Vancouver is a frequent haunt of mine. You get the pick of the litter as far as bands go and I've had the pleasure of seeing some good ones. Death Grips in 2015 at the Commodore Ballroom literally changed the course of my life. I have some far out tales of visits there, but I'll stick with a quick one.
My ex and I were driving up to Van to see a show. Naturally, on a lengthy drive, you enter into some random conversations. We started talking about how if someone injures their head or neck, one of the worst things you can do as a bystander is try to move them...
That evening, once we settled into the city, we went to hang out at the New Amsterdam Cafe. The novelty there was you were able to smoke cannabis inside, providing you brought your own. We were sitting together on elevated barstools puffing a joint, and a line to the counter ran adjacent to our table. Out of the corner of my eye, I notice a guy in line swaying a bit just off to the side of my chair. I kid you not, the fella begins to tip over like a falling tree and smacks the back of his head on the lower rung of my barststool. The place gets quiet. I look at my ex, her jaw is on the table, gobsmacked. I look down at this guy, he's looking up towards me, eyes glazed over. The lights were on but nobody was home. Wouldn't you know it, a pair of employees come rushing to the scene. They promptly pull the guy to his feet and usher him to a seat. I wish I could say I intervened, but I was high as a kite and in disbelief of the moment. I merely observed. It was one of those moments where you question reality.
Between Vancouver and Seattle, cities with similar vibes and issues, I've actually had more pleasant encounters across the border. There's definitely a smugness with the well-to-do Vancouverites, but I've met some cool folks at shows. Best barber I've ever had is in Vancouver as well. Proper salt of the earth gentleman.
Canucks are one of those teams that don't move the needle for me much either way. It's definitely amusing seeing them lose, but I don't have disdain for them like the Oilers or Leafs. They annoyed me more when we used to be their farm team. It seemed like every season they were plucking the best players off the Moose, when we needed them the most.
@Buffdog speaking of you know what, if Hellebuyck does that thing tonight, he also sets a career high.
Hopefully we see more of Ehlers with Lowry and above all else, a Jets W.