They lived up to that reputation on all accounts Thursday night at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, when the Blackhawks scored early and often and blew out the Canucks 5-0 in their own building — which was absolutely silent when the great Vancouver fans weren’t booing their own team.
Raffi Torres got in another cheap shot when he went leg to leg with Ben Smith, Alex Burrows slashed Patrick Kane, Dan Hamhuis tried to end Dave Bolland’s season with a hit to the head and Alex Edler finished the second period with an elbow to Troy Brouwer’s head.
All the game was missing was Kevin Bieksa jumping someone from behind, though he didn’t get the chance and didn’t seem to like it much when Brouwer dropped the gloves and hit back.
So let’s see what the geniuses from the NHL offices decide to do about those two hits to the head, but don’t hold your breath expecting justice from Colin Campbell and Co.
Meanwhile, the Canucks are now officially terrified of the Hawks again, having twice failed to close out the series as the teams head back to Chicago for Game 6, with Vancouver knowing goalie Roberto Luongo is in full-blown meltdown and pondering three straight years of Chicago misery.
Think the $10 million goalie gets another chance to start Sunday in Chicago on a short leash? Can’t wait to find out. [Read the whole article]
Friday, April 22, 2011
Think there will be any hurt feelings when this series is done.
This series has turned into a really good hockey series. I think I am going to have to tune in and watch game 6.