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Vancouver may have not wanted its series vs. Chicago to go seven games, but its first-round victory over an old playoff nemesis is just what it was playing for.

Canada's best hope to end its Cup drought is the Vancouver Canucks, and an American, Ryan Kesler, may be its biggest asset in getting there.

Patrick Kane has battled through adversity before on the big stage. Remember the Olympics? And just like Vancouver, the Hawks star promises to battle again at the Cup finals.

One thing was made very clear after Tuesday's Game 2 of the West finals: Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and Dustin Byfuglien are the best line in the playoffs right now.

So much for the theory NHL Olympians would be too tired for the postseason. The West finals feature 14 players who made the Vancouver trip, with countrymen now enemies.

CHICAGO -- There wasn't a moment of hesitation from Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville. Rookie netminder Antti Niemi will be back in goal for Game 2 on Monday night. "Antti's playing, no doubt," Quenneville said Sunday after choosing not to skate his...

This has the making of a long and entertaining series, but Pierre LeBrun smells a minor upset here with the Canucks prevailing over the Blackhawks.