Stanley Cup Finals Preview: Boston Bruins vs. Vancouver Canucks

Two teams who have been sitting outside of the Stanley Cup Finals for quite some time finally get the chance to win Lord Stanley’s Cup.  Boston has not seen the Finals since 1990 when they lost to the Edmonton Oilers in five games.  The Vancouver Canucks are well-documented in their last Stanley Cup Final appearance, when they lost in that memorable seven-game series to the New York Rangers in 1994. 

This is just history though; it teaches us nothing of the current teams.  What do these franchises have in store for us in the 2011 Stanley Cup Final?

Here are some things to watch out for in the coming Final:

Beware Nathan Horton.  When Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli acquired Horton last summer, he was expecting someone to jump in and help the struggling Bruin-offense.  Horton put up just 23 goals in 80 regular-season games, probably making Chiarelli question moving offensive-defenseman Dennis Wideman for Horton.  But the former Panther has proven to be a success this post-season, connecting for eight goals, tying him for fourth in the NHL playoff goal-race.  His big shot from the slot has been a Godsend for Boston, who will rely on Horton to bend his stick even more in the next series.

The Sedins.  Expect a lot of scoring from the twins.  Vancouver has relied on Henrik and Daniel throughout these playoffs to lead them in any scoring situation.  These two have been monsters on the power-play (Henrik is 2^nd in the NHL with 10 power-play points; Daniel is 3^rd with 9 power-play points).  It is clear to even the casual observer that these two brothers are more of a threat when they have the extra-man.  If Boston plans to win this series, they have to stay disciplined and not let the Sedins burn them on the power-play.

A tale of two power-plays.  The Sedins are not the only ones that will make you pay for taking penalties.  In fact, the Sedins have collectively scored just 6 of Vancouver’s 17 power-play goals.  They are ranked 2^nd in power-play percentage in the 2011 playoffs (the Anaheim Ducks rank 1^st despite being knocked out in the first-round in six games).  Whether it’s a Sedin, Ryan Kesler or one of the other guns on the Canucks’ roster, Vancouver will make Boston pay for penalty mistakes.

Boston, however, is not so scary on the power-play.  In fact, they are about as scary as Alexander Semin squaring off in a fight.  Boston has scored just five power-play goals on 61 opportunities, ranking them second-to-last in power-play percentage.  In fact, Boston did not even score their first power-play goal of the playoffs until game three of the second round.  It is very possible that this series can come down to power-plays; Boston has to find some magic in this regard.

Over-the-hill vs. Chance-to-prove.  One of the biggest stories heading into this Final is the play of the goaltenders.  Tim Thomas is one of the oldest starting goaltenders in the NHL at age 37.  The American goaltender has bounced around the league in his career but has found his stride much later than most.  Already winning one Vezina Trophy, Thomas is in line to win his second in three years.  The real story of his play comes in these playoffs.  Thomas has posted a 2.29 GAA with a .929 save percentage this post-season, both ranking in the top-five in goaltender statistics.  Thomas has had few hiccups and goes into the Finals in his best form.

Luongo, Canadian and 32, has faced a lot of adversity throughout his career.  Really shining as a Florida Panther (a non-playoff team) early in his career, Luongo was traded to the Canucks in 2006 to be the final piece of the puzzle that the Canucks have been putting together since the last great Cup run in 1994.  Questions and doubts seem to rise after every season with Luongo, as he and the Canucks could never make it past the second round… until this season.  Luongo had the reputation of giving up soft goals in important situations since joining the Canucks (just ask Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks).  Luongo has enjoyed success this playoff despite his past, factoring out just a few setbacks for the Canucks (giving up a 3-0 series lead against the Blackhawks led to backup Cory Schneider seeing some playing time).  Luongo shares a 2.29 GAA with Thomas, while posting a .922 save percentage.  Luongo has to see anything less than a Stanley Cup victory as a failure.

Match-ups.  These two hard-hitting, fast-skating teams have plenty of reasons to make this an exciting Stanley Cup Final.  One of the best parts of the game to watch will be the match-ups.  Obviously, Boston will be sending out top-defenseman Zdeno Chara when the Sedins take the ice.  Vancouver will be looking to keep Ryan Kesler on the ice every time Horton or David Krejci step on the ice.  Because of home-ice advantage and substitutions, this will not always be the case.  Head Coaches Alain Vigneault (Vancouver) and Claude Julien (Boston) will have to have their head on a swivel in order to get the proper players on the ice at the proper times.

Series schedule:

Game 1:  Boston at Vancouver Wed. June 1 8:00 ET

Game 2:  Boston at Vancouver Sat. June 4 8:00 ET

Game 3:  Vancouver at Boston Mon. June 6 8:00 ET

Game 4:  Vancouver at Boston Wed. June 8 8:00 ET

*Game 5:  Boston at Vancouver Fri. June 10 8:00 ET

*Game 6:  Vancouver at Boston Mon. June 13 8:00 ET

*Game 7:  Boston at Vancouver Wed. June 15 8:00 ET

*If necessary. 

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