 Why does it seem as though the Vancouver Canucks are the one forgotten Canadian NHL franchise? If asked to name the six Canadian-based hockey teams, many regularly routinely mention Vancouver last, or forget them altogether. This is truly a surprise, seeing as the Canucks reside in one of Canada's most beautiful cities, and possess a strong hockey tradition which includes two trips to the Stanley Cup finals. Can the Vancouver Canucks do what it takes to get the recognition they have earned? Last season, Vancouver came out of the 2007-08 cellar and won the Northwest Division title. With a 45-27-10 record, good enough to earn the third seed in the Western Conference and a first round matchup with St. Louis, the Canucks quickly eliminated the Blues, but lost a spectacular and hard-fought series to the Chicago Blackhawks in the second round. Despite the exit from the playoffs, Canuck fans were truly enthusiastic about a season which saw goaltender Roberto Luongo perform at an elite level, and the Sedin twins live up to their extraordinary potential, coincidentally by scoring 82 points each. The Canucks offseason was extremely productive in regards to the franchise's long-term stability and success, as they re-signed the Sedin twins and Luongo to long term contract extensions. Not stopping there, the team also acquired a strong group of new players, including winger Mikael Samuelsson from Detroit, and three strong defensemen in Matthieu Schneider, Christian Erhoff, and Brad Lukowich, while their only major loss was defenseman Mattias Ohlund. The Canucks should have quite a group of scorers this season. Besides the Sedin twins, Henrik and Daniel, Vancouver also possesses a strong young cast that includes center Ryan Kesler (26 goals, 59 points), winger Alex Burrows (28 goals, 51 points) and center Kyle Wellwood, in addition to the savvy Samuelsson, who was very strong in Detroit the past two seasons. On top of that, the Canucks also have two former first-round picks at center who appear ready to have breakout years as well. Vancouver's biggest change this year may come on the blue line. Head coach Alain Vigneault wanted a more mobile group which could join the rush; the acquisition of the speedy duo of Schneider and Erhoff should make the Canucks much more dangerous. Along with the newcomers, the Canucks already possess a steady and productive group which includes Kevin Bieksa, Alexander Elder, and Sami Salo, making this one of the NHL's most versatile groups of defenders. Besides all of the positives at both ends of the ice, it is possible that the Canucks will only go as far as their superstar goalie takes them. Roberto Luongo is not only Vancouver's captain and best player, but as one of the best goaltenders in the world he has displayed the ability to win games singlehandedly, and is the type of goaltender a team needs to make a legitimate run at the Stanley Cup. Vancouver possesses a lot of speed and talent and should benefit from plenty of scoring outside of what is produced by the prolific Sedin twins. When you combine strong forward lines with an elite unit of defensemen and one of the five best goalies in hockey, then you have the complete makeup of a solid Stanley Cup contender. Can this team finally force their way to the top of hockey's elite lists and once again challenge the field for Lord Stanley's Cup? Get your tickets now and make plans to come out to the General Motors Place to cheer the Vancouver Canucks on their way to the top.
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