Two teams got the fortunate early start to the conference semifinals, and produced a classic game 1 match.
Vancouver Canucks vs Chicago Blackhawks: Vancouver wins 5-3 (Vancouver leads series 1-0)
The Canucks dominated the first two periods, starting the third with a 3-0 lead. Then Patrick Kane scored 2 straight goals in what seemed to become a Chicago comeback, as the Blackhawks tied the game 3-3 with less than 6 minutes to play. But then, Chicago, who played so well defensively against the Flames, broke down in the neutral zone, and the Canucks found themselves with a 4 on 1 rush. It didn't take long for Vancouver to capitalize, scoring a goal to put them up 4-3 and adding an empty netter to secure the first win of the series. Kyle Wellwood was the most effective player for the Canucks, drawing 5 penalties and putting up two assist (and leading the decisive 4 on 1 rush, although not getting credit for a point from it). But the true problem for the Blackhawks is their inability to win on the road. Jonathan Toews, coming off an injury, only skated 14 minutes and was -2. Vancouver didn't have a lot to complain about game 1, but they were an average 1 for 5 on the power play.
Looking forward, the Blackhawks are holding their breath for Ben Eager, who might be suspended for multiple games following an elbow to the head of Rick Rypien. Although there were not a lot of penalties called, the game was full of nastiness, exemplified by the face of Kyle Wellwood at the end of the game, where he was bleeding, lost a tooth, and had a swollen lip. Even though the Canucks won, is there worry about the fact that Roberto Luongo gave up 3 goals in the third period?
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