Every spring the attention of the Simpson family turns to the Stanley Cup playoffs, which to our mind remains the best postseason in professional sports. Two nights ago, the Vancouver Canucks faced off against the defending Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks in Chicago, with Vancouver holding on to a 3-2 series lead after taking the first three games and dropping the next two. The story line of the series from the Vancouver point of view was whether this talented team of skaters and their goalie, Roberto Luongo, would finally be able to realize their promise and make a serious bid for the Stanley Cup (this same narrative holds true for the San Jose Sharks). Canucks coach Alain Vigneault decided to shake things up for Game Six, naming backup goalie Cory Schneider to start in net. This was a controversial decision, drawing differing commentary from various broadcasters and analysts.
By the second period the tone had changed. Continue reading
Crossroads 