Why hate the Canucks?

I came across an article from the Globe & Mail concerning this year's participants in the Stanley Cup final, the Vancouver Canucks and Boston Bruins. It's entitled "Canucks Have Become NHL’s Most-hated Team" and it's all about how players from around the league have come out and expressed their distaste for the Canucks. Dave Bolland - who was integral in the Chicago Blackhawks' comeback in the first round against Vancouver - summed it up for me with this: "It does get pretty painful watching and seeing that team in it..." Diving, filthy hits, boring play and unsportsmanlike comments from douchebags like Kesler, Burrows and Lapierre all contribute to this pain. Putting the rivalry between the Flames and Canucks aside I still find it impossible to get behind a team that plays with no heart or passion. Their fans and players believe this is their year because of some coincidental year after the Olympics success in the past by other Canadian teams (Flames in '89 for instance). A sense of entitlement that is completely unfounded by an annoying fan base is never a good thing.

Ryan Whitney who plays for the Edmonton Oilers stated that "90 per cent of the guys in the league want nothing to do with seeing them win.” Obviously this is a bit of a stretch but still, has there ever been a year in the entire history of the NHL in which the fans AND players have hated a team so passionately? Let's take a look at the Canucks' roster: Raffi Torres; dirty hits in every round with an extra filthy one against Brent Seabrook of Chicago. Aaron Rome; another dirty checker who took out Nathan Horton just a few games ago. Alex Burrows; bow and arrow celebrations abound, watch your fingers he may bite them off. Henrik and Daniel Sedin; these two should participate in the next Summer Olympics on Sweden's synchronized diving team. Roberto Luongo; big clumsy greasy overrated goalie who deserves none of the accolades he has ever received. Maxim Lapierre; just look at his face, it will make your blood boil. Last but not least is Ryan Kesler; smug and classless player who will potentially win the Conn Smythe for most valuable player and forever taint the trophy's meaning.
I'm not asking anyone to join the hate parade but I do think it's important for other fans of the game that I love to think before so carelessly throwing their support behind "Canada's last hope". Lord Stanley's cup can stay in the States at least until someone more deserving up here can earn it.