A few Canucks and Bruins tidbits
Is it possible that Boston goalie Tim Thomas could still win the Conn Smythe Trophy if the Bruins lose to the Canucks, like J.S. Giguere in 2003 with Anaheim and Ron Hextall with the Flyers in 1987 when he carried Philadelphia to Game 7 against the Oilers? Absolutely. He has only given up six goals in his last six playoff games. Only four losing goalies have been named playoff MVP since ’65. Glenn Hall and Roger Crozier were the others in the 60s.
— If the Canucks are two defencemen down (Dan Hamhuis and Aaron Rome), and Keith Ballard has fallen to No. 9 on the depth chart, I’d say his days with Vancouver are numbered. With rookie Chris Tanev coming in for Game 5, over a six-year NHL veteran, that’s a kick in the gut with hobnailed boots. “Tanev will be a top-four defenceman in short order. He can move the puck and he’s solid in his end,” said one NHL scout. Trying to trade Ballard’s three years left on his contract — at $4.2 million per year — is hugely problematic.http://www.edmontonjournal.com/sports/hockey/edmonton-oilers/hockey-world/Matty+Short+Shifts/4932597/story.html