VANCOUVER -- The hatred is here. It?s the kind of dislike that usually takes three or four games in a playoff series to develop. But emotions ran high in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup finals between the Bruins and Canucks, and they haven?t cooled. A biting incident will do that, but there?s more to it.
?There seems to be a lot of hatred right now,? Bruins forward Brad Marchand. ?What we?re fighting for overall, guys are willing to do whatever it takes, trying to hurt each other?whatever it takes to win that Cup.?
That chippiness is just one of the key story lines heading into Saturday night?s Game 2, including:
The Bruins emerging as the underdog
Considering Game 1 was tied for all but the final 18.5 seconds, the gap isn?t incredibly large between these two teams. But with two days off to overanalyze the opening game, the Canucks-as-heavy-favorites story line continues to gain momentum.
?You know, it?s clear that you guys aren?t giving us much of a chance,? Milan Lucic said on Friday. ?Just got to do whatever we can to prove people wrong.?
Zdeno Chara?s new role on the Boston power play
The Bruins power play has been brutal during the playoffs but Boston liked the look 6-9 Zdeno Chara gave playing in front of Roberto Luongo. It didn?t result in a goal, but it could be the fix that finally leads to power play success.
?It?s a little bit different from being on the point,? Chara said. ?But I think the main purpose of the whole thing is the same: you have to be willing to do whatever it takes.?
The potential return of Manny Malhotra
Malhotra was cleared for contact and participated in a full practice on Friday. He will see how he feels following Saturday?s morning skate and make a decision on his status before the game.
?I realize the intensity of play has picked up since I last played,? Malhotra said. ?This is not me wanting to have a sentimental shift out there, be a part of it all. It?s a fact that I feel I could contribute something to the team.?
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