The Vancouver Canucks were victorious on opening night for the first time in 6 years after their 4-2 win in Calgary Wednesday night against the Flames.
Alex Burrows opened the scoring 11:55 into the opening frame by tipping in a Dan Hamhuis point shot on the power play to give Vancouver the 1-0 lead in what was an otherwise pretty uneventful period.
The second period was more offensive though, as early on Paul Byron beat Ryan Miller with a wrister through the five-hole on a two on one to tie the game at a goal apiece. Just over a minute later, Zack Kassian banged home an errant shot by Brad Richardson to regain the lead for the Canucks. Radim Vrbata scored his 1st as a Canuck by knocking a puck out of mid air passed the Flames new netminder Jonas Hiller. The goal was initially waved off as the referee thought Vrbata made contact with the puck above the crossbar, but after a lengthy review the play was deemed legal giving Vancouver a 3-1 advantage. The two goal lead was short-lived however, as Jiri Hudler scored after an Alex Edler turnover resulted in the chance in the slot.
In the 3rd, the Canucks were able to hold off some Calgary pressure before Henrik Sedin showed amazing strength, determination and tenacity by fighting off a couple Flames defenders and one-handing the puck into the empty-net while falling to make it 4-2 and guaranteeing the win for his team. Vancouver resumes their season Saturday at home against the Edmonton Oilers.
Forwards:
Despite being only one game, the Sedins showed that they're ready for a comeback season after a rough year under former coach John Tortorella. Teamed with Vrbata, they spent the majority of their time in the offensive zone, generated a number of chances and the line combined for 2 goals and 4 points. Henrik's aforementioned empty-net goal was an incredible individual effort, and he proved as the captain that he's ready to lead his team by example.
The line of Richardson, Vey and Kassian was pretty effective all game. Richardson finished with 2 assists Vey with a helper and Kassian with a goal. Alex Burrows looked like the Burrows of a couple seasons ago as he was getting under his opponents skin and playing physical all game. He also scored the opening goal of the contest. He went through a 40 game goal-less streak last season so it must have been a relief to get on the board early in the year.
The 4th line of Dorsett, Matthias and Hansen were terrible all night. In limited ice time they were on the ice for both Flames goals and Hansen had a pretty ugly turnover early in the first that got him benched for a few shifts. If that line continues to struggle, look for Tom Sestito and Bo Horvat (currently injured) to get some looks.
Defence:
Alex Edler led Vancouver in ice time despite having a rough game. He had a bad turnover that led to Calgary's second goal and made a few bad reads throughout the game and finished -2. Luca Sbisa was surprisingly efficient after a poor preseason and the rest of the defense corps were neither good or bad.
Goalie:
Ryan Miller had a solid debut making 23 saves and keeping the Canucks ahead and steering aside 9 Calgary shots in the 3rd period. He probably should have made the save on Byron's goal in the 2nd that beat him between the legs, but he did enough to preserve the victory in his first game for Vancouver.
Overall:
The Canucks did enough to win against a mediocre opponent and will have to play a better, more consistent sixty minute game in order to be successful throughout the year.
Canuck City's 3 stars:
1. Henrik Sedin
2. Alex Burrows
3. Brad Richardson
Watch the full game highlights here.
Check out the full stats and box score here.
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