The Chicago Blackhawks host a familiar Western Conference rival Friday when the Vancouver Canucks come to the United Center. The two teams have had some memorable clashes in recent seasons, though some of the zip may be missing from this matchup.
Don't get me wrong: It certainly won't take much on the ice to fire up both fanbases. There are still a lot of holdovers from three consecutive playoff meetings from 2008-09 to 2010-11.
However, some of the steam may be missing from what has been a heated rivalry. Here are some telling factors heading into the contest Friday night.
Missing from Chicago's lineup, of course, is long-time Vancouver tormentor Dave Bolland. Is Marcus Kruger going to have the same irritating effect on Henrik and Daniel Sedin?
Canucks forward Alexandre Burrows won't be around to show off his biting skills, having suffered a broken jaw at the beginning of December. Defenseman Alexander Edler is also out with a lower-body injury.
Players like Adam Burish and Raffi Torres are long gone from the 'Hawks and Canucks.
On the other hand, there is plenty of dislike between the ...
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Article written by Jon Fromi
Chicago Blackhawks: Rivalry with Vancouver Canucks Fading, or Is It?
December 20th, 2013 by Jon Fromi Leave a reply »
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