Music: {allcanada} O'Brien itching to face former Canucks teammates

Thursday, April 28, 2011

{allcanada} O'Brien itching to face former Canucks teammates

Count Shane O'Brien among the people thrilled to see the Vancouver Canucks knock off the defending Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks to set up a Round 2 playoff matchup against Nashville.

But don't expect the Predators defenceman to seek out Canucks head coach Alain Vigneault for a congratulatory handshake.

The two men reportedly had their differences during O'Brien's two seasons in Vancouver that led to the defenceman's one-week exile late last season for being late for practice and gaining weight during the Olympic break.

O'Brien, who was eight pounds over a 227-pound weight limit set by the Canucks, was banned from team workouts and a California road trip. Upon his return to the team, Vigneault made him a healthy scratch.

"He did what he felt was good for the team. I'm not in a position to argue it," O'Brien, who was traded to Nashville in the pre-season, said at the time in reference to Vigneault's decision.

"I made a mistake, I'm human and things happen, but, being a professional, it's no excuse. … I learned from it and did my time."

Still, eliminating the NHL's top team during the regular season, no doubt would make O'Brien smile.

"I'd be lying if I said I don't want to knock them out a little bit more [than other teams]. Obviously I do," he said.

O'Brien will have to keep his emotions in check and not give Vancouver any momentum by taking a needless penalty. In the first round, he was assessed seven penalties in the first five games, and Anaheim scored on four of the infractions.

O'Brien managed to stay out of the penalty box in the Predators' series-clinching Game 6.

"He changed his game when we needed it," said Nashville head coach Barry Trotz. "I'm sure he'll do the same thing in Vancouver."