Stanley Cup Playoffs, day 42: Canucks can clinch

In the NHL tonight, the Vancouver Canucks have the opportunity to advance to the Stanley Cup Finals this evening, as they lead the San Jose Sharks three games to one in their best-of-seven Western Conference Final.

The Canucks seem to have a hard time closing out series, though: So far in the playoffs, they're just 2-4 in elimination games, allowing the Chicago Blackhawks to come within a hair of knocking them out, and even letting the Nashville Predators back into the series a little bit. Can they get it done on the first try this series?

It won't be easy for the Sharks to come back, though, with Joe Thornton fighting through an apparent injury after he was nailed by Raffi Torres last game. Their depth is still strong, but with Dany Heatley really struggling and Thornton's injury, their top line has been decimated. They're going to be in tough.

Outside of the NHL, the AHL's Western Conference Final will (finally) conclude this evening, as the Hamilton Bulldogs and Houston Aeros face-off in game seven of their series tonight.

The Binghamton Senators have been sitting around for nearly awaiting the winner of the Western final, who they'll be playing against in the Calder Cup Final. The Bulldogs, AHL affiliate of the Montreal Canadiens, have made a monumental comeback after going down 3-0 to Houston (the Minnesota Wild's affiliate). They've tied the series, and have earned themselves an opportunity to advance with just one more win.

Join us here to talk about either or both games this evening.