The Phoenix Jets Put An End To The Streaking

This was another one where the score definitely did not reflect the game. All four goals were scored 13 minutes or more into the third period. It wasn't for a lack of trying or chances either. The Canucks had 28 shots through the first and second periods, the Jets Coyotes, 20. The Canucks almost reached that total in the third when they tallied 19 shots on backup, and former Canuck, Jason LaBarbera, for a total of 47. 

The penalties were also plentiful, with the Canucks getting six Power Play chances, but not being able to capitalize on one. The Jets Coyotes had seven opportunities with the man-advantage, but the big one was their last one with under 10 minutes to go in the game. Vernon Fiddler went back into his own corner and to play the puck, and Burrows came down and boarded him. Fiddler was not hurt, a bit shaken up, and the play did look a lot worse in real time. It was boarding, but not one that warranted a five minute major with a 10 minute misconduct. This was the undoing.

Just about two and a half minutes into the five minute Power Play the Jets Coyotes' Vrbata finally broke the scoreless tie. Then just a minute past that Shane Doan notched another one for visitors. All was not lost, as Ehrhoff scored with just under three minutes left, but all was for naught, the Jets Coyotes added an empty netter to finish it, 3-1 Canucks loss.

Not taking anything away from LaBarbera, but the Canucks seemed to have trouble getting to the middle of the Jets Coyotes zone, or capitalizing on rebounds. Have to credit their defense on that. The Canucks looked decent, and you can't be disappointed after a seven game win streak, with five of those being on the road. Can't win every game.

My St. Patrick's Day Is Ruined

This hasn't been the best St. Patrick's Day. First I have spent more than half the day in the fetal position because of what I suspect to be food poisoning. Then both my computer and Android wouldn't work properly, and then when they do, the first thing I read is that Manny underwent surgery on his left eye. Great. Just what we all wanted to hear.

Manny of course took a puck off the face in last night's 4-2 victory over Colorado. There was a lot of blood and he immediately left the ice, and apparently it was serious. No word yet on how long he will be out, but needless to say this is a huge loss. Number one penalty killer, probably the best face-off man they have, and was the engine that kept the best third line in the NHL going.

Looks like the pick ups of Higgins and Lapierre were smart. Viktor Oreskovich was recalled from Manitoba today. Looks like Raymond is getting demoted to the third line, while Higgins gets put on the second. This could be a good chance for Higgins to get his scoring touch. However, this will put strain on Kesler and Henrik, who will be taking a lot more face-offs.

Divealanche Go Down, We're Going Streaking!

The Canucks came out flying last night, and were putting the pressure on Colorado heavily. I don't think the Dives had the puck in the Canucks zone in the first five minutes, yet the Canucks ended the first down 2-0. First goal was on the PP and Schneider had no chance, as about every other player on the ice was in front of him, except the shooter Erik Johnson. The second goal went off Salo's leg and right pass Cory, and Salo was actually in the correct position, just bad luck.

But similar to Saturday night in Cal-gary, the Canucks didn't quit. They came within one with Lapierre's first goal as a Canuck on a nice play from Higgins, who looks to be misplaced on that fourth line. I would love to see him get some time with Sammy and Kesler. The real flurry came in the third when Burrows and Henrik scored just over two minutes apart, with Henrik adding his second with an empty netter for the 4-2 victory.

Cory had a pretty great game. He stopped 27 shots, and the two goals he did let in were not necessarily his fault. The dude just keeps rolling along. I would get a Schneider jersey if it wasn't a forgone conclusion he will be gone, still might though. Manny left the game in the first after getting a puck to the face. There appeared to be quite a bit of blood, and he did not return. Higgins filled in at third line center, but I hope Manny returns very soon. Solid game for the Canucks, went down early and didn't panic, didn't lose focus, and didn't lose the game because of it. They sewed up the Northwest Division as well. Next up the Phoenix Jets, then a four day break.

UPDATE:

I have been able to get a more concrete schedule in place, but my time is still limited. However, I am bringing on another person (thanks to Harrison at Pass It To Bulis for the suggestion). He is not a Canucks fan, but he is going to fill a need for an ongoing post that I have not had time to do. We haven't ironed out the details yet, but he will be doing an NHL roundup type post, hopefully two or more times a week. Just a general post of news rumors and happenings around the world of hockey. He is a self-proclaimed Fantasy Hockey Guru, so we may do something with that as well. Might be bringing a third person on as well, but that will be down the road even further, so stay tuned and thanks for reading.

Not As Close As The Score Says, Well Maybe A Little

"Yes, Cal Clutterbuck is a hack."

This game looked as if it would have been a blowout from the start. The Canucks came roaring out of the gate, scoring three in the first on 12 shots. It wasn't all the Canucks, though, as Niklas Backstrom was doing his best to help them. He looked off in the first, but settled down after that. What helped with that was the Canucks settled down too. They had a rash of penalties, three within a two and a half minute span, but still only managed three shots in the second. That was pitiful, especially considering Minnesota had 14. It happens to the best teams though, they go up early and settle in to protect the lead. However, it almost came back to bite them in the end.

Brunette scored late in the second to get the Wild within two. Then just over four minutes into the third Koivu got one to bring them within one...uh-oh. A couple late period penalties looked like this might get tied up, but Bobby Lou held and Kesler added his second of the game with an empty netter late to ice it, 4-2 Vancouver. They did dominate this game, mainly the first period, but Minnesota was pushing all night and the Canucks coasted for the second, so it wasn't as bad as it looked in the box-score. Solid game for Luongo 33 saves, and some spectacular ones as well. He is in the middle of a pretty impressive season.

 

 

Harold Snepsts was inducted into the Canucks Ring of Honour at last night's game, with a little less hair than when he played. Great guy, great stache, great icon for the team to honor...Cal Clutterbuck was attempting to charge Alex Burrows, but Burrows was smarter than Cal, not like that's a major feat or anything...Third line continues to roll, Raffi had a goal, and Manny did what Manny does, win faceoffs, and kill penalties... Trevor Lindon was in attendance as well, I am aware that's him in the first picture, next to some gray haired dude. I may be American but I know its Steven Harper the Prime Minister of Canada. Didn't even have to Google him either, one of the benefits of getting CBC out of Windsor.

A Week In Review, A Week In Preview, And Some Notes

So this is a slight departure from my normal "Week In Review" post. I was a bit over-ambitious with the idea of compiling weekly stats, and grading the different positions. I still hope to revisit those types of posts in the not too distant future, but as for right now, I just don't have the time. My new plan is to review the week, without the stats spreadsheet, preview the upcoming week, and also include any notable stories from the Canucks, and around the league, so in the late words of the Joker: Here...we...go!

Looking Back

Four games in one week is tough enough, but four away games in one week, is a very tall order especially when you consider the opponents. All four teams are fighting for playoff spots, and are playing some of their best hockey. The week started off in Anaheim, where Cory Schneider shutout the Ducks, for his first career NHL shutout stopping 26 shots, and Manny Malhotra scored twice, both were within the first minute of the first and second periods respectively in the 3-0 win. The guy has been fantastic this season. Things were a little closer Tuesday in Phoenix, as the Jets...errrrr...Coyotes took them to overtime. The Canucks went down  by two early (like that would happen again in the week, oh wait), but fought back with both teams trading goals, until Hamhuis had enough and netted his second of the game just about halfway through overtime, for the 4-3 win. 

Next up was a trip back to California to play the Sharks of San Jose on Thursday. This turned out to be one of the best games all year, as both teams came out flying. It was back and forth all game, and not surprisingly a shootout was needed. Burrows was the lone goal scorer in the shootout, securing the 5-4 victory, and also netted one in the game, which was a redemption for missing a penalty shot in overtime in Phoenix. Cory Schneider was the real story in this game though, stopping 44 shots, including some amazing saves, short-handed in overtime and the shootout. They finished off the week in Calgary last night with another thrilling back and forth. Not surprisingly the game was not as thrilling as the one in San Jose, but it had its moments. Great redirections, odd-man rushes, and some amazing saves by both goalies. Not too many penalties in this one, which was a bit surprising, but I'll take the 4-3 victory.

Looking Ahead

Only three games this week, all at home. Rogers Arena will play host to a couple Northwest Division rivals, as Minnesota and Colorado start off on Monday and Wednesday, and then Phoenix is in on Friday. There could be some carry-over from the overtime game in Phoenix, so that could get interesting. Minnesota is still very much in the playoff hunt, only four points out of the final spot. Although they are 4-5-1 in their last 10, which is better than Colorado's dismal 1-8-1. Phoenix currently sits seventh, but that could all change by Friday since they are tied with Calgary. This week should be easier than last, just by the fact they have three homes games as opposed to four away games, but I don't want to jinx them, so it will be challenging.

Notes

Apparently the sports fans of Southern California are bigger pansies than I thought, really, singing "Hey, Hey Good-bye" is disrespectful, no wonder they took away the "Mighty" from your name...Kyle Wellwood, you remember him, the guy who went to the KHL, but they didn't like paying him to underachieve, so sent him packing, seems to think the Canucks are soft. He would know something about that, nice gut dude. Hey Kyle you might want to shut your mouth before karma gets you, oops too late. Try keeping your mouth shut, it might help with your fat gut too...Ryan Kesler continues to "Interview Bomb" people, which is pretty damn funny. His one from last night on Daniel might be the best, its under the "Post-Game Videos" tab...And although it has been discussed in every forum there is, here is Chara's hit on Pacoritty, I think Chara pushed him into it, and its a joke the league did nothing. These teams have had bad blood all year. I heard Bob McKenzie say Pacorietty should be aware of where the stanchions are, well so should Chara and he knew exactly what he was doing. Your thoughts?

The Flames Got Hot, But Burned Out

It wasn't pretty, but a win is a win. And the Canucks 4-3 victory in Calgary was just that. The Flames came out blazing (ok, last pun I promise), scoring twice before four minutes were gone in the first. It looked as if this game was going to be a blow-out, and I was a bit worried, not going to lie. Luckily Kesler netted his 34 goal of the season roughly five minutes later on the powerplay. Despite coming within one, the Canucks were outplayed for pretty much the entire period. The Flames have been playing for their playoff-lives for a few weeks now, and having the number one team come into your building, on a three game road win streak, is more than enough motivation to come out swinging. The Canucks response was more than encouraging.

The second period was a flurry of activity, with a total of four goals scored, three by the Canucks. Daniel brought the teams even with a beauty, from who else but Henrik, about 10 minutes in, but David Moss put the Flames back on top just over a minute later. Kesler should have got an assist on it, as the puck went off his face when Hamhuis tried to clear the zone. The Flames were able to put the puck on net, and Moss was there to jam one in. This was a little disconcerting, but the Canucks, being down already in this game, kept pushing. Burrows tied it up with just under five minutes to go in the period with a wicked redirect from Daniel's point shot. Kelly Hrudey broke this play down in the post-game, saying Burrows and Daniel do this all the time in practice, and he could see them look at each other, with Burrows taking a few steps out from the front of the net. Daniel's shot was definitely not on target, so Kelly was right on the money, as was Burrows stick. 

With just under a minute to go in the period, Rene Bourque got a tripping penalty, one of only four total in the game, two for each team. The Canucks capitalized with only 16 seconds to go in the period. Kesler won the face-off back to Ehrhoff who ripped a shot that deflected off the traffic in front, right to Daniel who just popped in the net for his second of the game and 37th of the year. Perfect position with his stick on the ice, its what goal-scorers do, just like Don Cherry says: "Keep your stick on the ice!" 

Although his stats weren't great, Luongo played very well in the third. Calgary turned up the pressure dial, as was expected, and the Canucks responded. Calgary only registered six shots in the third, but had a lot of scoring chances and hit a few posts. Bobby made some great saves in traffic, and the defense was able to keep his line of sight clear for the most part. It was a great effort, with an even better outcome. They went down early, but as Burrows pointed out in the post-game, they didn't panic or talk about it on the bench. They all knew what needed to be done and went out their and did it. They are looking in top form these days, which is great timing.