Today, October 11th, marks a monumental day in franchise history for the Vancouver Canucks
October 11th marks an important day in franchise history for the Vancouver Canucks.
The Vancouver Canucks have had quite a few memorable moments over the course of their history in the National Hockey League since they entered back in the 1970-71 season.
Vancouver has made it to the Stanley Cup Final on three occasions - 1982, 1994 and 2011, but haven't been able to hoist the greatest trophy in all of sports.
There have been other moments that will stick with fans for a long time too, especially those that have been there since the beginning. On this day in 1970, the Vancouver Canucks won their first game in franchise history by defeating the Toronto Maple Leafs by a score of 5 to 3.
Vancouver's Wayne Maki led the way for the Canucks, scoring a pair of goals for the Canucks, while adding four penalty minutes in the win. Orland Kurtenbach, Danny Johnson and André Boudrias picked up Vancouver's three other goals on the night.
It was a special moment for those in attendance at the famous Pacific Coliseum being able to witness the team's first win in franchise history, but after that game, there wasn't much to celebrate for the remainder of the season.
Vancouver, who was placed in the East Division by the National Hockey League alongside the Boston Bruins, New York Rangers, Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, Buffalo Sabres and Detroit Red Wings, finished the year with a record of 24-46-8. That left Vancouver outside the playoff picture in sixth place in the East Division. Rosaire Paiement finished the year as the team's goals leader with 34, while André Boudrias led the way in points with 66.
It would take the Vancouver Canucks until their fifth season before they reached the Stanley Cup Playoffs, finishing that season first place in the Smythe Division, but were knocked out in the opening round by the Montreal Canadiens in five games.
Vancouver Canucks fans are hoping the team will leave a lasting impression on them this season and hopefully, make a deep run in the Stanley Cup Playoffs after reaching Game 7 of the second round last campaign.
