AP Scapegoats provide cruel comfort in an insecure world. Rather than discussing the problems that truly plague our existences, why not pass the buck to some poor sap instead? Vancouver Canucks fans clutch to Roberto Luongo as a big, expensive and easy target when the team falls – particularly when that takes place against the Chicago Blackhawks – but what happens during a meltdown with Bobby Lou on the sidelines thanks to an upper-body injury?
Canucks fans experienced a harsh taste of such a reality on Wednesday night, as the Blackhawks squashed Cory Schneider & Co. by a count of 5-1.
If Luongo being planted on the bench wasn’t enough to shoot a hole in that scapegoating tendency, the completeness of the loss should be. Five different Blackhawks scored goals in that game and the Canucks actually opened up a 1-0 lead early in the second period.
With that, Chicago moves to 27 points (topping all NHL teams) while Vancouver is a decidedly mediocre 9-9-1 for 19 points. Ignoring tiebreakers that place three other teams ahead of them (assuming Los Angeles doesn’t earn a point against Anaheim), the Blackhawks would host the Canucks in a first versus eight seed match if the playoffs began today.
To recap: Luongo isn’t easy to blame, the Blackhawks are running away with the West and the Canucks might be in a dogfight just to make the playoffs. In other words, for Vancouver fans, the hockey world is flipping upside down like a car during a riot.
Check out highlights from the game below.
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The Swede wasn’t getting benched during playoff games, for one.
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Tough timing for free agent Mason Raymond.
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37-year-old ‘tender ready to call it a career.
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Nonis says compliance buyout a ‘distinct possibility’ for Leafs
Jun 19, 2013, 5:19 PM EDT
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That’s a picture of Mike Komisarek.
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Pittsburgh’s Dan Bylsma considered to be a favorite for the position.
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Apparently Glen Sather and Mike Gillis don’t see the game evolving the same way
Jun 19, 2013, 4:44 PM EDT
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Which could be why they end up swapping coaches.
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NHL to implement hybrid icing next season if trial period goes well
Jun 19, 2013, 3:20 PM EDT
The players’ union and Board of Governors will vote near the end of the exhibition campaign.
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Detroit could have quite the sports and entertainment district.
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His choice. Wasn’t required to go.
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Canada last hosted in 2012.
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“He’s forechecked, done well in the battles as far as trying to come up with the puck, all the things we ask him to do.”
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Trio was huge against L.A. in the Western Conference finals.
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But let’s just wait and see for sure.
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Despite recent reports.
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News and notes: How are the Bruins stopping Chicago’s power play?
Jun 19, 2013, 12:20 PM EDT
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News and notes entering Wednesday’s Stanley Cup Final showdown — will Boston continue to stymie the power play?
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He spent all of last season with AHL Peoria.
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Meanwhile, the clock keeps ticking.
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Persistent Preds sign another: D-man Bartley, three years, $2 million
Jun 19, 2013, 11:35 AM EDT
GM David Poile might be the busiest man in hockey.
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Based on a couple of reports, the answer appears to be yes.
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Sens’ Murray has ‘talked to a number of teams’ about moving up at draft
Jun 19, 2013, 11:17 AM EDT
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“If you move up, there’s a chance to maybe get that better player.”
