Canucks @ Coyotes Post Game

Canucks 6 Coyotes 0

All in all that was pretty much spot on to what I expected last night. The Coyotes came out early in the first with a good three minutes of pressure. Luongo was able to shut the door on their chances and Burrows countered with an early goal for the Canucks. They held on a bit for the rest of the period but were able to score an early one in the 2nd when Hansen got his sixth of the year just over a minute into the period. After that the Coyotes pretty much laid down. They didn't have much effort in their game and they couldn't stop what the Canucks were bringing at them.

Credit has to be given to Luongo who is 13-0-5 in his last 18 games. He definitely had some timely saves last night and highlight kick saves to go with those. Luongo's confidence is oozing out of him right now and it's great to see. Props to him and Rollie Melanson for their hard work they have put into Luongo's game this season. It's clearly paying off at this point in the year. His movements look natural now and less like he is thinking about them like he was at the start of the year. It's great to see and a lot of fun to watch, "LUUUUUUU".

Being able to roll four lines against a team like Phoenix is something that will be very useful come playoffs. It's the same thing that Chicago has been able to do against the Canucks the last two years. When the fourth line can eat up a good amount of minutes from a game in the opponents offensive zone you have a good chance of winning. The fourth line last night of Hodgson, Tambellini and Glass did a good job at that. This line is a different fourth line to most teams because they are very skilled. All three players bring different elements to the line that compliment each other very well. Tambellini brings speed and scoring, Glass brings size and grit while the rookie Hodgson brings skills and a great two way game. Hodgson's first goal of his career last night was a beauty. He showed great patients to get a shot away that went in. It was an important goal last night because the third goal in a 2-0 game is very important. 2-1 or 3-0 are a big difference and has been a bit of a problem this year for the Canucks. I like what I see from this line so far it will be nice to see what they can do on home ice Friday against the Hawks.

The SSB line has done a great job at leading the Canucks this year and they did it again last night getting the team on the board early. I talked about it in the pre game that the rest of the team needs to start driving the net ala Kesler and they will find some more goals. Burrows looked like a Kesler clone on his goal standing right in front of the net and getting a nice deflection to start the game off nicely. The line kind of tailed off in production after the first goal but they saw limited ice time after the 3rd goal as the team put it in cruise control.

The 2nd line is starting to pick up pace again obviously led by Kesler who scored two very nice goals last night. Don't look now but Samuelsson and Raymond are both starting to hit the score sheet a bit more. It would be nice to see them pick up their game and turn it around for the stretch run and playoffs. Raymond's goal was well deserved. He used his speed to cause the turnover and went straight to the net. See what I mean about driving the net. Good goal.

The defense needs to get their props as well. Starting with Dan Hamhuis, 24+ minutes last night and a plus-4 rating. What a job the two rookies are doing. Tanev and Sweatt have shown the depth the Canucks have in the organization. Last night Sweatt jumping up and reading the play on the Hansen goal was very nice. He had a good low hard shot that caused the rebound in front for Hansen to put away. He also played more than 16 minutes last night. To me Tanev looks very smooth. He has a big frame that will be able to add some weight but that's not what impresses me. His ability to hold on to the puck for the extra second it takes to make a good tape to tape pass is very nice for a rookie in the NHL. Take a look next game when he gets the puck in his own zone and watch where it goes from there. He was also a +2 playing over 15 minutes.

On the injury front there is some good news. Sami Salo has been sent down to Manitoba on a max 14-day rehab stint with the Moose. He will play his first game on Friday, take Saturday off and play again Sunday. If all is good with Salo we should be seeing him back in the near future. Rome and Alberts are close as well which will mean decision time for MG and AV with the rookies. I expect Sweatt to go back to the Moose for sure while Tanev might get an extra game or two. Eventually I think they both go down with the experience they have gained and a handshake from the coaches. They will be right in the mix for roster spots next season.

Chicago on Friday will be a good test. 3rd game in 4 nights the team will have to step it up. Check it tomorrow or Friday for that blog.

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