CANUCKS Eliminate Blackhawks with OT goal in thrilling game seven

VANCOUVER - "Its a wonderful day for an exorcism!!"
Those were the words of CBC announcer Jim Hughson after the Vancouver Canucks avoided a playoff collapse of epic proportions and beat their nemesis Chicago Blackhawks 2-1 in overtime of game seven.
Hollywood could not have scripted a better finish to conclude the rivalry between Chicago and Vancouver. The Canucks led more than 90 percent in game seven, when Alex Burrows scored in the first three minutes of the game, but Chicago silenced the crowd when captain Johnathan Toews scored his first goal of the series shorthanded with only 1:30 left in the third period. Luongo lost the shutout at the worst possible time.
Vancouver's aggressive pursuit of the puck showed they wanted to win this game more than any other they have played to this point. Despite winning the physical battle and out shooting the Blackhawks, the game had to be decided in overtime. The pressure on the Canucks was felt in the arena as well as all over Canada. I was literally on the end of my seat watching this dramatic action packed overtime period. Luongo surrendered a goal in overtime in game six, a game he came into cold off the bench. It was hard to feel confident in a do or die situation against a Blackhawk team that has had Luongo's number and knocked the Canucks out of the playoffs the last two seasons.
Vancouver was dealt a blow early in overtime when Burrows was called for a hooking penalty, but the Canucks killed the penalty and Burrows would redeem himself. Then came the play that will be replayed in Canucks history. Back in Vancouver's offensive zone Burrows jumped up to knock down the puck off a turnover from Blackhawk defender John Campoli, stakes in alone and blasts a rocket slap shot over the shoulder of goalie Cory Crawford for the game-winning goal. As soon as I saw that puck hit the net, I jumped in jubilation celebrating a remarkable series win. Canucks bounce back and wins game seven 2-1 in overtime, eliminating their nemesis, defending Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks. Burrows scored both goals for the Canucks in a game defined by stellar goal tending by both teams.
Vancouver's second line forwards controlled the offense with Burrows moving to play with center Ryan Kesler and Mason Raymond on the left side. The Kesler and Burrows connection worked early and both played tough defensively to limit Chicago's attacks.
Burrows has a chance early in the third period to put the game out of reach when he was pulled down on a breakaway to the net. On the play, he smashed into the goal as the referee raised his hand signaling a penalty shot. With fans screaming and waving their white towels, Burrows skated up and took his shot, directly into Crawford to keep it a one goal game.
Then things looked bad when Chicago tied it late. As a fan, it is gut-wrenching for your team to be so close to overcoming their dragon and once again face elimination. Finally, the puck dropped right for Vancouver and now they can move in their pursuit of the Stanley Cup. Next up, Nashville Predators.  As the playoffs continue, goal-tending and defense is what the difference will be between victory and defeat.