Game in Review: Anaheim 7, Vancouver 3.

I looked at my notes after the game, and almost laughed at the number of times I scribbled '...what?!' on the side. But really, what went wrong? Almost everything. But keep in mind Vancouver usually takes a few games to get fired up at the beginning of the season. I imagine it'll take a little longer this year, due to a very short training camp and that 2 key players are missing. But it's only game one, so don't flip out yet. YET.


Anaheim opened the scoring before the 10 minute mark of the first, and pretty much didn't stop. Vancouver tied it up at 9:53 on a beautiful shot by Hamhuis from the point, with Lappiere screening. The passing leading up to it was pretty solid too. A couple of minutes later, Daniel Sedin buried a rebound on the powerplay that came off of an Edler point shot, giving the Canucks the lead. Souray tied it up for Anaheim on the powerplay (maybe a bogus call, but too-little-too-late). Both teams went into the 1st intermission with about equal shots, equal chances and equal score. I don't think the second period could of gone worse. 3 straight goals by Anaheim, including 2 goals in 11 seconds, in the forced Schneider out. Luongo only faced a few shots in the second period, and let in one. You can't blame it all on the goalies, it felt like both the defense and offense just watched the puck go past them. Given the bountiful amount of icing calls on Vancouver's part, i'd say they were exhausted by the 10 minute mark. The 2nd period ended 6-2 Ducks. Edler made everyone a little happier when he pounded in a shot from the point on the powerplay. But less that a minute later Anaheim pushed another one past Luongo, and that's how the game ended. 7-3 Anaheim.

The stats were pretty even. Vancouver had the lead in shots (29-26), while Anaheim led in hits (21-10) and face-off wins (38-37). The Ducks went 3/3 on the PP, and the Canucks finished at 2/4.

Tidbits:

 - Weise actually looked good. Pulled a spin move in the 1st to create a good opportunity, had some good hits and was quick on the backcheck.
 - Ballard and Tanev were horrible as a pairing.
 - Hansen and the twins seem to be a good match on the 1st powerplay unit.
 - Powerplay mainly consisted of shots from the point, pinching by defense. Seemed to work.
    - Actually, almost all the Canucks scoring chances came from the point. All 3 goals came off of the point shot in one way or another.
 - Sedins/Burrows line was surprisingly quiet during 5 on 5, seemed like their ice time was cut down quite a bit too.

So will Schneider start tomorrow against Edmonton? Probably. Luongo ended up playing most of the game, and Schneider needs to learn to to bounce back from tough loses if he wants to play as number 1.

Game Preview: Canucks vs Ducks, January 19th 2013

So, the season kicks off tonight. I'd apologize for this post being late, but seeing as the blog was only created today, and that the only page view is my own, I won't.

Anyways. Back on track. The Canucks season starts off tonight against the Anaheim Ducks. Anaheim finished dead last in their division last year, and a full 15 points out of a playoff spot. Normally, this would waive any sense of threat that I, and many others, would feel...

... BUT...

2 factors:
 -  The Canucks are short Ryan Kesler and David Booth, the staples of the 2nd line
 -  Anaheim and Vancouver split the season series at 2 a piece last year, and have frequently been a pain in the butt.

Truthfully, this game could be a blowout or a shootout win for either side.

Moving on, here's the expected lineup for tonight:
 Sedin-Sedin-Burrows
 Raymond-Ebbett-Kassian
 Higgins-Lappiere-Hansen
 Weise-Malhotra-Volpatti

On that note, I don't expect the 2nd line to get as much ice time. Granted, if Raymond plays like he did a few years back, and Kassian has truly upped his game, I could be absolutely wrong. Either way, I think that we'll see the 3rd line get a lot more ice time.

Now, onto Dale Weise. Coming off of an impressive run in the Netherlands (oxymoron?) where he obtained 40+ point in less than 20 games. Looking back, he does have some talent (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQSVrna3tKE), but will his stint in De Dutch lead to a Weise that is constantly trying to force an up ice rush, even when nothings there?

Just some thoughts from a fan.