Olson: Bolland’s performance begs the question: ‘What if’?

What if Bolland had been ready to go when this best-of-seven series began last week in Vancouver, or even in Game 3, instead of in Game 4 with the Hawks already trailing, three games to none?

“I don’t know what it is. It’s always fun playing against [the Canucks,]” said Bolland, who had been sidelined since a cheap-shot elbow to the head left him with a concussion March 9. “For me, it’s fun. They’re intense. I want to play these games.”

For Hawks fans, the feeling is mutual.

Heading into Tuesday’s game, the series had been closer than the Canucks’ three-games-to-none advantage suggested. But Vancouver had a pair of one-goal wins, and seemed to be charging into the next round.

Bolland helped stem that tide, scoring a goal and three assists and providing the spark that made the Hawks’ offense explode for seven goals.

The Hawks were alive from the start in this one, and unlike the way they faded in Game 3, this time they sustained it.

For the first time in this series, it was the Hawks creating and converting opportunities off the break, and putting shots into the net rather than just off the post.

Bolland created offense for the Hawks from the start, setting up linemate Bryan Bickell for a goal 1:43 into the game.

Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo allowed six goals – one each by Bolland and linemates Bickell and Michael Frolik– before being lifted in the third period as the crowd taunted him by howling “Luuuu!”

After the game, Luongo said he saw the puck fine, he felt fine, everything was fine. He didn’t seem all that impressed by Bolland’s goal and three assists in his triumphant return.

“Obviously he helped them out tonight,” Luongo said, “but that’s not a guy that’s going to change the series.”

Luongo might be right. This series probably is too far gone to completely alter its course.

Although players such as Marian Hossa and Troy Brouwer seem to disappear in the postseason, Bolland raises his game in April.