It’s a strangely quiet morning here in the Republic of Strathcona, exactly what Gandalf would call the deep breath before the plunge. I imagine the same stillness has fallen over the rest of the city, on account of what last night’s Stars’ loss to the Wild has wrought, namely a first round match-up against the Chicago Blackhawks for our Vancouver Canucks.

It’s the tilt I wanted, but my confidence isn’t without understandable nerves. Though Mark Spector noted wryly this morning that you can’t steal first base, I still reckon this team can. My prediction? Vancouver sweeps it, taking the 4th game in the Windy City’s freakin’ face. The schedule is here. Let the beards begin!

PS. In case you need a reminder why we picked up Dan Hamhuis.

PPS. For the best Canucks coverage and game threads, visit our friends at NucksMisconduct.