Vancouver looking for redemption in Game 4
Posted Jun 8, 2011 06:58:24 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
BOSTON, MA – For Canucks fans, Game 4 this evening 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 1310’s 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.”
Who will replace Nathan Horton?
Boston coach Claude Julien says he’s pleased by the enthusiasm shown by some of his younger players — like Tyler Seguin who will draw back in for the Bruins, with Horton out.
Who will replace Aaron Rome?
Reports out of the Canuck camp have Keith Ballard likely taking Rome’s spot.
“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, Canuck coach Alain Vigneault still has options for the blueline.”
Of course, neither coach would confirm any roster moves.
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.
Once the puck drops shortly after 8 p.m., listen for Stanley Cup Final updates with 1310’s Eric Prime at :15 and :45 past every hour.
Follow @Prime1310Sports on twitter.
