While some hockey fans are already jumping off the Canucks' bandwagon after Friday's disheartening defeat, a psychologist suggests this move is a self-defence mechanism after last year's disappointment.
Clinical psychologist Dr. Joti Samra says negative energy from both the 2011 Stanley Cup loss and its riotous aftermath are still fresh in many people's minds.
"Last year was a tough year emotionally. It was up and down, and up and down, for the city," Samra told CTV News. "So I think people are being a little more cautious."
"It's too bad, because it's kind of like they're holding it against the team, what happened last year," she added.
Informal online polls show roughly two-thirds of people don't believe the Canucks will make it past Round 1.
But Samra says true fans have faith Vancouver's hockey team will make it through.
"The loyal die-hard fans are continuing to cheer and support our team," she said.
Samra says this unwavering support may even help the Canucks.
"It does absolutely impact them," Samra said.
"We can say, ‘They're professional players and how people feel shouldn't impact them.' The reality is, if you feel like you're disappointing your fans or letting them down, of course they're human beings like all of us, we want people to like us and support us," she said.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Penny Daflos
