Stanley Cup Finals 2011: Dan Hamhuis Likely Done for Series, Who Replaces Him?

There has been some speculation today that Vancouver Canucks defenseman Dan Hamhuis, who injured his leg in Game 1 of the Finals, will require surgery on his groin and will miss the remainder of the Stanley Cup Finals.

With one of their top two defensemen out of commission, which way will the Canucks turn as the series shifts to Boston for Games 3 and 4?

Canucks coach Alain Vigneault decided to use former Bruin Andrew Alberts in Game 2 and moved Aaron Rome into Hamhuis' spot next to Kevin Bieksa.  Rome struggled at times and the Canucks may look to go a different direction.

This would seem to be a great spot for Vigneault to dress Keith Ballard, who for some reason has been in the coach's doghouse all season.  Ballard is more Hamhuis-like than either Rome or Alberts and has played well when asked to this postseason.

Matching Ballard with Bieksa seems to make more sense than Rome and Bieksa.  Alex Edler could be moved up to pair with Bieksa but it is likely that Vigneault will not want to mess with the great chemistry Edler has with Christian Ehrhoff.

Whichever way the Canucks go, this dilemma is nothing new for them.

Realizing the importance of blue-line depth, the Canucks made several moves heading into this season to strengthen their defense.  That decision has paid off well.

With a rash of injuries this season, the Canucks have leaned on that depth, and it has held.

Now only two wins away from winning hockey's ultimate prize, the Canucks will have to lean on their depth again.  Whether it's Alberts or Ballard, they will have to step in and provide the stability that they have all year long.