Roberto Luongo appears to have finally returned to form as he and the Vancouver Canucks shut out the Edmonton Oilers 2-0 on Sunday night. Michael Grabner, who continues to look comfortable alongside Ryan Kesler and Mason Raymond on the 2nd line, scored the winner tipping a Christian Ehrhoff point shot past Jeff Deslauriers. Henrik Sedin, also with a deflection in front, scored the other Canucks goal.
Vancouver is over .500 for the first time all year, and look to improve on their 6-5 record Tuesday night as the struggling Detroit Red Wings are in town.
Our take: Although they shut out the flu-ravaged Oilers, the Canucks have a long way to go in order to turn their season around. Luongo is looking great and could be en route to another great year. The 2nd line of Raymond - Kesler - Grabner is extremely fast and affective and have been the team's best unit for the last couple weeks. With speed like that, they are always making things happen. Mikael Samuelsson and Henrik Sedin continue to show good chemistry, and it would be hard pressed for Alain Vigneault to not keep Samuelsson with both Sedins once Daniel returns from injury. With all our injuries, if we can continue to put up wins like we have, fans will have to see it as positive.
Red flags however are still the play of Kevin Bieksa and Alex Edler. Both guys are extremely prone to bad turnovers, and in Bieksa's case, he has completely forgotten how to play physical. What Bieksa needs is a good ole fashioned line brawl or something where he tunes on someone and remembers how much he loves hurting people. Hopefully this happens sooner than later because I can hardly take it any longer.
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