Canucks take the Division title
Although the score may suggest otherwise, I thought the Canucks played a pretty exciting game with their 1-0, division clinching win.
The first period was all about the Canucks getting a lot of scoring chances, but Budaj just won't die and let the puck in. And it's not just one line contributing pressure, all 4 lines were rolling and getting the puck to the net.
They did calm down in the second period. The Avs applied a lot of pressure initially, but the defense pulled through and got us to the 3rd period where the fire was lit again and the scoring chances came back in full force. However, Budaj remained steady throughout the 3rd period, and stoned the Canucks each time.
When he wasn't stoning the Canucks, the puck just decides to stay out of the net by hitting the post, a player or something.
All that did not matter though because the Canucks got to OT and secured the division and we win anyway! :D Henrik Sedin must have scored the most hilarious goal for that GWG if you consider the type of game we had.
All those beautiful chances, and the goal that won it was a deflection off a Colorado player. LOL
The beauty in this game, to me, is just the balanced play of all the lines. Okay, not balanced, since it was obviously the Sedin line who did a lot of the dangerous scoring chances, but the other lines were not big liabilities.
Sure, there were a couple of times when they couldn't clear the puck out of the zone, or iced it, etc, but ... I thought they all looked solid. They can sustain pressure on the forecheck and was very systematic on the defense.
I am especially impressed with the 3rd line of Wellwood/Raymond/Bernier. Especially Raymond. I think you can see the change in Mason Raymond compared to his play earlier in the season.
He makes a lot more plays and seems to be using his line mates a lot more than he used to. Also, doesn't it seem like he's stronger on the puck recently? I don't know.. I see him forcing his way into the offensive zone better, and winning a lot more puck battles.
Ryan Johnson has also been excellent lately. I think his finger has probably now fully healed.
I feel bad that Shane O'Brien didn't get a regular season goal as a Canuck. Maybe he can get his first goal as a Canuck in the playoffs. :D Wouldn't that be something? C'mon OB, you know you have it in you!
Anyway. I'm just SO happy that it's done. It's time to just worry about the post season and hope we kick CBJ/STL bum.
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