Mattress Vancouver

With thirty-five games ticked off, the Canucks are nearing the halfway mark of the season. They are finishing up a stellar December that saw them lead the league in power-play percentage. Their goaltending is two-tier, there seems to be strong leadership in the dressing room and one of their only losses this month was one of their best games (Dec. 22 / Detroit).

For a team that has gone its full existence, forty years, without a cup, it finally seems like Vancouver has put together a winning line-up. Not since the days of the West Coast Express, has Vancouver looked so poised for a deep playoff run.

And… we know it’s early and any number of things could happen to disrupt the near perfect chemistry that the team is currently showing, but really, if ever there was ever a time… this is it.

Not convinced? Too superstitious to start talking parade routes?

Well here’s a list of ten reasons why 2011 might just be THE year.

1.Luoooooo

-He may not be Captain, but he is still the pivot point on which the Canucks turn.

2. Super Twins

At the time of writing, the Sedin twins sit fourth and fifth in league points. Out of the bunk beds and onto a Beautyrest Black, the Sedins are showing the world that they have finally come of age. Thank you Sweden!

3. Malhotra in the Face-off Circle

What a pick-up! This guy is dominating the circle with the second highest percentage in the league. Don’t think that face-off percentage is an important stat? Back to your European handball.

4.  Kes

That deflection goal last night was sick! And then one post away from a hat-trick.  With none of the pressures of being Captain, Kesler is leading by example. We’ll forgive him for those few offhanded remarks he made about Canadians during the Olympics.

5. Fortunate Son

The son of former great Steve Tambellini, Jeff Tambellini is part of the new young breed energizing Vancouver.

6. Coach V

In his fifth season behind the bench, Alain Vigneault isn’t putting up with anything. Quick to send players down and even quicker to change line combinations, Vigneault is still keeping it fresh, while maintaining that mischievous grin.

7. German Efficiency

Christian Ehrhoff is giving the Canucks blue line a scoring touch. Night-in and night-out Ehrhoff stops them at one end and adds an offensive presence in the other.

8. Big Mike

All Mike Gillis needs to do is to maintain a steady course. “Please Mike don’t dump a bunch of contracts and snap-up another has-been like Mats. Just let the boys you have play.”

9. The Green Men

Nothing says intimidation like two dudes in full-body, fluorescent green, spandex suits. “What silly antic will they think up next.”

10. 40 Years

Enough is enough. It’s been FORTY YEARS! The time is now. The window is open.

Go Canucks Go!