There are many NHL teams that covet players who are considered to be tough guys. Such players like Carcillo, Ott and Laraque can earn a very good living from playing the role of a pugilist or for administering bone-shaking body checks to opposing players. Some even act as a bodyguard who protect their teams’ star player. Athletes who compete at this level can often be admired by both fans and coaches for the ability to display a combination of toughness and skill.

After suffering a shoulder injury last May, there has been much speculation as to if or when, Pavol Demitra will finally make his return to the Canucks roster. Well, the good news for Vancouver and it’s loyal fans, is that his return could be much sooner than expected.

Before this game started both teams new that earning 2 points was imperative. For the Phoenix Coyotes winning this game meant more than gaining points, a win for the Coyotes would have set a franchise record for the most wins at home. Vancouver made sure that achieving this record would be very hard as this game was finally won by Phoenix in the shootout.

Most people would agree that at times it is hard to find the positives in life, especially if the negatives are so glaringly obvious. That kind of sentiment may be true for some Vancouver Canucks fans.