The Vancouver Canucks are like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get. Or, rather who will show up for games. The Blues went into Rogers Arena last night and out played, out worked, and out muscled a team that should have been somewhat fresh, given their effort in Edmonton the night before. The Blues systematically dictated the pace of the game, and imposed their will on Vancouver. Vancouver now has a few days off to decide if they are content to just want watch hockey this season (what they've done for most of the first 10 games) or if they may actually want to play hockey this season.
On the bright side they did one thing as a team last night; they gave up goals as a team. One the first goal, Schneider gave up a juicy rebound which most teams would have cleared. However, the Canucks didn't and it was one nothing St. Louis. The one bright side of the goal was seeing three Canucks working together to take out Langenbrunner while he harmlessly went behind the net. Good work team, that’s Jamie "freaking" Langenbrunner, you have to cover him with 3 guys at all times no matter where he is in the ice.
On the second goal, Bieksa's effort was pathetic. He just watch's and let Backes set up in front so Schneider can see nothing but Backes ass. Then Steen makes it two nothing, with an average at best NHL shot from the circle. If Schneider sees it, it's an easy save. He doesn't, and shots in the net. Good job Kevin. That was rather nice of you not to hit a guy with a bum shoulder and make him earn his ice. You're really earning that 7mil you're getting paid this year. At least fans can look forward to the 15/16 season when Bieksa might actually play.
On the third goal, the Canucks had their usual marshmallow like defensive slot coverage. They let Berglund just set up shop in the slot and wait for the pass with no one making this hard for him. Can someone please man up and start covering that area of the ice. That spot on the ice should be a "warzone" that you have to pay a price to get too. Right now opponents are having a field day there and they have no worries about getting hit.
Schneider and a few other Canucks were solid last night. I thought the Kesler line worked hard and was the best line last night. I think next game that work pays off and they get a few goals for their efforts. The fourth line had a good game and played the way they have to. They were physical and worked hard. I thought Sulzer was the best Canucks D last night. He was calm, poised and moved the puck well. Despite not getting much help, Schneider was good. He made some big save and played good enough for the team to win.
The Sedin's once again showed up late for the game. If I'm AV I might not even give them a shift in the first period anymore, it's not like they are going to score. The twin's have only put up points in the first period, in 2 of the 10 games they have played. Not good enough. If the Twins want to be leaders on this team, it's time they came to play in all three periods and not just one. If they're not going to work in the first, bench them until the second, and let someone who's going to work on the ice.
Well that sums up my thoughts on last night's game. As I said yesterday, if the Sedins couldn't match the Arnott line, the Canucks would lose. The Sedins couldn't do it, and they lost. I also said if the D couldn't keep the Blues big forwards to the outside the Canucks would lose. The D couldn't do it, and the Canucks lost. The Canucks now have a few days off before they welcome the best team in the NHL to Rogers Arena.
Over those few days, I hope think about what it takes to win in the NHL. I hope they think about how to play hard, and work even harder. I hope they remember what it takes to come within a game of the Stanley Cup. If they can do that then maybe, just maybe, we might see the team we all know and love kick the Capitals ass on Saturday night. Only time will tell.
Canucks 3 Stars
1- Cory Schneider
2- David Booth
3- Alex Sulzer
Thanks for Reading
Enjoy your day.
Vancouver Canucks Blogger • 
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