Canucks/Bruins Games One and Two: Things that Sting

by Lisa Ovens

I guess I am only thinking about one type of stinging feeling, and that's what the Bruins could be feeling after experiencing not one, but two painful losses to the Vancouver Canucks. Now they are heading home to Boston down 2 in this series... all I can say is "Ouch!"

Analysts often describe hockey games as " a battle of inches". But in the case of the first two games in the 2011 Stanley Cup Final, it's been about a "battle of seconds." In Game One, it was all about the timing: neither team was on the scoreboard until Raffi Torres scored with 18 seconds left in the third period. A tall order for the Bruins to try and score, forcing overtime in such a small amount of time.

Then Game Two...after holding a 2-1 lead, the Bruins found themselves tied with the Canucks after Daniel Sedin's goal half way through the third period. Any opportunity to win in over time was thwarted by Alex Burrows scoring in spectacular fashion, just 11 seconds into the extra frame. Another OUCH!!!

I get the feeling the Boston Bruins haven't realized where they are yet: they are in the freaking Stanley Cup Final! Earlier this season I heard former NHL'er turned game presenter, Ray Ferraro talking about what it is like to play in huge games. I can't remember what playoff game he was describing, but he said for the first half of his icetime , it was like he wasn't even aware of what he was doing, or something of that nature. I expect it will become a reality for the Bruins once they get back to their home rink, and their home fans.

Now, as a Canuck fan, I wonder what things would be like for the city of Vancouver if the tables were turned right now, and we were down 2 games in this final round. It would be panic attack central! However, we'd also be looking for the little things to build on, and after Game Two for the Bruins there are definitely some things to take away from the OT loss. They scored two goals. They converted on a power play. They had a really strong second period. The games have been close on the scoreboard.

The Canucks have not traveled for a few weeks, so it will be interesting to see how they respond to being on the road again. After watching the news this evening I learned there are plenty of Canuck fans already in Beantown showing their support. It'll be San Jose all over again!

Other Notes...

Happy 10th Birthday, Fin!  Way back, my niece was a winner in the Name the Vancouver Canucks Mascot Contest. I say a winner, as other contestants offered up "Fin" in their entries. I am Fin's biggest fan, even when he "bites" my head. He's the Canucks true blue, one and only mascot (sorry Green Guys) and I love him dearly :o)

Lisa and Fin

Speaking of the Green Men...

Now they have a travel sponsor and will be in Boston for Games Three and Four. I hope their travel sponsor also bucked up for travel medical insurance...just in case!

Don Cherry Suit Watch Update

Bold, blue and with a leafy patterned, the jacket wins again! Canucks are now 10-2 when Cherry rocks the busy jackets. However, his love of the Bruins will most likely prevail while he reports from Boston. His "Bruin Tribute" looks often involve a one color/tone jacket, and the Canucks are 3-5 when Cherry sports the more subdued fashions. What say the jacket on Monday and Wednesday???

GO  CANUCKS!!

Canucks Win Game Seven!!! Lisa says Bye Bye Blackhawks :o)

Canucks win Game Seven 2-1 in Overtime

by Lisa Ovens

A story book ending came in overtime, punctuating a first round series that seemed to take forever to play out. Alex Burrows was the first star of the game; riding a roller coaster of his very own - scores first goal, later on he's hauled down and gets awarded a penalty shot, but his shot was turned away by the Hawks' Corey Crawford.  Then he takes a penalty in overtime (never a good thing), and a short time later, he seizes an opportunity and pots the OT game winner.

I can't begin to express the relief I felt once that red light went on. After three consecutive kicks at the can, this version of the Canucks knocked the talented Chicago Blackhawks out of the Playoffs. The Canucks managed to right a ship that was dangerously close to sinking.

We'll live for another day in the Stanley Cup Playoffs!!!

I enjoyed the crowds downtown Vancouver tonight; the sound of honking horns is just music to my ears!

Next up for me...waiting to see if Jan Snyder's Pens get through to ROUND TWO;  their Game Seven against the Tampa Bay Lightning happens Wednesday night. And next up for the Canucks...a round two date with the wily Nashville Predators. If you follow this blog, guest writer, Nashville Predator season ticket holder, and good, good friend of mine, Marie Miesel and I will be pitted against each other...a first for me since I've been running the blog at hockeyandhighheels.com. Bottom line...it's going to suck!

GO PENS!!!!  GO HABS!!!

Canucks Sweep Blues....

Canucks Sweep the Blues...

by Lisa Ovens

...and it doesn't feel normal. I am still in shock. Super happy, but I'm in shock. This isn't normal for the Vancouver Canucks. It's the first time the hockey club has swept a team in its 38 year existence. This isn't how it's normally done for us.

In past round ones (at least the ones the Canucks won), we were diving right into round two with only a day, maybe two to spare because the series went the full seven games. Not a lot of time to get up to speed on the new opponent, reload the fridge, sort out the schedule, and make new Stanley Cup shaped tin foil hats, because the first Cup hats were destroyed during round one celebrations on Robson Street.

I was nervous for the Canucks as this was a shot at a playoff sweep, and I didn’t want to see them choke. However, I believed they could do it. I was nervous because if they didn't win game four, it would be raining doubt in the local sports media today. Not only did they win it, but they did it in dramatic fashion in the dying seconds of the first overtime period. The game winning goal scorer, Alex Burrows never ceases to amaze Canucks nation. His play has reached a higher level this season; you know he has a hockey angel named Luc Bourdon by his side at all times.

The St. Louis Blues were more than worthy opponents. What other team had to take on the hottest team during the last half of the regular season besides the Canucks? Although the Canucks has a two nothing lead (yeah, the worst lead in hockey), as soon as the Blues Brad Boyes scored that first one, I knew the kitchen sink was coming. They were going to throw it all at the Canucks, and it would be up to the Canucks to keep pace and capitalize on any mistakes. But the Blues tied it up and made it to overtime.

I watched game four on one of those little nine inch hospital TV's, sharing the headphones with my mom. I had to be reserved with my reactions and cheering in the hospital room. And I couldn't do my usual pacing and yelling at the TV that I would normally do during overtime when my team is killing a penalty. And this particular overtime I had to restrain myself like crazy during the 6 minutes the Canucks were shorthanded. Do you have any idea of how hard that is?

I can confidently say the spectacle of the playoffs is a wonderful distraction for people with illness. I've been in the hospital for each round one game, and it's brings the staff and the patients together. I know hockey gives my mom a heck of a lot of joy, and she's really enjoying the Canucks this season. If something tough comes along we just say it's "like the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and we gotta take it one game at a time."

The Canucks will have a break that could last up to ten days. This is uncharted territory for them, so they’ll figure out things to do. The local sports media will continue to fret over the effects of a lengthy break on goal tender,Roberto Luongo and his teammates, and after a while everyone will just tune it out...I hope.

What are we fans going to do with our selves? Keep an eye on the rest of the battles, enjoy the current sunshine, and perfect the tin foil Stanley Cup hat design.