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On a roll, Vancouver awaits Boston

It has been a good stretch for hockey in Vancouver. And it could get even sweeter in the next two weeks, as the Canucks play home-ice host for the Stanley Cup Finals that begin Wednesday.

It has been a good stretch for hockey in Vancouver. And it could get even sweeter in the next two weeks, as the Canucks play home-ice host for the Stanley Cup Finals that begin Wednesday.

Just a little more than a year ago, Vancouver was the scene of the Winter Olympics.

Team Canada won gold in hockey by beating the United States in overtime, thanks in large part to the backstopping of Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo.

Just 16 months later, Luongo has a chance to help his NHL squad win its first championship.

The Canucks had the best record in the league in the regular season and will try to be the first team to win the Presidents' Trophy (for best record) and Stanley Cup in the same season since Detroit in 2008.

But they'll try against a team they have beaten just 25 times in 108 games.

The Boston Bruins will do their best to rain on the Pacific Northwest parade.

They won the teams' only meeting this season, 3-1, in Vancouver. Boston was led in that game by Vancouver native Milan Lucic, who had a goal and two assists.

Boston has been a steady, hardworking team all season, and it will have to stay tough to win its first Cup in 39 years.

The Bruins rely heavily on netminder Tim Thomas, who has given up one goal in three career games against Vancouver.

Thomas is in his first Finals at age 37. He won the Vezina Trophy for best goalie two years ago, and he has been unflappable in helping the Bruins win.

Senators signing. Forward Louie Caporusso has signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Ottawa Senators.

Thrashers' sale. The Atlanta Thrashers' sale to a group that would move the team to Winnipeg could be complete this week, possibly as early as Tuesday.

The Thrashers' owners are in negotiations with True North Sports and Entertainment, which would relocate the team to Winnipeg.