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Vancouver 'least-anticipated Canucks team' of the century?
While all NHL fans are starting to gear up for a new season, it seems like the mood in Vancouver could be closer to apathy than excitement. At least that's how Canucks writer Jason Botchford sees it according to his comments from a recent interview with TSN radio.
When The Bro Jake Show questioned Botchford as to what his thoughts were regarding Milan Lucic's possible desire to come to Vancouver, Botchford said the interest in Lucic was an indication of how bland the current Canucks team looks.
"I think this may be the least-anticipated Canucks season this century," Botchford said on radio. "I went back to like 1999 for when there was less excitement about a Canucks season. It just feels, this feels like a transition year this season. There just isn't the buzz ... it's been a long time since people were talking in September about what may happen next offseason."
Ouch. That lack of excitement is a bad sign for a team which used to be a Stanley Cup contender year after year. But the Vancouver roster now boasts few exciting players beyond the Sedin twins. Some of the hallmarks of those perennial playoff teams such as goalies Roberto Luongo and Cory Schneider as well as skaters Ryan Kesler and Kevin Bieksa are gone, and the Canucks seem to be treading water until some of their prospects mature into NHL-caliber players.
"Right now, what are the expectations?" Botchford asked on radio. "I think in Vancouver, we're all well aware of how the quality of the team changes expectations. A few years ago, a President's Trophy didn't mean anything to this town. First-round playoff wins didn't mean anything to this town. It was Stanley Cup or bust. Now, it's considered a success if the team makes it to the first round and loses."
All of that talk could change if the Canucks go on a run once the season starts or if heralded young prospect Bo Horvat has a breakout season this year, but for now, it seems both interest and expectations are low in Vancouver.
(h/t TSN)
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