The Canucks went into Columbus and did what they had to do to win the game. The team still isn’t firing on all cylinders, but it is getting better with each game, which is a good sign. The D was rock solid in front of Cory Schneider, with the best effort coming from Kevin Bieksa. Overall, it wasn’t the prettiest game but the Canucks will put the two points in the bank, and move on.
The Good
After the first period the Canuck seemed to settle in and play a good game. Kevin Bieksa played like the D we all know he is. He was mean, tough, physical, moved the puck well, and was a real leader out there tonight. Great game Kev.
Cody Hodgson is really settling into this team. He battled hard last night on every shift, and was one of the Canucks best forwards. He is starting to look real comfortable on the second power play unit. The goal he scored was a thing of beauty. First he beat one of the better face-off men in the league in Jeff Carter, and then he beat him to the net to tip the puck in. If Cody gives that kind of effort every game he will challenge for the Calder this season.
Alex Burrows, he hit, agitate, fought (well more of a wrestle), and scored, what more could you want in a hockey player. The Canucks number one player last night did it all. He was a real leader last night and did not back down from any challenge throw his way. His goal was a display of complete determination and guts. Exactly the kind of play this teams will need throughout the season.
The Bad
Other then the game being a bit boring (50 shots total, come on. I’m not sure if it was the game or the turkey that made me so tired.), the bad goes out to Chris Tanev putting his hand over the puck in the crease. Classic rookie mistake that I’m sure he has already learned from, and will not make again. Lucky for him, Schneider made a big time save and bailed him out.
The Ugly
The way the Canucks started the game. One freaking shot in 15 minutes and two questionable penalties in the first two minutes. I don’t know what it is with this team since AV took over, but they seem to have a ton of slow starts. So far this year they are two for two, on crapping the bed in the first period. Once they get into the game they’ve carried the play, I just wish someone would find a way for them to play like that for 60 min.
The Hit
What kind of a Canucks blog would it be I fans didn’t want someone suspended? Answer, a pretty boring one. My opinion on the Marc Methot hit on Henrik Sedin is, he just couldn’t stop fast enough and unfortunately took Sedin into the boards awkwardly.
Unlike most fans, I don’t think Methlot is a plug, which was looking to make a name for himself by roughing up one of the league’s elite players. Methlot is a quality, stay at home defencemen who hits and block shots. He suited up for Canada at last years World Championships and is what I would consider and Robyn Regehr type D. He plays the game tough, but fair and I would take him on my team anytime.
The hit didn’t strike me as that dirty, but it was form behind. I do not think that Methlot meant to hit Henrik, and he did let up on the hit. If Methlot wanted to hurt Henrik, he could have done a whole lot more damage to him then he did. However I did see the hit as reckless, which is also what the league has been suspending people for. I think that while Methlot did not intend to hit or injury the player, but he still did make contact and almost injury a player with his reckless actions. For those actions I think he should be given a two game suspension (seems to be the norm these days).
Team Toughness
So far this season, it is becoming clear that the game plan to beat the Canucks is to literally beat the Canucks. This teams toughness will likely be tested every game until someone does something about it. Last night a few guys (Bieksa and Volpatti) tried to answer Methlot’s hit by asking him to go. Methlot declined and in a close game like last night you don’t want to hurt the team with a dumb penalty just to settle a score. Moving on and winning the game was the right call last night.
Last night in the third period, of a close game wasn’t the right time to show toughness, but this team needs to show it soon. If someone doesn’t step up and fight ever ynow and then, every team will be taking runs at the Canucks players. The Sedins are tough and can take the abuse, but they should not have to, nor can they take it for 82 games and be ready for a long playoff run.
Next game, against the Flyers the Canucks should start with the fourth line, and go after the Flyers from right from the start. Hit everything and maybe even get in a fight right off the bat. The Canucks need to show the league that they can be the hammers and not the nails. The fourth line needs to set the pace early that they are going to be hard, physical and in your face all night. With a start like this, maybe the Canucks can shake their slow start history too.
Canucks 3 Stars of the Game
1. Alex Burrows
2. Kevin Bieksa
3. Cody Hodgson
What did everyone think of the game?
What did everyone think of the hit?
What does everyone thing of the Canucks toughness?
Thanks for reading.
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