The future of the Vancouver Canucks is very much in question at this moment. Those clinging to their jobs better hope that far-reaching decisions aren’t made based on the present ... especially Monday in particular.
The Canucks faced the Anaheim Ducks in a game in which Vancouver’s slim playoff hopes were on the line and laid an egg, ultimately losing 3-0. With that, the Canucks have been eliminated from the playoffs, missing out on the postseason for the first time since the 2007-08 campaign.
It wasn’t just about John Gibson’s impressive NHL debut and first career shutout for the Ducks, either. The Canucks’ efforts seemed pretty poor; there are probably quite a few ways to illustrate that, but consider the fact that they only managed three shots in the second period and 18 overall. (Again, with their season on the line.)
Gibson, 20, made quite the first impression.
#NHLDucks @JohnGibson35 is first goaltender to record a shutout in @NHL debut since Al Montoya for Phoenix on April 1, 2009. #ANAvsVAN
— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) April 8, 2014
#NHLDucks @JohnGibson35 (20 years and 297 days) is the youngest NHL goalie since BUF's Darren Puppa to record a shutout in his NHL debut.
— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) April 8, 2014
The criticisms are already trickling in regarding John Tortorella, Mike Gillis and the rest of the Canucks’ brain trust.
(Don’t be surprised if this post’s main image fuels a meme or two.)
Still not sure what Torts is trying to teach the Canucks. I will sit quietly and listen during the roundtable.
— Jason Brough 🙁 (@SadClubCommish) April 8, 2014
A 'Fire Gillis' chant breaking out. #Canucks
— Cam Tucker (@CamTucker_Sport) April 8, 2014
It seems likely that there will be some offseason fireworks following this lost season for the Canucks. If there are some post-game press conference fireworks to boot, PHT will pass them along.