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.