Canucks return home with a win under their belts in Columbus by a narrow margin of 2-1, while Nashville thumped the Stars by a 4-0 score in Dallas.
With a record of 12-7-6 for 30 points the Canucks are still looking from productivity from all lines, rather than just one. While moves have been made to bolster the offense, at times it still struggles.
The back end for both “tenders” is strong, but I for one, still feel there is a move afoot. For the Canucks playing the Blue Jackets that was the third consecutive game at Columbus that the game was decided in a shootout.
That dates back to the 2011-12 season. The Canucks managed to get 38 shots on goal with Raymond getting a game-high seven shots. Luongo stopped 26 shots in regulation time and three in the shootout. The fans as are the Canucks expecting more from the players, but they can only play according to what they have.
Let’s face it, they have been plagued with the “injury bug” since the shortened season started, but it’s a long way from being finished.
This night saw the Canucks pay tribute to the Canadian Armed Forces with the Navy Ship HMS Regina just returning to Victoria earlier in the day.
Pure class for the Canucks to recognize those who serve our Country in various regions of the World!!Nashville comes to town with lower mainland product Brandon Yip in the line-up after the “Pred’s’’ got him as he was placed on waivers by Colorado and claimed by Nashville on January 19.
One has to wonder how many tickets he had to get for this game. He played with the Coquitlam Express in 2002 – 2004 then moved on to Boston University for four years, before playing in the AHL
This is his last year with a full contract and next year he is a UFA, so only time will tell where he will play later on. Nashville changes the goalies mid-way through the second due to what some might call poor play by Pekka Rinne, who incidentally makes a mere $7 million a season. He was replaced by Chris Mason who pulls in $1.2 a season.
The game finished with the Canucks dominating the third and pulling off a 7-4 win. Luongo played strong and the end result saw Henrik score on a penalty shot after being fouled from behind. Goal – he literally pulled the “tender” out and could have served him for lunch.
The highlight of the night came at the end of the game when the players went on the ice to have photo’s taken with those in attendance from the Armed Forces.
Everyone was all smiles and you could clearly see the players were enjoying this moment. Coach Vigneault told me “It’s great to see them in attendance as we in Canada simply do not do enough for our Armed Forces, like they do in the states. For them to get off the ship and make it to the game is amazing. The Canucks support everything they do for our Country.”
Great words of recognition from a proud Coach who truly respects what they do for Canada. Luongo played strong as did everyone else and if one key save stands out, it’s the one that he stopped in the second with the paddle of his stick.
They deserved the win and here’s hoping they can keep it going?
Congratulations to the Canucks for all the support they have shown, on this night and in the past towards our Armed Forces!!
