Stanley Cup Game 4: Keys plus prediction
The Vancouver Canucks and Boston Bruins continue their thrilling Stanley Cup Finals on Wednesday night and we’re giving you the keys to victory and a game prediction.
Vancouver won the first two close contests at home (1-0, 3-2 OT), with Boston exploding for an 8-1 home win on Monday.
As of Wednesday morning, the Game 4 odds had Boston as -125 favorites with a total of five goals (over -140).
1) Thomas staying conservative. Goaltender Tim Thomas has been incredible this series with a 1.67 GAA, but gave up crucial goals the first two games. He played more conservatively on Monday, not coming out of the crease nearly as much. That formula will work well tonight.
2) Win it for Horton. The Bruins had to watch one of their best players, Nathan Horton, get carried off in a stretcher after a vicious late hit by defenseman Aaron Rome (now suspended for the series). Winning for their fallen comrade will keep Boston hungry all series.
3) Stay Aggressive. Vancouver had more hits in the first two games combined (70-62) and they’re underrated in that category. The angry Bruins won the hit battle last game (40-31) and need to be the more physical team tonight, while avoiding dumb penalties if possible.
1) Luongo bounce-back. Goalie Roberto Luongo was brilliant the first two games, allowing two goals. He let up all eight in Game 3 and it was surprising he wasn’t pulled by coach Alain Vigneault. Luongo’s mental psyche is definitely in question tonight and we’ll see how he bounces back, especially if he lets up an early goal.
2)
3) Wake up Henrik Sedin. Henrik and Daniel Sedin have been with the Canucks since 2000, but this is their first Stanley Cup Finals. The best players on each team have to step up to win a Stanley Cup. Daniel has a goal and an assist this series, while Henrik has been shutout. Both need to play well tonight. Boston (-125) stays angry and ties up the series heading into Friday.