VANCOUVER — Usually, I`m the one asking the questions. But I have to commend the readers and followers for the many insightful and entertaining inquiries they sent in for Sportsnet`s yearly mailbag covering the Canucks season finale.
Hopefully, the mailbag next year will take place in June.
Thanks to everyone who participated and, as always, followed along with me throughout the season.
I expected questions about Elias Pettersson and some about ice cream, but the number of inquiries about Scottish castles was surprisingly high. I`ve answered 25 questions in total for this 2025 edition.
While intense media attention isn`t exclusive to Vancouver, it undeniably poses challenges for some players. Former NHL coach Ron Wilson (prior to coaching the Maple Leafs) once suggested that the immense scrutiny and pressure made it excessively difficult for Canadian teams to clinch the Stanley Cup. Given that Canada`s Cup drought is nearing 32 years across seven teams, this point likely holds some validity. However, the very passion evident in the current second-round runs of the Leafs, Oilers, and Jets is central to hockey`s identity in Canada and fuels many players, like Quinn Hughes, who dream of bringing the Stanley Cup back north.
That`s an interesting analogy, Dan. The Canucks season felt like Tiger Tail ice cream – a persistent struggle between conflicting elements. While enjoyable when balanced, excessive licorice can overpower the orange, spoiling the taste. Perhaps management represented the cup itself.
Hello Sam. Despite the season`s overall turbulence and letdowns, Brock had a strong start with six goals and 11 points in his first 12 games before suffering a concussion from Tanner Jeannot`s hit in Los Angeles on November 7th. By the time he returned, J.T. Miller was out, Filip Hronek was nearing an injury, Brock`s performance began to dip, and the season was already unraveling. His value for potential trades never rebounded.
Tristan Blackwood