State Of The Canucks – Weekly Notebook | November 3

Heating UP!

It is amazing how certain opposition can bring the best (and worst) out of another NHL team. The Washington Capitals and their 7-1 record brought the best out of the Canucks in last week’s win and that elite execution was carried over into Vancouver’s 5-1 win over the Flames Tuesday.

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Conversely, the Canucks seem to bring the worst out of their division rivals.

Miikka Kiprusoff didn’t last the entire game after allowing five goals on eighteen shots through two periods and was undeservingly serenaded by the hometown crowd. Kiprusoff’s five goal performance to start the season only continues a disturbing trend for the Flames’ starting goaltender.

In five starts versus the Canucks last season Kiprusoff averaged four goals-against per game and he and his team showed no signs of slowing down against the Canucks in this fresh season series.

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Around the Rink

Before leaving for Calgary on the start of a six game road trip the Canucks took time out of their busy schedules for a night of comedy, camaraderie and Keslurking as part of the 2011 Sports Celebrities Festival last Thursday.

While Ryan Kesler was driven to lighten the mood and best Brent Butt, the unique connectionshown between Dan Hamhuis and fellow Smithers native and Special Olympian Ben Walker provided another classic example of why hockey players are the most down to earth and caring athletes on the planet.

State Of The Canucks November 3rd

In the Infirmary

Aaron Rome’s imminent return to the Canucks’ lineup offers a number of options for head coach Alain Vigneault.

As Dan Murphy summarised in a must-read for Canucks fans, Rome’s presence could initially cost Keith Ballard or Alex Sulzer their spot on the blueline.

Chris Tanev remains a possibility to return the lineup down the road as well, but currently remains with the Chicago Wolves.

Steven Pinizzotto will have to put his pursuit of playing in the NHL on hold once again after suffering a setback Monday in practice.

Pinizzotto did not travel with the Canucks on their six game road trip and could find it very tough to return to the lineup when he is healthy considering the way Vancouver’s fourth line has been playing.

Aaron Volpatti and Dale Weise have been solid in the small amount of ice time thrown their way this season.

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