SI.com: Biting during fight, last-minute goal highlight Stanley Cup gameCNN news blog editor
It took 69 shots and more than two hours, but when all was said and done the Stanley Cup finals opener went to the Canucks, courtesy of a last-minute goal by Raffi Torres. Vancouver beat the Bruins 1-0 at home and as SI.com's Sarah Kwak explains, an improved third period paved the way for the Canucks Game 1 victory.
"In a cleaner third period, Vancouver seemed to play better without the interruptions and distractions that come with taking penalties,” Kwak writes. “The whistles were active early, and the animosity took no time to develop between the two teams that have met just three times in the last three years. Little history, but no lack of dramatics."
Perhaps the most dramatic moment of Game 1 came early during a post-first period brawl, when Canucks winger Alexandre Burrows was seen biting down on Bruins center Patrice Bergeron's finger. Burrows denied the incident, despite Bergeron sporting a bandage on his finger after the game.
Up tonight:
Miami Heat vs. Dallas Mavericks (9:00 p.m., ET) – A torn tendon in his finger isn't expected to hinder Mavs' star Dirk Nowitzki when the team heads into Game 2 of the NBA Finals Thursday night. Miami leads the series 1-0.
By The Numbers
19 – Number of seasons Shaquille O' Neal spent in the NBA. Shaq announced his retirement yesterday, via Twitter. Jack McCallum looks back at Shaq's colorful career.
6.5 – Number of points Ricky Rubio has averaged this season for Regal Barcelona. After two-years of negotiation, the point guard will head to the Minnesota Timberwolves for the '11-12 season.
12 – Number of times, in the Open era, that the top four seeded men have reached the semifinals at a Grand Slam tournament. Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal will all square off in this year's French Open.
Via: This Just In
