Canucks 4 Avalanche 2.
Big divisional game, BIG two points. The win puts the Canucks back in top spot in the NW for the time being (Col is playing Edm as I'm writing this).
The Canucks team that looks strong on paper showed up last night. During the losing streak they were typically coming out with some pressure looking good to start games however they would have a let down and all the sudden be down 1-0. That isn't the style of hockey AV wants the team to play. Sound offensive hockey will lead to good chances without giving up counter punches. Last night they brought that game. Scoring chances from the slot with a 3rd guy high to support the defence. The Canucks needed a big game from their leaders and they got that.
First to step up was Bieksa. His goal came 6-5 on a delayed penalty to Col. Bieksa did well to recognize the situation knowing that if there was a turnover he didn't need to be back on defence. So he sat in front of the net and got a nice deflection.
The SSB lines was impressive. Two points a piece both 5x5 when we really needed the goals. The first goal was a beautiful, slap pass/tip to the top corner that the Sedin's do so well. The surprising thing about this was it was 5x5. Props on this goal to Burrows, he's getting his game legs back and on this play the defence was so concerned with Burr they last Daniel. The big thing for me was the Burrows goal in the third. Duchene had scored to bring the game to 3-2 and Col was coming on trying to get the tying goal. This is what I was talking about when I said the Canucks need to step on their opponents throat. This goal ended the game on a great passing play, finished with Burrows doing his thing to put the puck in the net. After the game Henrik talked about the line being +6 combined. He said having a 3rd guy high is important to their success. As I said in the pre-game this is one of the most important things for this line.
Big props to the speedy second line of Raymond Kesler and new addition Tambellini. First congrats to Kesler who got his 100th goal. This goal was not pretty, nor do I actually think it was legal. In my opinion there should have been a high-sticking call on Tambellini for hitting Budaj in the face, but I think the Canucks will gladly take a bounce like that. This line looked dangerous all night. Biggest observation was how Tambellini was finding space once they gained the zone. He had a few one timers from the high slot. If this keeps up he'll pot one sooner than later.
In the 2nd period there was a series of events that in my opinion won the game for the Canucks.
First the save by Luongo on Yip coming off wing. Luongo slid across with the pass and made a good save to keep the game 1-1. After that the 2nd and 3rd line had back to back shifts that pinned Col deep in their zone. It was all finished off at the 10:00 mark with the Sedin's making it 2-1. Game changing shifts by the 2nd and 3rd line and Luongo's big saves will be important throughout the season and for the team to get deep into the playoffs.
Overall the defence looked good. Ballard looked better, expect him to improve every game. He was on the team 1040 today, great interview seems really relaxed playing in Van. This is a good sign.
A couple things I'd like to see improved:
Although the defence looked good overall, Hamhuis still looks a bit slow coming off his injury. Expect his game to improve but last night he took a few penalties with his stick because his feet couldn't keep up.
The Canucks killed Col in the third with the Burrows goal but they had a chance in the 2nd to put them away. They had a PP with 8 minutes left. They looked dangerous but couldn't finish.
All in all good game by the team but without a win in the next one this game won't feel as good. This needs to be the blue print for the Canucks for the whole year. Puck control by the top line, speed from the 2nd line, good grit from the bottom six, good defence and timely saves by the goalies.
Check in tomorrow for Pre game Canucks vs Sharks.
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Col just lost Canucks in first in NW with game in hand. GO CANUCKS GO.
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