After an exhausting 3 games in 4 nights, the Canucks were able to take the second and final meeting with the Carolina Hurricanes with a 2-0 victory. The Canucks have propelled to 7th in the Western Conference and 4th in the Pacific Division.
Game Recap:
-Goalie Duel: Both backup goaltenders played at a very high level in this contest. Justin Peters kept the score from being 3-0 early as he stopped Dan Hamhuis and Daniel Sedin early in the 1st period on some glorious chances. Peters managed to stop 24 of 25 shots thrown at his net. In the opposite net, Eddie Lack made his Canucks home debut and recorded his first career shutout. Lack stopped all 31 Hurricane shots thrown at him.
-Powerless Play: Both teams were 0-4 with the man advantage. The Canucks did a good job with their sticks all night and shutting down possible passing lanes. The Canucks came dangerously close scoring shorthanded early on in the game. The Canucks powerplay looked very respectable and actually generated some scoring chances, but once again, came up close to finishing.
-Fatigue: The Canucks were an exhausted team in the third period. The Hurricanes managed to outshoot the Cauncks 13-7 in the third frame. Lack remain poised and stood tall in the net stopping everything that was thrown at him.
Concerns:
-Jannik Hansen: Hansen was placed on the top line to start the game and bounced around as the night went on. He does not look like his normal self. He is not shooting the puck in open space and firing his huge slapshot. He took a nasty spill into the boards in Carolina a week ago which is making me wonder if he is playing hurt.
-Zack Kassian: Many Canucks fans (including myself) are wondering just what his role is on the team right now. He was expected as to be a running mate with the Sedins entering the season. Torts has been against putting him on the top line. Can he come into form and continue to develop into a top 6 power forward or is he going to stay in the bottom 6 as a 3rd/4th line grinder?
Canucks Three Stars (against Carolina):
1. Eddie Lack
2. Chris Tanev
3. Chris Higgins
Until next time, stay classy! -George
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