For the 3rd game in 4 the Canucks have come back from a deficit to win a game, the hero in two of those games being Jannik Hansen. Surely it's not a simple solution as the coach switching the proverbial switch far earlier in the game or perhaps before puck drop? Whatever the solution is to this very dangerous way of playing games in a stretch drive, most Canucks fans will agree that it needs to come end, and soon!
During the post game analysis and on various highlights the idea of Luongo being confident in his skaters was frequently mentioned. It seems funny to me how anyone would suggest that a goalie would possibly decide to be less than there best because of the scoring potential of the skaters in front. However, it seemed to me this idea was what certain networks wanted us to believe...not a chance.
It would be the coach who must have confidence in his team to not panic and/or yank the goalie after the first period. It would be the skaters who have the confidence to decide to NOT to mail it in being 3 goals down after 20 minutes. I'm not questioning Luongo's confidence as he made some stellar saves in the last 40 mins to keep the Avs from putting this game far out of reach, even for this group of come back kids. What I am questioning is Luongo's preparedness, he has not seemed to be ready for a lot of games this past month aside from the Olympics. Say what you want but he may have a bit of an Olympic hangover and we all know the best cure for a hangover right?
Hair of the dog, and hopefully that is what a return to GM Place will feel like to Lou. A venue where he achieved his greatest hockey success, his home rink, and a place where the team has an almost unmatched record this season. There is no place like home and let's hope Lou's home provides him with the magical elixir to cure what may be a small Olympic hangover.
I can't talk about the game without referencing two guys in particular, Samuelsson and Wellwood. Sammy had the hat trick last night and was a great presence on the ice while also earning, a helper for a 4 point night. He is on pace for 30 goals which would put him in very distinct group of players those with 30 goals and making less than 4 million per year. Right now it costs the Caps 216,000$ every time Ovechkin puts the puck in the net compared to Sammy's 92,500$. I'm not saying the guy is in Ovechkin's league but that's a pretty good return on investment, only Burrows may be a better deal. It's nice to have both of them isn't it?
I thought Wellwood played his best game of the season. He was all over the ice and digging for the puck while controlling it really well when he had possession. It was his great shift which set up the game winning goal. Last year it took Wellwood until February to start playing the AV way and cover all 200 feet of the ice-it looks like he may be starting to figure it out late again.
Did anyone else notice that Raymond didn't see the ice after his give away? Benched for over 40 minutes and that is a telling tale as he has played well as of late. That move by AV said to me that he was not holding Lou accountable for the 3-0 Avalanche lead even though by the goalie's own words,
"That was probably the worst I've ever played in my career," the Vancouver captain said. "That first period was pretty bad."
Raymond only had 8:06 of ice time and clearly the message was meant for the entire team not just Mason as the lopsidedness of the 1st period play cannot all be blamed on him and Lou. Hopefully the entire team got the message and they finish up strong in Phoenix tonight.
Enjoy the Game
Vancouver Canucks Blogger • 
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