This is Hank’s 554th consecutive game tonight, good for 10th all-time. Watching Henrik strap ‘em on against Minnesota in a relatively meaningless February game after being in a walking boot the day before shows it takes equal parts of toughness, desire and luck to get on this list. Henrik was fortunate not to get hurt worse and no one would have blamed him for giving the game a pass but what’s a little pain to an Ironman.
Henrik is Ironman.
He of the Superior Hockey IQ Cody Hodgson did his best Pavel Bure going end to end and absolutely lunching two ‘Yotes before having his wrister stopped by LaBarbera. Every game he seems to add to his arsenal and get a little more confident. I think my girlfriend has a crush because I keep finding notes with hearts all over them saying Erin loves Cody and Mrs. Erin Hodgson written on them. On the bright side she hasn’t called me Cody yet!??!
The Canucks have played much better the last few games tightening up their defensive effort and limiting the out manned situations. Although it’s great not having to watch cringe inducing turnover after ridiculous mistake turn the Canucks end into a shooting gallery, I kind of miss the excitement. When you play a tight checking game against Phoenix, thrilling moments are few and far between.
David Booth showed the size and drive to the net the Canucks hoped they were getting when they traded for him on the first goal. When a cross-ice pass deflected behind Keith Yandle, Booth muscled around him and went in hard on LaBarbera cutting across the crease and stuffing the puck far side. Booth is starting to make me think he’s more than pretty eyes.
Speaking of pretty eyes, I wonder how Taylor Pyatt feels knowing he may finally be replaced as the prettiest blue eyes to play for the Canucks.
The Canuck lady fans were upset about the loss of Taylor...
Until David Came along!
Coach Vig put Hodgson on the wing with Booth and Kesler. Being one of those that think the Cody has deserved more chances to succeed, I can only say, what the hell took so long? Was AV afraid he might actually break the 14-minute mark in ice-time? Will this cause a rift in space and begin the end of days?
Vancouver is playing the shutdown style that’s required to beat trap teams like Phoenix and Nashville. You can’t open it up against these teams, they’ll jump all over the mistakes. For the Canucks to have success against tight checking squads they have to fight fire with fire or in this case tedium with tedium. If neither team gives up odd man chances, the team with the most talent should win most times. It’s really the only way to beat a disciplined team like Phoenix but oh my god, is this hard to watch.
Of course in order for the shut down style to work Luongo has to stop the unscreened wrist shots from the point. Vancouver seemed to have this one sewn up until Lui whiffed on a floater from way outside by Yandle. Sure Lui only gave up one tonight but that was as much a product of the system in front of him as his play. He has to stop that shot every time.
Did they have new director working for Sportsnet tonight? At times I felt like I was watching the Blair Witch Project especially during the Canucks shootout. On the Yandle goal, we were treated to two replays of a man taking a wrist shot without actually showing us where the puck went. I hope the interns are given a little less responsibility next game.
Despite a bad goal and only stopping 3 of 6 shots in the shootout, Luongo still got the win because Vancouver shooters scored on 4 out of 6 opportunities. I hate doing research so I can’t prove it but I’m fairly certain it’s been a long time since Vancouver had that kind of success rate in the shootout, I guess all the practice Vancouver is getting lately is starting to pay dividends.
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