Pinball Wizard said:
Although I did hear Cloutier make reference to the quality of his team... in quite a demeaning tone to the Flames. So in that respect I don't think it's all the media and Calgary supporters making claims about the Canucks' chances.
I obviously didn't see the interview, but what I meant was that the Canucks aren't the ones making themselves out to be the
underdogs in this series. From what you say, it sounds Cloutier was, if anything, saying the opposite - that the Flames are the underdogs. Now this isn't good either, but it's a completely different accusation.
To elaborate on the point, perhaps to take it one step further and to the right (or left...I'm on the other side of the world, don't forget
), I think if all things are equal - that is, if the Canucks equal the Flames desperation, intensity and work ethic - it will be the team who has the most talent that will come out on top. The law of averages will have to take over at some point, if the Canucks meet this work ethic/desperation criteria. And if they do, the Canucks will win this series....but that's a big
IF.
Secondly, the Canucks have just lost Cloutier, maybe for the rest of the playoffs. I find it odd how so many Canucks fans are now completely beside themselves with glee, thinking their saviour Hedberg has finally come to the rescue (despite him falling apart several times during the season)...and that Cloutier, so completely horrible that he is - despite coming off three 30 win seasons in a row, something that besides him only Brodeur has ever done - has done them this huge favour by getting injured. For me, the jury is out on Hedberg. He could take the Canucks far, or he could collapse. This injury could either make or break the Canucks, I suppose. I'm still betting on the former.
PS. Cujo, why have you changed your prediction from "Flames in seven" to "won't speculate"?