Agreed! Very hard fought game, good job for San Jose for taking it as far as they did in the OT. Olympics in 2010 Stanley Cup in 2011
Kind of sad that this series ended the way it did. San Jose deserved better than that and props to them for taking it that far in OT. Congratulation to Bieska for having the killer instinct to throw that puck on net. I must say that even I didn't even know the puck went in until Burrows started celebrating. That shift leading up to the goal was nothing short of amazing. WCF Series Analysis: San Jose: Heatley was a complete no show and at $7.5 million per year, that is an absolute joke. Thornton and Marleau showed tremendous heart and was clutch for the most part. The defense looked out of place most nights and never seemed comfortable out there against Vancouver's forecheck. Anti Niemi was solid in net and you can't fault the guy on the last goal (no one except Bieska knew where the puck was). The rest of the forwards weren't able to do much, even worse, they took some bad penalties. Overall, a gutsy performance but they just didn't have an answer when it counted most (i.e. the third period). Vancouver: Where to begin... the Sedins+Burrows were lights out this series and imposed their will onto the Sharks. Kesler did his job by scoring when they needed him most (coming back after the injury showed that he was battled tested). Overall, the Canucks forwards played exceptionally well from the top line to the fourth line. The defense core was lights out and had a significant contribution by all 8 guys. The amount of firepower the Canucks possess is absolutely mind-boggling. Luongo once again played well enough to win the series, but he was tremendous in game 5. Overall, top notch hockey from everyone on the roster. Officiating: I've said it before, no one team benefited from the officiating. All teams were at a disadvantage due to the poor officiating. Mission 16W will now move onto the last phase. 12 down, only 4 more to go until the promise land. Stanley Cup Finals here we come! Go Canucks Go!
+1 On all points. I'm not prepared to blame the zebra's - Both teams got some bad calls along the way. I was at the Tank when Heatley made his debut and scored a friggin' hat-trick! - I've been trying to cut him slack ever since - No more! Anyone know how long's left on his contract? I dunno what Mr Jamison is gonna do now - I suspect Doug Wilson (GM) may be on the hot seat. Or, as mentioned earlier, blow the whole thing up and start again?.... Very, very disappointed would be an understatement. I'm seriously thinking about pitching my season ticket group Earthquake tickets next season........ Cheers, Ian Go Canucks!
Best game of the series, but I didn't like the way it ended. Never great when a series ends on such an off goal. With that said, I think the better team in the series won. I, like many other people, have been very critical of Luongo, but last night he definitely did his job very well. I heard from some people in San Jose that there are more than a few season ticket holder who were planning to not renew if they didn't at least make it to the finals (however, I dont' think many would actually do it). I don't think the team needs to be blown up just yet. They still have a lot o talent and Niemi is solid. It's hard being a Kings fan and I'm sure it's much harder being a Sharks fan (the Kings don't tease you with expectations). When I was at hp pavilion for a few games in the 1st round there were so many more hockey banners than at Staples, but we are both missing the only one that matters.... My personal opinion is that TB will still take it all, but obviously that theory may go down in flames in a few hours.....
I agree with Ian, the referees shouldn't be blamed for this - afterall, San Jose still had the chance to win by winning the face-off then icing the puck...there is terrible refereeing this year, and if you look back to the Detroit series then Detroit should be the team to complain because they got SCREWED by the officiating, particularly in game 7.
+1 on your first two sentences, not so much on the last - I can't explain it, but over the 5 games I believe the Sharks were the better team..... Except they lost..... +1 There's a pretty good article about him in SI this week. Yep! - We say that every year, and yet we renew...... And "ownership" also knows that despite our whining, we'll be back...... Mr Jamison OTOH was expecting the big dance at least. I'm not sure if I want to be "teased with expectations" any longer..... It's probably easier if "we just suck!"...... +1 I was there when they unfurled the Presidents Trophy banner, and fortunately they didn't make it a big deal - Who cares!..... [I also thought said trophy would be the kiss of death for the Canucks ] Ballsy call - I like it. "This is why we watch"....... Cheers, Ian
Tampa escaped today by the hair on their chin. Tremendous offense, but they have to be better down the stretch if they hope to have a chance in Vancouver. Closing out games are the hardest part of the playoffs and we all saw how hard that task was today. Game 7 should be one for the ages and lets hope both teams put on a show for all to enjoy. I don't have a preference who the Canucks should face, either team will be an underdog and I like my chances against them. Should make for an exciting Stanley Cup Finals. The Sharks were the better team in game 5 and scored two goals on fortuitous bounces. The Canucks scored two legitimate goals through great passing and a beauty of a tip in. I'll be the first to admit that I'm extremely hard on Luongo, but he outplayed Niemi badly tonight. The icing call could have gone either way. At game speed it looked like icing to me, but the replay on slow motion looked like it hit a Vancouver player. San Jose needs to learn how to close out in the third period in order for them to win a championship. The series is done with and the better team won in the end. Onto the Stanley Cup Finals! Go Canucks Go!
+1 The problem is, what the devil can/should they do about it? New defensemen? We know they're trying to not let these games slip away, but the 3rd period killed 'em all season - I lost count of how many games they lost in the 3rd - We've known for months they'd be going to the big dance *if* they only played 2 periods!..... Cheers, Ian
No, a defenseman isn't the problem. They need to dump a few players that are useless and whom disappear in the playoffs (Heatley, Marleau, to name a few). In previous years I would have added Joe Thornton to that list, but this year he finally came to play when it counts...unfortunately he had no support, otherwise they could have beaten the Canucks. The Sharks are almost there, they just need to get a few guys who "get it", understand what it takes to win a Stanley Cup....Marleau and Heatley are two guys who just don't have what it takes (I'm talking playoffs only).
I can't start to tell you how often "we've" heard that story!..... We needed a "proven scorer", so went and got Heatley (2 x 50 goal seasons before joining us). We needed "more defense", so went & got a couple more guys (Ian white & Ben Eager). We needed a proven (read cheaper than Nabby!) goalie - Went and got last years winner. We needed..... You get the idea...... Anyway, I just spoke with my buddy who went to game 4 (I was at game 3) and he was *disgusted* with the # of Canucks fans up in our section!..... It seems many did indeed fly down to take advantage of our "cheap" tickets! I think many of my fellow season ticket holders sold out this one game in order to pay for next seasons tickets!..... Cheers, Ian
Lol...same story in almost every city But not just any goal scorer, you need one that will take the physical abuse and one that will elevate his game in the playoffs....that's what champions do...instead you have Marleau and Heatley who do the opposite. Yes, I saw that on the pre-game show that there was about 2500 Canuck fans at Game 4.
At this stage, I just wanna see a "great" game 7 - Putting aside my disappointment with the Sharks, this has been a hell of a playoffs. "May the best team win". Cheers, Ian
Hoping for a high octane game 7 tonight. A snooze-fest where one team doesn't show up would be a major let down. May the best team win tonight.
Should be a good one...I don't think either team will NOT show up, it is game 7 and both teams know that they are either 60 minutes away from a trip to play for Lord Stanley or 60 minutes away from tee-time...
+1 We really have been graced with some great playoff hockey - Good stuff! Who says a 1-0 game has to be boring? [I do hope the soccer game tomorrow nets more though ] Cheers, Ian
I just got home from the game... Wow. Just wow. This is unbelievable. I wish I could just fast-forward to Wednesday night.
So it looks like Boston has to make a trip to Vancouver for the Stanley Cup Finals. First of all, congrats on a terrific game 7. Very exciting game and an awesome effort for all involved. The Bruins are a fabulous team with exceptional players at all positions. They are built from the back and it has proven to be effective in this post season. Their 5on5 play has been pretty good and they use their size to their advantage down low to cycle the puck. The offense is deep with many skilled players who can finish. Lucic, Krejci, Horton, Bergeron, Seguin, Marchand etc... will make any team think twice about not playing defense. These guys can all change the outcome of a series in a moment of brilliance with their skill and size. With Chara, Boychuck, Seidenberg, Kaberle and Ferrence holding down the fort, there really isn't any holes in this team's defense. If you can get through all of that, there is one final task to you must overcome, Tim Thomas... This man has the ability to steal games at will with his unorthodox style and clutch play. Overall, one solid team that knows how to win hockey games. I have total respect for this team and they do strike a little fear in me. Those are the good points about the Boston Bruins. Lets look at the Canucks. Vancouver has Luongo. After game 6 in round 1, Luongo has been lights out for the most part and is only getting stronger as the playoffs continue. He does have the tendency to let in a bad goal every game, but that's usually the only one that he gives you. He also has the ability to steal games for you, just look at the last two rounds and more specifically game 5 against the sharks. In front of him is without question (when healthy) the deepest D-core in the league. Bieksa, Hamhuis, Edler, Ehrhoff, Salo, Ballard, Alberts, Tanev and Rome. Simply a juggernaut of a D-core with so many weapons to shut down and score. The offense can be broken down into three parts. Part 1: Kesler. This guy can win you a series all by himself. He does everything from PK, PP, 4on4, 5on5, shutdown, etc... he can do it all with his size, skill and speed. Deadly on both ends of the rink. Part 2: The meat grinder line a.k.a Hansen, Torres and Lapierre. These guys have scored, punished and checked some of the best lines in Hockey. Clutch when they need to be and downright scary with their physical play. Part 3: The Sedins+Burrows. This is the reigning Art Ross champion + defending Art Ross and reigning Hart Trophy winner we are talking about. They have been up against top tier D-pairings this year and have understood how to handle them. From the use of the no look pass, to the mastery of the give and go, they can make you look silly out there as if the puck is on a string. Things to watch out for during the series. Boston relies heavily on Chara (30mins/game), this is no secret. Fatigue will definitely be something to watch out for as the series progresses. Can the Bruins sustain a decent forecheck and not allow Vancouver to exit the zone so easily? Vancouver rolls 4 lines, Boston will need to do the same if they want to take some pressure off of their main guys. Boston must get secondary scoring from their defense, because Vancouver's defense will be attacking in waves. Boston must stay out of the sin bin if they hope to have any chance in this series. Their PP has more problems than the Thrasher's ownership and their Pk has been decent at times. Vancouver's Pk isn't any better and will need to improve to make a difference. Their PP on the other hand.... has been dynamite. Operating at almost 30%, taking penalties isn't an options for the Bruins. These are just some of the things that I thought anyone watching this series should know. The Stanley Cup Finals is only a few days away, one team will end a long drought, while the other team will continue to dissappoint. I'll provide more details about the series as we get closer to GAME 1. Cheers.
Come on, bring it already! Five days til the opener of the finals? WHY ???? I've never agreed with NHL in to June. This final series should begin Monday.
Ignoring the result, that was an awful game 7. Very boring IMO. Congrats Boston, you were the better team.
