Music: {allcanada} Canucks bring unique flair to Canada's Cup chase

Monday, May 30, 2011

{allcanada} Canucks bring unique flair to Canada's Cup chase

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP)—Whenever a Canadian team reaches the Stanley Cup finals, the entire nation traditionally jumps on its bandwagon.

According to the old logic, the nation that invented hockey just wants the Cup, no matter which team has it.

The Vancouver Canucks break most every rule of Canadian hockey, and that's one reason they say they're only playing for their province against the Boston Bruins.

A year after Canada won Olympic gold in the same downtown rink, the powerful Canucks are favored to return the Stanley Cup to Canada after an 18-year absence. Game 1 is Wednesday night.

Yet with their international flair and sophisticated skill, the Canucks are a remarkable reflection of their uniquely un-Canadian hometown.