Sundin's shootout winner lifts Canucks over Leafs

It was a storybook finish on Saturday night at the Air Canada Centre, where the Vancouver Canucks, led by former Toronto Maple-Leaf Captain Mats Sundin's shootout winner, came from behind to defeat the Leafs 3-2 in the shootout.

Toronto outplayed the Canucks, and led most of the way by scores of 1-0 and 2-1. The Canucks stayed close and battled hard. Alex Burrows showed some great hand to eye co-ordination, re-directing a point shot with less than 5 minutes to go to tie the game up at 2.

Sundin received a big ovation from the crowd, expressing their appreciation for the 13 years of entertainment he provided the city of Toronto. The talented Swede took a bow, blew kisses and even shed a few tears, in what may very well be the final time he took the ice in Toronto as an NHL player. "The ovation from the fans was very special. I'll remember that the rest of my life." 

Sundin did hear a chorus of boos from some of the Maple Leaf faithful every time he touched the puck. There are definitely mixed feelings in Toronto about the superstar Swede and how he refused to let the team move him last year prior to the trade deadline. Many fans are upset that he then ended up leaving the team with the Leafs getting nothing in return, thinking if he had allowed them to trade him last year they would have at least benefited by getting back some prospects. 

However, few will question his dedication to the team while a member of the Leafs and the emotion that he brought for them to the rink. 

Once again the Canucks found a way to win. As mentioned above, the victory came in a game that they probably didn’t deserve.  Good teams are able to win those types of games. Hopefully, the Canucks are starting to turn the corner.

The Canucks will wrap up their road trip on Tuesday in Montreal looking to go undefeated on this current 4 game swing.