The NHL regular season is over. The second season, often called the playoffs, begins today. By the time this second season is completed, and a champion declared, the official start of summer will be only days away, gardens will be sprouting and some folks will be anticipating floating down the river on tubes. Last year the final game of the NHL playoffs occurred on June 12. Why not stretch it out to the first of July, and play the concluding game of our national sport on Canada’s birthday?

One of the best things about the playoffs is that we don’t have to endure the silly shootout rule. Thank goodness post season games are not decided by only two players on the ice. This isn’t bowling, it’s a team sport. I have boycotted the shootout since its inception. If I am watching a game, and after overtime the teams are still tied, either I leave the room, put a bag over my head or switch to the weather channel. Last Sunday Philadelphia and the New York Rangers played their last game of the regular season. The winner would catch the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Can you believe it? The most important contest of the season, after 82 games, was decided by a daft shootout!

I know you are eagerly awaiting my prediction as to who might win the Stanley Cup this year. Sorry to disappoint, no crystal ball gazing from me. I will, however, comment on the Vancouver Canucks, who play tomorrow, and offer a few thoughts on their chances. When Brad Stuart of the Detroit Hot Wings scored an overtime goal in their season finale against Chicago, Vancouver fans breathed a great sigh of relief. This would mean their team would face the Los Angeles Kings in the first round. This is a much better matchup in the opening series for the Nucks. Detroit has been the hottest team in the league since the Olympic break.

There are legitimate concerns as the Vancouver boys move into their second season. Rarely does a team do well in the playoffs without consistent goaltending. Roberto Luongo, who guards the cage for the Canucks, has been in a slump since the Olympics, when he backstopped the Canadians to their golden moment. In a recent game, Luongo looked like a kid in a sandbox playing with a Tonka toy, as he fumbled around on all fours groping for the puck. We also have a Vancouver defence which is battling injuries and playing mediocre hockey.

Another concern is that they are the only team in the playoffs from their conference with a losing record on the road. Fortunately they enjoy home cooking, as they lead the Western Conference in home victories with 30. They had better find a good restaurant in Los Angeles in a hurry, or have their wives pack them a lunch.

On a positive note Henrik Sedin became the first Canuck to win the National Hockey League scoring title. And if he doesn’t receive the Hart Trophy as the league’s MVP the voters haven’t been watching. He and his twin brother Daniel are classy individuals and fun to watch. Can they carry this team in the playoffs, as they have all year? We will soon know the answer to that question. The key, however, remains Luongo. He ranks 18th in the league in goals against and 19th in save percentage. Not encouraging numbers.

I changed my mind, I will offer one prediction. The Canucks will make it to the second round of the playoffs. Now you can relax and get some sleep. You will need it, for the road to the Stanley Cup is a marathon, for both players and fans.