It was the best of times‪…‬ Unreel: West Coast Express

In the wake of nearly winning the 1994 Stanley Cup, the Vancouver Canucks expect to contend for years to come as they open a brand new, downtown arena. Star scorer Alexander Mogilny is added via trade as the Canucks bolster their roster for another run at the Cup. Across the continent, Markus Naslund struggles to adapt to the NHL as a highly touted prospect, and is ultimately traded out of Pittsburgh. Vancouver undergoes an unexpected change in ownership, which comes with a new approach to doing business and nearly results in signing Wayne Gretzky. The Canucks not only miss out on The Great One, they also end up missing the playoffs for the first time in seven years.Written & Narrated by Scott RintoulAudio production by Andrei DeaconPodcast Supervision by Aaron JohnsonNHL game audio courtesy the National Hockey LeagueSpecial thanks to the following NHL personnel:Hannah Readnour, Vice President, Footage & Media LicensingMatthew Manacher, Footage Licensing ManagerTeresa Wiltshire, Footage Licensing CoordinatorNick Martinez, Coordinator, Footage Licensing OperationsThank you to CKNW and Sportsnet for assistance in compiling game audioSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices