NHL: Bruins Win and Vancouver Riots After Explosive Game 7

The Boston Bruins ended a 39 year wait to lift the Stanley Cup with a big time 4-0 victory on the road. Some Vancouver Canucks fans sadly didn’t take the defeat in their stride as violent scenes erupted across the city in the wake of the defeat.

Thomas earned this one
Tim Thomas has seen it all in his Hockey career. The Bruins’ goaltender wasn’t even on the radar for NHL betting fans for half his professional career as he spent time working his way up to make it to the big time. In 2011 we’ve seen just how good Thomas can be as he deservedly won the Conn Smythe Trophy for a truly outstanding display throughout the post-season. He had some off nights but not many and he saved his final gem for the game that mattered most.

In Game 7 he was simply perfect. True he got some help from his defense when his wild style left him seemingly open but there’s just no arguing with a line of 37 saves from 37 shots. I criticized Thomas for leaving too many second chance opportunities earlier in the playoffs but sometimes you’ve got to play fast and loose to get it done. That wild style may be unconventional but it spurred on his team mates throughout the playoffs. Thomas was outstanding in terms of sheer clutch performance and by all statistical measures.

Madness ensues
The scenes in Vancouver after the game were, to say the least, unfortunate. Everyone understands that the Canucks’ fans were devastated by the loss but some of their supporters used that pain as an excuse to commit despicable acts. The carnage was like something out of a post-apocalyptic movie, with rioters revelling in the mess they had created. For the majority of Vancouver fans, who handled themselves with dignity, this was salt in the wound. It’s bad enough to lose a big game but to then see scenes of smoke rising from your city’s streets get beamed around the world is even worse.

The physical damage caused by the perpetrators to property will take some time to clean up. The emotional scar of what they did will last even longer. The next time the Canucks make a deep playoff run, fans will hope for the best but fear what might happen if things don’t go to plan. For the real fans, this was a day to forget.