Vancouver Canucks to open Stanley Cup Playoffs versus Chicago on April 13

The first team to clinch a National Hockey League playoff spot was the final team to learn its opening round opponent as the Canucks had to wait until the completion of play April 10 to determine they would begin the playoffs against the defending Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks.

This marks the third consecutive season the two teams have squared off in the post-season with Chicago eliminating the Canucks in six games in back to back second-round series. This time, however, the Canucks (54-19-9) will be the favourites as they finished 20 points ahead of the Hawks (44-29-9) in the regular season standings.

The teams split their four games during the 2010-11 regular season with each team winning once at home and once on the road.

The full best of seven opening round series schedule is as follows:

Chicago at Vancouver, April 13 at 7 p.m.

Chicago at Vancouver, April 15 at 7 p.m.

Vancouver at Chicago, April 17 at 5 p.m.

Vancouver at Chicago, April 19 at 5 p.m.

* Chicago at Vancouver, April 21 at 7 p.m.

* Vancouver at Chicago, April 24 at 5 p.m.

* Chicago at Vancouver, April 26, time TBD

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