We've been in Vancouver for Game 7 of an NHL playoff series. As a matter of fact, we've been in Vancouver for Game 7 of an NHL playoff series during which the potential shakiness of a goaltender was one of the main story lines -- and ultimately deciding factors -- in the series. It was 2003, and Dan Cloutier was minding the net for the Canucks. During the regular season, he was pretty solid. During the playoffs, folks in British Columbia held their breath every time a puck came within 50 feet of him. And for good reason.
The Wild had scored 12 goals in Games 5 and 6 -- almost all off Cloutier, except when he was pulled in Game 5 -- to force a game seven in Vancouver. The Canucks built a 2-0 lead in that game. Then the wheels came off, the goals poured in, and the Wild had shocked the world again with a 4-2 victory.
Now: Roberto Luongo is no Dan Cloutier. He has a pair of 1-0 shutouts already in these finals, both at home. He is very capable of firing another blank. But ... we can't help but feel that when you get into a one-game-takes-all situation like this, you don't want the goalie who could start springing leaks all over after one goal. As such, we like the Bruins tonight. We suggest the Canucks -- and their fans -- stock up on provisions early. Per the Vancouver Sun:
Nineteen downtown Vancouver liquor stores will close at 4 p.m. Wednesday before the Vancouver Canucks play in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals, the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General announced. Liquor inspectors and Vancouver police reported a drop in liquor-related problems Monday when liquor stores also closed early, before the start of Game 6. That early closure followed concern about public drunkenness following the game Friday. Vancouver police said Tuesday that Monday's Canucks crowd reached a peak downtown of about 35,000, but many left once the game ended. "Officers monitoring the Granville Mall noted a significant reduction in open liquor and a reduced number of liquor pour-outs," police said in a statement.
Sorry, Vancouver. We just have a feeling it's going to be a drown your sorrows night, not a night to celebrate.
