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The Vancouver Canucks host the Calgary Flames tonight in their last game before the Christmas break. The Canucks Cannot afford to look past the Flames, as they are playing their best hockey of the season right now, going 5-3-2 in their last 10 and moving up the Western Conference standings. Vancouver shouldn't have a hard time getting up for tonight's game, because with a win tonight they can take over top spot in the Northwest Division. I however, do need something to get me pumped for this game and a little "Down with the Sickness" mixed with "300" should do the trick.
Canucks 21-11-2 44pts
Flames 16-15-4 36pts
Leaders
Canucks
Goals Burrows, D. Sedin 13
Assists H. Sedin 31
+/- Burrows +14
Hits Lapierre 101
I think this is one of the hardest games of the year to predict. On one hand, you have a Flames team that played the night before and that almost always means they will lose. On the other hand, I can see the Canucks taking that for granted, and thinking that this game is in the bag and we have beat this team twice by a total of 10-2, so we don't need to work tonight. On both hands, I can see both teams wanting to mail this one in and get on with celebrating Christmas with friends and family.
I think we will see a sloppy, sluggish start to this game. Calgary will be tired from the battle with the Wings and the Canucks will be focused on Christmas rather than hockey. I imagine a lot of the Canucks will have family in for the holidays and they will likely be at the game. I expect that to motivate them once they get into the flow of the game. I believe every year around this time the Sedin's parents come for a visit and they usually don't disappoint mom and dad.
I see this game having a boring first period, with Calgary having a 1-0 lead after one. In the second, I expect to see the Canucks wake up, led by the twins. After two, I can see a 3-1 Vancouver lead. In the third, I think the team will both go through the motions and finish the game with Vancouver adding one more to close it out with a 4-1 win. While I usually look forward to Canucks/Flames games, I think this one tonight will be a bit of a stinker.
I think both teams don't really want to be playing tonight and would rather be at home celebrating the holidays with their families. As a result, the players will have more visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads, rather than visions of goals and back-checking. Calgary wants to be home in Calgary with their families, and the Canucks want to be spending time with their families and showing them around the city. I don't see either team really wanting to play tonight.
Prediction- 4-1 Vancouver, in a crappy game
Respect Your Rival- Calgary Flames
Curtis Glencross
He's tied with Iggy for goals this year, and is living up to the contract he signed last season. Glencross has been one of the most consistent Flames this year and was the best player on the ice last night against the Wings. The guy has the speed, size, skill, and grit that every team would love to have in their line-up. Off the ice Glencross is an avid Chuck Wagon fan, and hosts a golf tournament each year to support Crime Stoppers. Glencross, and great guy both on and off the ice.
Tim Jackman
Jackman is my favourite Calgary Flame. The guy brings his lunch pail each night, and gives his all every shift. He finishes every check and will drop the gloves with anyone to stick up for his teammates. Last night he took Kronwall's , patient "butt to the face check" and made a great pass to set up a goal. Jackman is the type of Player Vancouver needs on the fourth line.
Calgary's Jr Prospects
Markus Granlund- To me, he was a bit of a boom or bust pick, but he should be fun for Flames fans to watch at the Jr's. He's a decent skater, with good skill, who may round out as a 2nd line player.
Sven Bartschi- The best prospect the Flames have had, since Phaneuf. Bartschi gives Flames fans hope for the future after Iggy is gone. The Swiss player has all the tools to be a solid 1st/2nd line player in the NHL and should be one of the better players at the tourney. Bartschi has speed, skill and a little bit of an edge to his game.
Bill Arnold- this guy is my favourite Flames prospect. Arnold is a real "bring your lunch pail to work" kind of player. He doesn't have a great first few steps, but once he's going he's ok. I think he projects as a good third line player who is tough to play against, physical, and can score a bit.
Vancouver Canucks Blogger • 
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