from Tony Gallagher of the Vancouver Province,

Perhaps the NHL has finally reached the level of the NBA in that all the distractions of dancing girls, mascots, contests in that league have been matched by the number of gimmicks at a hockey game. The actual on-ice affair was a sham of entertainment, the only artistry on display coming from the artful officials Kyle Rehman and Marc Joannette furiously finding ways to keep Phoenix as close as possible for as long as possible using any and all means at their disposal. Other than that it was pretty much excitement free, yet fans still seemed to be enjoying themselves.

So the big question that any long-time hockey observer or fan really has been asking him or herself lately really no longer comes into play. That question was: How long can they keep filling this place so many times at such high prices to watch such utter garbage entertainment? How long will fans pay over $300 to sit in club seats — even if it is corporate money in most cases — to watch Andrew Ebbett and Boyd Gordon go back and forth in front of them? You keep thinking that someone will wise up.

But then it finally dawns on you. That question is no longer relevant. The Canucks have reached the point where the game is purely incidental. The fans attending are doing so because it is one of the premier social events in this community, and to be able to afford to attend is a monumental status symbol. That's part of the reason why it's such a rush for any given fan to be shown on the big screen, so everyone can know you are in attendance and you are having a wonderful time whether you know Henrik Sedin from Cory Schneider.

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