Follow me on twitter @IanEsplen to chat hockey, sports and life in general anytime
Times are getting better on the west coast. The Canucks are winning again. The intro music was, well… better – a lot better in fact, although I'm not sure if it's better than U2. And Zack Kassian is looking like a God.
After a scoreless first period, that saw both teams exchange chances, Zack Kassian got Vancouver on the board. Kassian battled hard around the net and stayed calm throughout the play. He tried a wrap-around and when that failed he found the puck in the slot, picked it up and buried it. What I liked about this play was how relaxed Kassian looked on it. One try didn't work, no need to panic, I'll just try something else.
Shortly after that, Mason Raymond would make it 2-0 after he ripped a wrist shot, through a screen and past Kiprusoff. While he didn't get a point last night, I felt this goal tells people a lot about Jordan Schroeder as a player. He was getting knocked around all night and while that would discourage a lot of players, Schroeder was standing tall and setting the screen on this goal. Raymond got the goal, but that goal doesn't happen without Schroeder doing the grunt work.
Calgary responded less than three-minutes later, when Alex Tanguay carried the puck up ice and snapped a shot past Cory Schneider's. On this goal, it almost looked a little like Schneider was not fully trusting his defence to stop the pass. He was a little further back then he maybe should have been and had he challenged a bit more he may have stopped it. Vancouver's defence is one of the strengths of this team. Schneider needs to play the two-on-one (or two if you count the guy coming back late) better and trust that Hamhuis is not going to let that pass get to Iginla.
Five-minutes later, the Flames breakout player of 2013, Mikael Backlund tied things up. Iginla pushed the puck up the ice after Vancouver had a chance of their own at the other end. He found Backlund in the slot for the goal. While Schneider was screened a little by his defenders on this one, this is another one he needs to stop. Wrist shots from 30 feet out are not supposed to beat NHL goalies. He looked a little deep in his net again, but I'm sure that is something that he will come around on.
After an exciting overtime that saw both teams get their chances, the game went to a shootout (NOOO!). Alex Burrows started things off with his patented, fake shot and backhand it over the goaltender – Vancouver in the lead. Alex Tanguay would tie things up in the second round. After a series of unsuccessful attempts, it was on to the Fifth shooter, Big Zack Kassian. After Kassian tied up Kiprusoff like a pretzel with a series of moves, he tapped the puck into the empty net.
All in all, Vancouver played its best game yet and moved within one point of first place. I know it's a long season, but being that close to first after the way this team has played so far is pretty decent. Three down and 45 more to go.
Schroeder
I thought he looked good tonight. What I like most about his game was his tenacity. No matter how many times he got knocked around, he always got right back up and went right after guys. He even had a nice hit on the fore-check, which was a pleasant surprise.
Kassian
The man is a beast. All that really needs to be said is Cody who? (Although both players are off to great starts) When he is motivated and playing with confidence, he is amongst the toughest players in the league to control. Last night brought back memories of Big Bert and that is something to get real excited about.
Weise
He played another solid game, but I'd like to see him bring a little more of a physical presence and stick up for his linemates. Weise is on that line to make sure nothing happens to Schroeder (the smallest Canuck) and Raymond (the softest Canuck) and so that they are comfortable. Time to start doing that Dale, either by laying guys out or dropping the mitts.
Ballard
Played another solid game, but I was wondering if anyone else noticed how fast he looks this year. There were a couple of times that it was two strides and he was half way up the ice with the puck. I don't really remember seeing that out of him last year but I like the increased mobility.
Canucks 3 Stars
1- Kassian
2- Hank
3- Schneider
That's a wrap.
Ian
If you are interested in advertising your business to people in the Vancouver area or to hockey fans across North America, you can contact me by clicking the “CONTACT” button at the top of the page.
KINDLE USERS in the United States of America only: Sign up for Canucks Buzz; a one-stop feed for all things Canucks-related on HockeyBuzz. Content is delivered instantly to your Kindle reader whenever a new Canucks-related blog is published. For more information
click here
Vancouver Canucks Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»