Vancouver Canucks look to take 2-0 Lead against Boston Bruins in Game 2 –NHL Finals Preview
Vancouver Canucks is all geared and pumped up to take a commanding 2-0 series lead against Eastern Conference champions, Boston Bruins, in Game 2 of the 2011 National Hockey League Stanley Cup Finals on Saturday at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British
Columbia.
The goalies from both sides were deadlocked to achieve a much valuable first shutout of the series as the offensive attackers were unable to score through either, Tim Thomas or Roberto Luongo.
It was Raffi Torres, the left winger for Vancouver, who slid in the game winning goal in the final 19 seconds in Game 1 as Canucks took a 1-0 lead in the series.
Game 2 is expected to bring about a change in Bruins who have yet to score a goal in a game but on the other hand, Vancouver is also confident of its abilities to win.
"This team was built on our depth on the blue line", said Christian Ehrhoff, Canucks' aggressive, puck-moving German defenseman. "That's what we have, eight guys deep. We can take advantage of it in the playoffs, because some teams like to get very conservative.
We keep playing aggressive hockey, keep attacking, and it works for us".
The Sedin twins, Daniel and Henrik, along with Ryan Kesler, could not manage to score a goal but during the final moments as Vancouver made the game winning shot, it was those three who built up the momentum for that play to be properly executed.
The team chemistry amongst the Canadian finalists has been amazing throughout the 2011 NHL Playoffs and that is the only factor which has allowed them to squeeze out of tough situations like in the quarterfinals against Chicago Blackhawks.
Earlier, the series was expected to be based on offence mostly, but as soon as Game 1 began and ended, it turned out that the showdown was truly between both goalies that are set on winning their first Stanley Cup with their respective teams.
Vancouver has its first chance ever in its 40 year history as an NHL franchise to grab the cup with the whole of Canada is counting on them to finish off its 18 year trophy drought.
Boston on the other hand is wishful of their first chance at the finals in over 20 years and has won it back in 1972 which has made this team even thirstier for victory.
Bruins did a great job of killing off six penalties throughout the match, a first for them in these playoffs, and keeping this consistent will be extremely helpful for them playing against an attacking team like Vancouver.
"I think we played a real good road game, to be honest with you", Boston’s coach, Claude Julien, said. "To be in the situation we were after two periods, I didn't mind it, especially against this hockey club. I thought our PK did a great job against their
power play”.
As both teams have high expectations from Game 2, it will certainly be thrilling to watch what the result is on Saturday in the matchup, expected to begin at 8:00 PM ET.
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