A wild west final
A photographic look at the opening game in the NHL's Western Conference final between Vancouver and San Jose
San Jose Sharks defenseman Niclas Wallin (L) is hit into the boards by Vancouver Canucks left wing Raffi Torres in the first period during Game 1 of their NHL Western Conference final hockey playoff game in Vancouver, British Columbia May 15, 2011. REUTERS/Andy ClarkANDY CLARK/Reuters
Canucks fans endure the rain at CBC plaza while watching the first game of the NHL's Western Conference final against the Vancouver Canucks and the San Jose Sharks in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, May 15, 2011. Rafal Gerszak for The Globe and MailRafal Gerszak/The Globe and Mail
San Jose Sharks goalie Antti Niemi makes a pad save on Vancouver Canucks right wing Jannik Hansen during the second period. REUTERS/Andy ClarkANDY CLARK/Reuters
San Jose Sharks' Niclas Wallin, right, of Sweden, checks Vancouver Canucks' Ryan Kesler during the first period. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl DyckDARRYL DYCK/The Canadian Press
San Jose Sharks goalie Antti Niemi (31) makes a glove save as defenseman Ian White (C) checks Vancouver Canucks left wing Christopher Higgins (20) in the first period. REUTERS/Ben NelmsBEN NELMS/Reuters
San Jose Sharks' Patrick Marleau celebrates teammate Joe Thornton's goal against Vancouver Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo during the first period. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan HaywardJONATHAN HAYWARD/The Canadian Press
San Jose Sharks' Douglas Murray, of Sweden, left, looks on as as Vancouver Canucks' Ryan Kesler holds his eye after the two crashed into each other during the first period. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan HaywardJONATHAN HAYWARD/The Canadian Press
Patrick Marleau #12 of the San Jose Sharks congratulates teammate Joe Thornton #19 after Thornton scored against the Vancouver Canucks in the first period. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)Harry How/Getty Images
San Jose Sharks goalie Antti Niemi loses his stick as he looks for the puck, as teammate Dany Heatley checks Vancouver Canucks centre Henrik Sedin. REUTERS/Andy ClarkANDY CLARK/Reuters
Vancouver Canucks' Christian Ehrhoff, of Germany, left, puts Douglas Murray, of Sweden, into the boards. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan HaywardJONATHAN HAYWARD/The Canadian Press
A Canucks fan has her face painted with the team colours at CBC plaza before watching the first game of the NHL's Western Conference final against the Vancouver Canucks and the San Jose Sharks in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, May 15, 2011. Rafal Gerszak for The Globe and MailRafal Gerszak/The Globe and Mail