Stick-taps and glove-drops is a recurring feature after every Canucks game giving some quick kudos and criticism before the longer I Watched This Game feature. That’s right: two post-game articles for the price of one! That price is still zero dollars.
A tap of the stick to the Canucks content crew, who put together a fantastic pre-game ceremony for Daniel Sedin’s 1000th career point. The video tribute narrated by Markus Naslund was perfect, having Thomas Gradin present him a commemorative plaque was a nice touch, and it was emotional seeing Derek Dorsett come out to present Daniel with a gift from the players, a silver puck.
Big stick-tap to Markus Naslund for nailing it with this final line: “You’ve earned it, and I’m so proud of you Daniel.” I’m not crying, you’re crying.
A benchful of stick-taps for Jacob Markstrom in this game, who was absolutely outstanding in this game with 35 saves. Without Markstrom (and a little luck), this game isn't even close, as the Leafs dominated the second and third period. He came ever-so-close to his first career shutout, but the Leafs scored with less than three minutes left. It was heartbreaking.
Markus Granlund gets a stick-tap for ending his 6-game pointless and goalless drought with the game’s opening goal. He picked up a loose puck at the Leafs’ blue line and ripped a shot glove-side on Frederik Andersen.
Right where Grandma keeps the really old expired jar of honey for her tea pic.twitter.com/2VncJYx3WZ
— Wyatt Arndt (@TheStanchion) December 3, 2017
Tap of the stick for the Sedins, who busted out some old-school Wizardous Sedinery on a delayed penalty, controlling the puck for nearly half a minute in the offensive zone before setting up Alex Edler for the 2-0 goal. It was marvelous to watch.
Stick-tap for Edler for scoring his first goal of the season. His shot was neither blocked nor did it miss the net. Edler finished with a game-high 25:29 in ice time and blocked four shots.
2011 called, they want their Canucks back pic.twitter.com/QDJaP6hhmt
— Wyatt Arndt (@TheStanchion) December 3, 2017
Dropping the gloves with Don Cherry, who didn’t even mention Daniel Sedin’s 1000th career point during Coach’s Corner at the intermission. It took until after the game for Ron MacLean to mention it in passing. I’m not sure why I was surprised, but I was.
A tap of the stick to Troy Stecher, who was a warrior in this game, returning to the ice after taking a hard shot to the foot and then another to his face. Stecher collapsed to the ice, kicking his skates and bleeding, after the puck to the face, but he was back out there for the third period, playing 6:37 in the final frame.
Stick-tap for Derrick Pouliot, who had a strong game. He played nearly 22 minutes, blocked five shots, and led all Canucks defencemen with a 46.15% corsi on the night. He seemed to be the Canucks’ best defenceman at transitioning the puck up ice in this game.
