Listening to the last seconds of the game last night was painful and tiring.

In truth, I should be used to it by now. This was not one of the Canucks stronger seasons in recent memory and blowing leads has been a reality of this season.

I was sad as the final buzzer sounded. I had kept holding onto the glimmer of hope that if we just won a few games in a row, we could find that happy chemistry again. We could make the playoffs and be the Cinderella. But no, last night was final for this year. We’re just the cleaning girl left at home while the stepsisters go to the annual ball. And in truth, we didn’t deserve to go to the ball.

I’m going to miss that (once) happy chemistry — I think big changes are afoot over the summer. Between the reality of the salary cap and the performance of Carter and the Sedins, I think its obvious that we’re going to be hurting for money. Everybody will be evaluated in terms of their worth to the team.

Of course, we’ll still have a TEAM, but we’ll be in rebuilding stages. It hurts to think of the Canucks rebuilding, when we never even got to the goal. For me, I think one thing I wanted most was for Trevor Linden to get another chance to play in the big game. Its been a long time and the team had seemed to be on the cusp of greatness the last few years — it would seem like karmic certainty that he’d get another chance. Sure, he’s a step or two slower but still contributing. Dear hockey gods, why not just a chance?

It’s going to be hard watching what happens over the summer — we’ve spoken so long about “keeping the core together” and followed through on those actions — it’s like they’re almost one big family. And now, I am certain, that things must change.

Your thoughts on what must change?