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Content below originally posted at 12:18pm PT:

I’m not a fan of the “Game 5 is really Game 7” and the “OMG we gotta end this series now or we’re dead” mentality in games at this stage of a series. But in this case, I’d admit that I think winning tonight might be a seriously good idea for the Vancouver Canucks.

For one thing, going back to San Jose seems badly-advised, if you’ve got a choice about it. While the Canucks had an impressive performance at the Shark Tank for last game, it’s not a building you’re going to win in every day of the week. I wouldn’t be counting on stealing another out of there. In fact, I might even bet against it.

And that would bring us to game 7. Home ice would favor the Canucks, but as the axiom goes: anything can happen in a game 7. Anything. That’s not a position a team wants to end up in after having a chance to close it out in game 5.

So maybe not a “must win”... more like a “please win”? Obviously not life-or-death for the Canucks, but it might be for us fans. Stress like that, I might not make it through to the finals, even if the Canucks do. :)

Some thoughts on this from Sportsnet/FAN590 on video below. Plus game notes and updates at the bottom.

Notes For Tonight:

—Jason Demers is playing
—Joe Thornton is playing… in fact, I think they’re nominating him for Sainthood in SJ. (Sweet geezus, spare me…).
—Alain Vigneault continues to politely answer questions without saying anything at all.
—Todd McLellan trying everything, short of setting Dany Heatley on fire, to get his attention.
—Ballard and Tanev in, Ehrhoff remains on gurney.

And that’s it. I think. For now.

P.S. The image at the top of the post originates with a reader of the Canucks Official Twitter account, provided to the Sharks Official Twitter account as their temporary new avatar image upon the Canucks winning on Sunday.

All very childish. But that’s pretty much my speed. :)