2011 NHL Playoffs: Breaking Down the 1st Period of Blackhawks-Canucks

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NHL Playoffs, With a 2-0 lead for the top seeded Vancouver Canucks; it appears that they have sent the exact message that was intended for the defending champs.

The Canucks came out of the gate with a fury of energy that could be seen with bone-shattering hits on Brian Campbell, and a few other Hawks. The Canucks were very crisp with passes and looked like a team on a mission; while the Blackhawks seemed overmatched in all capacities.

Frankly, in many ways it looked like the Canucks were getting out all the aggression from what happened in past two seasons.

The first goal of the game was scored by Ryan Kesler on a re-direct from a shot by Kevin Bieksa. Kesler has been one of the best in the league all season, and it comes as no suprise that he would establish early that he could get it done in the post-season.

Norris Trophy winner Duncan Keith lost a puck later in the period that resulted in a breakaway goal by Jannik Hansen who has not been hot of late, but certainly this was a huge goal for his confidence.

The Blackhawks would go on to whiff on pucks, and play sloppy hockey with newcomers getting their 'sea-legs' for the playoffs. But, many thought that Brian Campbell had put the Blackhawks on the board, but were mistaken.

Roberto Luongo made the save of the playoffs perhaps as he used the edge of the blade of his skate to prevent a goal. Brian Campbell could be seen raising his stick in celebration only to be shocked it had not gone in.

You are sure to see this on many 'top 10's' in coming days and weeks.

We share see if anything changes in this game, and if the Blackhawks can respond in any manner going forward.

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