Ever since the Canucks wrapped up their first round series against the St Louis Blues, all the talk has been about the very realistic chance that the Canucks wont hit the ice for their second round series for about 10-12 days. Yes the Canucks do have their fair share of bumps and bruises, as do all playoff teams, but when does the line between rest and rust get crossed.

The talk around the team was that both Sundin and Salo would be ready to go if there was a Game 5, so either their injuries weren't that serious, or the Canucks PR team is just twisting the story to make it seem that way. Even after the game 4 win, goaltender Roberto Luongo needed 40 minutes of treatment before he came out to address the media. No one on that team is going to admit that they are in fact injured, as no injuries are ever disclosed during the playoffs, but all the players agree that a quick sweep of the Blues is a good thing and will allow them to be fresh and healthy for the second round.

With the Oilers out of the playoff picture and with a young team, a back up goalie and having nothing to play for the Oilers were able to beat the Calgary Flames 5-1 at Rexall Place in Edmonton and become the Canucks new best friend. With one game left for both the Canucks and the Flames, the Canucks are 2 points up and only need a single point against the Avalance to win the Northwest division.

The Flames on the other hand have dug themselves a very deep hole after not being able to beat a back up goalie who hasnt played in 30 some games and a team that is getting ready for a round of golf rather than a round of the playoffs. They now need the Avalanche to beat the Canucks in regulation and now need to beat an Edmonton team with nothing to lose and a ton of confidence after beating them 5-1 tonght.

With the last two games left against the Kings and the Avs do the Canucks rest a few bodies and give the likes of Davison, Vannanen, Hansen and Labarbera a couple of games? Or is the division and home ice that important that we go all out and push for the division while risking both fatigue and injury to a couple of our top guns, especially Roberto Luongo. With the Flames having their last two games against the Oilers, who will definatley be playing spoiler but will also be playing their backup goalie along with giving a couple of kids a shot in the last couple games, the Canucks need some help when it comes to the division titile.

So do we forfiet a division title and start on the road against the Blackhawks, who we may match up better against, or do we want to push for that division banner and face the Blue Jackets in the first round and maybe run into the hottest goalie in the league in Steve Mason. If we dont beat the Kings on Thursday I guarantee we see a couple new faces in the lineup for the season finale, but if it comes to that last game versus the Avs it will be a tough choice as all we may need is a win to clinch the division. Either way the next couple of days will be very interested and both fans and players will be keeping a close eye on the Battle of Alberta.