Heating Up
The Canucks followed a familiar game plan in Los Angeles firing three first period goals past Jonathan Quick on their way to a 3-2 road victory Thursday.
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Trevor Lewis was assessed a major for elbowing and Drew Doughty put his team down an additional man in the first period sparking two goals from Vancouver’s red hot power play now operating at 26.9% following the win.
Aaron Rome capped off an all-Canucks first period with his fourth NHL goal extending Vancouver’s undefeated streak when the rugged blueliner manages to slip one past the goalie.
After an exceptional first period the Canucks put the game in cruise control, allowing two goals in the latter half of the contest, making for a dramatic final frame.
The drama could have been avoided after another potential goal from Rome was called back for goaltender interference.
Drew Doughty made up for his early blunder with two points late in the game but was unable to will one more past his Olympic teammate in a losing cause.
Vancouver Canucks Get by Kings 3-2 - (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Off-season acquisition and fellow Canadian Olympic teammate Mike Richards tipped in his fourth of the season past Luongo in a late push but would run out of time trying to tie the game in the remaining 70 seconds.
Despite the victory, Vancouver was once again outplayed 5-on-5 Thursday, relying on the strength of their power play and the stupidity of the opposition to arm it early and often. After the Canucks put five power play goals past the Blackhawks on Sunday, it was astounding to see the Kings playing with fire early against the Canucks.
Despite the two points, Drew Doughty’s undisciplined first period penalty should make him the mayor of Terry Murray’s doghouse for the next few days. With a contract to match his ego, Doughty and the Kings cannot afford to see the superstar blueliner tied with Aaron Rome in league scoring.
V’s Thoughts
Despite the win the Canucks must be careful to bring a full sixty-minute effort tonight in Anaheim after an easy go in Los Angeles. Vancouver has been given an outrageous amount of power play opportunities over the last two games and cannot rely on the man advantage to save the game every night of the week.
With another two points I can’t complain about the Canucks’ performance in LA, however the team must continue to correct their even strength play.
The special teams show can’t last forever.
About Kevin Vanstone
