Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Bruins @ Canucks: Game 7


This series feels like it has been going on for months. There have been so many story lines it's like reading some kind of epic novel. Biting, being down 2-0, Horton's injury, the suspension, Luongo's epic fails, Mason Raymond's injury, Sedin guaranteeing victory, and so on, but all of that is in the past. None of it matters. It just 3 periods left to decide who gets the Cup, who history remembers, because in the end that's all that matters.

I could be wrong about 1 thing. It may take more then 3 periods, and if that is the case would anyone be surprised?

This game boils down to two things. STATS vs. MOMENTUM.

STATS:

In every way stats favor the Canucks. They are 3-0 at home. Luongo has let up 2 goals in 3 games at home with 2 shutouts (something like 16 goals when in Boston). The Bruins have never won a Game 7 on the road in four previous attempts. NHL teams are 12-3 in Game 7 Cup contests when playing at home. All these things make you think there is 0 chance the Bruins will pull this off. If this game was up to stats it would already be over. The Canucks would be raising the Cup.

MOMENTUM:

Boston crushed the Canucks last time out. They have crushed them 3 out of the last 4 games, and only lost the other game by 1 goal (Game 5 1-0). Thomas hasn't had a bad game. Luongo has had several. The Bruins seem head strong, and tougher then the Canucks. They are wearing them down, as more and more defenseman for the Canucks have to sit out. Overall the Bruins have outscored the mighty juggernaut that is the Canucks offense 19-8. Seems crazy for a mostly inept scoring team like the Bruins. If this game was won on momentum the Bruins would be raising the Cup.

The bottom line is neither of those things matter. Stats are fun to see, but there are always exceptions. Momentum is great, but we have seen it stop before (Game 5). What it comes down to is who makes the mistake. Will the Bruins make that stupid pass in their own end that costs them a goal? Will Luongo shit is pants? Those are the things that matter.

It will be whoever has the legs left. The Bruins lost Horton. The Canucks have lost Mason Raymond and defensive depth. Who can put that one last game of effort in? That's what will decide this. The Bruins need their legs, they need to be more physical. The Canucks have to have their speed, then need to out skate the Bruins.

I have watched the Bruins all year, and when they have their backs against the wall they play their best. I think they do it one last time, and the take the Cup back to Boston for the first time in 39 years.

Bruins win 3-1
Players of the Game: Thomas/Seidenberg/Marchand
Game starts at 8pm on NBC

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