Luongo SAVES the day

After losing the last 2 games by a horrific score of 12-1, Game 5 became the game that no one knew what would happen. Which Canucks would come out?

Following the 4-0 loss, all the haters came back out. Even die-hard Canucks fans are publicly asking for our back up goalie Schneider to start. And you can’t blame them but let’s stop being bad Canuck fans that just blame the goalie for everything. Game 4 it wasn’t Luongo’s fault…we didn’t score a goal. Our whole team didn’t look good.

Game 5 is the biggest game of the year. Lose and it gets worse. Win and hope is restored and talk about Vancouver winning the Cup stays a reality.

Hitting

The Canucks came out hitting. As a teen I remember the 94 playoff run and we hit and hit. I have never witnessed a hitting barrage like this. Vancouver wins most games that they out hit their opponents. Vancouver outhit Boston 47-27.

Penalty Kill

Our penalty kill was INCREDIBLE. They killed all 4 penalties. Our team defense overall was very good as we kept the lead for almost 15 minutes.

Reffing

I hate it when people blame the refs. The crowd is chanting, “Ref you suck! Ref you suck!” But there were a few calls or non-calls that were surprising. How did Burrows get a penalty at the face off when he got tripped? Bieksa did comment, "It felt like they had a lot more (than 4 power plays). The referees did a good job of letting us play tonight."

Goaltending

Yes Tim Thomas will win the Vezina and he’s the best goalie in the playoffs but Luongo was the difference tonight. 31 saves for the win. He was the difference. I believed in Luo and Coach Vigneault did as well saying, "Louie is going to be fine. He's one of the best goaltenders in the League. We've got a lot of trust and faith in him, in his ability to play well." At home Luo has 2 goals against on 97 shots with 2 shutouts. Roberto made MASSIVE saves tonight. He was on his game. I don’t care if Thomas wins the Conn Smythe Trophy as long as Luongo and the Canucks raise the Stanley Cup!

I am 1 win from the greatest sports year of my life. The Green Bay Packers win the Super Bowl and the Canucks win the Cup.

Of course I could be wrong but I doubt it.

BOSTON 8 - Vancouver 1? Stanley Cup Final Game 3

8-1???

I knew Boston needed to win this game and I wasn’t sure if Vancouver was going to pull it off but 8 to 1, no one saw that coming. Boston was playing for their hopes, dreams and playoff lives here. They did everything they should have. They are alive and momentum might have shifted.

Things I did not like in this game:

a) Obviously the score.

b) The Rome hit wasn’t good and I am okay with him getting ejected. What bothers me is watching Norton knocked out like this. It’s a fast, physical game out there and he suffered unnecessarily. I hope Horton is okay and returns. I think Rome gets suspended for 1 game.

c) I was disgusted that Lapierre joked to put his fingers in Bergeron’s mouth in game 2 but Boston sinking to Vancouver’s level with their own classless taunts was just as disgusting. Recchi the veteran, I am disappointed in you. Lucic I’m not impressed. Coach Julien told them this morning not to do the same classless move then they did and they addressed it after the game.

d) Thornton reminds me of Ben Eager! Anger management classes are needed.

e) Why did Luongo start the 3^rd period? It was 4-0! Give Schneider some finals experience and get Luongo some much-needed rest for game 4. Instead you keep a guy in to get 4 MORE goals scored on him in the 3^rd. Not a brilliant move. Remove Luo from any Conn Smythe Trophy talk.

f) The Canuck haters are coming out of the woodwork again. It’s a few weeks of great silence from you guys.

g) Fans wanting to win in 5 or in 7. Listen BEGGARS can’t be choosers. Of course we want Van to win at home but at this point in 40 years I just want 1 Stanley Cup. If it happens in Boston I will take it. Boston is a trying to win as well and are very good.

h) What is the deal with Tim Thomas hitting H.Sedin? Is this Ron Hextall all over again? Wow!!!

i) Overall the whole effort of Vancouver was disappointing. 2^nd worst lost in NHL playoff history. Ouch.

Things that were impressive:

a) Tim Thomas!!! This guy is winning the Vezina. He was on fire and the Canucks had a lot of good chances. 40 saves!!!

b) Boston’s offensive was great especially playing one of the best team defenses.

c) Brad Marchand’s short handed goal. What an effort!

d) Raymond’s move was incredible (but Thomas shut the door).

I still believe!!!

I am not saying Vancouver loses the series but I have seen time and time again a team go up 2-0 and lose 4 straight. This is the final. The Eastern Conference Champs are not lying down defeated. They came out with a MUST win and they accomplished their goal tonight. I believe Vancouver wins game 4 and then game 5. But maybe momentum has shifted but I still believe Canucks win I don’t care if it’s in 6 or 7. OR this is just 1 game and maybe it was where Boston got an opportunity to play well but what if Vancouver wins both.

Canucks win their 1st Stanley Cup like I have been saying since December.