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2011 Stanley Cup Finals: 2011 Is First Series Between Vezina Finalists Since '89

The 2011 Stanley Cup Finals features two Vezina Trophy finalist against each other for the first time since 1989. 

The Vezina Trophy is given annually to the NHL’s most outstanding goaltender. 

Boston goalie Tim Thomas, the 2009 Vezina winner, and Vancouver’s Roberto Luongo will both be hugely important to the fortunes of their team’s in this Final. 

The last Finals matchup with two Vezina nominees was the 1989 Cup Finals, a series won by Calgary Flames goalie Mike Vernon over Montreal Canadiens goalie Patrick Roy. Roy would go on to win the award after the series.

Follow this blog for the best Stanley Cup Finals analysis, updates, and previews before the puck drops in Game 1 on Wednesday night.

Nicholas Goss is a Boston Bruins featured columnist, follow him on Twitter for Bruins news and analysis.

Why Boston will win the Cup. 2011 Stanley Cup Final: 6 Reasons the Boston Bruins Will Win the Stanley Cup

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2011 Stanley Cup Finals: Winner of Game 1 Lifts Stanley Cup 77% of the Time

In the 71 seasons since the NHL introduced the best of seven format for the Stanley Cup Finals, the winner of Game 1 has won 55 of 71 series, a 77 percent success rate. 

The most recent teams to win the Cup after losing Game 1 are the 2009 Pittsburgh Penguins, the 2004 Tampa Bay Lightning, and the 2002 Detroit Red Wings. 

Those Detroit and Tampa Bay teams recovered from home losses in Game 1. 

History shows whoever wins Game 1 tonight has a huge advantage in the series, but since 1990 there have been seven teams who have won the Stanley Cup after losing the series opener, and six of those teams lost Game 1 on home ice.

Follow this blog for the best Stanley Cup Finals analysis, updates, and previews before the puck drops in Game 1 on Wednesday night.

Nicholas Goss is a Boston Bruins featured columnist, follow him on Twitter for Bruins news and analysis.

Why Boston will win the Cup. 2011 Stanley Cup Final: 6 Reasons the Boston Bruins Will Win the Stanley Cup

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2011 Stanley Cup Finals: Bruins defenseman Andrew Ference talks preparation

Boston Bruins defenseman Andrew Ference spoke to the media today ahead of Game 1 of the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals. 

Ference has played well on defense this postseason, and has scored two goals and dished out five assists in the playoffs. 

Ference spoke about preparing for the Cup Finals, and said the following according to an interview provided by the NHL. 

“You look at tendencies. That only does so much. You can key on certain things. First and foremost, you don't want to get in the box.” 

“But after that, it's keying on tendencies like we would have done against Tampa Bay, playing your hearts out and sacrificing. That's what penalty kill, at the end of the day, turns into.”

Follow this blog for the best Stanley Cup Finals analysis, updates, and previews before the puck drops in Game 1 on Wednesday night.

Nicholas Goss is a Boston Bruins featured columnist, follow him on Twitter for Bruins news and analysis.

Why Boston will win the Cup. 2011 Stanley Cup Final: 6 Reasons the Boston Bruins Will Win the Stanley Cup

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2011 Stanley Cup Finals: Bruins center Patrice Bergeron discusses the series

The Boston Bruins are set to face the Vancouver Canucks in Game 1 of the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals tonight, and earlier today some Bruins players spoke to the media. 

Center Patrice Bergeron spoke about a number of topics regarding tonight’s game and the series as a whole. 

When asked about slowing down the Canucks offense, he said the following according to an interview provided by the NHL.

“I think it's about playing our system, staying tight, obviously not giving them time. When they do have space and time, they're a great team, also great players to find their teammates on the ice.” 

Bergeron also spoke about teammate Tim Thomas and the Canucks’ Roberto Luongo, the two starting goaltenders in the series, and if he thought his guy was the better of the two. 

“Yeah. I mean, we're very confident in Timmy. We know he can do the job. At the same time, you know, they're both great goaltenders. We're going to have to make sure we have a lot of traffic in front of Luongo.” 

Bergeron is the center on Boston’s second offensive line, playing alongside wingers Brad Marchand and veteran Mark Recchi.

Follow this blog for the best Stanley Cup Finals analysis, updates, and previews before the puck drops in Game 1 on Wednesday night.

Nicholas Goss is a Boston Bruins featured columnist, follow him on Twitter for Bruins news and analysis.

Why Boston will win the Cup. 2011 Stanley Cup Final: 6 Reasons the Boston Bruins Will Win the Stanley Cup

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2011 Stanley Cup Finals: Henrik Sedin Talks About Facing Zdeno Chara

At today’s morning skate, several players from the Vancouver Canucks answered questions from the media. 

Canucks captain Henrik Sedin spoke about facing Boston Bruins captain and top defenseman Zdeno Chara, who at 6’9” tall poses matchup problems for any team.

According to an interview provided by the NHL, here is what Sedin said about how difficult it is to play against Chara. 

“I don't know.  I haven't played a lot against him. We'll see. He's big, he's strong.  But he's not like a lot of the other big guys. He can make plays and he sees the ice really well, doesn't make a lot of mistakes.  

“It's going to be a tough matchup.  But I think for us, the key for us is to get up to our potential.  If we can do that, I think it's going to work out.”

Follow this blog for the best Stanley Cup Finals analysis, updates, and previews before the puck drops in Game 1 on Wednesday night.

Nicholas Goss is a Boston Bruins featured columnist, follow him on Twitter for Bruins news and analysis.

Why Boston will win the Cup. 2011 Stanley Cup Final: 6 Reasons the Boston Bruins Will Win the Stanley Cup

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2011 Stanley Cup Finals: Canucks forward Henrik Sedin speaks on Manny Malhotra

At this morning’s skate before Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals, Canucks players spoke about Manny Malhotra’s possible return. 

Malhotra has been hurt since March with a serious eye injury.

According to an interview provided by the NHL, here is some of what Henrik Sedin said about Malhotra. 

“He's a guy that can help us no matter how many minutes he plays.  He's been so key to our faceoffs and PKs.  We'll see what happens.  Again, he's day to day, as he's been the last week or so, so we'll see what happens.” 

Follow this blog for the best Stanley Cup Finals analysis, updates, and previews before the puck drops in Game 1 on Wednesday night.

Nicholas Goss is a Boston Bruins featured columnist, follow him on Twitter for Bruins news and analysis.

Why Boston will win the Cup. 2011 Stanley Cup Final: 6 Reasons the Boston Bruins Will Win the Stanley Cup

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2011 Stanley Cup Finals: Daniel Sedin talks about the Cup Finals to media 

At the morning skate before Game 1 of the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals tonight, Vancouver Canucks players answered questions today from the media. 

According to an interview provided by the NHL, Daniel Sedin compared the grand stage of the Cup Finals to other big-time international competitions he’s played in such as the Winter Olympics. 

“I think this is obviously the biggest game you can play.  I think you look at Olympic finals, World Championships.  But when you play this long, with good friends and teammates, it's the biggest game you can play.”

“I mean, you played 82 games just to get in, then it's a long run in the playoffs, too.  For sure the biggest games you can play in.”

Follow this blog for the best Stanley Cup Finals analysis, updates, and previews before the puck drops in Game 1 on Wednesday night.

Nicholas Goss is a Boston Bruins featured columnist, follow him on Twitter for Bruins news and analysis.

Why Boston will win the Cup. 2011 Stanley Cup Final: 6 Reasons the Boston Bruins Will Win the Stanley Cup

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2011 Stanley Cup Finals: Colin Campbell giving up job as NHL disciplinarian 

Sources have told TSN that NHL senior vice-president and director of hockey operations Colin Campbell will give up his job as the league’s disciplinarian.

Sources have also told TSN that former NHL star Brendan Shanahan will likely take over. 

Campbell's son Gregory is a forward for the Boston Bruins.

Follow this blog for the best Stanley Cup Finals analysis, updates, and previews before the puck drops in Game 1 on Wednesday night.

Nicholas Goss is a Boston Bruins featured columnist, follow him on Twitter for Bruins news and analysis.

Why Boston will win the Cup. 2011 Stanley Cup Final: 6 Reasons the Boston Bruins Will Win the Stanley Cup

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2011 Stanley Cup Finals: Zdeno Chara and Dennis Seidenberg Are a Great Pairing

Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara and Dennis Seidenberg have formed a great defensive pairing in the playoffs, and have been able to shut down many top NHL goal scorers in the playoffs. 

Bruins coach Claude Julien made a great decision to pair these two together, and he has reaped the rewards. 

Chara and Seidenberg are smart defenseman who check well, are always in good position, and can man the powerplay too. 

Seidenberg’s consistent play in the playoffs has made him a Bruins playoff MVP this season, and Chara has continued his great play form the regular season. Chara is also a finalist for the Norris Trophy this year, an award given to the league’s best defenseman.

Follow this blog for the best Stanley Cup Finals analysis, updates, and previews before the puck drops in Game 1 on Wednesday night.

Nicholas Goss is a Boston Bruins featured columnist, follow him on Twitter for Bruins news and analysis.

Why Boston will win the Cup. 2011 Stanley Cup Final: 6 Reasons the Boston Bruins Will Win the Stanley Cup

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2011 Stanley Cup Finals: Patrice Bergeron Is the Bruins’ Most Important Skater

Boston Bruins center Patrice Bergeron is the most important skater on the team, and is the best two-way player on the roster. 

He is a very good passer, a decent scorer, but most importantly he runs the offense extremely well. 

The attack and powerplay is much more fluid with Bergeron on the ice than with other centers on the Bruins. He is a smart player who doesn’t turn the puck over and is always thinking two passes ahead. 

After suffering a concussion in Game 4 of the second round versus the Philadelphia Flyers, Bergeron’s status for the playoffs was in doubt. 

But he came back for Game 3 of the Tampa Bay series in the East Finals, and helped the Bruins to a seven games series victory for a birth in the Stanley Cup Finals. 

Bergeron’s all around ability and veteran savvy makes him the most indispensable player on the Bruins, even more so than elite goalie Tim Thomas. Bergeron is the glue that holds the team together.

Follow this blog for the best Stanley Cup Finals analysis, updates, and previews before the puck drops in Game 1 on Wednesday night.

Nicholas Goss is a Boston Bruins featured columnist, follow him on Twitter for Bruins news and analysis.

Why Boston will win the Cup. 2011 Stanley Cup Final: 6 Reasons the Boston Bruins Will Win the Stanley Cup

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2011 Stanley Cup Finals: Bruins Coach Claude Julien Silencing Critics in 2011

Boston head coach Claude Julien has often been criticized for his defensive style of play with the Bruins, and the unexciting play it produces. 

He’s also been criticized for not playing top draft pick Tyler Seguin much all season, and in the playoffs. Seguin’s professional inexperience and lack of solid defensive skills were two reasons why he didn’t receive the ice time fans expected him to get this season. 

But with the Bruins four wins away from winning the Stanley Cup, Julien’s critics are starting to finally lay off. 

Julien’s defense first strategy has paid off for the Bruins in the playoffs, and when you look at the kind of players they have, his style suits them well. 

The Bruins have elite goaltending and six solid defenseman who can play well defensively and offensively. 

Boston’s best chance to win the Cup Finals is by playing a defensively smart game, and against a high powered offense like Vancouver’s, this is a great strategy to use.

Follow this blog for the best Stanley Cup Finals analysis, updates, and previews before the puck drops in Game 1 on Wednesday night.

Nicholas Goss is a Boston Bruins featured columnist, follow him on Twitter for Bruins news and analysis.

Why Boston will win the Cup. 2011 Stanley Cup Final: 6 Reasons the Boston Bruins Will Win the Stanley Cup

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2011 Stanley Cup Finals: Canucks GM Gives Update on Manny Malhotra Via Twitter

Vancouver Canucks general manager Mike Gillis said the following today about forward Manny Malhotra via the team’s official Twitter account, here is the complete tweet: 

Mike Gillis: Malhotra will be back with the Team tomorrow. He's cleared for contact, but we are taking it day-by-day and being patient. 

Malhotra has been recovering from a serious eye injury he suffered back in mid-March, and has yet to play in the 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs. 

The Canucks also mentioned in a tweet today that Malhotra did not practice with the team today. 

Follow this blog for the best Stanley Cup Finals analysis, updates, and previews before the puck drops in Game 1 on Wednesday night.

Nicholas Goss is a Boston Bruins featured columnist, follow him on Twitter for Bruins news and analysis.

Why Boston will win the Cup. 2011 Stanley Cup Final: 6 Reasons the Boston Bruins Will Win the Stanley Cup

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2011 Stanley Cup Finals: Vancouver Canucks host first Stanley Cup since 1994

The Vancouver Canucks are playing in their second Stanley Cup Finals in team history, their first since 1994. 

The 1994 Canucks, led by forward Pavel Bure, were beaten by the New York Rangers in an exciting seven game series. 

The Rangers triumph that season ended decades of Stanley Cup misery for the New York franchise, and the Canucks will try to erase their own painful past this year. 

This time, the Canucks have home ice in the Cup Finals, and if there is a Game 7, they will play it at home in front of their home crowd. 

With the city full of fans dying for a Cup title and willing to support their team to the fullest, the Canucks will have the energy and adrenaline needed to dominate on home ice and win the team’s first every championship. 

Follow this blog for the best Stanley Cup Finals analysis, updates, and previews before the puck drops in Game 1 on Wednesday night.

Nicholas Goss is a Boston Bruins featured columnist, follow him on Twitter for Bruins news and analysis.

Why Boston will win the Cup. 2011 Stanley Cup Final: 6 Reasons the Boston Bruins Will Win the Stanley Cup

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2011 Stanley Cup Finals: Canucks Star Ryan Kesler Is Dominating the Playoffs

Ryan Kesler is one of the best players in the NHL, and has become a superstar player over the last few seasons. 

Kelser has 18 points in the 2011 NHL playoffs so far, with seven goals and eleven assists. He also ranks second in the playoffs with four powerplay goals. 

Kesler is one of the best American hockey players today, and will be a major part of the Canucks quest to become the first Canadian NHL team since 1993 to win the Stanley Cup Finals. 

He has earned the role of an assistant captain, and has been a very good player in clutch situations. 

Playing on the Canucks’ second line without the Henrik and Daniel Sedin, Kesler has dominated opposing teams with his scoring ability and physical toughness. 

So much attention, and rightly so, is paid to the Sedin twins. But if the Bruins want to win this series, they must contain Ryan Kesler and make him work hard for everything. 

Kesler is on fire this postseason, and is Vancouver’s most dangerous two-way player.

Follow this blog for the best Stanley Cup Finals analysis, updates, and previews before the puck drops in Game 1 on Wednesday night.

Nicholas Goss is a Boston Bruins featured columnist, follow him on Twitter for Bruins news and analysis.

Why Boston will win the Cup. 2011 Stanley Cup Final: 6 Reasons the Boston Bruins Will Win the Stanley Cup

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2011 Stanley Cup Finals: The Full TV Schedule for the Bruins vs. Canucks Finals

This schedule is for United States viewers, who can watch the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals exclusively on NBC and Versus. 

Game 1: Wednesday, June 1 at Vancouver. 8 p.m. ET start on NBC

Game 2: Saturday, June 4 at Vancouver. 8 p.m. ET start on NBC

Game 3: Monday, June 6 at Boston. 8 p.m. ET start on Versus

Game 4: Wednesday, June 8 at Boston. 8 p.m. ET start on Versus

Game 5: Friday, June 10 at Vancouver. 8 p.m. ET start on NBC

Game 6: Monday, June 13 at Boston. 8 p.m. ET start on NBC

Game 7: Wednesday, June 15 at Vancouver. 8 p.m. ET start on NBC

Follow this blog for the best Stanley Cup Finals analysis, updates, and previews before the puck drops in Game 1 on Wednesday night.

Nicholas Goss is a Boston Bruins featured columnist, follow him on  Twitter for Bruins news and analysis.

Why Boston will win the Cup. 2011 Stanley Cup Final: 6 Reasons the Boston Bruins Will Win the Stanley Cup