by Brandt Corbin
Before the puck was dropped for the 2011 playoffs, it was painfully obvious there were a few coaches looking for work if they did not get out of the first round. Two of those coaches were Boston’s Claude Julien and Vancouver’s Alain Vigneault. We all know by know they’ve made it past that first round, and are on their way to fight for the Stanley Cup. Think about how close both Vancouver and Boston were in the first round... both teams had to win in overtime to advance, now arguably the two best teams during the regular season for the past two years, finally go head to head.
Up front
Both teams throughout the playoffs have had three lines of offense. The Canucks have the statistically the better top line during the regular season, but during the post season, the Bruins top line has been better consistently game in game out. The second and third lines have been coming up timely offense, when the either team’s needed a goal, it been the secondary scoring getting it. The fourth lines have been absent offensively. The Bruins on a regular basis plays 7-10 mins, Canucks 4th line has maybe been averaging 4-6 mins at the most, so look for this trend to continue in the finals.
Bruins power play needs to start firing
Eventually one would assume the Bruins will start clicking on their power play, they have not done so thus far and it has not cost them yet. Both teams even in the conference finals had patches on being very undisciplined, both teams have some hot headed players, the team that can be nasty but not cross the line will do themselves a favour. The main reason why the Canucks advanced past San Jose was their incredible power play, while the Bruins have been completely dominant 5 on 5 in the playoffs.
No edge in net
This will be the best goaltending matchup in many years, Vezina Nominee vs Vezina Nominee, Tim Thomas vs Roberto Luongo. Both veterans have had there struggles during the playoffs, but when it mattered most they came up huge for their team. Neither goalie will have the edge in this series, the one that can fight through the traffic without losing his composure should prevail the champion.
Home ice not a big advantage
The Bruins for the most part are a veteran laden team, you think about this years playoffs, they’ve played in the most intimidating buildings, the Bell Center and the Wells Fargo Center (Montreal and Philly). Same can be said for Ryan Kesler, and the Sedin’s they are calm cooled and always collected. The only time I see anyone being really nervous is the night the Cup could be awarded, both for the team who could win it, or lose it. You do not want to go this far and then lose it in finals.
Head to head matchups
The key matchups will be the following, Zdeno Chara vs the Sedins and Kesler, Bieksa versus the Bruins top line of Krejci-Horton and Lucic. Physically the Sedin’s will be hit every chance Chara can legal or not legal. I look forward to Lucic vs Bieksa, it will be a reminder of Lucic vs Komisarek 3 years ago.... which can be compared to Samuelson vs Neely.
When its all said and done
A Bruins fan not a Canuck fan will ever admit it, but realistically neither team is the favourite going into this series. Its to close to call, its not far fetched to say Chara will shutdown the Sedins, and for Kesler to shutdown the Bruins top line. When its all said and done, it will come down to who’s second and third lines play better and that as well is a toss up. This series will likely come down to a 7th game, with it maybe going to overtime, if it does I will predict either Nathan Horton or Alex Burrows to score the Cup clincher.
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