Thanks to CBC, last night I was able to watch Game 7 of the Vancouver-Chicago series. Going into the game, it had all the makings of being a classic. Vancouver was the best team in the league during the regular season. Chicago was the defending Stanley Cup Champions. If that wasn't enough, it was the 19th playoff game between the two sides over the past 3 years. It doesn't get any better than that.
Now this wasn't just any game 7. This was a game 7 that came about after Vancouver blew a 3-0 series lead. They had been eliminated by the Blackhawks in each of the final two years so it was natural if they had come out and laid an egg. The fans were obviously nervous. It would have only been natural for the team to be too.
It only took two minutes for any butterflies to disappear as Ryan Kesler set up Alex Burrows for the first goal of the game. The Canucks were now up 1-0 at home in Game 7. Normally this would spell defeat for the opponent, but not Chicago. Not against Vancouver.
I turned on the game in the 2nd period. The Canucks appeared to be on a power play as they were swarming around Hawks goalie Cory Crawford for what seemed to be 3 minutes. The play was intense. The drama was high. I could feel it and I was in my living room.
The third period started with the score still 1-0 Canucks. Alex Burros got brought down from behind 30 seconds into the period. He had a chance to put the game away but missed the rare postseason Penalty Shot. Later in the period the Sedin's missed several opportunities - they just couldn't get the second goal. Luongo was playing so well thought that I was sure he would keep the Hawks off the scoreboard. He looked possessed out there and after being benched in game 6 you figured someone of his demeanor would use it as fuel. With 3 minutes left Duncan Keith got called for hooking and the Canucks went on the power play.
What happened next would be unexplainable if we weren't talking about Vancouver-Chicago. Hawks Captain Johnathan Toews stole the puck at center ice. He took on two defenders, got a shot off and then on his stomach put the rebound into the back of the net. Chicago had just scored a short-handed goal. The arena was in shock. Chicago had tied the game with 2 minutes left. Surely the Canucks were going to blow it again.
It was high drama heading into OT. Less than 30 seconds into the extra frame, Vancouver took a penalty and were down a man. I am convinced that their is no situation more exciting (or more nerve-racking depending on your side of things) than power plays in playoff hockey. I never feel right during those 2 minutes. I can only imagine what the Vancouver fans were feeling. Luckily the Canucks killed it off.
Then it happened. A singular play won the game and the series. Alex Burrows knocked down the puck off a clearing attempt in his offensive zone and rifled a slapshot past Crawford for the series winning goal. The play itself was amazing. The celebration that followed was equally as amazing.
Anyone who didn't think this was a big deal in vancouver need look no further than the reaction of both the owners as well as the team. Overtime Game 7 goals are huge by nature. This one meant a little more. Chicago was the team theysimply couldn't get by. The media was ready to crush the organization if they lost. The fans were ready to cry. It was a HUGE (capitalizing words gets your point across better) win.
In a vacuum I would have rooted for either team. while I try to support Vancouver and Calgary come playoff time, Chicago was a hell of a fun team to watch. I would have been fine with seeing them move on. BUt given the circumstances, there is no way I was rooting against the Canucks. Vancouver is a great city. I was in town last May during the second round match-up between the two teams and never have I been in love with a city and its sports culture more than I was with Vancouver at the time. Maybe it's because no one remotely cares about hockey in Seattle. I don't know the reason, I just loved being on the streets as they celebrated a game 1 victory. They deserve a series win. And they got one. It is moments like that that remind me why I love the sport so much (even if the stupid Sabres blew the series against the effing Flyers).
The Canucks have less than two days to turn things around and focus on Nashville. If the hockey gods have any say, they will not allow a HOCKEY team from Nashville, Tennessee, USA beat a team from Vancouver, BC, Canada. It just can't happen. And you know what? It's not going to happen. By exorcising their demons, the Canucks are now ready to win the Cup. I know they still would have Detroit or San Jose waiting in the Western Finals, but they will have home ice advantage and we need to remember that they got by Chicago with subpar performances from the Sedin's. I think the twins step it up. I think Luongo plays like he did in the Olympics. I think Vancouver will win the Cup.
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