Wednesday February 11 - Vancouver Canucks 5 - Chicago Blackhawks 4 (OT)
Patrick Sharp may have been disappointed at the lack of hair-pulling, but Wenesday night's matchup at the United Center featured plenty of excitement and a satisfying outcome for Canucks fans.
Here are your highlights:
The first period wasn't much to write home about, with the exception of Eddie Lack's cool-as-a-cucumber save on Patrick Kane with 13 seconds remaining.
Kane got revenge less than a minute into the middle frame, opening the scoring for Chicago. But the Canucks' balanced attack got them into the driver's seat after goals from Linden Vey, Bo Horvat and Zack Kassian.
All that was left was a contribution from the top line, and they delivered when it counted. After Marian Hossa narrowed the lead to 3-2 with a power-play goal, Daniel replied before a furious Blackhawks comeback got the Madhouse on Madison turned up to 10 as the home team forced overtime.
But a long, dominant four-on-four shift for the twins ultimately led to the winning goal, ending the fathers' road trip on a positive note and continuing the Canucks' recent pattern of alternating good games and bad games.
The Hockey News has nothing but love for the Sedins these days:
Interesting to see the Canucks outhit Chicago 22-15 and blocked 21 shots to the Blackhawks' 11—some positive signs on the effort-meter. And even though Zack Kassian didn't see a shift after the 10:17 mark of the third period, he made it to 10:10 of ice time—Vancouver's low man.
Compare that to 5:43 for Dan Carcillo, 8:24 for Ben Smith and 10:05 for Marcus Kruger, and you'll see that the 'Hawks are still leaning on their top lines a lot harder than Vancouver is these days.
Now that the Canucks have a 2-0 record against the Blackhawks this season, it's tempting to try to conjure up a scenario where the two teams could meet in the playoffs, but I think that's wishful thinking.
If Vancouver hangs on to third spot in the Pacific Division, they'll likely end up matching up against San Jose—or maybe Calgary. If they fall into a wild card, the Ducks or the Predators would be the most likely foes.
I'm getting ahead of myself, but last night's game did have a nice blast of playoff intensity in the second half of the third period. With the Blackhawks, it's easy for the mind to wander back to the glory days.
Vancouver's playoff odds did improve by 5.7 percent last night, according to
SportsClubStats. They're now at 87.5 percent.
Canucks Acquire Brandon McMillan
News off the waiver wire this morning. Vancouver has picked up 24-year-old left-winger Brandon McMillan from the Arizona Coyotes.
McMillan was a third-round pick of the Anaheim Ducks back in 2008. He has been back and forth between the NHL and the minors throughout his career—in three seasons with the Ducks and two with the Coyotes.
Here's his
scouting report, from
The Hockey News:
Assets: Is strong defensively, extremely smart and versatile (he played center, wing and defense at the CHL level). Has some playmaking ability.
Flaws: Is a little on the smallish side for the highest level, so his impact isn't felt as much in the NHL. Doesn't have great scoring prowess.
Career Potential: Versatile two-way forward with a little upside.
With no spare forwards currently on the roster, my guess is that McMillan's coming in as a little bit of insurance while Nick Bonino's on the sidelines:
McMilan has just three points in his 50 games with the Coyotes this season but once again, there may be a direct connection to Willie Desjardins:
Something new to keep an eye on, anyway...
Andrew Alberts Update
More than a year after he was knocked to the sidelines by Calgary's Brian McGrattan, Andrew Alberts is still working to recover from his concussion. Dan Murphy
has an update here, for Sportsnet.
Alberts and his family are now back in his home state of Minnesota. He's still suffering symptoms, hasn't worked out since last June, and has grudgingly come to terms with the fact that his hockey career is over.
It’s a tough way to leave the game you love. Realistically, if and when I do get healthy I don’t think I would risk my health again. It’s been a long, dark road and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.
Best wishes to Alberts. It's a tough way to go out.
Vancouver Canucks Blogger • 
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