Maxim Lapierre

The NHL, more than ever with its new rule restrictions, is full of dirty plays. 

Brendan Shanahan has done his job in really enforcing these rules and handing down steep but acceptable punishments.

Here is a list of the five dirtiest players in today's NHL, and in turn, the players that can expect a call from Shanahan the most often.

As always, feel free to comment about what players you think should be included on this list. I am always interested in hearing other people's opinions. 

Last spring the Vancouver Canucks took us on an amazing roller coaster ride with many unforgettable highs and lows. After a long and hockey-less summer it's easy to forget that only a little more than two months ago our 'Nucks were just one win away from the ultimate prize in hockey.

My oh my, how things turn on a dime. Momentum. Energy. Confidence. A 31-save shutout for Roberto Luongo has put the Vancouver Canucks back in the driver’s seat.

Bobby Lou's Game 5 shutout is his fourth of the playoffs, after he posted goose eggs in Game 1 of the Chicago series, Game 1 of the Nashville series, and Game 1 of the Boston series.

So far, all home games were won by the home team.

If the Boston Bruins want a chance at hoisting Lord Stanley's Mug, they will have to keep the trend in Game 6 and then break it in Vancouver for a decisive Game 7.

The Vancouver Canucks 1970 expansion brethren Buffalo Sabres had the famed French Connection line of Gilbert Perreault, Rick Martin and Rene Robert.

The 2011 edition of the Canucks have their own French Connection.

Once they are out of Roberto Luongo’s head, as the Boston Bruins clearly are now, will there be any getting back in?

Perhaps there will not need to be, provided counterpart Tim Thomas equates his effort in Friday night’s 1-0 loss in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals. Maybe next time, he can even afford to blink once in the goaltending staring contest, even if he couldn’t on Friday.

VANCOUVER—The Canucks management brass made two deals right at the NHL trade deadline on Monday, Feb.28. 

The Canucks targeted two players who will come in and help their forward depth, two guys who are interchangeable in the bottom six role on the Canucks.

The Vancouver Canucks did not acquire the heavily rumoured Marty Reasoner from the Florida Panthers or Zenon Konopka from the New York Islanders.

Instead, the Canucks acquired two surprise players: centre Maxim Lapierre from the Anaheim Ducks and left winger Christopher Higgins from the Florida Panthers.

It took until the last few seconds of the NHL deadline, but the Vancouver Canucks have addressed some of their needs. 

Did your parents ever tell you that everybody is equal?
 
"Yup, everyone is equal, son (or daughter).