The Blackhawks head into Vancouver fresh off a 4-2 series victory over the Flames on Monday, while the Canucks have been idle since sweeping the Blues nine days ago. The teams split the season series with two wins apiece with Vancouver outscoring Chicago 14-10.
Goaltending: Nicolai Khabibulin has backstopped a team to a Stanley Cup, but he’s not nearly as consistent as Roberto Luongo. In 16 career playoff starts, Luongo has allowed two or less goals in twelve of those games. ADVANTAGE: Canucks
Defence: Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook did a great job shutting down Jarome Iginla and company last round, and Brian Campbell can provide instant offence from the backend. That said, Vancouver’s top six blue liners are more experienced, more dependable, and more capable of stymieing opposing forwards. ADVANTAGE: Canucks
Forwards: No Blackhawks put up more points than either Sedin during the regular season, but Chicago’s top six is filled with snipers. The Hawks scored more during the regular season than the Canucks and boast eight players that scored at least fifteen goals over the course of the year. Vancouver is very capable of putting the puck in the net, but Chicago is more dangerous when it comes to speed and skill up front. ADVANTAGE: Blackhawks
Special Teams: Vancouver’s penalty kill was nearly perfect in round one, killing 23 of 24 man advantages. If the Canucks show that lack of discipline, the Hawks power play will prove more potent than the Blues. Chicago’s PP is clicking at 29.2 per cent in the playoffs, second to only Detroit. In addition, the Blackhawks’ PK was 16-for-18 in round one. ADVANTAGE: Blackhawks
Prediction: Chicago is young, exciting and talented, but they give up too many chances to beat the defensively reliable Canucks and a stingy Roberto Luongo. Youth won’t be served this year. CANUCKS IN SIX GAMES
Future games
• Game 2: Saturday 6 p.m.
• Game 3: Tuesday, May 5th 5 p.m.
• Game 4: Thursday, May 7th, 5 p.m.
• Game 5: Saturday, May 9th, 7:30 p.m. *
• Game 6: Monday, May 11th, 6 p.m. *
• Game 7: Thursday, May 14th, TBA *
(* If needed)
