It all comes down to winning just one more game for the Vancouver Canucks.
In Game 7 of the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals, everything will be on the line for the Vancouver Canucks after failing to take care of business in Boston in Game 6. As the Bruins have done all series long, they dominated the Canucks on their home ice scoring four goals in the first period alone, two of which came within 35 seconds of each other en-route to a 5-2 victory.
The Bruins chased Luongo from the net and the before the first 20 minutes of the first period was played, the game was over, and so was the party in Van City.
Both teams have been solid at home the entire playoffs, the Bruins suffered just three losses at home during the playoffs while the Canucks have also dropped just three games on home ice in the 2011 NHL Playoffs.
But Boston may feel like they have the edge. In the three games, Boston has won on their home ice. They have outscored the Canucks 17-3. Meanwhile, in the three games the Canucks have won at home, each game was decided by a single goal with game 2 being decided in overtime.
Bruins fans will feel like their team is the better team heading into game 7 given their dominance on home ice. But the Vancouver Canucks have shown resiliency throughout the playoffs and have won every single big game on home ice.
Moreover, it seems that when it counts the most, Roberto Luongo is unbeatable in Vancouver. He’s won a gold medal, he’s won game 7 against the Blackhawks, and after being chased in game 6, a bounceback game is due for Luongo.
Canucks fans should also take confidence in knowing that Luongo has shut-out the Boston Bruins six times in his career. Luongo’s six shut-outs against the Bruins are the most against any team he’s played. Could Wednesday night be lucky number 7?
It’s been 40 years since the Canucks franchise first stepped on the ice and it’s been 17 years since they were last in a game 7 for the Stanley Cup Final.
The difference this year is that they didn’t touch the trophy after they beat San Jose, and as the President Trophy winners, they earned the right to play game 7 at home in Rogers Arena. With most of Canada and all of Vancouver in a frenzy, and the Stanley Cup in the building, the Vancouver Canucks will leave it all on the ice to win game 7 against the Bruins.
