Canucks begin new quest for the cup tonight
Posted Oct 6, 2011 08:02:09 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – It is nearly go time for the Vancouver Canucks — and they are hoping for a different ending this season. The Canucks’ season opener goes tonight against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Rogers Arena.
Anyone associated with the team — players, coaches, management, and owners — will tell you the expectation and goal is to hoist the Stanley Cup next spring.
“All involved feel that getting so close last season has fueled the passion even more,” explains News1130 Sports Director Ann Schmaltz. “They believe in the plan that is in place; hey have a mature, core group to execute that plan.”
Fans fear losing 50-point player Christian Ehrhoff and the grit Raffi Torres brought will be tough to replace.
A new face in the lineup is Marco Sturm, who slots into the second line wing position left open, for the time being, by injured Mason Ramond. New acquisition Dale Weise is a big body and he can provide toughness.
As for those 50 points from Ehrhoff:
“Keep in mind Sami Salo and Alex Edler missed the majority of last season due to injury,” Schmaltz notes. “Both are now healthy and will play significant minutes trying to generate offense.”
Heading from the locker room to the street, News1130 has been talking to Canucks fans about a new start and a new season. But for many, it’s the old season they can’t get over.
“I feel like, because of the riot, everyone’s forgetting the fact they lost,” says Ashton. “I’m sorry, I can’t get over the fact they lost. I’m not ready for the new season to begin, to be honest.”
Ahead of tonight’s season opener, hopes run high for another long post-season run — right?
“I’m not going to lie to you, I can’t say I’m that hopeful [for this season] either,” Ashton laughs. “It doesn’t look good. I don’t see them going back twice.”
Steve — a seasoned Canucks fan — has a rather different take:
“I was not disappointed last season. I didn’t expect the Canucks to go that far,” he says. “But I don’t see them going back to where they were last year. They haven’t changed, they haven’t upgraded and Luongo is still there. I don’t think they’re going to win with Luongo, anyways.”
Despite helping take his team to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final, Roberto Luongo remains a lightning rod for fan discontent. One thing’s for sure: The journey back to the Cup Final will be long and gruelling — on the Canucks must take one game at a time.
News1130 will have complete Canucks coverage starting tonight, with updates every ten minutes on the fives, and full post-game reports from Ann. The puck drops just after 7 p.m.
Get all of the latest updates on Twitter @News1130Sports
