Here we go again. Are you ready?

Is the sky falling yet? So it would seem as a lot of (media driven)people would like us all to believe.

Was it a disappointing home stand? Yes…in part because of the 1-2-3 record that the Canucks posted in those 6 games but mostly due to the times they COULD have won at least a couple of the games they ended up losing based on their dominant play.

Was it frustrating to see them struggle on home ice? YES. Was it frustrating to see bad calls happen? YES…BUT bad calls happen in games across the league and teams have to rise above them.

Did they lose some games that they perhaps should have won? Probably. Every game is important and every point makes a difference come playoff time as there is little margin for error (especially in the Western Conference!).

The Canucks have done a lot of good things in the last games despite only winning once BUT most people only want to see the negatives. Disappointing outcome or not there were multiple positives to take away from this home stand.

– It is no secret that the Sedins struggled offensively prior to this home stand where they picked up  a combined 10 points (5 points each…they are twins after all).

– The power play which in the prior 20 games had only clicked for 6 goals seemed to find life at home with the Canucks potting 4 power play goals in the last 6 games.

– John Tortorella’s shot-blocking Canucks continue to improve their play on the penalty kill. Vancouver has the league’s number ONE ranked penalty kill with a success rate of 89.5%.

Next up for is a stop in the Capital as the Canucks face off against the Ottawa Senators….and hopefully we will see an effort much like this one from two years ago:

This road trip is a great opportunity for the team to take the positives from the last 6 games and translate those positives into full 60 minute TEAM efforts. Every player will need to put their best game on the ice. Torts hasn’t given up on this team yet and neither should you.

Also on this road trip the Canucks will faceoff against the New York Rangers, the Carolina Hurricanes and the Nashville Predators.

The Canucks will have a CAPITAL test when the puck drops just after 4:30 PM (Pacific time) Thursday. The Canucks will be looking to rediscover their #RoadWarrior ways!

Here we go again…Go Canucks Go!

As always, until next time, nuck said.

Sarah E.L.