NHL Playoffs 2012: Vancouver Will Avenge Last Season's Cup Loss to Boston

The Vancouver Canucks entered the 2011 Stanley Cup with high expectations. They were the Presidents' Trophy winner and entered the Finals having won seven of their last nine games, including a dominating five-game Conference Finals win over the San Jose Sharks.

The Boston Bruins dominated Vancouver, despite the series lasting seven games. The Canucks were outscored 21-3 in their four losses.

Cory Schneider has become a steady option in the net this season, taking a few more starts away from Roberto Luongo. He has a better record (20-8 vs. 31-14), lower goals against average (1.96 vs. 2.41) and higher save percentage (.937 vs. .919). 

Tuukka Rask has played well when subbing for Tim Thomas, but the Bruins can't have the same level of confidence in Rask that the Canucks have developed in Schneider this season. The Vancouver goalies have split starts fairly equally over the last two months of the season.

But the real goal for the Canucks has to be getting Daniel Sedin back from his concussion. He was the team's leading scorer again this season, but has been sidelined since leaving the March 21 game against the Chicago Blackhawks.

The toughest Western Conference competitor will likely be the St. Louis Blues and their goalie tandem of Jaroslav Halak and Brian Elliott, but they are facing a tough first round matchup against the San Jose Sharks. With the Detroit Red Wings or Nashville Predators likely waiting in round two, their road won't be easy.

Boston might have an easier path. Their second-round opponent will be the Florida Panthers if they can get by the New Jersey Devils. That is far from guaranteed though, as the Southeast Division winner is sixth in points in the Eastern Conference. 

A loss by the Panthers could lead to a second-round upset for Boston, as they might face the Philadelphia Flyers. Two of their four games this season were decided by shootouts. 

The New York Rangers would hold a home-ice advantage on the Bruins in the Eastern Conference Finals. But both clubs are accustomed to winning on the road, and the Bruins have the playoff-tested squad.

The Stanley Cup will be won by the team that can stay fresh. The Canucks have two viable options in goal and have shown they can win without their leading scorer on the ice. They should also get a rested and healthy Daniel Sedin back in time for their playoff surge. He and his twin brother, Henrik Sedin, will be too much for Thomas to handle in the net for the Bruins.

Boston got the better of Vancouver last season, but this is the year the Stanley Cup returns to Canada.