4.23.2007

Game Seven Liveblog


8:37 - Less then 30 minutes from the game. Will we get a matchup with the Ducks later in the week or just be furious and be relegated to viewing the Red Wings obliterate the Stars? Jes is on to something with his letter perhaps.

If you're a Vancouver fan and not drinking, permit me to suggest now is quite possibly the ideal time to even try a wine spritzer.

Lastly, a win tonight gets those good people at the North Texas Food Bank more money. Do the Stars hate starving people? I sure hope not.

8:58 - I am a bit concerned Versus is showing IFC and has it slated to go until 9:30. I tell you this: if Versus fucks up a game seven, they don't deserve their NHL contract. Seriously. If this was the NFL playoffs, someone would be murdered. Guaranteed.

9:00 - All good now. Sorry about jumping the gun there.

9:03 - Zubov is out I understand. That's one thing going in Vancouver's favor. He's been great this series, especially on the power play.

9:05 - Well, a final kick in the ass to yours truly. Strader and Beezer will talk to me tonight. The anger level jumped up just seeing little Beezer.

9:11 - Wow, 26 seconds and they take a penalty? WOW. Kick ass guys. And I drink...

9:13 - I am happy they went with the vintage jerseys tonight.

9:15 - Good kill, Luongo chops Lindros and Bulis bursts down the ice for a shot. It's amazing, without goals, what makes me happy.

9:18 - The power play aside, each team looks nervous or cautious. The Canucks D needs to stop messing up the clearing passes too. How's everyone's beverages tonight? Good I trust.

9:20 - Strader is wondering out loud if the Canucks wore the vintage jersey because they were 10-5 with them in the post season. Why...WHY is this considered decent coverage?

9:23 - And Beezer gives his first official love soliloquy to Turco. Only took 6 minutes or so. Not bad. Only Beezer could follow up some sustained Canuck pressure with a compliment to the Stars offense! Update: Mike Modano is the most amazing thing to Beezer since Turco. Young budding love is so adorable isn't it?

9:30 - Admidst the Turco love in, Strader had to interrupt Beezer to inform him Lindros just plastered Josh Green. Don't let the game interrupt your bullshit ideas Beezer.

9:33 - The Sedins force a penalty. Nicely done.

9:35 - Cowan getting PP time? No wonder we are now 1 for 29. Christ...

9:40 - Joel Lundquist just schooled both Beeska and Luongo. 1-0 Dallas. I think I just tore a vocal chord cursing.

9:43 - Burrows trips up Lindros and the Stars could absolutely kill us now.

9:45 - I have come full circle. I am having a tough time watching the game and simply trying to filter out Beezer. I guess a 1-0 Dallas lead is all the evidence he needs to say the Stars "can do anything they want right now" and "Dallas owned that period". To speak nothing of his frequent "Luongo can't score goals" pithy insight. You're a fucking embarrassment man.

OK, I will leave the rest of this blog Beezer free. If you don't know he sucks yet, simply ask me to elaborate later on. As for the game, Dallas controlled a bit more then Vancouver but it was hardly lights out for them either. Vancouver got some big hits in and had some decent pressure at times. Far better then game six already. Turco is working on 8+ scoreless periods now.

10:05 - There just seems to be a lack of energy on Vancouver's side starting the second. Good pressure but still nothing. Sedin almost beat Turco, but I guess almost doesn't count, huh?

10:08 - Henrik takes a hooking call...more of the same shit. Mindless penalties.

10:11 - Just when I was ready to be even more furious at the Canucks lack of pressure, they get some and force Morrow to take a interference call. Nice to see a call come our way. Morrow went to the dressing rooom, so Ott sits in the box. Fuck all of them I say.

10:14 - Barnes has a mental hookup and gets a questionable call. Whatever. A 5-on-3 for the worst PP in the postseason (too busy to back that up right now). I think they have 90 seconds on it too. I won't insult your intelligence to say how big this is...

10:16 - Sorry, its only 30 seconds on the five on three. Jumped the gun again. Wishful thinking...

10:22 - Nothing going on the powerplay still, but they are outshooting Dallas 10-1 this period. That's a start...

10:26 - The officiating is clearly starting to suck. I've counted at least two missed Dallas penalties in the past 4 minutes, so in that last scramble it's only fair they get called for something. The Vancouver pressure has to cash in.

10:29 - ...and cash in they did. Henrik Sedin was left alone in front of Turco...not sure who passed it, let's guess Daniel, but I don't give a shit. Fuck you Turco. Fuck you Dallas. 1-1 tie 'ballgame' (Beezer just called it that, so why can't i?)

10:33 - It may have taken all season, but Alex Burrows finally did something worthwhile: he pissed off Morrow enough to have the latter take a call and negate the man advantage. Huge Burrows, I don't hate you temporarily.

10:36 - Did I just watch two Canucks slam into each other on a 4-on-4 rush? It MUST be a game seven.

10:39 - Linden just missed the lower corner stick side. Damn. Mr Canuck getting the lead would be beautiful. Shit, a lead would be a beautiful.

10:42 - That second period was precisely what Vigneault and every fan wanted. The Canucks tie it, are forcing the game on a depleted Dallas D (yes, Zubov is that important, sorry Klemm) and they'l l start the third on the power play. 20 minutes...this is shaping up to be a classic.

10:59 - Third period pending...here we go.

11:01 - Power play is over and Modano had a great chance but missed it. Expect to see Modano, Lindros and Morrow leading the charge this period. That's an impressive line no doubt.

11:05 - Canucks head to their 7th man advantage. It would be poetic to get the go ahead goal on their shit power play skillz of this series.

11:08 - I've seriously lost count with our power play futility. We're one for a zillion.

11:12: The Sedins again draw a power play. Let's go for one for a zillion and one! No just kidding...let's just blow the roof off GM Place with a goal.

11:14 - Do you want a beautiful sight? A power play goal for Mr. Canuck. Wow. I can't even scream, it's just a view to behold. 2-1 Canucks with 13:00 left.

11:16 - Fuck you Nagy, it's called boarding. Call this shit.

11:21 - If anyone was curious what watching a game seven is like WITHOUT Dan Cloutier in net, Luongo just showed you. Absolutely robbing Stu Barnes. Sick. Less then ten minutes to go.

11:21 - Cowan takes another run at Lindros and gets a call. Can you blame him? Well, if the Canucks win, then no I can't. If they score though? I won't even entertain the thought...

11:26 - Wow, Luongo just grabbed someone. Shit, I've never seen him react. That's amazing, hopefully there's no call on that. I think it was Morrow.

11:27 - Another call against Dallas and Salo, who got drilled looks ok and is skating to the bench. We could absolutely ruin them now with a goal.

11:29 - Just kidding, you can't bury a team when your captain takes a hooking penalty. Time to calm down Lui, you'll be needed.

11:30 - The coaches are going to have their heads explode. Dallas takes another call now, so it's a 4 on 3 for a bit and then Vancouver will have a power play for about 15 seconds. The Sedins have answered the call tonight, good or bad outcome.

11:33 - Fuck this is getting hard to comment on. Good tries on both ends of the power play then Linden with a great chance on a lucky bounce and now one to two players will go off for something or other. The refs have been busy in the past 35 minutes.

11:36 - Linden goes for diving (??) and Lindros goes for being a general pain in the ass. 4 on 4 with 4 left. That's poetic.

11:37 - An open net for Modano becomes a cling of the post. Wow, this is going to be a crazy end...

11:41 - Turco to the bench. Here we go, can they hang on? 90 seconds left to the second round...

11:44 - What's up Brian Burke? We'll be seeing you shortly. 3-1 Canucks on a Pyatt empty netter. It's amazing this team did it.

11:44 - Er, they're not done. 4-1 Canucks on Smoke's empty netter.

11:47 - That's it everyone. Everyone counted them out and they still, despite a bad first, made something out of nothing. It made me proud to see crowd salute both goalies as they meet at center ice. Take nothing away from Dallas. Three shutouts? That's amazing. They played a hell of a series. With Zubov in there, I'm not sure we could have won tonight. But that's a game seven for ya.

Postgame - I will save the bulk of my comments for tomorrow. But just a reminder that Linden now leads all active player in
game 7 points with 12. What more could you want from a guy who bleeds Canuck blue (or green or white or whatever)? And Luongo did his thing again. Every negative comment about the Sedins was answered. Naslund had a solid game too. They responded to Vigneault's comments. They came to play and, just like every game in this series (except six) the team that won used an aggressive forecheck to get the bounces to turn the tide.

The Ducks are next. For now, congrats Canuck fans! We live to see another day and it feels incredible.

47 comments:

Bethany said...

YAY you are liveblogging...I will be right here readin your commentary!!

Mike said...

I'll do my best...I'm ignoring Versus now so I can be more focused hopefully!

Bethany said...

What you don't like the Turco man love?

Mike said...

No, do you? Does anyone? Beezer just needs a hug or something...or maybe it's the start of a beautiful relationship. I don't know...just stop talking about it! Though it's tough to ignore as his shutout streak is simply sick right now.

Anonymous said...

Beezer is hot.

Bethany said...

I know...I wish he would break a leg or an ankle or pull his groin or anything really. But yeah the Turco love is making me sick...not as much as the Crosby love...by the way the refs suck....and I think you hate Turco as much as I do

Mike said...

Thank god we have a game now!

Bethany said...

Yeah I was busy playing matchmaker but I saw it but I rewound it...so no worries GO CANUCKS!

Mike said...

Matchmaker?? Are you on the cell with Beezer? You can admit it...hell, that'd be a great story!

Anonymous said...

Mike - Back again! Busy is an understatement.

Even though I'm not witnessing it, I say the Turco love is ok (I'm watching the local broadcast via Slingbox tonight) - There has been league-wide Luongo love for the last several years (deservedly so), and Turco has definitely delivered during this series, especially under all of the crap pressure from the last few playoff seasons.

Bethany said...

Haha well I am playing gay love maker.....it's for Beezer I will admit it...

Jordi said...

Goddamnit why can't Turco choke when you beg him to?

Bethany said...

Yeah who would have thought Turco would play decently?

Mike said...

Roddie - No I agree with you. Three shutouts? He deserves a ton of credit. More then Luongo although Lui deserves credit for keeping the Canucks relevant.

I am not suggesting Turco doesn't deserve due praise...but Versus...no Beezer...is just overboard with it. Even stoppage in play seems the comments just go back to him. The first period was a giant love in and he didn't do much, so it gets old quickly. Credit the defense or credit Tippett, but stop the constant Turco love.

At any rate, the third period should be a good one. Whoever wants to win is going to have to earn it.

Mike said...

Jordi - There is still time. I can't imagine his confidence is rattled that much, but who knows...let him keep wandering from the crease a bit more and who knows?

Bethany said...

I really need just a sudden outburst of goals from the Canucks for my sanity.

Anonymous said...

No doubt.

Just please no OT tonight - I'm out on the East coast this week and I need sleep.

Mike said...

Bethany - you and me both.

Roddie - you and me both too! Although I'm willing to go 9 OT's if that's what it takes.

Bethany said...

Roddie I am on the east coast too I can't handle another OT

Mike said...

Where are you Bethany and Roddie? Just curious...

Bethany said...

Cincinnati

Anonymous said...

Yeah - You'd be surprised how much difference the extra hour makes when I'm watching from home, on top of the comfort of being able to watch from bed, etc.

But sitting in a crappy hotel chair watching on my laptop really starts to become uncool after the first OT.

Ha - Henrik complaining about Halpern's continual cheating in the faceoffs (he cheats like a mofo.) And there's another penalty. !@#$

Anonymous said...

Mike - This week, DC. Home is Dallas, though.

Bethany said...

We got ourselves a hockey game...that we are winning!!!

Mike said...

Roddie - Welcome to my world. Well, without room services and the smell of a bad pool wafting through the lobby.

Bethany - Cincy eh? Nice. I like the Bengals if that counts for anything. They've done great things for my fantasy teams over the years.

Anonymous said...

Nagy's too weak to board effectively - That's called pushing.

Bethany said...

Oh the Bengals....I have a love hate relationship with them...as I do with most of the Cincinnati teams. But, Luongo is amazing...i just wow...

Mike said...

Roddie - You think, win or lose, that Nagy trade was good for you guys?

Bethany said...

LUONGO IS MY HERO.....

Mike said...

Bethany - Yeah, it's amazing what not having Cloutier in there can feel like.

Bethany said...

Haha Luongo just showed some Cloutier ness with the aggressiveness...if you can say that...goodness all these penalties are killin me

Anonymous said...

Mike - he filled a roster spot and not much more. I don't think he hurt the team, but other than a flash here and there, I'm not impressed. I want to say the same about the Lindros signing, but I've always been a big Lindros fan and I'm more sad that it didn't work out than anything.

The Ribeiro trade, however, was Army's biggest move this season.

Mike said...

Ribiero was great for you guys. Montreal just wanted him out of there.

I agree about Lindros even though I dislike him vehemently. He started off great for you. Not a bad gamble at all for you guys.

Bethany said...

CONGRATS!!

Anonymous said...

Good game, all! I'm glad we forced a game 7, and I'm glad Turco played the way he did (though I'm sure he'll be blamed for the empty-net goals tonight), but it doesn't make it easy.

Good luck against the *quack* Ducks!

Mike said...

Roddie - Seriously it would be a shame if Turco gets run out of town. He's still got it; that one save in game five at the end of the first was incredible. I haven't even begun to look at the Ducks yet...

Bethany - Thank god! Now, maybe a second to breathe before we have to think about how to fight the Ducks. Ugh

Anonymous said...

Mike - I'm not too worried about Turco's status with the team, but I do think (hope) most of the media BS that's followed him the last couple of years about the playoffs will go away.

Looking at Turco and Luongo's stats for the 7 games, and I'm just shocked at how awesome they both were. Luongo beat him in only one stat, wins, the one that counts the most.

Plenty of time for that, though - Congrats Canucks fans! I don't think there's anyone left in the playoffs that I'm allowed to cheer for except for maybe the Rangers!

jacksonh said...

Well mike, I was at an AHL game that went into overtime tonight, so I missed most of your "live" blog. Unfortunately (for your blog), I have now deemed it unlucky to read your blog during the game, and won't be reading in game until the canucks lose again.

BTW, The line juggling was great tonight. Vinny really pulled through and deserves some major props.

Mike said...

Roddie - Yeah, it's going be tough to top three shutouts and the stats associated with that, but it really was a great match between both netminders. It annoys me to hear people say the series was boring because, really, both goalies made it entertaining. Turco definitely earned a break from any further scrutiny about his play after this.

Jacksonh - True, I've covered some bad games in that first round. I haven't really thought about how bad the second round will be just yet but I'll liveblog as many of them as I can. Not that first game on Wednesday though, so you're off the hook :) How was the AHL game?

jacksonh said...

Mike, we lost in overtime. Which was awesome, I was secretly praying that we would lose so I wouldn't use up any of my good luck points for the night. I had to keep cheering for them though, so the good luck gods wouldn't know what I was up to.

Amazing to be able to see world class hockey for $10 (plus $60 in beer) though.

I also lost $20 earlier today and secretly thought to myself "sweet, that's the bad luck for the day".

You've gotten stuck with some shit games mike, but you've made me laugh even in the low times. The Sopel stuff kills me, my dad and I used to bitch about him all the time.

Question for you. I am thinking of flying west for one of the Ducks-Nucks games, in Anaheim (you can still get tickets on ticketmaster). Would you go to 1, 2 or 4? I was thinking of just planning on 7, not a bad bet.

Mike said...

I don't think you can go wrong with any of those actually. Game 1 I think will be great because both teams will be getting to know each other and there's a chance for more goals, fights, what have you. But if you're making that long haul, I'd gun for game 4 likely since at least you get a game at GM Place and that alone, to me, is worth. I've never been there but the atmosphere has got to be numbing once there.

Of course, the downside is they could be 0-for-3 by the time that game rolls around. So I'd knock off 2 and aim or 1 or 4, whichever is cheaper!

Mike said...

And, oh yeah, I still don't trust Sopel. He'll need a game winner to gain my trust...until then, he's just a guy who should not be fucking up plays deep in his zone, something he's about 50/50 on in the first round.

Mike said...

I apologize for the shitty english in all of my posts. Blame beer and rum, it's a one two punch.

Jenny said...

WOO HOO! :D

GO CANUCKS !

LINDEN = CAPTAIN CANUCK!

jacksonh said...

The funny thing about Sopel, is I apparently look exactly like him. Any time I am back at home and walking around down I hear people walking by saying "hey was that Sopel?". Makes me like the guy, but man can he play stupid in his own end. He's one of those guys that I think is underrated overall, but still scares the shit out of me.

oh and i screwed up. i meant one, two five. I've been to GM place plenty of times, and would love to go this year (and will when they make the finals) but right now, it's too expensive. Plus I've always wanted to be that one guy in the crowd cheering for the other team.

Mike said...

You're a brave guy; I'd gun for game one then!

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