This isn't a close matchup at all.
Vancouver is the juggernaut of the Western Conference Playoffs. They ousted their long-time playoff hang-up, the Chicago Blackhawks, in the first round and outslopped the Nashville Predators in the second. The Conference Finals were where Vancouver really turned it on, and they handily defeated the #2 seeded San Jose Sharks in five games.
With over a week off between the last game of the Western Conference Finals and the first of the Stanley Cup Finals, the Vancouver Canucks will certainly be more rested from their foes on the East Coast, the Boston Bruins.
Boston's road to the finals was a difficult one being taken to seven games in the first round by Montreal. Then after a quick sweep of the defending Eastern Conference Champion Philadelphia Flyers, Boston had another grueling seven-game series against the upstart Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Bruins face a long road in this series as well, literally and figuratively. Such a distance physically separates Boston and Vancouver, an entire continent, and the Canucks have home-ice. Also there is a severe talent gap between them and the Presidents' Trophy-winning team. Vancouver has the edge in forward play, overall defensivemen play, and special teams. Boston may have the goalie advantage with Tim Thomas, but you absolutely cannot look past Roberto Luongo.
Yet to face a team a team this playoffs as deep offensively, defensively, or with as hot a goalie, I do not like Boston's chances to end their 39-year championship drought. Instead I like Vancouver to win their first Stanley Cup in franchise history.
Prediction: Canucks in 5
--from @jeuneski
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