By Nam y. huh, APThe Canucks Dan Hamhuis, left, gets checked by Blackhawks Ben Smith during game 6 on Sunday at Chicago.
By Nam y. huh, APThe Canucks Dan Hamhuis, left, gets checked by Blackhawks Ben Smith during game 6 on Sunday at Chicago.
If the Canucks intend to get bounced from the playoffs by the Blackhawks for one season in third place in succession — and enter the NHL history books for blowing a lead series 3-0 — they will do it with your General Manager and his officiating explode goalkeeper franchise stopping shots.Before a decisive game 7 on Tuesday night and the possibility of becoming only the fourth team in NHL history to lose a series after winning the first three games, GM Mike Gillis claimed calls were unilateral and coach Alain Vigneault said Roberto Luongo (FSY) its a game starter after benching him.The first part may have been designed to take the focus off the second, although Gillis claimed that he was just pointing out a discrepancy of sanctions and what he believed were "six or seven" calls missed Sunday's loss in overtime 4-3 in game 6. Gillis cited a series of statistics diferentesmas Chicago has a series of 27-16 in plays of energy — 22-12 over the last four games. "You can say it's sour grapes," said Gillis. "I don't know how to explain this discrepancy. ... I'm very confident of playing the same way and is equal, then we will win (game 7). "Vancouver players were not willing to talk about the rant of Gillis, instead having some positive aspects of game 6, after the Canucks were outscored 12-2 in the previous two games. "All the pressure on them," Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane (FSY), said. "They are up 3-0, they are the first seed in the West, kinda predicted to win the Cup this year. We really didn't have any pressure on us. You hope you have a mental edge, but who really knows? "Vancouver vs. Chicago
what is happening: Once trailing 3-0, the Blackhawks have won three in a row to tie the series.
Goalkeepers: Vancouver Roberto Luongo (3-3, 3.45, no.888) vs. Chicago Corey Crawford (3-3, 2.27.922). Crawford has a save percentage of. 946 three last games.
Plot: The Blackhawks momentum and as defending champions, have a recent history of success in important games. They try to get defensemen Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook on the ice against the Sedins whenever possible. The Blackhawks will put heavy traffic in front of the net of Luongo and will be shot high. The Canucks have to get Crawford moving across the network. He has been fantastic when he has been able to get the squares for the shooters.
Who's hot: Chicago Dave Bolland has two goals, four assists and a plus-6 since returning from a concussion in game 4. He was on the ice many times against Sedin twins.
What is not: Daniel and Henrik Sedin are a combined minus-12 the last three games. Henrik has an assist in that span, two goals from Daniel.
Bottom line: If the Blackhawks can keep the Sedins moderate, they can transform the Canucks fourth NHL team to lose a series after winning the first three games.
--By Kevin Allen
The Blackhawks seem to have an advantage over the keeper who will face, assuming Vigneault was telling the truth when he said he would coach The Canucks deceived Luongo reporters before rookie Cory Schneider (FSY) shocking starter game 6 ahead of Luongo, who was named a finalist for the Vezina Trophy as the NHL's top goalie Friday. Luongo, pulled games 4 and 5 and lit by Blackhawks playoffs the last three, came after Schneider tight until giving up the tying goal on a penalty shot early in the third period.When Ben Smith (FSY) lifted a rebound over Luongo sprawled in overtime, Schneider was again on the bench after getting intravenous fluids. Schneider said he was fine to play game 7, but Vigneault insisted that the decision to start Luongo had already been made before the game. "You can't worry about what happened, the last three games the same way that Chicago didn't worry about what happened in the first three, "said Luongo. "It would be easy for us to obtain low now, but I don't think now is the time to feel sorry for ourselves. This is the time to roll up your sleeves and get to work ".The current Stanley Cup champion Blackhawks are just happy to be playing a game 7 — something they avoided during their Cup run last season. Chicago made its way to the playoffs, losing their last game and rely on aid to clinch the eighth and final seed in the West. "There have been some instances of this year when we seem to be down and out, and throughout the season, said Kane. "It shows a lot about this group, the pride that we have."They will have to complete the return without advancing Bryan Bickell (FSY), which has two goals and two assists in five games, but is six to eight weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a tendon in the wrist that was torn apart in game 2. At least they still have Dave Bolland (FSY), whose game 4 comeback from a concussion coincided with the disappearance of Canucks forward Daniel and Henrik Sedin (FSY).The twins won the last two NHL scoring titles and recorded nine points in the first three games. Once Bolland returned, however, the Sedins have three points, a classification under-13 and were on the ice for game 6 winner of Smith. Bolland has two goals, six points and a plus-six rating. "I don't think I have a formula like math, "says Bolland. "They are just two ordinary players, right?"Copyright 2010 the Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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