Well, not killed, but certainly set us back a little. I was considering calling this post, "All I wanted was a split anyways," but I decided to go with my true feelings. After getting two goals in the first 5:02 on the game, my Vannies started getting a similar feeling to Saturday night. Unlike Saturday, though, the Canucks decided to sit back rather than press forward. You can almost see it coming, as a fan, your team doesn't score after jumping out to a quick lead, and slowly the momentum changes and you see the comeback train coming down the line to run you over. Sure as hell, it happened.
Ma$on Raymond scored a beauty early on, as another puck just kind of came to his stick. We doubled our pleasure with a Samuelsson power play goal on the usual tic tac toe play from Hank and Po Po. Despite the fact that I was still watching Flyers/Bruins (thank you, Versus), I was pumped watching the action on the various "Game Breaks" (thank you, Versus). Before the coverage finally clicked over, Seabrook scored a goal to make it 2-1, and that's where it sat after 20. I was confident. Whoops. After a scoreless second with tons of chances both ways, my confidence started to lessen thanks to the Blackhawks gaining the edge. Then came the heartbreaking final frame. Gaining a power play, the Canucks coughed up a turn over allowing a 2-on-1 rush where Patrick Sharp buried the game tying goal past a helpless Luongo. Okay, we're still okay. No wait, we're not. 18:30 into the third period, there is a crazy scrum around the net, Roberto gets mysteriously knocked down, the puck is sent from the point to Versteeg near the net as Luongo gets back to his skates, and 'Steeger wrists the puck into the empty net as our Captain came diving back. As a Canucks fan, I saw a Hawks defender crash into Lu, no goalie interference called, and the Hawks handed a goal. I'm sure Jon saw something different. Add a Chicago empty netter, and you have a game that has the capability of swinging the momentum over to the bad guys.
Despite the no call on the eventual GWG, this loss was purely the Canucks fault. They jumped out really early, and then decided to sit back and hope for the best over the next 55-or-so minutes. Playoff games aren't really won that way. However, taking a ste back, we earned a split at the Madhouse. We should be proud of that, regroup today, and get ready to step it up on Wednesday back home.
Just to give credit (and crap) where it is due, I figured we'd point out who's fault this loss is, and who's fault it isn't:
Not at fault: Roberto Luongo. Our Captain kept us in this game, most notably turning away a Hossa breakaway after the Hawks were already up 3-2. Lu made 30 saves on 33 shots, and did that despite a lack of defensive assistance.
A little at fault: Alex Edler. He was pointed out by the "real" media after game one, and now he's getting called out by the LSF. Edler had 0 points and a -1 night, and looked outclassed by the Hawks pressure and speed.
Not at fault: Andrew Alberts. AA was playing his game yet again. With just 2 PIM, and an even +/- for the game, our sixth defensiveman was still humming along much better than he did earlier in the playoffs.
A little at fault: Christian Ehrhoff. I hate to do this to Karen's 2nd favorite Canuck, but the German General was a subpar -3 on the game, practically like a ghost out there. He's getting called out all over media-land, but you know he'll be right for game three.
Not at fault: The second line. Kesler, Raymond, and Burrows were the main event out there for Vancouver last night. Ma$e had his third of the playoffs, Kesler had an assist and seemed to beat everyone to every puck, and AB was pesky as always.
A little at fault: The top line. The Swedish Stud line was anything but, combining for a -5 night between the three of them. I know we spread the scoring around in our game one win, but these guys are the ones who need to light that fire.
Again, I'd like to point out that while there were a few minor scuffles (Rypien standing strong), there were zero fighting majors again, as this series continues to baffle on this front.
Tied at 1 game a piece, the Canucks welcome Chicago to the Garage on Wednesday and Friday looking to take a commanding 3-1 lead in the series and put the pressure on the Hawks. Game Three is a huge one, because you really want the Game Four pressure to be on the other side of the rink. So, let's go get us some. Don't sit back with a lead. Keep pushing Niemi...he's not that good.
Go Canucks Go.
-- Sent from my Palm Prē
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