The 'top' players can sometimes cancel each other out in a series.
ie. the Sedins, Kane and Toews
Its the depth, and gritty, big heart guys that step in to elevate their team. This year, the Canucks have it.
Burr, Kesler, Torres, Hansen, Higgins, Lapiere all stepped up and came in waves. To which the Hawks had no answer. Crawford kept it close. Nuff said.
Canucks dominated 4 of the games (winning three of them). No showed 2 of the games (got blown out), and played one game even up with the Hawks.
This series, IMHO, was more of what the Canucks did or didn't do, than what challenge the Hawks put up.
If the Canucks show up, stick to their process, they will win the majority of games. The 82 game body of work is no mirage. They just can't be their own worst enemy and play with indiference, in this league, you will get blown out.