Canucks looking for redemption in Game 4
Posted Jun 8, 2011 06:58:24 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
BOSTON (NEWS1130) – For Canucks fans, Game 4 this afternoon is a must-win to get the dreams of a Stanley Cup back on track. After that 8-1 rout on Monday, the Canucks are likely thinking the same thing.
What do the Canucks need to do to get this series back on track?
“Plain and simple, they have to play like they know they can, especially with the special teams,” explains News1130 Sports Director Ann Schmaltz. “When given the extra man advantage, it’s crucial to capitalize.”
Defensively, the penalty kill needs to tighten up; no more short-handed goals allowed. “If the Canucks can stay disciplined, there’s a good chance that they’ll grab the win,” says Schmaltz. “So far in this series, when things are even, they’ve out-scored Boston five-on-five.”
What’s up with Kesler?
Ryan Kesler was huge in the first two series, shutting down Jonathan Toews of the Blackhawks and then putting the entire team on his back, leading them to a five-game series win over Nashville. But since the San Jose series, Kesler’s been M.I.A.
It’s obvious Kesler is hurt, but the question is how badly?
“There’s no doubt that he’s been off his game as of late, and I do think that he’s hampered by a groin injury,” says Schmaltz. “He hasn’t seemed like he’s been able to take a full stride. He looks to be labouring and he appears to be a little bit behind in the play.”
That was very evident on two key Bruin goals the other night. First, when the one Boston powerplay goal was credited to Mark Recchi. “It actually was a deflected puck that went off of Kesler’s stick. He was reaching, because he just couldn’t get to the spot where he needed to be.”
“Then, the Brad Marchand short-handed goal was easy for the Boston forward,” explains Schmaltz. “Kesler simply couldn’t keep up to contain Marchand.”
Who will replace Rome?
The Canucks will be without defenseman Aaron Rome, who was suspended after a late hit on Nathan Horton from the Bruins. So, who will slot into Rome’s spot in the lineup?
“One of the strengths and the luxuries that the Canucks have benefitted from all season long has been their depth and it is key right now,” Schmaltz tells us. “With Dan Hamhuis already out of the lineup and now Rome, coach Alain Vigneault still has options for the blueline.”
Keith Ballard could easily take Rome’s spot, and he may very well.
“Given that Andrew Alberts struggled big-time with his game on Monday, the coach may just decide to sit him and then go with the pairing of Ballard and rookie Chris Tanev,” explains Schmaltz. “Those two certainly complemented each other well and held their own in the Western Conference Final in San Jose.”
Putting a stop to the taunting
The NHL has come down on the Canucks and Bruins because both teams have spent a lot of time taunting each other over the first three games.
NHL Vice President of Hockey Operations Mike Murphy has said he’d be speaking with both of the coaches and general managers to simply say ‘Cut it out — no more of the extra-curricular stuff.’
“That’s a good thing,” explains Schmaltz. “The taunting, the finger-pointing, the face-washing… it just has to stop. The fans may like it, but I think it’s all grown a little bit stale.”
“This is the Stanley Cup Final; both teams are battling for that cup,” she adds. “Play hard between the whistles, have some pride and respect for the game, and just play hockey.”
Are the Canucks the bad guys?
The Canucks have been accused of playing dirty in this series, but what about Tim Thomas who went after Henrik Sedin on Monday?
“Thomas was asked about that after the game,” says Walt Perkins with WBZ Radio in Boston. “He said ‘I had a choice; I could either let him grab the puck, put it down wherever he wanted to and be on the defensive part of it.”
“Or I could just wipe him out right there and that would be the end of any scoring opportunity. I chose the latter.'”
So, are the Canucks the bad guys of this series? Perkins gave us his rather sarcastic thoughts:
“I don’t understand why that sentiment exists,” he says. “I mean, just because Alex Burrows dined on Patrice Bergeron’s finger during the game… I can’t understand why people would think that the Canucks have become the villians!”
On a more serious note, Perkins says the Bruins need to capitalize on the momentum from Monday’s game if they want to tie up the series.
Thoughts from fans
With Monday’s slaughter behind the Canucks, News1130 is asking if you’ll take any win tonight, or if you need a score with a bit of bite.
The general thought from the street today is Monday’s disaster was a one-off. As fans look toward puck drop tonight, what they want is very simple:
“Just to win,” explains one man. “I’d rather have two narrow victories than one massive blowout. It’s just that simple.”
When the puck drops just after 5 p.m., this woman won’t be looking for her ice to mop the ice with the Bruins. “It does not need to be 8-1; not at all. I think a win is a win.”
There’s no slaughter or wipeout needed here; Dignity, redemption. and one step closer to the Stanley Cup comes as a form of a game won by one simple goal.
Ann Schmaltz will be live from the TD Garden in Boston tonight with updates during the game and all the post-game details. Once the puck drops shortly after 5 p.m., listen for Canucks updates every 10 minutes on the fives. We’ll also break in whenever a goal is scored.
