That's a great article, Angel. That does sum it all up perfectly doesn' t it? Gary Mason is a great sports columnist. The Canucks were *oh* so close this year to being the best. They're just missing that one thing, whatever that one thing is. It's easy to point fingers and put all the blame on one player (ie, Cloutier), but I think that one thing, in this case, rests in the collective of the team. Like Jovo said: if each player had given just a little more, where would they be standing now? If that had been a case, there would not have been a game 7.
And to answer a couple other posts, no, I don't blame Bertuzzi for this entire series. That's a ridiculous comment. He won games 1, 3, and 4 almost by himself with his physical dominance alone. You don't have to score to win games. Hockey is made up of so many other things as well. Screening shots, blocking shots, taking a guy out, and so forth. And as for the comment that I should be mad at Bertuzzi for snapping *back* at the fans who provoked him, why would I be? I mean, oh yes, that must have been the reason the Canucks lost the series! What a ridiculous idea. The Canucks lost because they beat themselves, not because of anything Bertuzzi said to a few fans.
Anyway, congrats to the Canucks for a terrific season. I really think next year will be their year. My only fear is Naslund may not be around in a couple years, as he'll be 30 next season and he has said he doesn't want to play past 31 or 32. Hopefully he'll change his mind.