All that said, Canucks fans are starting to feel nervous after their loss last night to the defending Stanley Cup Champions, the Chicago Blackhawks. The Canucks showed little to know energy all night in their play and the 7-2 score painted the picture.
The Chicago Blackhawks were the complete opposite. From the opening face off the Blackhawks had more energy, more toughness and more emotion. For whatever reason last night that was the case in Game 4. If the Canucks want to wrap up the series in Vancouver in Game 5, they will have to play much better.
Why was Chicago so fired up for last nights game? It possibly could have been because of the return of Dave Bolland. He returned to the lineup after missing 17 games because of a concussion. He scored a goal an added three helpers on his way to become the first star of the hockey game.
Or it could have been the defending champs not wanting to be swept in front of their home fans. In fact, it has only happened twice where the defending Stanley Cup Champions got swept out of the playoffs in the first round.. The last time it happened was in 2003, when the then Mighty Ducks of Anaheim shocked the heavily favored Detroit Red Wings in four straight.
Time will tell what it was that gave Chicago such a spark last night. There have been only three teams in NHL history to come back from 3-0 down. Those three series were:
- Maple Leafs 4-3 Red Wings 1942
- Islanders 4-3 Penguins 1975
- Flyers 4-3 Bruins 2010
The chances are slim for Chicago to come back but it doesn't mean it's impossible. The Blackhawks still have their core players like Patrick Kane and Johnathon Toews to carry the load offensively. Also, on the back end they still have Duncan Kieth and Brian Campbell.
The good news for Vancouver is that they will be able to keep the twins away from Chicago's best checking line. In Game 4 the twins were a non factor to say the least. Getting Daniel and Hendrik away from them will be crucial. The Canucks are very tough to beat when the top line is clicking so having the last change should be a blessing for Alain Vigneault club.
The biggest answer the Canucks might be looking for is getting back home. The Canucks were the best home team in the Western Conference and should be fine as long as the Rogers Arena is electric tomorrow night. If the Canucks can get off to quick start and not allow Chicago in the game, the Canucks should be heading to the 2nd round of the playoffs for the third straight year. If not the Blackhawks have a chance to take the series back to Chicago and they might be on their way to pull off the impossible.
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