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Vancouver angst could sully Milan Lucic’s day with the Stanley Cup

Boston Bruins Victory Parade

BOSTON, MA - JUNE 18: Milan Lucic of the Boston Bruins reacts to cheers a Stanley Cup victory parade on June 18, 2011 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

Jim Rogash

In the grand scheme of things, it’s important not to throw the entire city of Vancouver under the bus for the riots and all the bad moments that came from the Canucks’ Game 7 loss in the 2011 Stanley Cup finals. The northwest haven’s better side showed itself in a heartwarming way when its kindest residents volunteered to help clean up the mess left behind by the ugly riots.

That being said, those riots and much of the ugliness that lingers will probably make it tough for unbiased fans to root for the team - in fact, those awful antics make Maxim Lapierre’s shenanigans seem quaint. Puck Daddy points to a saddening story in the Vancouver Courier that reveals Vancouver native Milan Lucic’s decision to make his day with the Stanley Cup a low-key affair to avoid bitter Canucks fans.

Megan Stewart reports that posters of the Boston Bruins winger were defaced around town, with his eyes “poked out” and his face “scribbled on.” Stewart also reports that his presence might have lead to some fistfights during a Greek festival last month.

Again, it’s not fair to cast blame on every Vancouver fan/resident because of some knuckleheads, but these stories show how “passion” can mutate into thuggery. For that reason, the Lucic celebration will be subdued (or at least private).

When he celebrates with the Stanley Cup this weekend, Lucic will keep the festivities relatively private and low-key. He won’t be gloating, at least where the public eye can see. Potential to bring hockey’s holy grail to Kitsilano Beach Park for the weekend’s popular sports festival, Kits Fest, were scuttled, according to an event organizer.

All because of a few sore losers. Seeing Lucic with the Stanley Cup would be bittersweet for Canucks Nation, just as it must be acutely bittersweet for him to keep in check the pride he rightfully feels. Such a woe-begotten attitude is beatable by recognizing Lucic for the accomplishments he realized right here at home. However, too many are still hurting over the hometown champion who helped conquer the hometown. Said Snezana, “That’s why Milan does not want to be out there, parading the Cup around his hometown.”

Great job guys, you upset Lucic’s mother.