This game is the first meeting between both clubs since Vancouver defeated Nashville in the Western Conference Semi-finals in the spring.
Looking back in history on this date in 1971 the Canucks were blanked 7-0 by Minny. This game see’s Luongo with a new paint job on his mask, which is quite impressive to see.
During the semi-finals Kelser managed to grab 11 points (5-6-11) in only six games. This is also the first of four meetings this season (not counting play-offs), and last season both clubs split the four game series 2-2-0.
The Canucks are 15-7-2 at home against the Pred’s, which see’s Daniel led everyone (last season) in scoring. Luongo had a 1.77 GAA and a S% of .929.
While the Canucks are coming off a loss to the Rangers on the night they paid tribute to former team-mate Rick Rypien, which will see them have a sticker on the helmet this year.
For anyone that failed to see the tribute, the Canucks did an exceptionally professional job, which they are to be commended for.
This season the Canucks are hosting “Heart of A Canuck” which started October 16th, when we will see them pay tribute to their local hero’s who displayed courage and passion on the evening of June 15th.
The Canucks recent transactions are sending Chris Tanev to Chicago (AHL) in addition to sending Victor Oreskovich and Ryan Parent also to Chicago.
They are still without the services of Aaron Rome (hand), Stefan Schneider (hand), Nolan Baumgartner (foot) and Mason Raymond with a back injury suffered in last year’s play-offs on a terrible check – with no penalty called on the play.
Following the display against the Rangers, the Canucks wanted to prove to everyone that they are not to be counted out, by any means.
They came out flying and Daniel Sedin gave them the early lead (2:11), well before most fans even had a chance to get to the seats.
The Pred’s rebounded at 4:01 on a marker by Halischuk, which saw both goals scored at even-strength.
Henrik got a PP marker at 5:56, followed by two extra goals by Weise and Higgins to end the period 4-1
Shots after the first were 16-10 for Nashville. Just maybe Luongo can get all the “nay-sayers” off him and let him focus on playing the game.
Must be hard to imagine how you can actually live in a city, grab a paper and see only negative stories about you?
Both clubs played scoreless through two periods, seeing Luongo give up one goal.
The Canucks were fortunate to get a 5 on 3 in the third which saw Kesler get another goal on the PP which see’s them 2-9 on the special teams in the PP department this game.
The Canucks changed the system (somewhat) for this game, seeing more shots being taken from the point.
Salo managed his 199 career assist, which also has him at 699 total points to date, but this point came after setting up Kesler giving them the lead mid-way in the third.
The points tonight put Henrik 3rd on the all-time scoring list (675) for the Canucks ahead of Smyl. He is behind Naslund an Linden.
Game stars:
1st D. Sedin
2nd H. Sedin
3rd D Weise
