NHL: Canucks Celebrate While Flyers Re-Group

Vancouver claimed the President’s Trophy for their first time ever last night guaranteeing home ice throughout the playoffs. Things aren’t so clear cut over in the Eastern Conference however as Philadelphia struggle to keep hold of first place.

Worth waiting for
After four decades of futility, the Vancouver Canucks have reason to celebrate. The franchise claimed the President’s Trophy, given to the team that finishes the NHL regular season with the most points, for the first time in their history last night. It was fitting way to crown the 40th year of the team playing in the NHL. Having begun life out in the PCHL back in 1945 before moving to the WHL in 1952, the Canucks stepped up to the big time in 1970. In that time they have made it to the Stanley Cup Finals twice, being swept by the Islanders in 1982 and going down 4-3 to the Rangers in 1994.

Winning the Presidents’ trophy far from guarantees a return to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2011 for the Canucks. The Red Wings, in 2008, are the only team to win both the President’s Trophy and Stanley Cup in the same season since the lockout. Finishing the year on top does still have its perks. Finishing at the head of the class will give Vancouver’s players a massive confidence boost ahead of the post-season, as will the all-important home ice advantage that comes with it. Right now the Canucks are the best around and it’s going to take a good team to bring them down.

Flyers inching home
Just one point separates Philadelphia and Washington at the top of the Eastern Conference. A 1-0 defeat to the Thrashers last night did little to raise NHL betting hopes for the fading Flyers. All is not lost for Philadelphia as with a game in hand over the Capitals, they can stretch the lead to three points tonight.

Unfortunately for the Flyers, they are coming up against a team that has rallied hard in the second half of the season. The Devils won’t make the post-season this year but New Jersey’s heroic surge has been the story of the season. While they won’t get a fairytale ending in the playoffs, the Devils would love to spoil the Flyers’ chances of taking the top seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

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