These playoffs have been an emotional roller coaster for Canucks fans. Apprehension. Over-confidence. Disheartened. Anger. Gloom and Doom.
Exhaustion.
And that's just the last four games.
Heading into game 5 Vancouver fans have every right to feel great anxiety. Almost certainly the winner of game 5 will ultimately be the winner of the Stanley Cup. And Boston has all the momentum. They've outscored Vancouver 12-1 in last two games. They are inexplicably winning the special teams game. They are clearly out-coaching the Canucks. The Canucks are banged up, they're top scorers aren't scoring, and their top defenders can't handle Boston's punishing forecheck.
On top of all that, Vancouver's historical record when tied 2-2 in a best of seven series is an embarrassing 2-7.
Despite all of that, and for reasons I can not comprehend, I am quietly confident Vancouver will win game 5. I just think Vancouver has overcome so much this year, so much that historically would swallow them up and spit them out. They have somehow found a way to win time and time again. And in game 5, at home and on better ice, they will find a way to win again.
Here's some more Pucks on the 'Net:
- If the Canucks do win, there will be a game 7. With just 8 wins in 41 years in Boston, the Bruins will win game 6.
- Obviously, if Boston does win game 5, I'm calling for the Bruins to lift the Cup on home ice in game 6.
- I can not believe how pre-occupied Vancouver sports radio was on who starts in net for Vancouver in game 5. You have to go with the guy who brought you this far. Roberto Luongo will start, though he may have a short leash.
- I really believe the Canucks are missing Mikael Samuelsson more than anyone realizes. Sure, Samuelsson has not played particularly well all season. But he gave the coaches options on all four lines and spotted the defensemen by taking shifts on the point on the power play. Coach Vigneault seems unable to change up much without the versatile forward.
- Coach Vigneaults decision to simply slot in rusty Keith Ballard on top pairing was down right odd and it seemed to throw all of the rearguards off their game. Keep Ballard and Andrew Alberts (or maybe Chris Tanev?) on the third line, and make sure the big four leave everything they've got out on the ice.