Canucks defenseman Sami Salo is the last player to leave the ice at first intermission after blocking a powerplay blast (all photos courtesy of Yardbarker)

Much like the Detroit Red Wings’ 7-1, Game 4 victory over the San Jose Sharks in front of Joe Louis Arena faithfuls, the Canucks have earned some redemption.  Though the Red Wings lost a close one the following game in San Jose, it was nonetheless a classy display put on by Niklas Lidstrom and company.  There is far too much pride and respect within the Wings’ organization to allow a team to sweep them out of the playoffs.  Now, I’m not comparing the Wings and Canucks’ history or achievements; obviously closer to apples and oranges they couldn’t be.  But the Canucks reached down and mustered a statement, as beat up as they were coming into the game, and that show of heart is not lost on Canuck followers.

No more evident was this mentality and committment than Sami Salo at the end of the first period, with the Blackhawks on the power play.  With literally just over a second remaining, Salo did what many Canucks did in Game 5: Put his body on the line.   Perhaps one of the most notable things the Canucks had yet to match the Blackhawks in during this series to this point was sacrificing the body.  Though Salo was jostling with a Hawk forward and the puck was slightly redirected, he was still fighting to get into the lane when it happened.  It cost him a lot of pain, and a trip to Northwestern hospital (injury is still undisclosed, but it is believed he may have suffered a ruptured testicle).  Alex Burrows also was willing to sacrifice his body, which probably saved a goal against, as he sprawled, throwing his left hand up to deflect a power play chance about 18-20 feet in front of Luongo.  The puck went harmlessly up over the glass to stop play, and helped Vancouver maintain it’s 3-1 lead at that point.

Roberto Luongo had a strong game, making one of his 29 stops with his trapper

Crease-crasher Dustin Byfuglien turned out to be a non-factor in the game, but mostly because the Canucks did a much better job in the defensive zone.  Particularly different was their approach and foresight when handling the forecheckers along the half-wall.  Quite often, the defense would support each other, having one defender ready to force the play to reverse up the other wall.  If one was checking the player along the half-wall, the other was ready to take the Blackhawk behind the net, but also ready to kick off to one side of the net to counter a wrap around attempt or pass into the slot.  Not just particularly because of scoring a couple of timely goals, but if Kevin Bieksa has had a better game in his career, I’m not aware of it.  I feel he was the most cerebral player on the ice in Game 5, and showed a lot of vision and patience in his 27 minutes of work.  On one Chicago power play, he battled with one of two forwards behind Luongo’s net, and gained control of the puck.  But as he was skating the puck out the left side, felt the winger collapsing along the boards- his exit.  So he quickly stopped, reversed (rather dangerously) on his backhand, and while spinning blasted the puck straight down the ice.

Kevin Bieksa delivered a virtuoso performance with the Canucks beleaguered defense

Roberto Luongo certainly lived up to his vow to play better in Game 5.  Right from the outset, it was apparent that he was determined to have better control of any rebounds lying around the crease area.  He calmly swiped a sitting rebound that was 4 feet in front of the blue paint with the bottom side of his stick blade to the corner out of harms way.

With Salo lost to injury after the 1st period, it appeared the Canucks were going down to 4 defenders after Dustin Byfuglien sliced Shane O’Brien’s forehead open on a shot follow-through.  “I was all over Burnie (trainer Mike Burnstein),” said O’Brien, who didn’t miss a shift, though bleeding profusely.  “I was telling him to do it as quickly as he possibly could, and he was telling me to calm down.  He put glue on it to stop the bleeding and I went back out there.  That’s playoff hockey.”

Shane O'Brien played through pain and kept his cool, even with Ben Eager, um, eager to do battle

Christian Ehrhoff also had his best game of the series, helping build a nice perimeter around Luongo’s crease.  He forced Andrew Ladd and Jonathan Toews out of the box area, and was quick to sweep any lingering pucks to the corners and up off the glass.  His goal 59 seconds into the contest was pivotal because it gave the Canucks a seldom seen lead.  With Bieksa’s first of the night tacked onto that, they were able to set the tone for the rest of the game.  “The five of us (defensemen) juggled it pretty well and I don’t think we got into too much trouble with long shifts,” said Bieksa.  “We adjusted.”

Alex Burrows nose for the net formulated results; he was in this position during two goals for

Ryan Kesler received the memo also about screening, with good results (all photos courtesy of Yardbarker)

Though the Canucks delivered on many fronts in Game 5, Shane O’Brien spoke to the teams outlook heading back to Vancouver.  “We were more calm and limited their time and space,” said the feisty Irishman.  “It was a good game for us, but we didn’t accomplish anything.  We’re just excited to still be playing hockey, and hopefully we can force a Game 7.”   If the Canucks play Game 6 with the same intensity and discipline, they just might very well find themselves back in Chicago for a Game 7.

Jonathan Toews tries to jam the puck past Roberto Luongo in the second period of Game 3 (all photos courtesy of Yardbarker)

Although the Minnesota Wild managed to come from behind twice in one playoff run while down three games to one (against the Colorado Avalanche and our beloved Canucks), it is the exception, not the rule in the NHL.  Very few teams are able to win 3 straight games in a series, particularly when the opposition has dominated them in the early going.  Already having lost the ability to claw home ice advantage away from the Blackhawks, much more is at stake tonight in Game 4.  The Canucks, who owned one of the leagues best home records (30-8-3) during the regular season, are finding it much more difficult to win at home in the post-season.  Unfortunately, with 3 games in books already, many fans can’t help feelings of deja vu from their series with the Hawks from last season.  Vancouver won Game 1, were up 2-0 early in Game 2, but lost the lead, lost momentum while Chicago gained it, and went on to play from behind the rest of the series.  With these “sinking feelings” (as Team 1040 Radio polled listeners about yesterday), I want to examine 4 crucial aspects of Game 4.

Shane O'Brien tries to slow up Kris Versteeg of the Chicago Blackhawks, May 5th 2010 at GM Place

Defensive match-ups:  Alain Vigneault already has his hands full matching his forwards against the suddenly gritty, physical Hawks.  Therefore, Rick Bowness’ value to the team is immeasurable right now, as he will try to adjust to the Hawks crashing style of attack.  The defenders down low have been losing a lot of the one-on-one battles in the corners, and that has to be corrected if Vancouver has any hope remaining in this series.  Three of the Hawk goals were scored because Canuck defenders either couldn’t keep pace with, or physically handle the forecheckers.   It’s glaringly apparent that Vancouver cannot keep Chicago forwards from going hard to the net, nor do much about it when they have done it, so it’s key to limit the opportunities where the puck gets to the net, with more than one Hawk in front of Luongo.  This all starts by keeping the puck from getting there, with the board-play being the catalyst for that.

Daniel Sedin has his in-tight shot hit Niemi's leg pad, bounce up, but not over on a crucial first period chance

Offensive zone net presence:  Canucks fans can complain till they’re blue in the face about Chicago not getting called for goaltender interference, but it won’t change referee’s minds.  I’m also not certain about Vigneault’s seeming change of heart on the matter; for whatever reason, the refereeing seems to favor the Hawks thus far in the series.  Though I thoroughly believe they need more traffic in front of Niemi, I feel Vancouver’s luck would dictate penalty calls against them should they try Chicago’s pushing and shoving ways.  But Niemi is getting far too good of looks at the puck when Canucks get them through (more on this in a moment), and that MUST change.  You would be hard-pressed to find any proof from Game 3 that the Canucks have established the same presence around the net that they thrived on during the regular season.  Alex Burrows, Ryan Kesler and Steve Bernier need to get closer to the blue paint for the Canucks to stand a chance tonight of evening the series.

Hopefully Daniel Sedin stays focused on putting pressure on Niemi, not worrying about Blackhawks "role players" (read: average at best)

Getting shots through to the net:  Particularly is this vital on their suffering powerplay.  It’s hard to recall a time when the Canucks had so few shots make it through on goal.  Perhaps it comes down to the Blackhawks wanting it more, but there are Hawks laying down, crouching, going to one knee and even putting their hands out to block shots.  I’m not aware of any exasperation on Sami Salo’s part, but there should be.  On multiple power-play opportunities, he’s only been able to get the odd wrist-shot on net.  His inability to get off that cannonade from the point exemplifies Vancouver’s frustrated attempts on goal.  I recognize that the forecheckers are getting to the point in a hurry, but that’s where they need to utilize the fein shot or to fake a pass; anything to buy an extra second to step around and let it off.  No shots through, no goals.  Because Chicago is very proactive going after the point men, it’s imperative they try to set up more along the half-wall, which eventually should open up room for the point shots, or the down low play.

Roberto Luongo watches as a John Madden chance just goes wide of the net (photo courtesy of Yardbarker)

Luongo’s rebound control:  Serveral of the Canucks’ gaffes have occurred when Luongo hasn’t been able to seize control of a loose puck in front of him.  No, he isn’t to blame for the puck getting there in the first place, but for some reason he’s not exhibiting that same type of control that helped make him a star.  Anttii Niemi should not be outplaying Luongo in this series, but some are stating that he already has.  The Blackhawks are purposefully trying to get Luongo to go down, because they feel that is when he is most vulnerable.  Of course, most goaltenders are more prone when they’re off their feet, but with the damage the Hawks are doing when Roberto is off his, the signs are clear.  Asking Luongo for more than two consecutive saves when he’s committed to playing off his feet is asking for a lot.

The Vancouver Canucks will need to play tonight like their playoff lives are on the line, because the numbers don’t lie:  Teams that go down three games to one in the Stanley Cup playoffs are usually golfing within the week.  If the above 4 keys aren’t implemented, you might spot one of the Canucks at your local golf course after the weekend.

Mason Raymond is decked by Jordan Henry in Game 3. The Canucks literally need to push back, and soon, for this series to mean anything

Andrew Alberts works on Dustin Byfuglien of the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 1 at the United Center

After a commanding 5-1 win over the Blackhawks in front of a stunned sell-out crowd at the United Center in Chicago, the Canucks truly seem focused on the task at hand.  During the interview with Kevin Bieksa, Rick Ball asked Bieksa if he even knew what day of the week it is.  ”Actually, I don’t really.  I know it’s a weekday, but with the schedule that we’ve had, all we are focused on is the next game.  What happened last game happened, we just know we’re ready to work hard.”

In the same segment, shortly after the interview, Team 1040 also featured a short taped interview with Patrick Sharp.  The 6′1 Winnipeg center/winger who had 25 goals and 41 assists during the season said the Hawks will be better in Game 2:  ”We know we’re not in the best situation, but we were also down 1-0 last year, and came back to win the series.  We know what we have to do tonight.”

Patrick Sharp says the 'Hawks "know what they need to do tonight" (Photo courtesy of TSN)

Although the series is still in the infantile stages, I can’t help but sense a different energy surrounding the Canucks.  The coaching staff, particularly Alain Vigneault, have been preaching “Poise” to the club.  One can’t help but sense an air of maturity surrounding the team, the kind of maturity that comes with lessons learned in previous playoff experiences.  The job that Assistant Coach Rick Bowness has done with his somewhat depleted defensive core illustrates that.  After an abysmal start to the Los Angeles series, Andrew Alberts has received the message concerning poise.  It would have been easy for Bowness just to preclude that Alberts wasn’t going to be a proper fit based on Games 1 and 2 of that series.  One game into this series with the Blackhawks, it appears coaching and patience is being rewarded, as Alberts IS fitting into the scheme of things.

Shane O'Brien, Rick Rypien and Christian Ehrhoff help Michael Grabner celebrate his 2nd period goal in Game 2 (Photos courtesy of Yardbarker)

Tom Larscheid was also interviewed on the Team 1040, and he stressed the importance of Game 2 at length.  He said that both he and analyst John Shorthouse are really looking forward to tonights match-up, with what should be a very motivated and energetic Hawks team.  ”Patrick Kane in particular tonight will be looking to play a more pivotal role.  The Canucks coaching staff credited him with 14 scoring chances in Game One.  The Hawks outshot the Canucks, they outhit the Canucks, and were better in the faceoff circle at 55 per cent.  If anyone is going to help the Blackhawks have success in Game Two, it’s Patrick Kane.  He’s a real beauty.”

Color Commentator Tom Larscheid says Chicago's success depends largely upon Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews

Though it was ultimately their team game that produced their loss in 6 games last year, hockey pundits still shifted a fair amount of blame on Roberto Luongo.  As I have mentioned before, Luongo was able to move on from that tear-inducing experience, though perhaps not everyone has.   But what we saw in Game One was a goaltender that has confidence, one that is mentally prepared for this series, if not for a long playoff experience.

Brian Bickell does his best to distract Roberto Luongo in Game 1, but like other Hawks, was unsuccessful

Particularly in the first period was Luongo able to set the tone for how the rest of the game would play out.  With the United Center crowd still in a tizzy after the lead-up and anticipation of this fantastic series, Luongo kept very composed.  He would make several great stops in the first period, not allowing the Hawks to gain that all-important momentum at home.  He gave the Canucks the opportunity they needed to gain offensive chances, which they have been very adept at capitalizing upon in each playoff game thus far.  Once they got fired up early in the 2nd period, it seemed that with sheer will alone they could find ways to score, and they did.   While tonight could prove different, I am quite sold on Luongo’s ability to quell any notion that he can’t produce in the playoffs.  He can, and quite simply has been one of the best (goaltenders) so far in these 2010 playoffs.

Joel Quenneville instructs players during a break in the action during Game One in Chicago

Blackhawks head coach Joel Quenneville has decided to make some lineup changes headed into Game Two.  It appears Brian Bickell will be moved down to the third line, while BC product Troy Brouwer will join Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane on the first line.  Jordan Henry gets the bump off the main roster in favor of adding some toughness in Ben Eager, who will get 4th line time.  It also appears Dustin Byfuglien will move to the 2nd line with Patrick Sharp, although he might also draw back onto defense, which Quenneville said will be a game-time decision.

Daniel Sedin looks to make a pass against the Chicago Blackhawks during Game One of the Western Conference Semi-finals

On so many levels, Game Two will be significant for posturing in the the series for both teams.  While the Blackhawks have had some adversity thus far, most agree that the difference between the Nashville Predators and the Vancouver Canucks is a large one.  Tom Larscheid pointed to speed as a key factor, especially in comparison to the Hawks opening series and the one they find themselves in now.  Ryan Kesler, Mason Raymond and Alex Burrows were a large part of that equation in Game One.  It remains to be seen if the Blackhawks can counter that speed, or negate some of it with a more physical presence, as it appears will be the focus tonight.   Stay tuned, this exciting series has a lot more hockey to be played.

Because I was unable to further preview Round 2, I am calling the Canucks to take this series in 6 games.   Look for a preview for Game three right here on the Canuck Way.

Will Anttii Niemi start Game Two, or will they start the more veteran Cristobal Huet?