This was a frustrating one for team tank. The Canucks were vastly outplayed by the Ducks in the 1st, and were even scored on moments into the game. Yet, they were relentless, and eventually took a lead they wouldn’t give up in the 3rd period, winning the game 3-2 and picking up 2 very unnecessary points. But still, a win is a win, and in a game full of injuries, it was nice to see the young guys get some more ice time. I had to suffer through the 3rd period without an internet connection. Let’s dive in.

The Ducks didn’t waste any time getting on the board, scoring early in the 1st on a sloppy play by the Canucks. The Canucks have played a bunch of back-to-back’s recently, and tired efforts like this are expected. Ryan Kesler reminded us of the Kes of old as he aggravated Canucks fans. Other than that, there wasn’t much to say about the 1st period. Everyone just looked tired, the Ducks looked like a playoff team. The Canucks, looked like they were chasing and watching, which has become a new normal for the team.

Bo Horvat, however, refuses to embrace the tank and tied the game up early in the 2nd with a beautiful effort. Horvat seems to be one of the few bright spots of the finishing stretches of this season, as he’s really found his game after struggling at points during the year.

The Canucks really controlled the early parts of the 2nd period, but sloppy play let the Ducks back in, especially during a stretch midway through the 2nd period.

Nikita Tryamkin was busy showing his physicality, roughing up Ducks players left and right. Even when he’s in the wrong, he still picks fights.

Chris Higgins and Linden Vey both left the game in the 2nd with injuries, and things started to get a little dicey line-up wise. Things are getting grim.

A couple close calls early in the 3rd nearly put the Ducks on top, but yet again the Canucks were able to fend them off. (With the help of the crossbar.) The early parts of the period didn’t amount to much, but Tryamkin made waves again by laying out an off-balance Kesler in the offensive zone.

The Ducks were finally able to break the tie off the stick of Nate Thompson, in front of the net. But not to worry, the Canucks tied it up moments later off the stick of Hansen as he tipped the Dan Hamhuis point shot.

The Canucks win a game they had no business winning, and take 2 points to distance themselves from last place in the NHL. They have the weekend off, and move on to play Los Angeles on Monday night, where they will be faced with another daunting California opponent.