The 2014 Heritage Classic ended with fireworks, but the real show for many Vancouver Canucks fans came when it became clear that Eddie Lack would start over Roberto Luongo. Lack experienced some tough moments against the Ottawa Senators in an eventual 4-2 loss, only exasperating a shaky atmosphere around the team.
PHT’s Cam Tucker and Jason Brough were at the game, capturing how John Tortorella’s decision didn’t sit well with some fans.
Very interesting. A loud chorus of Loooooos as Eddie Lack introduced as starter.
— Jason Brough 🙁 (@SadClubCommish) March 2, 2014
Tucker deftly evoked the Canucks second most recent goalie controversy involving Luongo:
This city has never been so divided!
— Cam Tucker (@CamTucker_Sport) March 2, 2014
It’s almost become commonplace to feel bad for Luongo, but many believe that Lack is just unlucky to be dragged into the latest round of Canucks drama.
Canucks fans aren't really "turning on" Lack. They're upset with Torts. Lack is the innocent victim, who picked a bad time to struggle.
— Jason Brough 🙁 (@SadClubCommish) March 2, 2014
Fans Luuuing as Eddie Lack's numbers shown on big screen. If folks aren't careful, they'll drive Eddie Lack right out of town. #Canucks
— Cam Tucker (@CamTucker_Sport) March 2, 2014
The disturbing thing for the Canucks is that this isn’t the only area of unease for the team, management and its fans. Regardless of denials, there are plenty of rumblings about Ryan Kesler being traded. Tortorella has made more than a few candid remarks about the makeup of the team prompting changes. To add injury to all the insults, Daniel Sedin suffered a lower-body ailment on Sunday, too.
It’s as if the Canucks hosted this big event at one of their most dysfunctional times. Consider the fact that this tweet went out before a loss in which Vancouver squandered a 2-0 lead to fall 4-2:
Between the losing, the Kesler drama, the Lu drama, I can honestly say I've never seen (or heard) #Canucks fans as mad as they are today.
— Canucks Hockey Blog (@canuckshockey) March 2, 2014
The Canucks have one more game (Tuesday at Phoenix) before the trade deadline. Fans won’t have to wait long to see if Sunday’s defeat was something of a swansong for a key member or two.
Then again, knowing this franchise, the drama could very well extend into the offseason (and maybe beyond).