Fade To Black: Canucks & Flames

> Better Late Than Never: Unless someone slips on a banana peel, tonight will be the first time Vancouver will ice its top six defenseman all year. There were some questions a few days ago about Raymond as the third line pivot, but fears should be calmed after his two goals against the Wild. Kesler badly needed to come alive and his hat trick in the previous game was also welcome relief. Daniel will get one last game to put some distance between himself and Perry for the Art Ross; don’t forget last year the Canucks put on a clinic in the final game against the Flames. Lastly Schneider will take to the pipes for what could be his final game for awhile; if he lets in seven or fewer goals against, the William Jennings Trophy will be the latest accolade in their amazing regular season.

> One Step Forward, Two Steps Back: Full marks to the Flames for rising from the dead in December and making a strong case for the playoffs. They can still celebrate a season that included a Hertiage Classic win and Jarome Iginla’s 1,000th point, but being elimated in the final hour can’t sit well. They have some question marks surrounding if Tanguay and Glencross will return, rumors are sure to swirl around Iginla again and they don’t have much cap space. As for tonight, the Flames won’t want a repeat of last year’s final game debacle and, if they need some additional motivation, there’s this: if Kiprusoff starts and picks up the victory he’ll pass Mike Vernon as the all-time franchise leader in wins. Oh nevermind that.

> Impress Your Friends With Knowledge!: For what it’s worth, the Canucks trail in the historical head-to-head against the Flames at 86-115-33-4.