Caught up in all the grilling, swimming and heat, it’s hard to even think about hockey. It’s a winter sport, as evident through the surface they play on.

However, as the temperature heats up, so does the drama and excitement that comes with the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs. This year, the Boston Bruins represent the Eastern Conference, while the Vancouver Canucks are the best of the west.

Analysis

This year’s final is full of intriguing matchups. The Bruins are a big, physical team while the Canucks are a smaller, faster squad. The Canucks have some of the most talented offensive skaters in the game, with the Sedin twins and Ryan Kesler. The Bruins counter with a great defensive group, anchored by massive defenseman and captain Zdeno Chara. Between the pipes, both teams have spectacular goalies—Roberto Luongo for the ‘Nucks and Tim Thomas for the Bruins.

This series is really a mystery; both teams have steady arguments for why they should win. I think the key for both teams will be power play opportunities. Boston is woeful when it comes to having a man advantage, going 5-61 in the postseason. The Canucks, meanwhile, are 17-60.

If the Bruins penalty-killing unit is productive stopping the talented Canucks attack, I give the advantage to Boston. The Bruins have had trouble with smaller, faster teams all postseason, needing seven games to beat both Tampa Bay and Montreal, teams that fit the “smaller” mold. The Canucks survived some shaky goaltending in the first round, and have looked like the most dominant team in the playoffs since.

Prediction

My extended family on both sides lives in Boston. They all love hockey and are huge Bruins fans. So, I’m going with the Canucks in six games. I think they are too talented, and this is their year. I hope I’m still accepted at the annual family Christmas party.