VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) - There's no game to watch until Saturday, but that didn't stop fans from getting in the mood today, as the City of Vancouver celebrated "Canucks Day" with an official ceremony at City Hall.
Some people might feel it's a little early in the playoffs to be declaring a "Canucks Day" in the city, but hundreds of fans gathered at City Hall at noon to hear a proclamation by Mayor Gregor Robertson, and watch the Canucks flag get raised at the corner of West 12th Avenue and Cambie Street. Canucks official mascot "Fin" was on hand to stir up the crowd, and hand out the traditional white towels. The "Green Men" also made an appearance.
Late this afternoon the Canucks confirmed they'll begin their second round Stanley Cup playoff series against the Blackhawks in Chicago on Saturday, withgame 2 set for Monday. The rest of the schedule is yet to be announced. Yesterday Canucks coach Alain Vigneault informed the media that he had been told the series would open Friday, but today he said the NHL was backing off that schedule. It's likely due to issues with Canadian and U.S. television networks.
The players held off-ice workouts today, and will be back on the ice for full workouts Wednesday and Thursday, before flying to Chicago.