It’s just the beginnings of the Western Conference Finals and the Vancouver Canucks are fighting strong. A playoff that has been preluded since 1994, this NHL final is hockey history in the making.
What’s especially interesting about this year’s Western Conference Final series is the fact that both teams are from the West Coast and reside in the Pacific time zone, something that has never happened before in the history of the Western Conference.
This combination for playoffs had a potential once before in 1994, but unfortunately the San Jose Sharks didn’t make it to the finals—losing out to the Toronto Maple Leafs. This is what makes the NHL 2011 playoffs especially interesting as it is the first time California and Canada have met—both franchises hoping to win their first conference title and the Stanley Cup.
Since 1994, the West Coast has not had much hockey success. The Ducks of Anaheim won the Cup finals in 2007, but no other franchise in the past 17 years has been able to compete for the Stanley Cup. Finally the West Coast is showing its strength and we’ll be able to see either the Canucks or the Sharks competing for the championship.
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Fan wise, the Canucks may have the Sharks beat. An image of a female Canuck fan is making the Internet rounds today from last night’s game. Caught on TV, a Canucks fan is seen flashing Ben Eager while he was stuck in the Penalty Box. You can see a screenshot here, although it is something that isn’t safe for viewing while at work.
Overall, the West Coast Finals is an exciting series to watch with West Coast fans cheering for both sides of the game. The next round between the Canucks and Sharks is at six pm on May 20th. Who do you think will win the ultimate bragging rights?
