A determined, energetic Vancouver Canucks team looked to have new life on the road against Montreal. They tested the Habs early and often on Wednesday night as newly reconfigured top lines took advantage of the mistakes of their disorganized opponents.
Fortunately for Montreal, they could afford to have a sub-par game, as superb goaltending by Carey Price and an increasingly frustrated Vancouver forward core ensured the Canucks wouldn't score a single goal. They were shut out for the third time in four games.
Since starting with Pass it to Bulis, I’ve watched three games. During those games, I have witnessed no goals. None. Zero. Before you blame this bad juju on my presence, I should let you know that I watched this game surrounded by horseshoes, eating a bowl of Lucky Charms, sitting right beside my lucky Jeff Cowen bobblehead doll. So it can’t be me, it’s science. I watched this game.
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The story of the game was again Loui Eriksson, who, despite multiple chances, couldn't buy a goal. He must have recently spent an afternoon walking under ladders in front of black cats while spilling salt and smashing mirrors. Loui, get some better hobbies!
It wasn’t for lack of trying, as he had several grade A chances to crack the egg. On a powerplay midway through the second period, Loui put a puck through the crease with no one there to tuck it in. Later on, Brandon Sutter found him in front of the open net halfway through the third.
The most frustrating moment of the game for him game happened when his stick exploded on a fantastic one-timer attempt in the third period. I think he actually started laughing at that point. - Eriksson looked significantly more dangerous tonight alongside Brandon Sutter and Markus Granlund. Sutter’s speed benefitted Eriksson, and I hope the trio is give some more time to gel. I’m not even mad that this new combination ruins my opportunities to say GranBranHan. GranBransson? It’ll have to do.
- Loui isn’t the only one struggling to ripple the mesh. Sven Baertschi also had a frustrating night. He couldn’t quite put a fat rebound past Carey Price at the 12-minute mark of the second period. What’s worse, it led to a Montreal rush where a Brendan Gallagher rebound landed on Nathan Beaulieu’s stick, who promptly broke the scoreless tie. You’re still my Bae, don’t worry.
- Montreal’s second goal came not long afterwards, a deflating marker near the end of the second period. Phillip Danault fed Torrey Mitchell on the rush and Ryan Miller had no chance to make the stop. The Habs’ fourth line was speedy and effective all night and this goal made the entire Canucks bench sadder than Keanu Reeves realizing he’s the third wheel.
- Miller can’t be blamed for either goal. He was impressive again despite not facing a ton of shots. He kept the Canucks in the game with consecutive saves on Andrew Shaw and Alex Radulov in the third period. Where there’s a Mill, there a way. Except for tonight. Tonight there was no way.
- The referees, normally stingy with Vancouver, decided to hand out power plays like Halloween treats. Some were somewhat questionable, like a goaltender interference call against Brendan Gallagher, which triggered a shower of "you suck, ref!" chants. Habs fans had little to worry about, however, as a palpable pall of bad juju prevented any of the numerous power play chances from getting past Carey Price.
- The game did seem to defy logic, as Montreal looked terrible for most of the game. They deserve credit for taking advantage of the chances given to them, but overall they did not look much like the NHL-leading team I expected to see. Plenty of flubbed passes, an ineffective power play, and a breakout game that couldn’t escape a minimum security prison. One of the kind with tennis courts.
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Of course, a team carrying a goaltender of Carey Price’s caliber tends to defy logic on occasion. Price looked very sharp and deserved the shutout he received. He made few mistakes, and when he did Vancouver could be counted on to flub the chance.
With his shutout win, the 37th perfect game of his career, it sure seems (don’t do it) like the Price (seriously man, don’t do this one) really is right. (That’s it, I’m gettin’ out of here.) -
It’s worth noting that Price probably had Vancouver's number because he is in fact the devil. Don’t believe me? Check out his season stat line.
- A frequent problem for Vancouver has been lack of space and time to make plays. The decision by Willie Desjardins to move Jannik Hansen up to play with Daniel and Henrik Sedin seemed like a good one. Hansen’s speed and tenacity drew defenders away from the twins, allowing them to set up. Still, space was at a premium, and one has to wonder whether the Canucks have the grit and sandpaper necessary to let their star players get creative.
- A bright spot was Vancouver’s defensive play. They looked good with the return of Chris Tanev, limiting one of the NHL’s top offences and shutting down all three of the Canadien’s power plays, limiting them to just a handful of shots. Just imagine what might have been if the greatest athlete of all time, Troy Stecher, had been playing.
- Another improvement was Vancouver’s breakout, helped in large part by Desjardins’ mixing up of the top lines. Against an average goalie, the Canucks might have left Montreal with smiles on their faces and poutine in their bellies. Well, they’ll probably still get poutine, but you can bet they’ll be eating it sadly.
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In typical Canucks shutout fashion, Montreal scored an empty net goal. Sort of. Alex Edler was penalized preventing Alex Radulov from scoring, and that’s an automatic goal. At that point the remaining two Vancouver fans still watching switched over to watch the last half of an amazing World Series final, as the Chicago Cubs claimed their first championship since 1908. In fact, why are you even reading this? Go watch those highlights! What a game!
