The Oddest and Most Intriguing Stanley Cup Final In History - Boston Bruins Force Game 7 Versus Vancouver Canucks

(Photo via washingtonexaminer.com)

I've been watching hockey for close to 20 years. I've seen teams dominate the seven game final where there's a clear winner before the opening faceoff. On the other side of the puck, I've witnessed epic see-saw battles between 2 evenly matched, committed and determined clubs. You can always expect the unexpected in pro sports. The 2011 edition of the Cup Final is no exception, with unexpected underlined and bold....in 50 point font.

Without taking anything away from the Bruins, the Canucks were meant to dominate this series with authority and make it quick. Now here we are, 6 games in the books with every NHL fanboy's wet dream on tap: a deciding game 7. What happened? What's going to happen? Which bandwagon do I jump onto? The only way to get the answers we desperately seek is to have a Q&A...with myself.

Q: How did this come down to a game seven?

A: This has been a series dominated by home wins. The Canucks and Bruins have won their respective games in their own barns where Boston dominated at home and Vancouver barely eked out their Ws.

Q: Whether you dominate or barely win, well...a wins a win, right?

A: That is a fact, but let me drop some stats on you. In 6 games this Final, Boston scored 19 goals, which is good for 3.17 per. On the Canucks side, 8 total goals...1.33 per game.

In 3 home games, Boston netted 17 goals to Vancouver's 3. While in BC, the 'Nucks got 5 vs 2 for the Bruins. So this gives you an indication of how this series played out: home is sweet for both of these clubs.

Q: Didn't Vancouver score 20 billion goals during the regular season?

A: They actually scored 258 which was top in the NHL

Q: And what about their powerplay?

A: Again, top in the NHL coming in at a cool 24.3%.

Q: Ok..so WTF is wrong with this team??!!

A: In my opinion, there a few reasons for this poor showing. 82 games plus 4 rounds of high intensity playoffs will take its toll on a body. Losing key players like Hamhuis, Samuelsson and Raymond will not help you win games. And I have no doubt that Kelser and one of the Sedin twins is injured. Gotta do what it takes to win and gotta tough it out. Losing players during the Cup run isn't a reason for losing all of your mojo, but it surely doesn't help.

Meanwhile, the Bruins have a fairly healthy team and their only major loss was Horton in game 3. Their core is in good shape and they are making Vancouver pay for it.

Q: Hmmm. I never looked at it that way before.

A: That's why you're asking the questions.

Q: So I guess we can conclude that the Bruins are totally outplaying them?

A: I wouldn't necessarily say that. The Bruins are executing their game plan with great success. Their even strength play is quick on the attack and strong defensively.

And Thomas has been lights out, over the top, ridiculously incredible. The Canucks have had their chances, but the Boston goalie has turned them back time and time again. When a team keeps getting shut down, frustration kicks in, which leads to lack of focus and the inevitable parade to the penalty box as they use the Bruins as an outlet for their anger. Thomas is in the Canucks' heads, and his yogic ass is loving it. Win or lose, he looks like a shoe in for the Conn Smythe.

Q: Last question - who's gonna win?

A: I called this series in 6 games in favor of Vancouver so you shouldn't believe me at all. I still believe the Canucks will win the Cup. At some point, the Canucks will get some bounces and break out. Is there a better time for this to happen than game 7 in the Stanley Cup Finals?

-Paqman