Canucks-Blackhawks Game 5 Preview

by Sean Zandberg on May 8, 2009 7:53 PM PDT in Game Preview Comment 35 comments

GAME TIME: 7:30 PST

TV: CBC, Versus, RDS

(Tip to Spectr17 for the image)

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UPDATE 12:30 PM: Sami Salo took part in a full practice today and is a game time decision. C'mon Sami get back in there!

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Now is the time for the Canucks to take over this series. What better place to do that then back at GM Place? There's no point in pondering what might have been in Game 4 anymore, as close as that game was. But the Canucks forwards are being challenged by their coach. "Obviously, we need to have some of our players pick up their game offensively," said Vigneault. "Pick any of our lines, except for Johnson’s line which produced most of our chances."

The players agree. "We have to get in on the forecheck," said Daniel Sedin. "Last game we dumped the puck in but didn't get any forecheck going." Other Canucks talked about playing a full 60 minutes, not sitting on a lead, etc. The team held a closed door meeting on Friday.

Is it getting frustrating yet how the Canucks cannot consistently bury the Hawks?

I wouldn't expect too much changes in the Canucks' style of play. Their defensive style is neutralizing Chicago's speed. They just need to, like Dank said, play more in Chicago's zone and get some more shots off. The Hawks are thinking the same thing. They have proven that they can keep pace with Vancouver no matter what style they play.

Sami Salo is still listed as day to day. There is no word on whether or not he'll play in Game 5.

LINKS

-Ever see a Kevin Bieksa talking doll?

-The Canucks have released a Luc Bourdon T-shirt for charity. Definitely worth a look.

-What did Alex Burrows say to piss off Nik Khabibulin last game? "I was just trying to get in his kitchen. I asked him how it felt to be on the waiver-wire earlier this year and he didn’t like that," said a laughing Burrows, who was cross-checked by Khabibulin for the remark."

-The Sun has a great piece on Taylor Pyatt's return and all the support the team in giving him. He is playing every shift for Carly.

-A Canucks tribute van stolen and then found? That vehicle is not even that impressive. This one is. So is this one.

Check out this great Game 5 intro clip by nucksfan92. Great job!

Poll

Call it. What's your pick on the outcome of Game 5?

Canucks by 1

39 votes

Canucks kick ass and win by 2 or more

70 votes

Hawks by 1

30 votes

Hawks smoke Canucks by 2 or more

60 votes

199 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

Expect to see the boys firing on all cylinders tomorrow. Well Vingeault’s version of firing on all cylinders.

by NucksHub on May 8, 2009 9:46 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree. It’s going to be a beauty. A little more offence, but same defence I hope.

Nucks Misconduct

by Sean Zandberg on May 8, 2009 10:17 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm still troubled by game 4 loss.

Game 3 seemed like a perfect formula for success. Why did they give up on offense in game 4? Were the players out of gas? Or was it a s mistake in strategy by Vigneault? They should have learned to play 60 minutes and not sit on leads long ago.

In the battle of the strong, victory goes to the brave.

by javaball on May 8, 2009 10:45 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

It’s true. Why the identity crisis right now? But you know, had they won 1-0 we wouldn’t have cared. They were oh-so close to achieving that.

Nucks Misconduct

by Sean Zandberg on May 8, 2009 10:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I see Toews' mom likes the Hawks...and sex too...blech..

Nucks Misconduct

by Sean Zandberg on May 8, 2009 10:59 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

That would be the industrial god Al Jougensen

Show some respect for the man who created the genre..

Although he does look a bit like a kinky grandma.

by russellguldin on May 9, 2009 5:11 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Are you kidding me? Al Jourgenson?
Hey I love Ministry. “The Missing” is my fave Ministry tune.

Oh christ he even wrote a song for the Hawks. No way. Lame song (except the guitars)

Nucks Misconduct

by Sean Zandberg on May 9, 2009 12:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah.. it’s not the best song… but still.. Ministry wrote a song for the Hawks. Kick ass

Second City Hockey

by Matthew Dirt on May 9, 2009 5:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He hasn't aged well.

Most junkies don’t. But “Land of Rape and Honey” and “Mind..” were fucking HARSH.

by russellguldin on May 11, 2009 9:09 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh yeah, can’t forget that “Mind” live album. So good! “The Missing” is so heavy live isn’t it?

Nucks Misconduct

by Sean Zandberg on May 12, 2009 4:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

When I saw them on the Mind tour, it was the most brutal song they played. I’m pretty sure someone was sacrificed during that song.

by russellguldin on May 13, 2009 8:19 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Spectr!

WITH THE WIN!

Here’s another Note fan hoping your boys claim VICTORY over “them dirty Injuns”.

GET IT DONE!

"The world is getting to be such a dangerous place, a man is lucky to get out of it alive." -- W.C. Fields

by Donut King on May 8, 2009 11:18 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

You already forgive the Canucks?
Your hate for the Hawks must be strong!

Nucks Misconduct

by Sean Zandberg on May 9, 2009 12:59 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I never miss an opportunity

to say FUCK CHICAGO!

I’ve never liked the Hawks. Never will either. Some would say my hatred for them would supercede my hatred for the Wings.

So yeah, I buried this hatchet pretty quickly.

"The world is getting to be such a dangerous place, a man is lucky to get out of it alive." -- W.C. Fields

by Donut King on May 9, 2009 11:10 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Alright guys…this is going to be tough, but I will probably miss the game tomorrow morning. It’s Mothers Day and if I don’t get my son to do something nice for his mum…well, I may have my face ending up looking like Chubby’s.

Gametime is 10:30am my time…and we are heading out to lunch. So, it will be a constant refresh with the mobile phone (4 batteries charged and ready to go) throughout the morning and mid afternoon.

by GZ Expat on May 8, 2009 11:46 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Ah yes kids…..I don’t have any of them yet. Is your wife that tough? I’d hate to see you spitting out a tooth :)

Nucks Misconduct

by Sean Zandberg on May 9, 2009 1:00 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Same as GZ for me. Well, other than not having to worry too much about mother’s day. I have a BBQ party I’m heading out to with my better half and the two trolls. I might conceivably be home before the end of the game, but I doubt it, charred meat = much happiness.

On the positive side it looks like my junky old cell can read nhl.com, so I suppose I should be able to keep myself updated. If anyone can suggest a better site for keeping track of the game I’m all ears.

by rsm on May 9, 2009 2:50 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I think it’s hilarious that the two highest vote getters are for a “2+ blowout” BOTH WAYS!!! To steal a line from McDonalds

I’m Lovin’ It!!!

by burpchelischili on May 9, 2009 5:02 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm going to miss the third period,

unfortunately. But my prediction is Canucks 3, Hawks 0. I always predict Luongo won’t allow a goal and I’m usually wrong. But on those occasions that I’m right I look like a genius!

Look upon my 62% faceoff win rate, ye mortals, and despair!

by Orion Moony on May 9, 2009 5:36 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

What the fuck. I looked at the LB shirt. It is really a great shirt. I wanted one. Are they really not selling it online???? Way to drop the ball, Canucks.

I'm old enough to understand. Jerks.

by rollonubears on May 9, 2009 10:11 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah I know

I’m pissed as well. Same thing with the Forever Faithful movie. I don’t know what the deal is.

by borgy on May 9, 2009 10:19 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I am going to check after the game. Maybe they are waiting for the chance to sell it at the game before putting it online. If they never end up putting it online they are idiots. I will gladly pay the $35 for it. It is an awesome shirt.

I'm old enough to understand. Jerks.

by rollonubears on May 9, 2009 1:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The game will be a smokeshow, I am goin out with a cocky 6-2 Vancouver win. I think the wheels will fall off Khabi tonight.
I have no basis for this pick, so relax Hawk fans. I’m just TO confident in this Nucks team.

by Nuckels on May 9, 2009 11:13 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Incoming Awesome Metallica Image!

I won’t be around tonight for the thread so enjoy the festivities everyone. I’ll actually be going out trying to convince some friends to be hockey fans. Of course if the Hawks win they won’t be because I’ll get black out drunk and surly, but hey, it’s a small price.

Here’s hoping for a strong rebound effort. In Luongo I trust.

(and yeah the gamethread has a killer Metallica image in my humble opinion. Well done sean)

'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.

by Yankee Canuck on May 9, 2009 11:18 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

thanks dude. I've got one more up my sleeve for Game 6. So we'd better win in 6.

I’d post an image of Havlat on a cross….but that’s coming…..

Nucks Misconduct

by Sean Zandberg on May 9, 2009 12:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Looks like I’ll be lonely :(

by Linix129 on May 9, 2009 12:01 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Droppin' the Mother's Day gloves

The wifey was born and raised in Whiterock but I was a Tony Esposito fan when the Canucks & Sabres were a twinkle in some corporate eyes. The kids aren’t old enough to decide yet but maybe the outcome of this series will sway something in them. After we procure breakfast in bed for mom and a shower of flowers and other assorted gifts, the Teow’s/Linden jersey’s will be donned in the living room. Either way, it’s going to make for an interesting Mother’s Day!!

"Call Detroit, tell dem... BULLSHIT!"

by Hungryhawk on May 9, 2009 12:05 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

You guys are great treating your wives like that. Good on you. My time will come. I fear I’d be more selfish and watch the game no matter what..
Curse the fool who put Mother’s Day in the middle of Round 2! :)

Nucks Misconduct

by Sean Zandberg on May 9, 2009 12:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Here, here!

"Call Detroit, tell dem... BULLSHIT!"

by Hungryhawk on May 9, 2009 12:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I hope they don't wear Sami Salo out.

after all the flying back and forth, morning skate practice, it’s still “game time decision”. The Canucks’ management is showing indecisiveness.

In the battle of the strong, victory goes to the brave.

by javaball on May 9, 2009 2:09 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Game 3 versus Game 4

Game 3 was a perfect road game, while Game 4 was crap (and that’s not because we won the former and lost the latter). The whole game, beginning late in the 3rd, I was telling my friends that this game (the style that the Canucks were playing) reminded me of the San Jose game in January, which disgusted me. The style was “cynical” (to borrow a term from professional soccer) and I thought that they were going to lose 1-0.

Game 3, on the other hand, was a perfect road game. They not only got the puck in deep, but they actually forechecked, creating not only many more scoring opportunities, but the opening goal. And, what’s more important, they kept the puck in the Chicago end for more than a few secons at a time.

I don’t know if it was Vigneault’s tactics, or the players being satisfied to sit back, but Game 4 was ugly, ugly, ugly. As a life-ling Canucks fan, I’d love to see them win, but am not afraid to criticize when it is merited. Remember a few years back when the Wild defeated the high-flying Bertuzzi-Morrison-Naslund squad and we all bitched how the better team had lost. I’d prefer not to be this year’s version of the Wild.

by mrjauk on May 9, 2009 2:34 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

The Hawks are saying the Canucks are playing just like the Wild.

“a defensive team”. That make me angry. We have talent, we have speed and skill, we have all 4 lines that can score and have scored! We can beat them and prove we are the BETTER and STRONGER team

In the battle of the strong, victory goes to the brave.

by javaball on May 9, 2009 2:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why not this years version of the Red Wings or Penguins. Both teams play the trap, but are spared the title of boring.
When I read comments about boring hockey, I think 2 things.

1.) we are dealin with Americans
2.) there is most likely little to none knowledge when it comes to understandin hockey.

At my count, Vancouver and Chicago have both scored 11 goals this series. You can call Vancouver style whatever you want, but at the end. You will call it winning hockey.

by Nuckels on May 9, 2009 4:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs