The hockey gods certainly have a twisted sense of humor. There was only one scenario that would result in the Chicago Blackhawks playing the Vancouver Canucks in the first round of the playoffs.
And it was the most unlikely scenario because both Chicago and Dallas had to lose.
It seemed unlikely that a desperate Blackhawks team would fail to get a single point against their rival, the Detroit Red Wings, especially after beating them in Detroit 4-2 two nights prior. But they didn't get it.
And it seemed even more unlikely, almost unthinkable, that a determined Dallas Stars team, with their playoff fate in their hands, would lose to an inferior Minnesota Wild team. But they lost.
Now here we go again, the Blackhawks and Canucks will battle each other in the playoffs for the third straight season, this time in the first round. Some kind of destiny has to be at work here.
However, unlike the previous two years, now Vancouver is the undisputed favorite to win. They are the better team. Even the most die-hard Blackhawks fan can't argue this point.
They've scored more goals and allowed fewer, have a better power play and pe ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Cody Pugh
2011 NHL Playoffs: Canucks vs. Blackhawks Could Be Tougher Than You Think
April 11th, 2011 by Cody Pugh Leave a reply »
Advertisement