Vancouver vs. Boston Game 1 Round 4

    When I thought the series was going to high scoring, was I in for a surprise in game 1.  A real goaltenders dual, both playing great hockey.  I thought that the game was actually quite boring with no scoring until 59 minutes had passed.

Tim Thomas

     I have watched the Vancouver Canucks quite a bit this year and I think I have figured them out.  They are, with their great puck movers on the back end, a possession team.  If you do not establish your possession and control on the game early, they will strangle you with their puck control.  I would liken them to the spanish soccer team Barcelona.  Soon, early into the game, if you don't take control, the game is already lost and you won't see the puck for the next 60 minutes, not only depriving your time in the offensive zone but also playing with you mentally, which will hurt you especially in a series.
     The powerplay for both teams was a huge disappointment, go 0 for 12 combined.  It really destroyed the flow of the game, especially for Vancouver with the Sedins not seeing much ice time in the first period because they do not play penalty kill.
      Also, strange biting incident at the end of the first.  Burrows and Bergeron came together and started pushing each other around, Bergeron's glove came up to Burrows' mouth, and he bit down on his finger, covering it up with his own glove.  I was very surprised that the league did not suspend or fine Burrows for the incident.

Alex Burrows

Patrice Bergeron

    I will stick with my original series pick, the Bruins to win game 2, coming out very physical and getting to an early 2-0 lead in the first due to their powerplay and finishing out with a 4-2 win.