned out to be heated. Even the usually-stoic Alain Vigneault has aimed his ridicule Vernon Fiddler (for his Kevin Bieksa impression). As always, our beloved Bieksa had a few choice words about Fiddler; I just think he looked like a pug.
Bryce’s prediction: Canucks in 6.
Phoenix
Goals, goals, goals. With historically mediocre defense and offense, Phoenix will go as goalie Mike Smith does. This is a series in which you hope that your top three lines get to step up and score more goals than any other series. Phoenix is currently a minus 2 in goal differentials – the lowest in the West’s top 8. Of the possible matchups, put you prayers here if you’re hoping to see a few hat-tricks.
Bryce’s prediction: Canucks in 5.
Los Angeles
LA currently sits in ninth place in the Western Conference. On Monday, we had a slow-paced but physical game with them. The Kings have always seemed to bring out the grit in us. A few key pieces have moved, but do you remember our last series in 2010 against LA in Round One? I wanted to punch my TV every time I saw Dustin Brown’s face. I can’t imagine how our new boy Kassian and regulars like Lapierre and Bieksa will feel about it a few games in.
Bryce’s prediction: Canucks in 7.
San Jose
If there’s a team with a score to settle, it’s San Jose. Last year’s Game 5 elimination was a slap in the face for them – not only because they lost on an awkward off-stanchion floater from the blueline, but because a non-call thirty seconds prior may have made that difference. Look for Joe Thornton to continue to try to get under the skin of Henrik, and look for Ryan Kesler to enter Beast Mode early on.
Bryce’s prediction: Canucks in 6.
The Long Shots
Colorado
Trivia – last player to score an own goal for Vancouver? The always colorful Shane O’Brien. And by colorful, I mean always traded. If you want to see a series in which we not only score, but dominate, this is it. If you want a lot of tension between blueliners, this will be it. Colorado is in as tough a spot to make it as Calgary is; but they’ll be solid fodder for some yapping and fights, but I can’t see them stopping Vancouver.
Bryce’s prediction: Canucks in 6.
Calgary
The Flames are definitely a long shot to make it, but I’m gonna run through this anyways. We have a great rival in Calgary. And Jarome Iginla is consistently one of the most exciting forwards to watch in the NHL. It certainly doesn’t hurt that we are only an hour flight away. Look to this series if you want to see our boys putting out the highest energy possible.
Bryce’s prediction: Canucks in 6.
What are your predictions for the first round of the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs?
All that being said – it’s the playoffs. Heck, we could play Rick Nash and his motley Columbus Blue Jackets and it would still be an event that will stay with you for a long time.
The playoffs are where heroes are born and history is made. ShowTimeTickets.com can get you tickets to the Canucks and all 16 teams in the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs from round one to the finals; don’t miss out!