Here we go into the final stretch drive of the 2017-18 season. And those voices from team tank on the outside and even on the inside are getting ever louder every day. To tank or not to tank? (Am I crazy for not being on board with the tank? According to some, yes.)

It’s no secret that this season has been a long way from perfect and a bit of a free fall since Brock Boeser went down with an injury. It’s also no secret that while the team has struggled many have suggested or begged for the team to start tanking in order to increase their draft lottery odds. I understand the desire for the team to finally have some luck when it comes to the draft lottery after having dropped to 5th in the last few seasons BUT I CANNOT fathom rooting against them.

Most concerning to me is not so much everyone hoping for a complete tank on the season but the lack of support for the team that I’ve seen increase over the last few weeks or the judgement/condescension directed at those who decide to support the team. I’m all for the team finally having a little luck when it comes to the draft lottery BUT I will not purposely root against the team.

And I know that opinion often puts me in the minority of Canucks nation. And yes, I know to some that rooting for them even against all the odds makes some see me as naive or “overly hyped”. I assure you, I am not naive or unaware of the team’s reality. I know their stats inside and out but I choose to have a perspective that is different. Choosing to see the silver lining, hope for the future or positives amidst all those negatives isn’t a bad thing and definitely doesn’t make me a terrible fan. If some are allowed to cheer for a tank mentality, certainly I should be allowed to have my view too?

Will I be ecstatic if they do somehow end up being able to draft Dahlin? Absolutely. BUT if they somehow end up NOT winning that draft lottery or dropping to 5th, I will still be among the loudest supporters of the team. How they finish the season, or where they end up in the draft order will not now or ever influence my support of the team. Maybe that makes me a little crazy, but I’m okay with that. We don’t all have to support the team in the same way or even view the game in the same way to love this crazy heart stealing game called hockey.

Draft lottery win or not, win another game this season or not, I was a Vancouver Canucks fan yesterday, am one today, will still be one tomorrow and beyond. I know that these last few seasons have been hard but they’ve also had some incredible moments along the way. Did you ever think it possible that the Canucks would have not one BUT TWO players with 1000+ points? Or that another rookie could steal hearts with a Bure type shot before Boeser came along?

First place or last place will not determine when I support this team. No one ever said that the 82-game journey that each team embarks on each season would be easy with no mistakes. For me, the Vancouver Canucks have my heart through the good, the bad, and everything in between, they’re stuck with me: 24/7/365.

As always, until next time, nuck said.

Sarah E.L.