It's Round Two...
...and it's Round Two.
This won't quite be Ali-Frazier II, but this playoff series, the second Round Two matchup in as many years between the Vancouver Canucks and the Chicago Blackhawks, has the potential to be the most intense series of this year's Stanley Cup playoffs. The Canucks had the 'Hawks on the ropes last year, but lost three straight to fall ignominiously to the canvas of playoff elimination. Strange coincidence -- Ali lost his first meeting with Frazier, too.
This year's Canucks are more experienced, a bit more skilled, and a lot more highly motivated. The Alain Vigneault-coached Canucks have not advanced past Round Two in either of their last two tries, and to go down to the 'Hawks a second year in a row would be brutal. You know there's no way this team wants to have to live with that feeling.
That having been said, this series looks to be about as even as a series can be. Both teams have highly gifted offensive players, speed and aggression on the forecheck, effective power plays, and the ability to generate offense from the blue line. Both teams have players who can get under an opponent's skin, both verbally and physically, and both teams have players who can back up the talk. Both teams have Jack Adams award-winning coaches, with Chicago coach Joel Quenneville winning in 2000 while with the St. Louis Blues, and Vigneault winning with the Canucks in 2007. Both teams are pretty hungry for a Stanley Cup, too, as the Canucks have no Cups since they entered the NHL in 1970, and the 'Hawks last win came in 1961.
As much as the series will be about each team imposing its will on the other, it'll be about avoiding the deadly mistakes. Neither team can afford to have shaky goaltending, which has been a problem for both teams this year. Canuck netminder Roberto Luongo has looked at times brilliant, and at times unfocused. Chicago goalies Antti Niemi and Cristobal Huet have been identified by many hockey observers as the weak points of the team. Neither team can afford to take untimely penalties, which will be a temptation in what will likely be an emotional series. The team that can control its energy, keep an even keel, and play consistent hockey throughout their lineup will be the team to advance.
Let's be honest; we fans have been wanting this series. We've been wanting this rematch since last May 11, as we gaped disbelievingly at our televisions while the Canucks slowly skated off the ice at the United Center. We've been wanting another crack at Kane. At Byfuglien. At Bryan Campbell. You have to believe that the Canucks have wanted this chance at payback as well.
Well, they've got it -- and so do we.
Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier went the distance in their second fight, with both boxers having the upper hand at different times. Frazier landed harder blows, but Ali was able to land combinations and dictate the engagements during the bout. Ali won their second meeting in a unanimous decision.
Oh yeah.
This could be one of the most memorable playoff series you or I will ever see... and it all starts... tonight.
Puck drops at 5 PM!
Go Canucks Go!
