Late Game Heroics Lead Vancouver to Game One Victory

With just eighteen seconds left Vancouver Canucks forward Raffi Torres scored the only goal of the game to lead Vancouver to the 1-0 victory and series lead.  Torres scored his goal off of a beautiful feed by Jannik Hansen on a two on one rush for the Canucks.  It was the first time in the game that either of these Vezina Trophy finalist goalies were beat.  Both Tim Thomas and Roberto Luongo looked unreal in net and gave there team the opportunity to win.  Look for things to stay the same as we advance as I believe goaltending is going to be the story of the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals.

Crucial Game Two for Boston

Game two of these Stanley Cup finals comes Saturday night, once again in Vancouver, and Boston needs the win more than ever.  The last thing Boston wants to do is fall behind 2-0 to the Vancouver Canucks making it a difficult ride the rest of the way.  If Boston fails to win game 2, I believe, it’s going to be an extremely difficult challenge for them to capture the Stanley Cup over these powerful Canucks.  Boston looked extremely well Wednesday night however they had one problem and that was solving Roberto Luongo.  Luongo silenced his critics with the game one shut out and looks to continue his rock solid play into game two Saturday night.

Biting Controversy

Wednesday night, game one of these Stanley Cup finals, there was a little controversy when Canucks forward Alex Burrows appeared to bite Boston’s Patrice Bergeron.  This happened right in the middle of the game and it went undetected by the referees however with the technology these days the television cameras got it up close.  The NHL announced Thursday that it was not going to suspend Burrows and my guess is because there just isn’t enough evidence to prove that he bit Bergeron that could lead to a suspension in these Stanley Cup finals.  Lucky for the Canucks that Burrows wasn’t suspended as he is a key player to this Stanley Cup puzzle and they need him in the lineup if they want to win the Stanley Cup for the first time in franchise history.  Here is the video tell me if you think Burrows bit Bergeron in the scuffle.

Boston vs. Vancouver for Stanley Cup

The Stanley Cup Finals are set to go Wednesday night in Vancouver, British Columbia where the Boston Bruins are going to take on the Vancouver Canucks.  Both teams were the winner of their respective conference and earned the chance to play for Lord Stanley’s Cup.  Vancouver is looking to win their first Stanley Cup in franchise history in only there third ever appearance in the finals.  Boston hasn’t won a Stanley Cup since 1972 however they have five in there long history.  Both teams are getting excellent play from their goalies who have lead there team this far and look to continue there stellar play into Wednesdays game.

Vancouver’s Key to Winning

If Vancouver is going to win the Stanley Cup it’s going to take a full team effort.  Vancouver is backstopped by goalie, Roberto Luongo, who has been playing really well for the Canucks as of late.  Luongo took a lot of heat from the Vancouver media after a poor showing in there first round series versus Chicago where he was even benched but has picked it up his play ever since.  Vancouver is going to need the Sedin twins to continue there play from last series against San Jose where they stepped up and were the offensive leaders for this potent Vancouver offense.  If Vancouver can get Ryan Kesler going again offensively they are going to be an extremely tough team to beat.

Boston’s Keys to Winning

If Boston is going to win the Stanley Cup they are going to need there defense to really step up.  Vancouver has a very explosive quick strike offense that Boston is going to need to stop.  Boston will rely on there shut down defensive pair lead by Zedeno Chara to stop the Canucks offense but will also rely a lot of Tim Thomas who has been playing great so far in the playoffs for Boston.  Boston will look to slow the game down to their tempo rather than trying to run and gun with the Canucks.  Look for this series to be long and physical lead by goaltending on both sides with the winner at the end being well deserving and the title of best team in hockey. 

Vancouver Has a Date with Lord Stanley

The Vancouver Canucks disposed of the San Jose Sharks Tuesday night in overtime to advance to only there third ever Stanley Cup Finals.  The last time Vancouver made the Stanley Cup was all the way back in 1994 when they lost in game seven to the New York Rangers.  Vancouver has yet to win a Stanley Cup in their franchise history however look to end the drought this year against either the Tampa Bay Lightning or Boston Bruins.  Vancouver has seen stellar play from Kevin Bieksa, Ryan Kesler and both the Sedin twins.  Vancouver finds out tonight who they will play for the chance to hoist Stanley’s Cup and the title of best team in the National Hockey League. 

Tampa Bay Forces Game Seven in Boston

The Tampa Bay Lightning avoided elimination Wednesday night by beating the Boston Bruins 5-4 at home.  Tampa Bay looks to keep the momentum going by beating Boston tonight on the road and advancing to there first Stanley Cup since they won it back in 2004.  Boston looks to avoid the Tampa Bay comeback and have a chance to play the Canucks in the cup final.  Boston has a hot goaltender in Tim Thomas who they look to ride all the way to the Stanley Cup where as Tampa Bay is relying on firepower up front.  Regardless tonight’s game is going to be one for the ages and set up an extremely exciting Stanley Cup Finals.

Conn Smythe Watch

The Conne Smythe is a very prestigious award that goes to the playoff MVP typically to the winning team.  If Vancouver is to win the Stanley Cup there is a number of players in there line up that could win the award.  The front runners right now are Ryan Kesler, Kevin Bieksa, Henrik Sedin and Roberto Luongo.  All three of them are having Conn Smythe deserving playoffs however the finals will be the final factor in who takes the award away if Vancouver is to win.  If Boston is to win it’s either going to be Tim Thomas of Zedeno Chara.  Both of them have been holding down the Bruins back end and deserving of the award.  If Tampa Bay is to win the Conn Smythe is going to Martin St. Louis.  St. Louis is having a solid playoff performance and if his team can avoid elimination tonight and make the Stanley Cup Finals anything is possible.

Canucks and Bruins One Win Away from Stanley Cup Finals

Both the Vancouver Canucks and the Boston Bruins are only one win away from a Stanley Cup Finals appearance.  Vancouver leads there series 3-1 over the San Jose Sharks and look to close there series out tonight at home.  Vancouver would benefit tremendously by closing out the series tonight giving them some much needed rest heading into the finals but San Jose isn’t going to go away without a fight.  Boston leads their series over the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2 after a huge home win last night.  Tim Thomas preserved the lead late in the third with an unbelievable stick save allowing the Bruins to leave the ice with the regulation time victory.  Both of these series are far from over and don’t count on either of these series to be over in there next game.

Henrik Sedin Leads Canucks in Game Four Victory

After taking a ton of criticism from the ruthless Vancouver media over these past couple games and even dating back to the Nashville series Henrik Sedin answered back with a four-point game.  Henrik Sedin tallied four assists in game four giving the Canucks the opportunity to win the game Sunday night 4-2.  The Canucks got solid goaltending from Roberto Luongo and there defense shut down the San Jose goal scorers.  San Jose could be in trouble however due to captain and offensive leader Joe Thornton leaving game four halfway through the third period and did not return.  Joe Thornton’s status for game five is up in the air and will be a game time decision.  It’s going to be a tough road for San Jose ahead but don’t count them out just quite yet.

Tampa Bay One Loss Away From Elimination

Just a week ago it looked as if Tampa Bay was going to be unbeatable in these playoffs after recording eight straight wins however Boston now looks like the ones who are unbeatable.  Boston is playing top-notch hockey backed by goalie Tim Thomas who had a rough couple games in this series but looked like he was back in Vezina Trophy form last night.  Thomas, who recorded maybe the save of the playoffs thus far, was terrific in net and shut the door when Boston needed it most.  Tampa Bay will be back at home for a must win game six which I predict they will win sending a game seven back in Boston with a trip to the Stanley Cup Finals on the line. 

Eastern and Western Conference Finals

So far through these Eastern and Western Conference Semi Finals both the Vancouver Canucks and Boston Bruins have taken control of their series.  Vancouver took a commanding 2-0 series lead over the struggling San Jose Sharks however this series is far from over with the next two games heading back to San Jose.  Boston, who lost game one, has won the last two games over Tampa Bay who previously looked unbeatable.  Boston has been relying on veteran goalie Tim Thomas to shut down the dangerous Tampa Bay snipers and has been pretty successful so far.  Both these series are shaping up to be entertaining and very far from over. 

Canucks Dominate Game Two and Take 2-0 Series Lead

Wednesday night the Vancouver Canucks showed why they were the President Trophy Winners for being the best regular season team in the NHL by crushing the San Jose Sharks 7-3.  The game looked to be close after two periods however the Canucks exploded for five unanswered goals in the third period to go up 7-2 and never looked back from there.  There has been some controversy over Kevin Bieksa’s fight with San Jose forward Patrick Marleau and even some choice words for him after the game but the Canucks are ignoring it and are only focuses on one thing only and that’s advancing to only there third Stanley Cup Finals in franchise history. 

Boston Blanks Tampa Bay in Game 3

Thursday night in Tampa Bay the Boston Bruins shut them out in front of the home crowd.  Boston goalie Tim Thomas played a spectacular game after taking some criticism about his performances in the first two games of the series.  Now all the criticism lies in the hands of the Tampa Bay Lightning who have lost two straight games and are now down in the series.  This series is turning out to be just as entertaining as expected and I believe will go the full seven games.  If Tampa Bay wants to even this series up at two they are going to need to step up there game and start playing Lightning hockey and not let the Boston Bruins get an early lead in the game not allowing the Lightning to roll.

Early Conference Final's Playoff Action

Last night was a quiet night for hockey as there were no games played.  All four teams remaining had a well deserved day off as they recover from small injuries looking to return at the top of their game.  San Jose and Boston desperately need wins in their next two games if they want to avoid 2-0 early series deficits.  Look for both of those teams to come out on fire with their big players and leaders stepping up when their teams need it most.  Both of these series have the potential to be great with excellent goaltenders and firepower up front. 

Third Period Vancouver Comeback gives them 1-0 Series Lead

Canuck Forwards Henrik and Daniel
Sedin

Sunday night the Vancouver Canucks rallied in the third period to come back from a 2-1 deficit in the third period.  Vancouver got goals in the third period by defenseman Kevin Bieksa and captain Henrik Sedin.  The Sedin’s who both had terrific regular season’s have been taking a lot of criticism for there poor playoff play to date but stepped up Sunday when the Canucks needed it most.  San Jose got stellar goaltending by Anti Niemi but it was there offense that caused the defeat, as they couldn’t seem to solve Roberto Luongo when they needed to most.  San Jose needs offensive players like Joe Pavelski and Patrick Marleau to step up in game two if they want to avoid the 2-0 early series deficit. 

Tampa Bay on Eight Game Playoff Winning Streak

The Tampa Bay Lightning took care of the Boston Bruins handily Saturday night 5-2 to take an early 1-0 series lead.  Boston needs to play better defense in front of Vezina Trophy finalist goalie Tim Thomas if they stand any chance of shutting down the potent Tampa Bay snipers.  Tampa Bay’s playoff win streak dates back to their first round match up versus the Pittsburgh Penguins where they won the last three games of that series and then swept Washington in round two.  Tampa Bay looks to be a tough team to beat as they are heating up at the right time and look like they are going to be a hard team to get by on the way to winning the 2011 Stanley Cup.

Eastern and Western Conference Finals Set

San Jose Escapes Detroit Comeback

San Jose Forward Joe Thornton

The San Jose Sharks avoid a devastating comeback from the Detroit Red Wings last night last night at home.  Detroit who lost the first three games of the series managed to rally back and tie the series at three only to lose to San Jose Thursday night 3-2.  Detroit trailed all game 7 long and couldn’t manage to make the late comeback to force overtime ending their season earlier then they had hoped.  San Jose Forward Patrick Marleau scored the game winning goal for San Jose with under ten minutes to go in the third period silencing the critics about him not performing in the playoffs.  San Jose opens the third round in Vancouver Sunday night in the Western Conference Finals.

Tamps Bay Lightning vs. Boston Bruins Preview

Tampa Bay and Boston are both full of firepower up front with plenty of offense to go around.  Tampa Bay is lead up front by snipers Steven Stamkos, Martin St. Louis and Vincent Lacavalier.  Tampa Bay has no lack of goal scoring and are going to challenge the Bruins stellar defense.  Boston’s defense is lead by one of the best defenseman in the league Zedeno Chara.  Chara is helped out on the defensive end by Vezina Trophy finalist goaltender Tim Thomas.  Together they form one of the toughest teams to score on in the NHL making it a fantastic Eastern Conference Finals match up of powerful offense versus tough defense. 

San Jose Sharks vs. Vancouver Canucks Preview

San Jose and Vancouver have been known in the last five years as typically under achieving teams.  This year however both teams have moved beyond there past and are one series away from making the Stanley Cup.  If either San Jose or Vancouver wants to win this series they are going to need their leaders to step up.  Vancouver will need to rely heavy on the NHL’s leading scorer and captain Henrik Sedin to step up and help the Canucks get the scoring they will need to advance to there third Stanley Cup in franchise history.  San Jose is going to need to continue to rely on forwards Joe Thornton and Logan Couture along with solid goaltending from Anti Niemi if they want any chance at beating the President Trophy winning Vancouver Canucks. 

Second Round Playoff Action

Vancouver Advances to Western Conference Final

Vancouver Canucks Celebrating
Monday Night

The Vancouver Canucks closed out there series with a win over the Nashville Predators last night to take a 4-2 series win.  Nashville managed to stay alive Saturday night after a huge win forcing a game 6 at home but couldn't steal another one from the Canucks as they took the early 2-0 lead and cruised to a 2-1 win.  Ryan Kesler had another huge game for the Canucks recording two assists to now lead all of the playoffs in scoring with 15 points.  Vancouver looks to keep on winning and advance to only there third Stanley cup in franchise history but it won't be an easy task facing the winner of the other Western Conference Semi Finals.


Detroit Continues to Avoid Elimination

Detroit Captain Nicklas Lidstrom

After San Jose took a commanding 3-0 series lead it looked as if Detroit didn't have a chance at advancing to there third straight conference finals but there proving otherwise.  Detroit has won the last two games making it now only 3-2 series lead with all the momentum in there hands.  San Jose looked to have the series closed out Sunday night with a 3-1 lead early in the third period however Detroit finished the period with three unanswered goals and still give themselves a chance for the inevitable come back.  Patrick Marleau is going to need to step up his game tonight, especially in the defensive zone, if San Jose wants to avoid a game 7.


Tampa Bay and Boston Advance to Eastern Conference Finals

Boston Forward Milan Lucic

Both the Tampa Bay Lightning and Boston Bruins swept their series 4-0 over the Washington Capitals and Philadelphia Flyers.  Tampa Bay took down the heavy Eastern Conference favorites in the Washington Capitals who choked for yet another year.  Washington just didn't get the production from their leaders when they needed it or the clutch goaltending and evidently it lead to yet another early playoff exit.  Boston, who was eliminated by Philadelphia last year in the playoffs, gets their revenge by defeating the defending Eastern Conference playoff champions and giving them a chance to advance to the Stanley Cup Finals.  Look for Tampa Bay versus Boston to be a high paced high scoring series with tons of action and how Tim Thomas can do in goal against these potent Lightning snipers.

Western Conference Semi-Finals

#5 Nashville Predators vs. #1 Vancouver Canucks

Vancouver Goalie
Roberto Luongo

A lot of people have been calling this series boring due to the lack of goal scoring however I see it as a goaltending duo for the ages.  Two of the top goaltenders in the league, and Vezina Trophy nominees, Roberto Luongo and Pekka Rinne have been outstanding so far in this series giving both there teams the opportunity to advance to the Western Conference Finals.  After last night's victory, the Canucks have taken a commanding 3-1 series lead and look to close out the series in game 5 at home.  The Canucks who were the president trophy winners, for best record in the NHL, have lived up to the hype and one more win away from the western conference finals.


#3 Detroit Red Wings vs. #2 San Jose Sharks

Sharks Forwards Joe Thornton
and Patrick Marleau

After two outstanding regular seasons by both the Red Wings and Sharks they meet in the western conference semi finals.  Most hockey fans were predicting this to be a series for the ages because of the speed and toughness both teams play with.  However, so far, San Jose has proved to be the dominant team taking a 3-0 series lead from Detroit who has been the most successful western conference team in recent years.  San Jose has a history of terrific regular season and early playoff exits.  Clearly it is evident that San Jose is on a mission to attain Lord Stanley's Cup.




Western Conference MVP Thus Far

Canucks Forward Ryan Kesler

My choice for most valuable player of the western conference so far goes to Vancouver Canucks forward Ryan Kesler.  He was instrumental in Vancouvers first round win versus the defending champion Chicago Blackhawks.  Kesler held defending Conn Smythe trophy winner to only 1 goal in the entire 7 games series.  Kesler in this series however has other things on his mind and that's scoring goals.  Kesler has been a monster so far in the series with Nashville recording 3 points in each of his last two games to put Vancouver in the spot they are.

Eastern Conference Semi-Finals

#5 Tampa Bay Lightning vs. #1 Washington Capitals

Vincent Lacavalier celebrating after OT game winner.

After two games of this eastern conference semi finals match up the Tampa Bay Lightning have taken a commanding 2-0 series lead against the #1 ranked Washington Capitals.  This comes as a shock to hockey fans as Washington is the favorite to represent the Eastern Conference in the Stanley Cup Finals.  Tampa Bay took a thrilling overtime win at Washington last night to take control of the series off of a beautiful breakaway finish by superstar Vincent Lacavalier.  Washington is going to need their offensive leader and captain Alexander Ovechkin to step up if they have any shot of overcoming the 2-0 series deficit and advance to the eastern conference finals.

#3 Boston Bruins vs. #2 Philadelphia Flyers

Flyers goalie Brian Boucher

Just one year ago the Philadelphia Flyers became only the third team ever to overcome a 3-0 series deficit, in the history of the National Hockey League, over these same Boston Bruins fueling there Stanley Cup run only to fall short in overtime of game 7 to the Chicago Blackhawks.  This year Boston has revenge on their mind which has clearly been evident after a dominating 7-3 win over the home Flyers Saturday night and another 3-2 overtime win last night.  This series returns to action Thursday where Philadelphia desperately needs a win or they will be looking to repeat the impossible again by erasing a 3-0 series deficit.  Philadelphia is going to need goaltender Brian Boucher to rebound, after a solid game 2, in order for the Flyers to avoid a 3-0 series deficit in Boston.

Eastern Conference MVP Thus Far

Lightning Sniper Martin St Louis

My vote for the most valuable player in the Eastern Conference so far in the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs goes to Martin St Louis of the Tampa Bay Lightning.  The French Canadian sniper has backed up his second best statistical season after recording 99 points in 82 games for the Lightning.  St Louis has started off these playoffs on fire recording 5 goals and 5 assists in nine games thus far leading the Lightning to an upset win over the #4 ranked Pittsburgh Penguins and a 2-0 series lead over the #1 Washington Capitals so far.  Look for St Louis and the Tampa Bay Lightning to keep winning games if St Louis can continue his rock solid offensive play.