The Vancouver Canucks finished their last homestand before the Olympic break by dropping a 5-2 decision to the Chicago Blackhawks. The homestand did not go too well, with the Canucks winning only one out of the four games.
The game started out well in the first sixteen seconds. Chris Higgins was able to score on a backhand shot by a nice pass from Ryan Kesler. However, the Hawks controlled play in the first period and really skated well the whole night. The Hawks defensemen all move very well and they all shoot the puck when they can.
The Canucks would have some jump three minutes into the second period. Tom Sestito struck for the Canucks off a hard working shift from Zack Kassian. Four minutes later, **** hit the fan...
David Booth got called for goaltender interference which provided the Hawks with a golden opportunity to get back into the game. Marian Hossa was able to convert on the powerplay. Brandon Saad scored next for the Hawks to tie the game up. Captain Jonathan Toews striked a minute after Saad's goal. Three goals in the span of 4:17. Patrick Sharp would add the cherry on top later in the second period to make it four goals for the Hawks.
The third period did not provide much of anything for the Canucks. Vancouver had eleven shots in the third, but were still dragging. The Canucks looked like the team that had played two games in a row, which was not the case. Brandon Saad would add an empty netter late in the game to secure the victory for the Blackhawks.
No surprise here, but Blackhawks defensemen Duncan Keith led all skaters with 25:36 icetime. Alex Edler led all Canucks skaters with 23:23 icetime. Corey Crawford stopped 29 of 31 Vancouver shots, while Roberto Luongo stopped 35 of 39 Blackhawks shots.
Bieksa Injury
Bieksa will not be on this road trip.
— Vancouver Canucks (@VanCanucks) January 30, 2014
Kevin Bieksa has been battling through numerous injuries throughout his career. He did not skate well last night and looked to be hurting. If I had to take a wild guess, it is something abdominal or groin related. Corrado Recalled
#Canucks have recalled defenceman Frank Corrado from the AHL Utica Comets.
— Vancouver Canucks (@VanCanucks) January 30, 2014
With injuries mounting on the Canucks blueline, 2011 5th round pick Frank Corrado has been called up to the big club. The injured Canuck blueliners include Kevin Bieksa (undisclosed), Chris Tanev (thumb), and Andrew Alberts (concussion).Henrik Sedin Update
Sully believes that Henrik will join the trip - he is still listed as day-to-day.
— Vancouver Canucks (@VanCanucks) January 30, 2014
This is great news for the Canucks as they enter a rough five game road stretch. Henrik Sedin is the Canucks powerplay quarterback and one of the best passers in the NHL. He was injured against the Phoenix Coyotes by taking a cross check to the ribs from Martin Hanzal.Santorelli Surgery
Media Release: Mike Santorelli underwent successful shoulder surgery.
— Vancouver Canucks (@VanCanucks) January 30, 2014
Mike Santorelli has been the biggest surprise for the Canucks this season. The Vancouver, B.C. product played in the top six and had lots of success playing alongside Ryan Kesler and the Sedin twins. His expected recovery period will be 5-6 months. His season is over, but I expect him to sign an extension to stay in Vancouver in the offseason.Pre-Olympics Roadtrip
The Canucks are set off to embark on a five game roadtrip that includes stops in Winnipeg, Detroit, Boston, Montreal, and Toronto. With the injuries mounting up at the worst possible time, the Canucks are going to have to dig deep to get as many points on this roadtrip if they want to stay in playoff contention. I believe a good goal for the Canucks on this roadtrip is 6 out of a possible 10 points. The Canucks need to make up for their disastrous homestand and gain some ground in the tough Western Conference.
Until next time, stay classy! -George
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