Vigneault, Higgins, Lapierre - Winning is becoming a HAB-it for Canucks !!!

The Canucks are aiming straight for the Cup and with their recent play, they are making believers out of the entire league.  The team which boasts superstars like Salo, Luongo and the Sedins; has a distinct Montreal taste to it.   Vancouver is a well balanced group which has the European flash with North American grit.  Kesler and Torres have been key components to the recent run but we tip our hat to Higgins and Lapierre as well.  These two recent acquisitions by the Canucks have the common thread of having played for the Montreal Canadiens.  

Playing for the Habs gave both players the tough skin to endure high pressure situations.  The playoffs are the ultimate pressure cooker for NHLers and Higgins and Lapierre have responded in a standout way for Vancouver.  When the Blackhawks were spooking the Canucks in the first round both these guys became leaders off and on the ice and gave them the edge to carry on.  Alain Vigneault ,who was the bench boss for the Habs at one time , obviously recognized the plus for playing for Montreal.  His acquisition of Lapierre and Higgins could prove to be the understated catalyst for a Canucks victory in the final for the Cup.  Nothing is guaranteed but we like the odds. 

Go Canucks !!!  Eat your heart out Montreal !!!    The Canucks have the winning Hab - it !!!

HEROES ARE MADE IN THE STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS !!!

The Stanley Cup is the center of the hockey universe.  Players from St-Petersburg to Sault St-Marie grow up dreaming of winning the Stanley Cup.  It is what they do when they get that chance that separates the heroes from the footnotes in hockey history.

This year has been no different.  Some very good performances are making fans go nuts while supposed superstars are dropping the ball.  Guys like Ovechkin, the Sedins and Scott Gomez have been big disappointments.  Their 2011 Stanley Cup highlight reels will be tucked away for no one to see.  However there are players on all remaining teams which deserve a shout out for stand up play.  

Ryan Kesler has been a standout for the Vancouver Canucks.  His relentless energy has led to many crucial goals in both series that the Canucks have played.  The guy is a role model for all him teammates.  Another unlikely Stanley Cup hero for the Canucks is Chris Higgins. Chris Higgins who is a cast off of the Montreal Canadiens has come back to life and showed a lot of character during the games against Chicago and Nashville.  His play in the corners and in front of the has set the bar for his team mates to follow.

Martin St-Louis and Sean Bergenheim are carrying the day for the Bolts.  These two have been lighting the lamp for Tampa Bay at a furious pace.  Their heroics help put away Pittsburgh and Washington which in theory should have buried the Lightning.  The win against Washington was especially important given that they pounded them out of the rink in four straight.  Boston should be next to face the TB LIghtning shooting gallery.  Tim Thomas is going to have to shine like never before if Boston hopes to compete.

Speaking of Tim Thomas he is the #1 reason the Bruins are still devouring the competition in this year's Stanley Cup race.   This guy had to outlast Carey Price and just the other night he faced a barrage of 50+ shots and still took down the Flyers.  This could be the year of Tim Thomas if Boston finds itself lone wolf standing at the end of this playoff race.  Tim Thomas is the epitome of hardnosed hockey.  he is a strong competitor who wants this for the fans and his teammates.  Time will tell how things turn out but his 2011 Stanley Cup performances will last in fans memories forever.