The Canucks are afraid of the back of the net. Their powerplay is powerless. They are having trouble scoring 5 on 5. The team is battling through injuries. Vancouver is squeaking by teams they should beat soundly, and they are having trouble beating the good teams.
This contest versus Nashville was another game that featured points being squandered away. The game was scoreless at the end of the first period with both teams trading some chances.
Chris Higgins broke the tie and struck first for the Canucks about midway into the second period. Higgins tipped a Dale Weise shot on goal which went past Carter Hutton. The Canucks carried this 1-0 lead heading into the third period.
Nashville tied the game up 3:28 into the third period with a goal from Craig Smith. The Canucks got stuck in their own end and a failed clear attempt by Kevin Bieksa was the cause of this Predators goal. The Canucks would get into some penalty trouble later in the third period and the Predators made them pay for it. Vancouver almost killed off a Burrows hooking minor, but Predators defensemen Seth Jones found a shooting lane late on the powerplay and fired a missile which Nick Spaling deflected past Roberto Luongo. The Canucks would remain flat the rest of the third period and could not generate many quality scoring chances at Carter Hutton.
Both goaltenders played very well and both deserved a win. Predators goaltender Carter Hutton stopped 33 of 34 Vancouver shots. Roberto Luongo made 24 of 26 saves.
Predators defensemen Roman Josi led all skaters in icetime with 29:30. Dan Hamhuis led the Canucks skaters with 25:37 icetime.
Dan Hamhuis does not like the back door pass very much....
Vinny Prospal Update
Laurence Gilman just spoke to the media about Vinny Prospal, who will be signed to a PTO in Utica. #Canucks
— Vancouver Canucks (@VanCanucks) January 24, 2014
That was last night's news. Today, Vinny Prospal decided not to return. He is heading back to retirement.
After further thought and talking with his family, Vinny Prospal has informed Canucks that he's retiring and won't be joining Utica on PTO.
— Vancouver Canucks (@VanCanucks) January 24, 2014
Until next time, stay classy! -George 
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