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Roberto Luongo Deserves Game 7 Start, But Goalie’s Leash Will Be Even Shorter in Decisive Battle

It all comes down to this — one game for all the marbles.

The Bruins and Canucks will take ice in Game 7 on Wednesday at Rogers Arena, with the winner bringing home the most famous trophy in sports.

The Canucks have won all three games played in their home arena this series, and have history on their side as well. Of the 15 Stanley Cup Final Game 7's in NHL history, the home team has won 12, including six of the last seven.

The Bruins have played the Canucks close in all three games in Vancouver, however, and have blown them out of the water in all three games in Boston, the most recent coming in the form of a 5-2 Boston win in Game 6 on Monday.

Game 7 looks to be a very hotly contested affair, and to share his predictions we are joined one final time by Vancouver Sun hockey writer Ian Walker.

NESN.com: Roberto Luongo struggled once again on the TD Garden ice. He’s been solid at home, though, and Alain Vigneault said Luongo will start Game 7 in Vancouver. Do you think this is the right decision, or should the Canucks go with Cory Schneider, who minimized the damage a bit after coming on relief in Game 6?

Walker: It is definitely the right decision to start Luongo. He's the guy who got them this far and they owe it to him to either win or lose with him. To not start him would jeopardize the relationship between the goalie and organization. That said, he will be on a short leash.

NESN.com: Mason Raymond left the game early in Game 6. What impact did his injury have on the Canucks, and what impact will his injury have on Game 7 if he is unable to go?

Walker: I don't think it had much of an impact at all. Raymond has played decent throughout the playoffs, but he's not going to win you a game by himself. The Canucks' depth will fill the void with little or no disruption to their team game.

NESN.com: The Sedins finally contributed to a goal on the Vancouver power play. What did you see that enabled them to finally break out?

Walker: I hardly call it breaking out, the odds just finally caught up with them. Still, the goal should give the Canucks PP some confidence heading into Game 7.

NESN.com: Wednesday's game will be the third Game 7 the Bruins have been in this postseason and the second for the Canucks. Is there anything the Canucks learned from their seven-game series with the Blackhawks in the first round that could help them in Game 7 against the Bruins?

Waker: It's not over until it's over. Vancouver was leading the Blackhawks in Game 7, but a late Jonathan Towes goal sent it to overtime. The Canucks should be stronger for their first-round experience.

NESN.com: The entire NHL season has come down to one game. What’s your prediction for Game 7?

Walker: All the pressure is on the Canucks, but the home-town crowd will make the difference. Vancouver will win in a close one.

Thanks again to Ian Walker for answering our questions. You can read more from Ian by clicking here. Please check back before every game of the Bruins-Canucks series for more Across Enemy Lines. You also can read NESN.com Bruins reporter Douglas Flynn's contributions to this feature on VancouverSun.com.