My 5 reasons (playoff edition).

I've done one of these before, but now it's time to present the Western Conference Semifinal edition of my 5 reasons. 

Just for our dear pal Jonathan (who is currently a part of the Brandon/Jon/Andrew post strike of 63 amazing days), we'll get started with the 5 reasons that the Blackhawks will beat the Canucks: 

1. The Sharp/Kane factor- Jon's favorite boys, Patrick Sharp and Jonathan Toews put up a combined 8 points in 4 games against Vancouver in the 08/09 season. They totally dominated Vancouver during the regular season, helping the Hawks to earn a split against the Orca in four games. The young guns are ready to make it happen in round two. 

2. A lack of injuries- While the Canucks have the possibility of four different players missing games, the Blackhawks are only missing Brent "Hulk" Sopel, and they have pretty much gotten used to playing without him. The defense was still on point in Round 1 without the Hulk, holding the Flames to just 6 goals in Chicago's four wins, and the Canucks don't exactly have the most dynamic offense to challenge that solid D. 

3. Special teams- The Blackhawks were straight dominant in the opening round with the advantage. Chicago nailed down seven goals in 24 chances (a wacky 22.2%) and held down a 88.9% penalty kill mark. With as many penalties as the 'Nucks get called on (ahem, Shane O'Brien), the Hawks will be sure to take advantage, and often. 

4. History- The last time that Vancouver matched up against the Windy City in the playoffs, the Blackhawks marched right through with a 4-0 sweep in the 1995 Western Conference Semi-Finals. Wait, that's the same round that we're starting this Thursday. Oh crap. The Hawks also hold an overall 5-4 postseason edge against my boys, and have a 3-0 lead in Stanley Cup Championships. History is on the side of the Redskins. 

5. Khabibulin- The last time that the 6'1 209 pound netminder made it past the first round, he opened a can for the Tampa Bay Lightning all the way to hoisting Lord Stanley's Cup in 2004. After getting the first four wins, this guy knows nothing by winning it all, and that has to mean something. 

Of course, I think I'll be a little more convincing with my 5 reasons that the 'Nucks will best the Blackhawks: 

1. Roberto Luongo- Are you kidding me? El Roberto has been so crazy in the playoffs thus far, it almost knocks me out of my seat. Every time Vancouver had at least a 1 goal lead against the Blues, the whole thing was practically over. In round 1, Bobby Lu finished with a 4-0 record, a 1.15 GAA, and a .962 save percentage, including a game two shutout. During the regular season, he finished 2-1 against the Hawks with a 2.36 mark. He is a freaking series changer. 

2. The Twins- You thought the Sharp/Kane factor was impressive? Well, in the four games between these two squads during the regular season, Hank and Dan were even better. The brother combined for 12 total points in the four games, and were the huge difference makers for the Blue & Green in the two wins. With Alex Burrows finding his groove on their line, they just can't be stopped. 

3. Special teams- Sound familiar? Vancouver scored on four of their 18 chances on the power play against St. Louis (again, a wacky 22.2%), and were even better than Chicago on the kill with a 95.8% mark in short handed situations. And remember, the Blues were the greatest power play team to touch down on earth in 2008/2009 according to the media. Just try and score, even with a 5 on 3. It isn't happening. 

4. Taking the lead- Vancouver only trailed for 24:46 of the first round, all of which came in their game 3 victory. Out of the entire series, they were only not in command for just over one period of play. They found a way to take control of games, and keep control of games, and that is clutch in the playoffs. 

5. The sweepy momentum- The Blackhawks played a hard fought game with the Calgary Flames before advancing to the semifinals, and the Canucks were able to coast to 4 fairly easy wins and then take a long rest before finding out the round 2 schedule. With the momentum of the sweep, it is hard to imagine Vancouver getting off to anything other than a perfect start in front of Canucks Nation at the Garage on Thursday night. 

I sure hope I made my point, and not Jon's. No matter what happens in this series, keep in mind that this one is going to be a battle. In the regular season, these two teams matched up in a game that finished with 98 penalty minutes. Just in one game! The season series features big hits, brawls, and even some "alleged" hair pulling (Blackhawk pussies), and the matchup here in the playoffs promises to be no different. This is going to be a knock down drag out LSF battle, and it is the battle we've all been waiting for. 

Two things on the way out that won't go unnoticed. The Celtics beat the Bulls in OT to grab the series lead and a chance to close things out against the Bulls on Thursday (thanks Brandon). Also, the Angels topped the Orioles in B-More tonight with an impressive 7-5 win to improve to 8-11 and climb out of the cellar in the AL West (thanks Howie). 

None of that really matters, though, because starting on Thursday it is all about the NHL West's round two.