“Mile High Win Streak Club”
The Vancouver Canucks haven’t left Denver without at least a point in close to two years, and last night carried over the streak.
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Save for Alain Vigneault taking first place in all-time franchise coaching wins and Cory Schneider‘s stellar play, this was about as exciting as road shutouts go.
The theme of the game?
Relief, whether through goals or back-up goaltenders.
Love’ EM
1. Schneids
It wasn’t Cory Schneider‘s toughest night, but they all count the same. Schneider faced down 24 relatively easy shots for his second shutout of his career and his fine work with Luongo down this week should increase his trade interest on the final year of his contract.
Schneider is going to be a great goalie some day, the question is where.
2. Manny
Manny Malhotra wrestled a giant monkey off his back with his opening goal of the game. Manny’s first of the year came off a beautiful pass from Cody Hodgson.
The kid is proving he can play with just about anyone. Vigneault has admitted this team probably won’t repeat last year’s success without finding a way to get Malhotra going so let’s hope this is a sign of things to come.
3. Kes
It was just an empty net goal, but Ryan Kesler also alleviated a little bit of pressure with his first even strength goal of the year and just his sixth even strength point in his last 43 games.
Stymied in his last few games, Ottawa especially, the look on Kesler’s face as the puck went in proved that you could have spelled relief K-E-S-L-E-R last night.
Canucks vs. Avalanche: Love em & Hate em
Hate’ EM
1. Rome
It looks like Aaron Rome‘s storybook season took another twist, as the beloved rearguard left the game early after blocking a shot with his thumb. No word yet on the extent of his injury or the extent to which it will improve his play upon returning.
2. Avs
The Colorado Avalanche are one of the most recognizable hockey franchises of the past decade and own one of the most iconic jerseys as well. So why wear those teal abominations? It’s just simply not a colour that inspires going to war for.
As Canucks fans, we know a bad uniform when we see one.
3. Roxy
Finally, in a love to hate em, Shane O’Brien. Everyone’s favourite ex-Canuck was front and centre with Alex Burrows all night long.
The two caught with up with each other via a first period tussle before Burrows hung O’Brien out to dry on his second period goal.
O’Brien told the media before the game he was dismayed by the Bruins mishandling of the Canucks and would have pushed back if he was still on the team.
Miss you too buddy.
About Richard Hodges
