Stanley Cup-Game 5 Pregame

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Ready for the Game in Vancouver? Peter Gegick has you covered, with some thoughts before the action begins.

Ten thoughts on Game 5 that don’t involve the words “Please let there be a goalie fight.”

#1) Luongo or Schneider?

It’s amazing that this is even being brought up. After all, Luongo has been the man in goal, and was harder to beat than Tetris in Games 1 and 2.

But the last two games, he’s been downright average, to the point that he’s earned the hook twice(he didn’t get it in Game 3) and hasn’t really looked like himself. Meanwhile, Schneider stopped everything in his brief(very, very brief) moments of action.

So who should start Game 5? Schneider, for three reasons.

a)The game is in Vancouver, which means that the raucous crowd will be behind Schneider’s every save

b) Schneider has the talent to play at this stage of the Finals.

c) The change gives everyone a chance to refocus. From Alberts to Torres, the team hasn’t looked like the President’s Trophy winners who ran through the field in February and March.

Starting Schneider could be the break the team needs to round back into form.

#2)

Going along with #1, doesn’t that bring up new thoughts about Canuck fans? After all, this guy just backstopped the team to the Finals and has been the saving grace on the back end, and you decide to give his getting pulled a standing O?

Doesn’t he deserve a little better than that?

3)

Remember those cards that are being sent to Dan Hamhuis saying things like “Get Well Soon!”? Well, soon has become the operative word in that sentence. He needs to be in the lineup for the Canucks to have a chance.

4)

Never thought I’d say the sentence, “Ryan Kesler and Alex Burrows are collectively losing their shit,” again. But both have proven me wrong.

Those two need to straighten out their heads if they want to win this series. It’s time to stop focusing on retaliation and start focusing on putting the puck in the net.

5) Brad Marchand

Bill Simmons brought up a great point about Marchand in his column about the Bruins for Grantland.

“As my dad says, "We never have guys like him," one of those annoyingly talented pests who gets away with dirty plays when the officials aren't looking, always seems to be in the right place at the right time, plays his ass off, isn't afraid of anyone, and genuinely pisses off other teams.”

And he’s right. Marchand is doing his bit to drive the Canucks insane. His point production, (2 goals and an assist) is as important as his terrier-like abilities. He’s a key to the team’s success.

6) Tim Thomas

Did anyone think that we’d be talking about Thomas as the most consistent goalie in these playoffs? Anyone?

Not too shabby for a guy who’s spent more than his share of time overseas and in the minors. He’s been the backbone and emotional heart of this Bruins team. If he keeps this up, it could be a piece de resistance for the record books.

7) Rich Peverly and Michael Ryder

Sure, the Bruins can’t replace Nathan Horton’s physicality. But they can try to replace everything else.

Peverly brings in the hands and vision, while Ryder brings a wrist shot that smokes its way into the top corner. They both played well in the other games and need to keep it up tonight.

8) On another note, did anyone in Vancouver think that the words “Man, I wish we had Aaron Rome in the lineup” would be spoken at any point during the season, let alone the Cup Finals?

Despite being older than Ryan Kesler, Rome’s been invaluable as the sixth defenseman on this Canucks team. He brought a grit and legitimate toughness to the backline, much like an Adam McQuaid or Deryk Engelland. He’s a guy that a winner needs on the roster.

So don’t think that the Horton hit was totally lopsided. Though Horton was important, Rome played a major role for a depleted defensive group. He’s going to be missed

9) Fatigue

I’ve heard the words “(Insert Canuck here) looks tired. He usually wins that battle,” at least three times in the last two games. That’s not good, especially when players usually take their games to another level.

Maybe the team needs some Gatorade, or some home cooking. But they better get it together, and quickly.

Otherwise, the Cup not going to leave Boston after Game 6

10) Daniel Paille, Shawn Thornton and Gregory Campbell

A quick couple of sentences on the most effective line on the Bruins. And yes, you’re reading that correctly.

The line knows that it’s job is to dump the puck, beat the opposing defense senseless and make life miserable for the other team.

So what’s happened since they’ve been reunited? Well, Kesler and Burrows have started their long march toward anger management classes, the entire Canucks defense looks beat, and they’ve scored just as many goals as the Sedin twins.

Even though none is ever going to be confused for a superstar, these three role players are what the Bruins need tonight. Another big game out of them, and Vancouver could be grasping at straws in Game 6.