Blackhawks vs. Canucks: Who has the edge?

Who has the edge?

Offense

The Canucks led NHL with 262 goals and were first on the power play. Daniel Sedin led the league in scoring with 104 points while Henrik Sedin finished with 94 points and Ryan Kesler 41 goals.

But the Hawks had 258 goals themselves and own as much firepower as anyone with a fearsome big four of Jonathan Toews, Patrick Sharp, Patrick Kane and Marian Hossa.

Edge: Even

Defense

Both blue lines are excellent, mobile, and go six deep. Nobody allowed fewer goals than the Canucks’ 185, which is 40 fewer than the Hawks.

From a team defense standpoint, the Canucks were more consistent during the season with Kesler the leading candidate to win the Selke Trophy as the league’s top defensive forward.

Edge: Canucks

Goaltending

Luongo has considerably more playoff experience than Hawks rookie Corey Crawford, which has to be taken into account. Crawford played in some important games down the stretch in the regular season, but the playoffs are a different animal.

Don’t believe the Hawks are in Luongo’s head after the last two postseasons. The Hawks must be willing to get to the net hard, and not only count on Toews to do it.

Edge: Canucks

Special teams

The Canucks were No. 1 on the power play and No. 3 in penalty killing. The Hawks were fourth on the power play but 25th in killing penalties, which has to be an area of concern coming into the series.

Edge: Canucks

Intangibles

Neither team will be worried about playing on the road. The Hawks actually embrace going into hostile Rogers Arena.

Joel Quenneville has won the matchup battle with Canucks coach Alain Vigneault the last two postseasons.

The Hawks have their Stanley Cup, have been through the battles and know what it takes to win it. The Canucks are under enormous pressure from their fans and media to win their Cup.

Edge: Hawks

Sassone’s prediction: Canucks in seven games