Roberto Luongo has been the biggest story of the playoffs for Vancouver, but the Canucks’ penalty kill is a close second.
The Blues entered the post-season with the eighth-best power play in the league, but are a paltry 1-for-17 with the man advantage in this series. Even more impressive is the fact the Canucks have killed off more than four minutes of 5-on-3’s over the course of the three games.
Obviously Luongo is a major reason for the Blues’ ineffectiveness, but the tenacity and aggressive nature of the penalty killing units deserves recognition.
• Anyone still not convinced the Sedins can score in the playoffs?
Henrik and Daniel have combined for nine points and have found the score sheet in each of Vancouver’s three wins.
• Those who have defended Mats Sundin despite his lack of tangible production received further evidence for their argument on Sunday evening when Sundin was scratched from the Canucks’ lineup with what is believed to be a groin or hip injury. Without the big Swede, the second line never really looked in sync in game three.
Sundin’s skilful goal on Friday night proved that his is capable of being a difference-maker offensively, but more importantly, he is a physical presence that wears down the opposition.
