Boston Bruins vs Vancouver Canucks
8:00 PM ET, June 4, 2011
Rogers Arena, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) -- When Daniel and Henrik Sedin streak down the ice, exchanging crisp passes in a display of their jaw-dropping offensive creativity, it's easy to forget the Vancouver Canucks were the NHL's best defensive team this season.
When Boston's top line presses the attack, changes styles on the fly and comes up with yet another clutch postseason goal, it's tough to remember the Bruins are nearly as defensively stingy as the Canucks.
The Stanley Cup finalists are reminding the entire NHL that elite defensive teams don't have to fall into the trap -- or any other defensive scheme that results in boring hockey. Defense can also be a natural outgrowth of a commitment to goal-scoring, Canucks captain Henrik Sedin said.
"Who says you have to do one or the other?" he asked.
In Game 2 on Saturday night, the Canucks will continue their quest to show it's possible to win a title without retreating into a defensive shell, while Boston will look to build on a quietly impressive offensive season -- except for that slumping power play -- for a club without a big-name scorer.
When Boston's top line presses the attack, changes styles on the fly and comes up with yet another clutch postseason goal, it's tough to remember the Bruins are nearly as defensively stingy as the Canucks.
The Stanley Cup finalists are reminding the entire NHL that elite defensive teams don't have to fall into the trap -- or any other defensive scheme that results in boring hockey. Defense can also be a natural outgrowth of a commitment to goal-scoring, Canucks captain Henrik Sedin said.
"Who says you have to do one or the other?" he asked.
In Game 2 on Saturday night, the Canucks will continue their quest to show it's possible to win a title without retreating into a defensive shell, while Boston will look to build on a quietly impressive offensive season -- except for that slumping power play -- for a club without a big-name scorer.
Watch Boston Bruins vs Vancouver Canucks Live Stream Online Free June 4, 2011 NHL Finals Game 2
