Thursday February 19 - Vancouver Canucks 5 - New York Rangers 4 (S/O)
Earlier in the season, I suggested that coach Willie Desjardins might be on a bit of a learning curve during his first season as a head coach in the NHL.
This week, his Canucks have solved two teams that had their number earlier in the year, avoiding being shut out in their season series against the Minnesota Wild (1-2) and now the New York Rangers (1-1).
With 25 games to go in the season, there are five teams in the NHL that the Canucks haven't beaten this year: the Dallas Stars (0-2), Los Angeles Kings (0-2), Nashville Predators (0-2), Tampa Bay Lightning (0-2) and—ha!—Toronto Maple Leafs (0-1).
The only season series that's complete is the one against the Lightning. It sure would be nice to see Vancouver find the edge in their final meetings with the other teams on this list.
I'm feeling pretty hopeful after the Canucks' first win over the New York Rangers since November 3, 2009, last night at Madison Square Garden. It was another thriller—here are your highlights:
There was a lot to like about Thursday's game, like another goal for Bo Horvat—his eighth of the year—as well as multi-assist games for Ronalds Kenins and Jannik Hansen.
At the other end of the spectrum, the Sedins took over when it counted. Henrik Sedin gave the Canucks a 3-2 lead early in the third period but after a quick response from the Rangers, he turned the puck over to Carl Hagelin to hand the lead right back to New York.
But the twins didn't quit. Buoyed by Willie Desjardins' new play-four-forwards-when-we-need-a-late-goal strategy, the Canucks were able to take advantage of an offensive-zone draw after a New York icing with 3:41 remaining. After a minute or so, Ryan Miller was pulled as well, and Henrik tied the game with 2:00 to go. That's a 101-second shift for the veteran top line—and looked a lot like the same determination they displayed on their long shift that led to the overtime winner against Chicago last week.
The Canucks were outshot 2-1 in overtime but once they got to the shootout, they took full advantage of backup Cam Talbot. Alex Burrows and Radim Vrbata scored easily, while Mats Zuccarello and Derek Stepan were denied at the other end.
End result: 2 points, Canucks, who hang onto second place in the Pacific despite a Thursday-night win by San Jose over Dallas.
For a guy who's been said not to shoot enough, Henrik finished up with six on Thursday, leading all Canucks. His two goals pushed him to 50 points on the season—the same total he posted all of last season (70 games). For his part, Daniel Sedin's 49 points are now two ahead of last year's total, which he accumulated in 73 games. The twins have been looking hungry and determined as the Canucks have gone 4-1 in their last five games.
Ryan Miller was solid in the shootout but shaky in the third period. Eddie Lack's expected to start tonight against the Devils—in front of his mother and a massive entourage from Sweden.
If Lack wins his fourth straight game, the hum of "goalie controversy" will start growing louder around these parts once again.
I'm also not sure how the team's recent success will play into trade deadline strategies.
On the one hand, team chemistry seems great right now—despite all the injuries. Maybe we don't want to mess with that.
On the other hand, a lot of players are showing very well at the moment. Does that give Jim Benning a chance to sell while their value is high and improve the team even more?
One other concern from my end about last night's win—that was a full 65-minute effort on the first night of a back-to-back. Will the Canucks come out flat against New Jersey tonight, like they did against Calgary last weekend?
Friday February 20 - Vancouver Canucks at New Jersey Devils - 4:00 p.m - Sportsnet Pacific, TSN1040
Vancouver Canucks: 33-21-3, 69 points, second in Pacific Division
New Jersey Devils: 22-26-9, 53 points, seventh in Metropolitan Division
This year's visit to the Prudential Center doesn't offer the same tantalizing plotline as last year's Luongo-vs.-Schneider matchup.
Cory got his wish to be No. 1 in New Jersey this year, but his Devils are worse than ever. They finished 20th overall last season, but currently sit 25th in the league standings and are now ahead of only the Carolina Hurricanes in the Metropolitan Division.
The Devils' big problem has been goal-scoring. They're second-worst in the NHL with just 126 goals, ahead only of Buffalo, while Vancouver is smack in the middle of the pack with 163—tied with Detroit and Pittsburgh. Schneider's save percentage remains solid at .924 but his goals-against has taken a hit this year—up to 2.27.
Jaromir Jagr remains tied for the lead in Devils' scoring with Adam Henrique, but unless the NHL's brand-new stats interface is lying to me, the pair have just 29 points apiece this season. That really is low!
No word on any lineup changes for the Canucks tonight, other than in net. I wonder if Bobby Sanguinetti will get his first chance to suit up on the blue line?
Here's hoping for another good game. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm heading down the new
"Enhanced Stats" rabbithole until puck drop.
Enjoy the game!
Vancouver Canucks Blogger • 
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