Around the Smylosphere: Hope, Optimism and Fixing that Damn Powerplay

by J.J. Guerrero · April 15, 2012

We all know the numbers. After losing the first 2 games at home, the Canucks trail the Kings 0-2 in this Western Conference Quarterfinal Series with the next 2 games in La-la land. The odds of coming back from a series deficit as such is small. Only 16 of 99 teams have lost the first 2 games at home of an NHL first round series, and then come back to win it.

It’s a steep climb, but it’s not impossible. The Carolina Hurricanes did it against the Montreal Canadiens in 2006, and the ‘Canes went on to win the Stanley Cup that season. Ditto the Boston Bruins, who did it last season, also against the Habs.

Alix pretty much hit it in the head when, after Game 2, she tweeted, “Of course the universe would make us look to Boston for inspiration. LOL.”

Unfortunately, the Canucks aren’t playing the Habs, but let’s not lose hope just yet. Certainly, things are still sounding pretty optimistic around the Smylosphere:

It’s good to see there’re still a lot of people on the bandwagon. (Mike Raptis, Vancouver Province)

Believe it or not, the Canucks may have actually been the better team in this series. Certainly, they have been 5-on-5. (Nucks Misconduct)

Once the top-ranked powerplay in the league, the Canucks are 0-for-10 with the man-advantage in this series and gave up 2 shorthanded goals in Game 2. It’s obvious oppposing teams have figured them out. (Legion of Blog)

So how to fix the PP? (Pass It To Bulis)

Is Samme the answer? (Jim Jamieson, Vancouver Province)

Considering the history of this franchise, it’s astonishing that the Canucks have never lost the first 2 games of a playoff series at home. (Iain MacIntyre, Vancouver Sun)

With no reinforcements – i.e. Daniel Sedin – in sight, the Canucks have to dig deep. Like Marianas Trench deep. (Ed Willes, Vancouver Province)

Who starts Game 3? Better yet, who should? (Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province)

Here’s something to cling on to: In their first round series against the San Jose Sharks last year, the Kings didn’t win a single home playoff game. (Rich Hammond, LA Kings Insider)