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Canucks Step into the Playoffs Ring as Dark Horses, Despite Owning the Oilers This Season
So, despite totally acing the regular season and sweeping their matchups with the Edmonton Oilers, the Vancouver Canucks are somehow rolling into the Western Conference semis this Wednesday as the underdogs. Yeah, you heard that right—the underdogs!
Canucks Digging the Underdog Vibe
Rick Tocchet, the main man behind the Canucks’ bench, is all in on this underdog thing. “I love being doubted,” he shared, throwing back to all those pre-season side-eyes the team got. It looks like proving folks wrong is kind of their jam, considering how they knocked out the Nashville Predators earlier in the playoffs.
Throwback Rivalry Alert!
We’re talking about a legit history of beef between the Canucks and the Oilers that goes way back to the 1980s. This playoff clash isn’t just a game; it’s the revival of an epic saga, and it’s the first time these two have duked it out in the postseason since the early ’90s.
Oilers Flipping the Script
Don’t count out Edmonton just yet. They had a rocky start to the season, but after shaking things up with a new coach, they’ve been climbing the charts. Their special teams have been straight fire, dominating with a killer power play and a lockdown penalty kill during their face-off with the LA Kings.
Canucks’ Game Plan: Full-Throttle Hockey
J.T. Miller, one of the Canucks’ key forwards, broke down their game plan for us. It’s all about aggressive, in-your-face hockey. “When we play Canucks hockey, we’re in your face,” he said. They’re planning to keep the Oilers on their toes and limit big plays from heavy hitters like Connor McDavid.
Playoffs: Expect the Unexpected
Even though they had Edmonton’s number during the regular season, the Canucks know the playoffs are a whole different beast. Oilers’ coach Kris Knoblauch is gearing up for a challenge, aiming to ramp up their offense. McDavid himself pointed out that playoffs reset everything—what happened in the regular season stays in the regular season.
What’s Next?
As the puck drops on this series, both teams know what’s at stake. The Canucks are ready to unleash their go-hard strategy, while the Oilers are looking to keep their late-season mojo rolling. It’s set to be an edge-of-your-seat series that not only rekindles a historical rivalry but also pushes both teams to their limits in the unforgiving playoff spotlight.Get ready for some intense, no-holds-barred hockey as these divisional rivals clash with a spot in the conference finals on the line!
