Canucks vs Red Wings Recap: 2.24.2013
Games like this, they just make me so happy. Early on it looked like it might be a long night with the Sedin twins playing nauseatingly great hockey, but Detroit took over in the second with, get this: our special teams. Not only did they score three with the man advantage, they didn’t give up any to a hot Vancouver power play. Awesome.
More after the jump:
Last night I almost wrote that Brunner had something of a bad-ish game. Maybe I did write it, but I’m not checking. Point is he rebounded in a big way tonight by recording four points, including the GWG.
I liked Howard tonight despite giving up three. The first two were a product of Sedin magic, but that third one must be stopped. Still, 120 minutes of hockey in less than 24 hours and he gives up one bad goal. I’ll take it. He wasn’t even supposed to be here today!
It’s fun watching Abdelkader and Cleary get the puck and instantly look around for Datsyuk. The line is producing but it’s entirely because of Pav. I’d still like to see Tatar switch with Abby.
Kronwall leads all NHL defensemen with 16 points. Now if he could continue to be responsible in his own end like he has the last two games, we could be talking James Norris. The amazing thing about him leading in points? His partner is a rookie.
I really like watching Tootoo play. The goals he scores for us are just like the ones he scored against us for so many years: fluky and well-earned.
I liked our defense today. They made good plays with the puck in our own end and kept turnovers to a minimum.
Emmerton continues to impress me. There was a moment early in the first when he was surrounded by three Canucks and had no immediate outlet pass. Rather than panic, he held the puck for an extra second and waited for a teammate to get open. Once the option was available, he took it and Detroit cleared the puck. Those were the plays he didn’t make last year when we all wanted him shipped out.
NOHS Three Stars of the Game:
First Star: Brunner. 2g 2a and the GWG. I didn’t expect him to be our leading goal scorer at any point in the season, but he is. Detroit hasn’t had a 30 goal scorer in a few years now despite Zetterberg and Datsyuk’s crisp, sexy passes, but Brunner would easily be on pace for 40+ if this was a full season.
Second Star: Kronwall. 1g 2a for the second straight game. Seems our power play is a bit more effective when our point man is playing well.
Third Star: Andersson. His 2g came when the game was basically over, but it’s always good to see our young guys stepping up and taking advantage of their ice time.
Honorable Mention: Third and Fourth lines. These guys have sealed the deal on two straight games by grinding it out in the third period. They’ll need to keep that up if they expect to make the playoffs.
Next game is Wednesday against the defending champs. 10:00 puck drop. They’ll be looking to get some revenge after that heart-breaker that Howard and Ericsson gave them last time. Don’t let them have it, boys.
LGRW
Our offense is looking pretty potent (even though a lot of those goals yesterday were flukey). If we could just get some guys back from the injury list I think we'd have ourselves a pretty good looking team. Defense and special teams are still an issue though. And personally, if I was king of the world, I would have Helm (when/if he comes back) center the third line with Tatar and Gus. Screw Cleary and Abs, let them fight for the final spot on the 4th line.
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No Quincey for two games and two good wins, conquincidence?. Man that score should of been 9-3 poor old Eaves got robbed by that whistle. Great game tho, lets home their road trip has some more good play. and i see mursak has cleared waivers. thats good makes room for some of our more talented guys.
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@haiggrinder I'd agree with you - but he's been solid since the first two weeks. Leads the team in +/-, which says something.
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I just want to mention Tootoo's hit on the defenseman in the 2nd period (I think). God I love that. If it was Burrows he hit like that, I probably would have had to change my shorts.
not that i didnt love anderssons two goal shift...i think that Z would be a better star. He had 3 points if im not mistaken and he was on the ice for like 5 of the of the wings goals. Not that it's a huge deal though this stuff is pretty arbitrary. Regardless though, Go Wings. Big Win
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I am also surprised with Emerton's play this season, I had very low expectations of him and he is so far exceeding, great 4th liner! Brunner best FA signing this year, and I really love the Tootoo signing as well. I liked it when it was signed and I still do, smart move by Holland. That is an important element that we needed this year.
