You wouldn't have been able to predict it by the way the first period went, but the Canucks may have played their best hockey of the season in the second half of the game in Denver Tuesday night en route to a 5-2 win over the Avalanche. It was only 11 days ago that the Avs thumped Vancouver 7-3 in the very same rink, and it looked to be much of the same early on this time around.
John Mitchell scored only 1:15 into the game on Colorado's first shot of the contest, and the Canucks found themselves down 2-0 after one period. Vancouver started to take it to the Avalanche about half way through the second period and were finally rewarded after Henrik Sedin banged home a rebound with only 4 seconds remaining in the frame. The late goal obviously gave the Canucks some hope and some energy heading into the third as they poured it on from the opening draw of the final period.
Derek Dorsett tipped home his 2nd goal of the season to tie the game 2-2 just over two minutes in before Nick Bonino scored two beauties (5th and 6th of the season - Kesler has 3 by the way) in a five minute span to give the Canucks the lead and some insurance. Shawn Matthias scored his first of the year on a sharp wrister four minutes later to seal the win for Vancouver.
It was a nice way to start the 4 game road trip in which the Canucks will visit California to play the Sharks, Kings and Ducks starting Thursday in San Jose. The visit to the Sunshine State hasn't been a welcome one for Vancouver in the past few years, so hopefully they can build some momentum of the big win in Colorado.
Tuesday night's win was also the highly anticipated debut for 2013 1st round pick Bo Horvat (acquired for Corey Schneider). Horvat saw limited minutes in a 4th line role, but played well and looked comfortable, confident and poised in what was obviously a nerve-racking experience. He finished +1 with a shot in 8:52 of ice time and was also 6 for 9 in the faceoff circle, an area the Canucks have struggled at all year.
Ryan Miller was solid in net despite letting in the opening shot, as he earned his league-leading 9th win. He's also in the midst of a personal five game win streak. Miller made 20 saves.
Kevin Bieksa returned to the lineup sans visor which was a big question heading into the game since he left last game after a puck hit him in the eye. Tom Sestito is out indefinitely with a lower body injury.
Alex Burrows will have completed his suspension on Thursday and will undoubtedly return to the lineup which begs the question, who do you take out? Each line played well tonight and there wasn't one player who stood out as struggling. Stay tuned.
Watch game highlights and check full game stats here.
No comments:
Post a Comment