I hear that there are some Cardboard boxes down on East Hastings Massonite, since that Canucks ticket might set you back a pretty penny.. or would it be a Nickel now? you could set up shop beside Homeless Harry, or Promiscuous Pamela?
Definintely stay somewhere around the train line as you want to do some sightseeing and that is the fastest way to get anywhere in Vancouver.
The train stops right outside the arena, and at any other Major attractions. Canada Line heads south from Downtown to the Airport Area, the Hilton Airport is nice. Expo line heads east out to Surrey and the Millenium line heads to Coquitlam area...
MAP
Close to a station would give you the best coverage, or you could stay south of the arena...