2011 NHL Playoffs: 10 Reasons the Canucks Will Beat the Lightning or Bruins
With the Vancouver Canucks finishing off the San Jose Sharks in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals, the hockey world has turned its attention to the Eastern Conference Finals matchup between the Boston Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning, which has reached a pivotal Game 7.
All of the speculation over which team creates a better matchup for the Canucks is useless. Neither team battling for the Eastern Conference Finals has what it takes to topple the Presidents Trophy winners.
Vancouver is easily the most talented team left in the field, and the Eastern Conference has already seen its two most talented squads take early exits in the second round.
That's not to say that the Tampa Bay Lightning or Boston Bruins won't put up a fight (this is the Stanley Cup we're talking about). However, the Eastern Conference Champion will head into the Stanley Cup as considerable underdogs, and not just because the Canucks put up a better record.
10. Fate
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It may seem silly to point to an inanimate factor such as fate as a key to the Stanley Cup Finals, but the clinching game of the Western Conference Finals has me believing in fate.
The Sharks played with desperation and took the game to the Canucks for much of regulation and overtime. With Luongo standing on his head and the Canucks battling off the Sharks, you knew Vancouver would have to get a lucky break to clinch the series.
Then in the second overtime, Kevin Bieksa had a bounce off of the side boards redirect right to his tape for a perfect one timer. The puck was passed Antti Niemi before he could even locate it.
Goals like that are scored by teams of destiny. Believe it.
9. Resilience
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A key component of any Stanley Cup Champion is resilience.
The Vancouver Canucks have shown the ability to fight through adversity and overcome mental hurdles throughout the 2011 NHL Playoffs.
In the opening round, the Nucks managed to hold off the Chicago Blackhawks, who have notoriously given the club trouble. Vancouver battled hard to win Game 7 after nearly collapsing in the series.
In addition, Roberto Luongo has gotten the monkey off of his back and has seemingly put his playoff demons to rest.
Despite the ease they showed in getting to the Cup, the Vancouver Canucks have been a resilient bunch.
8. Consistency
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The last of the three key intangible qualities for the Vancouver Canucks is their unyielding consistency.
Night in and night out the opposition is going to get the best out of the Canucks on nearly every shift. Whether it be a product of the coaching or a result of the incredible depth the team has, the Vancouver Canucks are never an easy out.
Save for a few slip ups in the Chicago series, Vancouver has been lights out and is picking up tons of momentum heading into the Cup Finals.
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7. Transition Game
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With the skill Vancouver has on the blue line, it should come as no surprise that the team has one of the smoothest transition games in all of hockey.
The Canucks break the puck out quickly and move through the neutral zone with ease, creating offense off of the rush better than any team remaining.
Given the defensive short comings of the Tampa Bay Lightning, and the lack of speed of the Boston Bruins, Vancouver's transition game will cause some headache for their Eastern Conference opponent in the Stanley Cup Finals.
6. Offensive Fire Power
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In today's day and age, offense wins Stanley Cups, and boy do the Vancouver Canucks have offense.
Between the Sedin twins, Alex Burrows, Ryan Kesler and the stable of offensive-minded defenseman on Vancouver's roster, the Canucks can get scoring from any number of places.
Over in the East, Tampa Bay has some of the offense to match Vancouver but not nearly the defense to contain them. Meanwhile, Boston is not going to be able to keep up with the Canucks if they start putting up points the way they have.
Who's going to keep these guys off of the board?
5. Special Teams
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Being able to convert with a man advantage can swing momentum in a game and provide an added element to a seven game series.
The Tampa Bay Lightning have had the good fortune of running into the Boston Bruins, who boast one of the league's worst power play units. Meanwhile, the three power plays the Lightning converted in Game 6 against the Bruins were the only three chances the team has cashed in on all series long.
The Canucks will have a decided edge in special teams going into the Stanley Cup Finals.
4. Speed
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In addition to their tremendous scoring ability, the Vancouver Canucks possess an explosive amount of speed on offense.
Part of what makes Vancouver's transition game so dangerous is how quickly the Sedins and the other Canucks forwards fly through the neutral zone to set up the offense.
Tyler Seguin gave the Lightning fits, and the Bruins have had trouble keeping track of Martin St. Louis and Steven Stamkos at times throughout the Eastern Conference Finals.
What leads anyone to believe that either club will be able to contain the offensive machine in Vancouver?
3. Home Ice Advantage
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The greatest luxury of receiving the Presidents Trophy is the chance to have home ice advantage throughout the playoffs. And what an advantage that is for the Vancouver Canucks.
The Canucks' faithful are hungry for another Stanley Cup as evident by the fact that the building has been rocking for each and every Vancouver home game. Win or lose, Vancouver fans will be rioting in the streets in support of their home team.
Playing at the T.D. Banknorth Garden is no easy task either, but it doesn't quite measure up to the atmosphere in Vancouver.
The Canucks are 7-3 at home in the postseason, and that number should only improve next round.
2. Depth
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Throughout the entire season, the Vancouver Canucks have fought off injuries and the usual slumps from their offensive stars because they have so many capable players able to step up on a nightly basis.
Without question the Canucks are the deepest team left in the field and in the entire NHL for that matter.
Some may think that the Nucks aren't ready to handle the physical play the Eastern Conference will bring.
News flash: A team as deep as the Canucks will be able to wear down any opponent, no matter how physical.
1. Goaltending
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Finally, we arrive at Roberto Luongo.
Big Lou has been absolutely phenomenal this postseason since being yanked against the Chicago Blackhawks, culminating in a 54 save effort to clinch a spot in the Stanley Cup Final.
The Canucks will have a decided edge in goal whether the Tampa Bay Lightning or Boston Bruins are the opponent.
Tim Thomas has put together an impressive season, but he has mixed in his outstanding games with his shaky ones and is not nearly as reliable as Roberto Luongo.
Luongo is ready to shed the title of postseason choker. Meanwhile, the 37-year-old Tim Thomas just looks beaten down. It's only a matter of time before he's completely worn down.
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