Missed reviewing last game (and ice hockey) due to excessive beer drinking, celebrating the Canucks game one win over SJ.
Two solid wins for my boys. Both wins showed the calm that Vancouver has been able to play with all playoffs long. There's been no panic, even after getting down early and facing one bad goal each game. Character plays a large role in a cup run and we're seeing a lot of that from this team.
-Raffi Torres has been flying both games. He had a tough time controlling the puck and skating so damn fast in game one, but he slowed it up a bit and was much better with the puck in game two. He's being rewarded for his strong play, as has the entire third line.
-Chris Higgins is a shoe-in as a re-sign next year. He can't possibly demand too much money and he knows a second line role is a possibility. 1.5-2 is what I can hope for but a 2.5 mil 1 year deal isn't out of the question.
-Bieksa is in form. He's more than in form. This is the best hockey I've ever seen him play. Amazing what confidence can do for a player. Much like Mason Raymond, Bieksa needs a ton to be an effective player. Gonna be tough to keep both Bieksa and Erhoff next year.
-Another game, another bad goal. It comes down to winning, so who cares how we get there, but I can't help but feel that one of those bad goals is going to come in a one goal game and it isn't going to end up the way we want it. Lou needs to get this under control. His rebound control and play has been solid for the most part, frustrating watching the bad goals.
-The chemistry on this team is unmatched right now. Watching the difference between them and Philadelphia was night and day. So much skill in Philly, everyone on a different page. This may sound like a homer comment but this team really does give a shit about each other, and it's showing. It's not simply players doing their job, they wanna win together. Could make for a happy ending (no not that kind).
-Mike Gillis sweats a lot and has a double chin that could win a wet t-shirt contest.
-Cody Hodgson will make this team next year. The only tough part is a place to play. Does Vancouver try him on the wing? Is playing a fourth line center role good for his development? Hodgson hasn't done anything really well, he's simply been solid. No liability (some offensive zone turnovers) and has been making smart, safe plays. That's a good way to play your way on to a team. I'm hoping Hodgson can have an impact on the second unit PP next year, they definitely need it.
-Lapierre was hilarious last night, only if your a Vancouver fan.
-Again, this may sound homerish, but I don't get this idea that Vancouver has been getting all the calls their way. Anyone who watched the first round against Chicago (save the last game) would argue differently. I can definitely see my homerism playing into this, but I see bad calls everywhere, not just benefiting my team. There is a lot of Vancouver hate out there, sound like it's due to fanaticism, but it really is too bad. Vancouver is due for, and deserves to win the cup. They've been molding this team for years now...
-Tonnes of people will hate Bieksa for fighting Marleau last night, but it Marleau was completely game for it and gained a ton of respect for doing it. Only downside was Marleau was at 0% punches landed while Bieksa had to have been up around 95%. Hilarious. JR tweeted "If Sharks win the game I will definitely say it was because Marleau stepped up and fought Bieksa." Controversial and opinionated, but JR makes me laugh.
-Since the lockout teams who go up two games in the third round are 10-0. In general, 85% of teams go on to win the series.
Three Stars
Kevin Beiksa - Couldn't be anyone else. Howe hat-trick and our best player last night. Two of his three goals have been absolute snipes, even if he says that he's just closing his eyes and shooting as hard as he can.
Anti Niemi - I know, I know. Lots of goals, but made some absolutely outrageous saves. I had to recognize...
Raffi Torres - Energy. When his game is on he is so effective. Hitting everything in site and contributing offensively.
Don't Forget
The fourth line. Their forecheck has been great and they are not a liability. Nice when you can count on all your lines, it keeps everyone fresh. Big hits, speed and smarts make for a good combo. Gonna be tough for Glass to draw back in. I'd like to see Hodgson and Tambellini put up a couple points.
Fantasy Standpoint
Roberto Luongo - 10W/2SO - 26 points in my pool format
Ryan Kesler - 16
Henrik Sedin - 14
Daniel Sedin - 12
Christian Erhoff - 11
Alex Burrows - 10
Kevin Bieksa - 7
Chris Higgins - 7
Alex Edler - 7
Mason Raymond - 7
Dan Hamhuis - 5
Jannik Hansen - 5
Raffi Torres - 4
Mikael Suameulsson - 3
Sami Salo - 1
Cody Hodgson - 1
Max Lapierre - 1