Clash of Styles

In Vancouver and Bostons first meeting since the 2011 Stanley Cup finals, fans were treated to an exciting back and forth game that showcased two of the leagues finest, and their different styles that allow them to be the best.

In Boston you have your "old-school" type of hockey. Very physical, in your face, drive hard to the net and make their opponents earn every inch. On the other end of the rink you have the finesse game of the Canucks, who skate fast, move the puck well and capitalize on the power-plays that their style of play earns them.

Vancouver managed to keep their composure in what turned out to be a physical, hard earned 4-3 win. The difference...4 goals from the powerplay.

Boston came out with their usual physical intimidating style and immediately tried to get Vancouver off it's game. Unfortunately in the first real scrum of the day they ended up two men short, and by the end of it...one goal down. A blocked shot ended up on Ryan Keslers stick who had most of the net to shoot at.

The Bruins pushed back and took the lead. Marchand driving hard to the net tied the game, and a turnover forced by Puliot allowed Peverly to give Boston the lead. Vancouver stayed to their roots and soon found themselves on the PP again, where a Cody Hodgson shot deflected of Burrows and into the net. 4 goals in and each team is scoring in their typical fashion.

Boston continued to walk the fine line of physicalality and eventually found themselves on the wrong end again. A dangerous hit from Brad Marchand, who clipped Salo on a real low hip-check, gave the ever-dangerous Vancouver PP 5 minutes to work with. It proved costly.

Before the 2nd was up Henrik Sedin tied it on a slap pass deflection, and on the same power-play just 69 seconds into the third, Hodson blasted a slapshot past Thomas to give Vancouver the lead again.

Boston scored midway through the third to make it interesting but couldn't generate much with the net empty.

When you talk stylistic matchups it doesn't get much better than the double edge sword these two teams play. When things get physical, gritty and hard hitting the Bruins are able to push the Canucks around and have their way (see 2011 SCF games 3,4,6,7). But when the Canucks can get their speed going, draw penalties, and capitalize, it's tought to stop them (see game today).

It's a shame that these two teams only play once because with the way both teams play you know it's going to be a good game. Both teams sit atop their divisions for a reason and both are expected to have long playoff runs. Each will do it using styles that although opposite each other, prove dangerous, and effective.