Weekend Canuck Review

On Thursday night the Canucks entered Motown to face the Detroit Redwings. Despite the auto industry struggles, Motown was rocking this night in the barn burner at Joe Louis Arena. As Detroit coach Mike Babcock put it, “last shot wins”.

Curtis Sanford started the game, but he finished it watching from the bench, as Cory Schneider was brought in to replace him after Detroit’s third period onslaught of 3 goals.
It was 6-3 at this point, and Vancouver made it interesting with a couple of more goals, but the Redwings showed no panic and walked away with the two points.

The Canucks departed the Motor City after being handed their fourth straight loss by the Stanley Cup champs, and made their way to Minnesota to have a showdown with the Wild for first place in the Northwest on Friday. Cory Schneider was expected to get the start.

Everyone predicted a low scoring affair, and the pundits were right. Vancouver ended up on top 2-1 and Cory Schneider picked up his first NHL win. It was a very intense and physical game. Vancouver thrived on the energy created from a first period scuffle involving defenseman Kevin Bieksa. Bieksa also added a power play marker in the opening period. Schneider was solid in the effort, making the big saves when called upon.

With the four game skid snapped after the triumph over the Wild, Vancouver would enjoy a night off to get set to play the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday. Schneider would get the nod after a solid outing.

Despite a valiant effort, Vancouver was unable to help their rookie tender earn his second NHL win. Schneider made 31 saves in the outing, although according to Tom Larchyde and that annoying play by play guy they brought up from the minors, the 22 year old looked shaky in between the pipes and had a tough night.

The loss marked the 8th straight defeat against the Avs. Steve Bernier had a solid two goal performance. Daniel Sedin and Darcy Hordichuk also scored. Vancouver’s last win against the Avalanche came on the 9th of November in 2007 (a 2-1 overtime win).

Colorado fought to come from behind all night, and all three of their shooters scored in the shootout. Coach Alain Vigneault felt the Canucks had the game, but what did them in were the two Avalanche goals that went in off Vancouver sticks. In response to Larchyde and the annoying play by play guy’s sentiments of Schneider’s play, I say it’s tough enough stopping opposing players, let alone having to worry about guys wearing your colours.

Vancouver is in Nashville Tuesday, and the game can be seen on Sportsnet Pacific.