It was a spectacular season as the NHL playoff flew too fast. But that means we're the best time of year when the two best franchises compete for the Stanley Cup.
The Boston Bruins, back in the finals for the first time since 1990, when they lost to the Oilers have been conducted with a balanced offense and a Vezina-caliber goalie who has been his best when his team needed it most. Off-season acquisition Nathan Horton was the hero of the team on several occasions, the last entry in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference final.
The Vancouver Canucks return at this stage for the first time since 1994, when the New York Rangers broke the heart of British Columbia, were the best in the league throughout the season. Led by the duo of twins Daniel and Henrik Sedin, the Canucks have also benefited from the playoffs explosion and Ryan Kesler Roberto Luongo of the realization of a long-awaited potential.
With Game 1 begins on Wednesday, everything boils down to this. Vancouver or Boston? When all is said and done, who will be thrown in celebration of the Cup: Henrik Sedin or Zdeno Chara?
So far, the two teams faced their biggest challenge in the first round. But the Canucks have had a much harder path is very difficult teams on the road to the Stanley Cup final and he has persevered, which will serve them well in the last lap. When they slayed the beast that was the Chicago Blackhawks, they played with more arrogance and authority than ever.