Canucks take 6 bites out of Big Apple

The Canucks faced the Rangers today in their first meeting with ex-Canuck Marcus Naslund and what a game it was.  Why didn’t we come out flying like this against the Islanders on Monday night?  The Canucks owned the first period, cashing in on 2 of 3 breakaways in the first half!  Wellwood broke away first with a pretty feed from Ohlund, froze Lundqvist, and stuck it on the right side.  This guy is has amazing puck handling skills and I don’t understand why the Leafs gave him up.  It must be his short stick!  Keep an eye on this guy, with 8 goals already, he’s surely to have a great season.

Next up was Raymond who tried to go 5-hole but got denied.  I think he had some time to deke out Lundqvist as he came in all alone from almos the blue line.  That would have been great for him to bump his current slump he’s in.  He’ll find his way, no worries.  Finally the pesky Burrows stole the puck from Redden (who was schooled way too many times today) and was away to net a short handed goal for the Canucks.  And this was the first 10 mintues of the first period!

Wellwood’s “Magic Mittens”.  “Whoop-whoop-SCORE”

What a great game!  And here I thought the Rangers were going to be trouble, but turned out to be in trouble themselves.  They were red hot to start the season and are still one of the leaders in the East.  Canucks have got to play like this every game.  I think our speed, especially with the Burrows-Kesler-Hansen line, was what really killed the Rangers.

I bet you Nazzy was wondering, “Why couldn’t they play like this when I was there?”.  Really though, looks like he’s having a great time with the Rangers (second in points) and is finally feeling his old self again.  Good for you Nazzy. He’s a very gifted player and was just awesome to watch during his better years as a Canuck.  I really hope he does well and retires on a good note, well, except for when they play the Canucks that is.  That’s when I want the boys to demolish him and his Rangers, which is exactly what they did tonight.

It’ll be interesting how the Canucks play tomorrow against the Wild, which is a more important game in terms of points earned as they are divisional rivals.  The last time we played them was only a few weeks ago where Luongo shut them out.  I don’t even know if he’ll play tomorrow.  Oh well, we’ll have to wait and see.  Game time is 5PM!