The Stanley Cup Finals are set and we have now the Boston Bruins versus the Vancouver Canucks. Let's take a look at the sequence to see the way it will play out.
General
The Canucks have been the top team based mostly on just about any measure during the regular season. The playoffs have proved a bit more of a process as the group has wanted to show it might play in a playoff environment sport after game. It barely acquired out of the first spherical before beating the defending champs in the Chicago Blackhawks. The team the scored a bit of luck as it needed to only beat an offensively challenged Nashville Predators and defensively challenged San Jose Sharks. Still, the group now stands on the cusp of its first Stanley Cup as it faces the Bruins
The Bruins had an up and down season. It they started slowly in opposition to the Canadians before whitewashing the Flyer after which surviving in opposition to a very game Tampa Bay Lightening team. The Bruins start and finish with Zdeno Chara, who epitomizes their workforce - large, bodily, skilled...however not so quick.
Goalies
Boston has an enormous advantage on this area of the ice. Roberto Luongo is sweet for no less than one horrific gaffe or aim a sport and his confidence is well shaken. He isn't a technical keeper, so confidence is critical and his has been shaken time and again.
Tim Thomas just isn't a gift technical keeper both, however he's extremely assured and competitive. He could quit a goal by being out of place from time-to-time, however that's about it. Look for Vancouver to attempt to make the extra move to beat his aggressiveness, however Boston's defensemen are used to that by now.
Advantage: Boston
Protection
The Bruins are led by perennial Norris Trophy candidate Zdeno Chara and a number of common defensemen. Chara plays a lot time that the standard of the others would not really matter. This makes the protection very robust, however there are inherent questions. Thomas Kaberle has been an unmitigated disaster since coming over from Toronto. Look for the Canucks to try to isolate him against quick forwards.
The Canucks are touted as having a spectacular defense. I do not really see it. They are a workman like group if anything, but additionally very effective. They haven't any player who even remotely measures up to Chara, however they are better general when each participant is taken into account. They have to be with Luongo in goal.
Advantage: Boston, but just by a bit.
Offense
The Canucks clearly consider that offense wins games. A lot is alleged concerning the Sedin twins, however count on Boston to shut them down easily. The key to beating the Sedins is to give them no room and Boston will try this in contrast to San Jose. Having mentioned that, this can be a series for gamers like Kessler and you can anticipate him and his fellow grinders to run the non-Chara Bruin defensemen into the partitions and in circles.
The Bruins offense is more traditional. They have the big energy forwards, but little velocity to talk of. The centers are strong, however not great. For Boston to score towards Vancouver, the key will probably be to get into Luongo's kitchen and launch pictures from the point. If they don't try this, it could be a long series.
Advantage: Vancouver
Power Play
Vancouver has a superb power play as a result of the Sedins get area to work. The Boston power play is like one thing out of a horror show. It is a huge advantage to the Canucks and doubtless the collection decider.
Advantage: Enormous for Canucks
Prediction
This can be a collection about speed and skill versus brawn and higher goaltending. Sorry Boston, however not this year. The Canucks take it in 5 or 6 games.
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