Is Game 2 Really a "Must-Win" For the Canucks?
Dimitri Filipovic
May 03 2013 02:20PM
For me personally, the best part of a 7-game playoff series is the game of chess that takes place between games. The playoffs are all about adjustments; the ability to make the correct ones and push the right buttons often goes a long way in determining who comes out on top. This is especially true for the team coming off of a loss, as they have to go back to the drawing board in an attempt to figure out ways to avoid tasting defeat again.
That's where the Vancouver Canucks find themselves, after they relinquished home-ice advantage with their Game 1 loss to the San Jose Sharks on Wednesday night. I'd say that the biggest adjustment the Canucks can make heading into Game 2 is the way in which they utilize the Sedins. As Cam Charron astutely pointed out, Alain Vigneault has to find a way to get them out on the ice against Brad Stuart and Scott Hannan, while avoiding Marc-Edward Eduard Eduoard Edouard Vlasic's suffocating coverage.
The fact of the matter is, that the Canucks likely would've been able to sneak out a win on Wednesday night had they gotten anything from their top line, but they didn't. As a result they now face a Game 2 which they probably have to have if they plan on playing deeper into the postseason. But is it really a "must-win" as the team's captain has proclaimed?
Read on Past the Jump for More.
Canucks Army 2013 Year-End Awards
Dimitri Filipovic
April 30 2013 09:23AM
Daniel Sedin was awarded the Cyclone Taylor, for team MVP, in 2011. Who earned the honour this season?
With the regular season winding down, the Vancouver Canucks handed out their team awards just a few days ago. Trying to keep up with things, The Nation Network has decided to hand out (virtual) year-end hardware for each team across the network this season. Just past the jump we'll be sharing our votes - gathered from all of your favourite voices on this fine site - on 6 individual award categories, with write-ups explaining the thought process behind the decisions included. We'll also be opening up voting for you, the readers, so make sure your opinion is heard!
Roberto Luongo Reminds Us He's Still Good, Canucks Score 3 Late to Win 4-1: Recap and Chance Data
Dimitri Filipovic
April 11 2013 12:28AM
Roberto Luongo was called upon unexpectedly, and wound up reminding us that he's still very good.
Just hours before the drop of the puck for Wednesday night's game between the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks, news broke that Cory Schneider was dealing with a flu bug and would not be able to be between the pipes. Enter Sandman Roberto Luongo, who was making just his first start since March 18th (a span of 11 games).
Not only did he show no rust, but he made 40 stops to keep his team in it until the skaters decided to get going roughly halfway through the 3rd period. After a barrage by the blue'n'white which saw them beat Miikka Kiprusoff three times in the span of 290 seconds, the Canucks held on for a 4-1 victory, padding their lead atop the Northwest Division.
Scoring Chance and Analysis of the Game Just Past the Jump.
Canucks Pepper Mike Smith, Hurt His Feelings; Recap and Scoring Chance Data for 2-0 Win
Dimitri Filipovic
April 09 2013 01:03AM
Not only did Ryan Kesler make his return on Monday night, but he also wound up scoring the game-winning goal.
Photo Credit: Rich Lam/Getty Images.
There have been many times this season where the Vancouver Canucks - whether their hand was forced by injuries or not - seemed more than content to score a goal or two, and then spend the rest of the game hanging on for dear life until the final horn. In fact, Monday night marked the 4th time this season that the team won by a score of 1-0.
Except this time around, the fans surely left satisfied, with very few reservations to be had. What distinguished this particular performance from those other ones was the fact that the team was on the attack throughout, peppering the opposition. Realistically they could have easily scored 4 or 5 goals if not for a spectacular performance by Coyotes goaltender Mike Smith, who did everything he could to keep his team in it.
Most nights, though, the opposing goalie won't be able to do what Smith did, and if this effort was any indication, there won't be many snoozers to close out the remainder of the season.
Scoring Chance Data and Analysis of the Game are Just Past the Jump.
Game #39 Preview: Coyotes @ Canucks
Dimitri Filipovic
April 08 2013 01:42PM
Last time out, Alex Edler laid the boom on Mike Smith. Will the Coyotes be seeking retribution?
With the seemingly rushed nature of this shortened season, it feels as if a significant amount of time has passed since these two teams last met; when in reality, that game in Glendale was less than 3 weeks ago. As you'll recall that game featured an impromptu Alex Edler-Mike Smith powwow behind the net (eventually leading to a 2 game suspension), and a makeshift lineup for Vancouver due to a myriad of injuries. Heck, the only two goals for the Canucks in that game came from Chris Tanev and Jordan Schroeder. I'd be willing to be that doesn't happen again, and since I'm a nice guy, I'll even give you some cushy odds.
Monday night's meeting at Rogers Arena will mark the 3rd and final game of the season series between the two, with the visiting team taking each of the first two meetings. The Canucks will be looking to buck that trend; a task which will surely be aided by the fact that they will be, for the most part, legitimately icing 12 NHL forwards and 6 NHL defensemen (though Tom Sestito would like to have a word about that, I'm sure).
More on the Game Right Past the Jump.
