Following Monday night's Western Conference playoff action, the Canucks now know they'll face the Chicago Blackhawks in the Round 2.
The Canucks and Hawks split their four meetings during the regular season, with Vancouver out-scoring the opposition 11-3 in their last two match-ups.
Here is the head-to-head breakdown of how the Canucks and Blackhawks performed against each other in their season series.
March 29----4-0 W @ CHICAGO
D. Sedin (2g,1a), Burrows (1g,2a), H. Sedin (3a), Kesler (1g), Sundin (1a), Salo (1a)
Luongo 26svs (7th SO of season)
(PP 1/7) (PK 3-of-3)
*(Canucks 2nd road shut-out of season)*
Andrew Ladd -3, Martin Havlat -2, Duncan Keith -2, Jonathan Toews -1, Patrick Kane -1, Brian Campbell -1, Patrik Sharp missed penalty shot
Nikolai Khabibulin 19 svs
*(Hawks 2nd shut-out loss at home)*
==============================================
February 7----7-3 W @ VANCOUVER
Edler (1g,3a), Kesler (2g,1a), Sundin (1g,2a), D.Sedin (1g,1a), Demitra (2a), H. Sedin (1g), Bernier (1g), Raymond (1a), Ohlund (1a), Davison (1a)
Luongo 26 svs
(PP-4/8) (PK 4-of-5)
*(Canucks build up 6-0 lead)*
Kris Versteeg (1g,1a), Cam Barker (2a), Havlat (1g), Adam Burish (1g), Campbell (1a), Ben Eager (1a), Matt Walker (1a), Brent Seabrook -3, Keith -2, Dustin Byfuglien -2, Kane -1, Toews -1
Khabibulin 3GA on 13 svs, Christobal Huet 3GA on 6svs
*(Hawks last game in six game road trip, had won four of previous five)*
====================================================
December 20----1-3 L @ VANCOUVER
D. Sedin (1g), H.Sedin (1a), Hansen (1a), Mitchell (-2)
Sanford 31svs
(PP-0/6) (PK 4-of-4)
*(Canucks 31 shots with 20 more that missed the net)*
Toews (1g,1a), Kane (1g), Sharp (1g), Ladd (1a), Barker (1a), Versteeg (1a), Craig Adams (1a), Campbell (+2)
Huet 30svs
*(Hawks 7th straight win)*
=====================================================
October 19----2-4 L @ CHICAGO
Demitra (1g), H. Sedin (1g), Kesler (1a), Bernier (1a), Raymond (1a), Hansen (-2)
Luongo 22 svs
(PP 0-for-4) (PK 3-of-5)
*(Injuries occur to Demitra (ribs), Salo (groin), Hordichuk (knee)*
Sharp (2g,1a), Kane (1g,2a), Seabrook (1g), Versteeg (2a), Toews (1a), Byfuglien (1a)
Huet 28 svs
*(1st win for Joel Quenneville as Hawks coach)*
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Canucks Practice Mondayu
The Canucks had a nearly full roster on the ice at GM Place for practice this morning. Willie Mitchell was the only player who didn't take part. He is expected to skate tomorrow.
Sami Salo returned to the ice for the first time since missing Game 4 of the St. Louis series with a lower body injury. He says he's healthy enough to open up Round 2.
Alain Vigneault indicated that Mats Sundin is healthy enough now that he'll be ready to open up the Western Conference Semi Final on the weekend after missing the last two games against the Blues.
Roberto Luongo did not take any offense to not being named as a finalist for the Vezina trophy today. He said there's really only one trophy right now that he's interested in winning. Although he hasn't been on the ice with the Canucks starter, goalie coach Ian Clark is planning to be in Vancouver in the next few days to work with Luongo in preparation for the next series.
The overall compete level and intensity picked up a bit today at practice. Although tempers didn't boil over, there was a pretty noticeable physical and verbal exchange in one of the drills between Ryan Kesler and Kevin Bieksa. Nothing more than two team-mates who would prefer to be in game mode sooner rather than later.
Taylor Pyatt took part in his first full practice with his team-mates today. No word on if he'll be good to go in starting the next series for Vancouver.
Sami Salo returned to the ice for the first time since missing Game 4 of the St. Louis series with a lower body injury. He says he's healthy enough to open up Round 2.
Alain Vigneault indicated that Mats Sundin is healthy enough now that he'll be ready to open up the Western Conference Semi Final on the weekend after missing the last two games against the Blues.
Roberto Luongo did not take any offense to not being named as a finalist for the Vezina trophy today. He said there's really only one trophy right now that he's interested in winning. Although he hasn't been on the ice with the Canucks starter, goalie coach Ian Clark is planning to be in Vancouver in the next few days to work with Luongo in preparation for the next series.
The overall compete level and intensity picked up a bit today at practice. Although tempers didn't boil over, there was a pretty noticeable physical and verbal exchange in one of the drills between Ryan Kesler and Kevin Bieksa. Nothing more than two team-mates who would prefer to be in game mode sooner rather than later.
Taylor Pyatt took part in his first full practice with his team-mates today. No word on if he'll be good to go in starting the next series for Vancouver.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Canucks Sweep Blues With OT Thriller
The Canucks are the first team in the 2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs to have progressed on to the 2nd round. For the first time in franchise history, the Canucks sweep an opponent in a seven game series after pulling out a 3-2 win in overtime against the St. Louis Blues Tuesday night.
Vancouver opened the scoring after a careless turnover inside the Blues line. Carlo Colaiacovo's up-ice pass was picked off by Kyle Wellwood, who made no mistake on his breakaway deek move to beat goalie Chris Mason. Wellwood's first in his playoff career came unassisted at 5:20.
The Blues were inches away from tying the contest up with about six minutes remaining in the period. B.J. Crombeen's shot from the right face off circle had Roberto Luongo beat along the ice, but the puck wound up going off the skate of Alexander Edler at the middle of the goal line and wide to the corner boards.
Both teams had decent chances in the early stages of the 2nd period. Mason came up with a big stop off of Henrik Sedin in the opening minute while Luongo robbed Keith Tkachuk on a solid pad save following a bullet of a slap shot from high in the slot.
The Canucks made it a 2-0 game just prior to the midway point of regulation time. Willie Mitchell fed a pass across the line for Shane O'Brien who stepped into a slap shot. His drive wound up deflected out of mid-air by Alex Burrows and into the Blues net. Burrows 2nd of the series came at 9:23 and put Vancouver in the driver's seat.
The crowd at the Scottrade Center were able to get out of their seats a few shifts later as Brad Boyes beat Luongo on his own rebound opportunity. Barret Jackman chips in the lone assist as Boyes nets his 2nd of the series at 13:30.
The Blues used that goal as motivation and were full value to tie things up as David Perron beat Luongo on the short side. David Backes and Andy McDonald hit the score sheet as Perron gets his first ever playoff goal at 16:54.
Just over a minute later, the Blues looked like they pulled into the lead as the puck got across the goal line in a wild goal-mouth scramble. However, Luongo had been knocked into his net at the time and the referees determined the whistle had been blown before the puck entered the net. It was a huge bullet dodged by the Canucks who escaped the period on level terms.
The final frame brought with it chances at both ends, but Luongo and Mason stood tall, combining for 21 saves and forcing the game to overtime.
The Blues had the better of the chances in the extra session, thanks in part to getting to go to work on three power plays. Daniel Sedin took a tripping penalty at 6:22 but the Cnaucks did a good job killing it off. They were put to a bigger test soon after though as Ryan Kesler was assessed a double minor for high sticking. Luongo and the penalty killers in front of him stood tall and eventually forced the game back to even strength hockey.
Just when it looked like the game would have to go to a fifth period, the Canucks had other ideas. Mitchell got a pass up the right wing for Burrows who got a step on Jackman. He released a snap shot that fooled Mason which found its way through the pads of the netminder. Burrows, who scored one overtime marker during the regular season, sealed the series for Vancouver with his third of the series at 19:41.
For the third time in four games, Luongo was named 1st star. There was no argument on his selection in the series finale, as the Blues out-shot the Canucks 49-36. The Canucks went 0-for-3 on the power in Game 4 and finished the series 4-for-18. Even more impressive was the Canucks effort on the penalty kill, going 7-for-7 on the night and a whopping 23-for-24 in the four games.
Now with a lengthy break ahead of them, the Canucks won't be back on the ice for practice until Friday. They'll do plenty of scoreboard watching over the next few days in preparation for whoever they'll face in the Western Conference Semi Finals.
Vancouver opened the scoring after a careless turnover inside the Blues line. Carlo Colaiacovo's up-ice pass was picked off by Kyle Wellwood, who made no mistake on his breakaway deek move to beat goalie Chris Mason. Wellwood's first in his playoff career came unassisted at 5:20.
The Blues were inches away from tying the contest up with about six minutes remaining in the period. B.J. Crombeen's shot from the right face off circle had Roberto Luongo beat along the ice, but the puck wound up going off the skate of Alexander Edler at the middle of the goal line and wide to the corner boards.
Both teams had decent chances in the early stages of the 2nd period. Mason came up with a big stop off of Henrik Sedin in the opening minute while Luongo robbed Keith Tkachuk on a solid pad save following a bullet of a slap shot from high in the slot.
The Canucks made it a 2-0 game just prior to the midway point of regulation time. Willie Mitchell fed a pass across the line for Shane O'Brien who stepped into a slap shot. His drive wound up deflected out of mid-air by Alex Burrows and into the Blues net. Burrows 2nd of the series came at 9:23 and put Vancouver in the driver's seat.
The crowd at the Scottrade Center were able to get out of their seats a few shifts later as Brad Boyes beat Luongo on his own rebound opportunity. Barret Jackman chips in the lone assist as Boyes nets his 2nd of the series at 13:30.
The Blues used that goal as motivation and were full value to tie things up as David Perron beat Luongo on the short side. David Backes and Andy McDonald hit the score sheet as Perron gets his first ever playoff goal at 16:54.
Just over a minute later, the Blues looked like they pulled into the lead as the puck got across the goal line in a wild goal-mouth scramble. However, Luongo had been knocked into his net at the time and the referees determined the whistle had been blown before the puck entered the net. It was a huge bullet dodged by the Canucks who escaped the period on level terms.
The final frame brought with it chances at both ends, but Luongo and Mason stood tall, combining for 21 saves and forcing the game to overtime.
The Blues had the better of the chances in the extra session, thanks in part to getting to go to work on three power plays. Daniel Sedin took a tripping penalty at 6:22 but the Cnaucks did a good job killing it off. They were put to a bigger test soon after though as Ryan Kesler was assessed a double minor for high sticking. Luongo and the penalty killers in front of him stood tall and eventually forced the game back to even strength hockey.
Just when it looked like the game would have to go to a fifth period, the Canucks had other ideas. Mitchell got a pass up the right wing for Burrows who got a step on Jackman. He released a snap shot that fooled Mason which found its way through the pads of the netminder. Burrows, who scored one overtime marker during the regular season, sealed the series for Vancouver with his third of the series at 19:41.
For the third time in four games, Luongo was named 1st star. There was no argument on his selection in the series finale, as the Blues out-shot the Canucks 49-36. The Canucks went 0-for-3 on the power in Game 4 and finished the series 4-for-18. Even more impressive was the Canucks effort on the penalty kill, going 7-for-7 on the night and a whopping 23-for-24 in the four games.
Now with a lengthy break ahead of them, the Canucks won't be back on the ice for practice until Friday. They'll do plenty of scoreboard watching over the next few days in preparation for whoever they'll face in the Western Conference Semi Finals.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Sundin & Salo Out for Game 4
The Canucks will be without Mats Sundin and Sami Salo for tonight's game. Both are sidelined with lower body injuries. Ossi Vaananen will take the spot of Salo on the blue line and be paired up with Shane O'Brien.
The Blues are bringing Dan Hinote back into the line-up and sitting Cam Janssen.
The Blues are bringing Dan Hinote back into the line-up and sitting Cam Janssen.
Canucks & Blues Game Day #4
The Canucks are in prime position to eliminate the Blues from the post season tonight as they prepare for Game 4 at the Scottrade Center. The Canucks have never swept an opponent in a seven game series while the Blues have gone four-and-out six times in club history.
Mats Sundin took part in morning skate today and didn't look like he was labouring during the drills. However Alain Vigneault indicated this morning that Sundin will be a game time decision. The only Canucks that didn't skate this morning were Mattias Ohlund and Sami Salo.
Discipline will definitely be a key for both teams tonight. The Canucks and Blues have combined for 32 power plays in three games. Only the Philadelphia/Pittsburgh series has had more (34).
The Blues have not lost three straight games since Dec. 28 - Jan. 2. The two highest scoring Blues in head-to-head meetings this season with the Canucks have been very quiet this series. Patrik Berlund and T.J. Oshie combined for three goals and eight assists in four games against the Canucks. So far, neither player has hit the scoresheet.
Paul Kariya is not likely to dress tonight for the Blues, despite having skated the past three days. St. Louis may put Dan Hinote back in the line-up in place of Cam Janssen.
Here are the expected line-ups for both teams heading into Game 4:
D.Sedin - H. Sedin - Burrows
Demitra - Sundin - Kesler (Hansen if Sundin out)
Raymond - Wellwood - Bernier
Hordichuk - Johnson - Rypien
Mitchell - Salo
Ohlund - Edler
Bieksa - O'Brien
Luongo
LaBarbera
Blues:
Andy McDonald - David Backes - Brad Boyes
T.J. Oshie - Patrik Berglund - David Perron
Brad Winchester - Keith Tkachuk - Dan Hinote
Alex Steen - Jay McClement - B.J. Crombeen
Barret Jackman - Roman Polak
Jeff Woywitka - Carlo Colaiacovo
Mike Weaver - Jay McKee
Chris Mason
Ben Bishop
Mats Sundin took part in morning skate today and didn't look like he was labouring during the drills. However Alain Vigneault indicated this morning that Sundin will be a game time decision. The only Canucks that didn't skate this morning were Mattias Ohlund and Sami Salo.
Discipline will definitely be a key for both teams tonight. The Canucks and Blues have combined for 32 power plays in three games. Only the Philadelphia/Pittsburgh series has had more (34).
The Blues have not lost three straight games since Dec. 28 - Jan. 2. The two highest scoring Blues in head-to-head meetings this season with the Canucks have been very quiet this series. Patrik Berlund and T.J. Oshie combined for three goals and eight assists in four games against the Canucks. So far, neither player has hit the scoresheet.
Paul Kariya is not likely to dress tonight for the Blues, despite having skated the past three days. St. Louis may put Dan Hinote back in the line-up in place of Cam Janssen.
Here are the expected line-ups for both teams heading into Game 4:
D.Sedin - H. Sedin - Burrows
Demitra - Sundin - Kesler (Hansen if Sundin out)
Raymond - Wellwood - Bernier
Hordichuk - Johnson - Rypien
Mitchell - Salo
Ohlund - Edler
Bieksa - O'Brien
Luongo
LaBarbera
Blues:
Andy McDonald - David Backes - Brad Boyes
T.J. Oshie - Patrik Berglund - David Perron
Brad Winchester - Keith Tkachuk - Dan Hinote
Alex Steen - Jay McClement - B.J. Crombeen
Barret Jackman - Roman Polak
Jeff Woywitka - Carlo Colaiacovo
Mike Weaver - Jay McKee
Chris Mason
Ben Bishop
Monday, April 20, 2009
Canucks & Blues Practice Monday
The Canucks and Blues had different looking practices today at Scottrade Center following last night's 3-2 Vancouver victory in Game 3.
The Canucks had a number of players take the day off from the ice, which included:
Roberto Luongo
Daniel Sedin
Henrik Sedin
Sami Salo
Willie Mitchell
Ryan Kesler
Pavol Demitra
Kyle Wellwood
Mats Sundin
For the first time ever in a seven-game series, the Canucks are up 3-0. They are obviously leading the special teams battle to this point, having gone 4-for-15 on the power play and 16-for-17 on the penalty kill. They are also getting production from the blue-line, which was a major advantage on paper the Canucks had heading into the series. So far the Canucks have two goals and six assists from d-men while the Blues have nothing.
Sundin spoke with the media for the first time since being injured in Game 2. He didn't reveal what his injury is or when it exactly occured. However he's hopeful that if he feels better tomorrow, he'll be able to draw back into the line-up.
The Blues were on the ice for about an hour and Keith Tkachuk was the lone no-show. Paul Kariya and Yan Stastny both skated but its not clear yet if either will play in Game 4 tomorrow. Andy Murray said after practice that if Kariya tells him he's healthy to play tomorrow, then he'll play.
The Canucks had a number of players take the day off from the ice, which included:
Roberto Luongo
Daniel Sedin
Henrik Sedin
Sami Salo
Willie Mitchell
Ryan Kesler
Pavol Demitra
Kyle Wellwood
Mats Sundin
For the first time ever in a seven-game series, the Canucks are up 3-0. They are obviously leading the special teams battle to this point, having gone 4-for-15 on the power play and 16-for-17 on the penalty kill. They are also getting production from the blue-line, which was a major advantage on paper the Canucks had heading into the series. So far the Canucks have two goals and six assists from d-men while the Blues have nothing.
Sundin spoke with the media for the first time since being injured in Game 2. He didn't reveal what his injury is or when it exactly occured. However he's hopeful that if he feels better tomorrow, he'll be able to draw back into the line-up.
The Blues were on the ice for about an hour and Keith Tkachuk was the lone no-show. Paul Kariya and Yan Stastny both skated but its not clear yet if either will play in Game 4 tomorrow. Andy Murray said after practice that if Kariya tells him he's healthy to play tomorrow, then he'll play.
Special Teams Shuts Down Blues In Game 3
If there was one edge the Blues may have had on the Canucks going into their first round playoff series, it would have been possessing a stronger power play and penalty kill. The exact opposite occured Sunday night in St. Louis as Vancouver scored all of their goals with the man advantage and shut out the home team on numerous power play chances en route to a 3-2 win in Game 3 at the Scottrade Center.
The Blues were full value to open the scoring for the first time in the series. Andy McDonald cycled the puck behind the net of Roberto Luongo for Brad Boyes. He wasted no time dishing a pass in front for David Backes who burried a shot past the Canucks captain. It was the first playoff goal for Backes and it came at 3:11.
The Canucks got into serious penalty trouble for the remainder of the period and were on their heels. With Daniel Sedin in the penalty box at the midway point of the frame, Willie Mitchell soon joined him after taking a roughing minor and a four-minute high-sticking infraction. However, the Canucks penalty killers came up big and didn't allow the Blues much in the way of good quality scoring chances.
The Blues held the lead into the first intermission and out-hit the visitors 16-5. However they may have used up too much energy as the Canucks were able to turn the tides in the 2nd period when going to work on the man advantage. Kyle Wellwood had a nifty back handed pass out of the left corner to the point for Alexander Edler. He fed the puck across the line for Mattias Ohlund, who took a slap shot that found its way through the pads of Chris Mason. Ohlund's first of the playoffs came at 7:57.
A few shifts later, the Canucks found themselves on a 5-on-3 power play and were able jump into the lead. Sami Salo's point shot wound up beind knocked down in front where Daniel Sedin was able to poke it underneath Mason. Kevin Bieksa chipped in the other helper on Daniel's 2nd of the series at 10:18.
The Blues got the equalizeer they were hoping for heading into the intermission break. McDonald was left alone at the top of the crease and had little trouble beating Luongo after taking a pass out of the corner from David Perron. Backes collected his second point of the game on McDonald's 1st of the post-season at 16:13.
During the regular season, the Canucks went 10-6-5 when tied after fourty minutes whereas the Blues record stood at 9-7-4. On this night, it would be Vancouver getting the victory under these circumstances. Starting the final frame on the power play, Salo had a point shot sail wide of the net. Henrik Sedin gobbled up the loose puck off the end boards and fed it out in front for Steve Bernier. He was able to jab it underneath the netminder and give the Canucks the eventual game-winner. Bernier, who hadn't scored in his previous 17 games, tallied his first ever post-season goal at 1:41.
The Blues had a golden opportunity to tie the game up later in the period with another 5-on-3 power play. However, Luongo stood tall and kept the door shut to help preserve the pivotal Game 3 victory.
Final shots on net in Game 3 were even at 26 apiece. The Canucks finished the night going 3-for-5 on the power play and a perfect 6-for-6 short-handed.
Mats Sundin didn't take part in Game 3 as he sat out with a lower body injury suffered in Game 2. Jannik Hansen came in and took his spot working on a line with Ryan Kesler and Pavol Demitra.
The Sedin twins have combined for nine points in their first three games. The Canucks defence has also played a strong role in Vancouver's success so far in this series, contributing two goals and six assists.
The two teams practice Monday at Scottrade Center in preparation for Game 4 on Tuesday night. Face off will be 5:00pm PST.
The Blues were full value to open the scoring for the first time in the series. Andy McDonald cycled the puck behind the net of Roberto Luongo for Brad Boyes. He wasted no time dishing a pass in front for David Backes who burried a shot past the Canucks captain. It was the first playoff goal for Backes and it came at 3:11.
The Canucks got into serious penalty trouble for the remainder of the period and were on their heels. With Daniel Sedin in the penalty box at the midway point of the frame, Willie Mitchell soon joined him after taking a roughing minor and a four-minute high-sticking infraction. However, the Canucks penalty killers came up big and didn't allow the Blues much in the way of good quality scoring chances.
The Blues held the lead into the first intermission and out-hit the visitors 16-5. However they may have used up too much energy as the Canucks were able to turn the tides in the 2nd period when going to work on the man advantage. Kyle Wellwood had a nifty back handed pass out of the left corner to the point for Alexander Edler. He fed the puck across the line for Mattias Ohlund, who took a slap shot that found its way through the pads of Chris Mason. Ohlund's first of the playoffs came at 7:57.
A few shifts later, the Canucks found themselves on a 5-on-3 power play and were able jump into the lead. Sami Salo's point shot wound up beind knocked down in front where Daniel Sedin was able to poke it underneath Mason. Kevin Bieksa chipped in the other helper on Daniel's 2nd of the series at 10:18.
The Blues got the equalizeer they were hoping for heading into the intermission break. McDonald was left alone at the top of the crease and had little trouble beating Luongo after taking a pass out of the corner from David Perron. Backes collected his second point of the game on McDonald's 1st of the post-season at 16:13.
During the regular season, the Canucks went 10-6-5 when tied after fourty minutes whereas the Blues record stood at 9-7-4. On this night, it would be Vancouver getting the victory under these circumstances. Starting the final frame on the power play, Salo had a point shot sail wide of the net. Henrik Sedin gobbled up the loose puck off the end boards and fed it out in front for Steve Bernier. He was able to jab it underneath the netminder and give the Canucks the eventual game-winner. Bernier, who hadn't scored in his previous 17 games, tallied his first ever post-season goal at 1:41.
The Blues had a golden opportunity to tie the game up later in the period with another 5-on-3 power play. However, Luongo stood tall and kept the door shut to help preserve the pivotal Game 3 victory.
Final shots on net in Game 3 were even at 26 apiece. The Canucks finished the night going 3-for-5 on the power play and a perfect 6-for-6 short-handed.
Mats Sundin didn't take part in Game 3 as he sat out with a lower body injury suffered in Game 2. Jannik Hansen came in and took his spot working on a line with Ryan Kesler and Pavol Demitra.
The Sedin twins have combined for nine points in their first three games. The Canucks defence has also played a strong role in Vancouver's success so far in this series, contributing two goals and six assists.
The two teams practice Monday at Scottrade Center in preparation for Game 4 on Tuesday night. Face off will be 5:00pm PST.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)