Canucks 7 – 4 Capitals
This was a thoroughly enjoyable game for two very simple reasons: a lot of goals were scored and most of them were scored by the Canucks. Really, it’s the simple things in life that matter the most. Four different players recorded 2 goals in this game. One was Alexander Ovechkin, which is not unexpected. The other three were Chris Higgins, Maxim Lapierre, and Alexander Edler, which is a bit more surprising. Even more surprising, Luongo received a healthy dollop of praise, despite giving up four goals on 32 shots. Funny how everyone likes the goaltender when the team plays well in front of him. I watched this game.
- With 11 goals scored, this IWTG will go on forever if we don’t dive right into them and, like David Booth, I have church in the morning. It’d be nice to get some sleep tonight. So, in honour of Halloween being right around the corner and the gaggle of Heath Ledger Joker costumes we’re bound to see, here…we…go.
- Maxim Lapierre made like P!nk and got the party started early in the first, taking advantage of one of the stupidest rules in hockey: the trapezoid or “designated area.” Dale Weise tipped the puck into the Capitals zone and, since it appeared that Thomas Vokoun would play the puck, his defencemen stopped skating and prepared to receive the pass. Unfortunately for them, it never reached the trapezoid. The Pierre cut the puck off and his intended centring pass for Aaron Volpatti deflected in off Vokoun’s left skate. I love how even though he doesn’t have to he slashes Vokoun’s stick. The guy never has a soft touch, which is why everyone on the Canucks hates his massages.
- While Raffi Torres was a bowling ball, Aaron “Ratburger” Volpatti is more of a brick wall on ice skates. He had 5 hits in this game, two of the genus Crunchulus on Mathieu Perreault and Dennis Wideman. The fourth line was stellar, and Volpatti was rewarded with 12 minutes of ice time, the first time this season he’s played over 10 minutes in a game.
- Despite the win, Luongo was again victimized on a couple bad bounces, particularly Ovechkin’s first goal, which somehow ramped up his stick, over his head, off his back and in. Ovechkin was immediately called by McDonald’s to star in a new Big Mac commercial.
- Chris “Kiss Huggins” Higgins put the Canucks back in front on a powerplay drawn by Cody Hodgson. The pass from Dan Hamhuis was absolutely incredible: it was a Sedin-esque tape-to-tape backhand saucer pass over two Washington sticks. Both Higgins and Vokoun tried to out-wait each other, with Vokoun making an impressive stop on the initial shot, but the puck deflected off a skate right back to Higgins, who buried it. Then he dug it up and shot it into the net, because he realized that burying the puck was a stupid idea.
- Know what’s awesome about having two defencemen who can shoot the puck over 100 MPH on your powerplay? Everything. On the Canucks’ third goal, Sami Salo and Alex Edler switch sides, setting themselves up perfectly to attempt a one-timer. Clearly, the Capitals’ penalty killers realize this, but equally clearly, they have no idea which defenceman is going to take the shot. It ends up being Edler, whose shot has a contrail. Vokoun, unlike the Rebel Alliance, had no hope.
- After giving up three goals on 17 shots, Vokoun was pulled in favour of Michael Neuvirth to start the second period. This was done solely to sink my fantasy hockey team. Thanks a lot, Boudreau.
- The Capitals controlled the second period, partly thanks to a penalty taken by Dan Hamhuis 26 seconds in. In case anyone has forgotten, Ovechkin has an incredible shot: he found a soft spot on the ice and ripped a one-timer past Luongo. While Keith Ballard and the other penalty killers likely could have played the situation better, Ovechkin is kind of one of the best players in the league; that goal will happen.
- Mike Knuble’s penalty shot goal looked oddly familiar. I recall a series of shootouts last season where it looked like Luongo had made the save, but the puck still trickled in. Similarly, Luongo got a quick glove on Knuble’s wristshot, but couldn’t get enough of it to keep it from bouncing over the line like a Tracy Morgan joke.
- Edler matched the other Alex’s goal total, finishing off a sweet feed from Henrik Sedin and putting the Canucks back ahead by one. During a battle along the boards, the rest of the Capitals skaters drifted towards the puck. As soon as Burrows and Daniel freed the puck up for Henrik, Edler was heading for the slot and he one-timered the puck off Neuvirth’s collar bone and in.
- The Capitals tied the game before the end of the second period on an odd goal. Keith Ballard went to the bench for a change at an inopportune time. Hamhuis jumped on the ice, but with the puck heading his way, immediately jumped back onto the bench. This meant that Ballard could play the puck, but he clearly didn’t realize it. Instead, Marcus Johansson carried the puck in on a 2-on-1 and beat Luongo cleanly on the short side with a Tambellini-esque snipe.
- The third period belonged to the Canucks: Henrik Sedin scored his fourth of the season on a mad goal-mouth scramble on the powerplay after some slick passing. What’s key is Henrik’s patience: instead of attempting to jam the puck in as soon as Kesler chips it loose, he waits until the puck moves past Neuvirth’s pad. Henrik is legendary for his patience: not only did he wait in line for days for The Phantom Menace, he also managed to sit through the whole movie.
- In case you didn’t notice, Jannik Hansen is back. On Chris Higgins’ second goal of the game, Hansen took advantage of the falling Sean Collins, then skated around the diving Ovechkin to feed Higgins in front, who spun like a ballerina while celebrating. But more importantly he was dogged on the forecheck in a way we hadn’t seen yet this season. Here’s hoping this is a good sign for the future, like a “Free Bird Seed” sign in the road. Those always turn out well for everyone involved.
- Holy crap on a stick, Luongo’s third period save on Ovechkin was monkeyballs. That made no sense at all, but neither did that save. It apparently changed the game, but I believe it also changed the universe. Somewhere, there’s an alternate universe where Luongo did not make that save. It’s full of zombies.
- The Pierre was all kinds of awesome tonight. He tied Edler and David Booth for the team-high in shots with 6, finished a game-high plus-3, again tying with Edler, scored 2 goals, also like Edler, and added 5 hits, way more than Edler had.
- Unfortunately, The Pierre isn’t so much into sharing. With Higgins sitting on two goals, Bieksa sprung him and Lapierre on a 2-on-1. In that situation, you always try to set up the guy looking for a hattrick. Always. Instead, Lapierre pulled the puck around the defender and snapped it five-hole for his second of the game. He later made it up to Higgins with an extra-long hug.
- The 7 Canucks goals and the bonkers Luongo save were certainly excellent, but the real highlight of the game was Fin dressed as banana. I love it when Fin wears costumes over his costume.
You might also like:
50 comments
Search
Recent Comments
- steveB
on Six things the Canucks need to do better in Game 4 - Blueliner
on Will Alain Vigneault lose his job if the Canucks lose again? (Yeah, probably) - Abby
on Six things the Canucks need to do better in Game 4 - Wetcoaster
on Roberto Luongo’s condo is for sale, will likely be easier to move than he is - Nee
on Six things the Canucks need to do better in Game 4
About canada.com | Privacy Statement | Terms | Copyright & Permissions
© 2008 - 2011 Postmedia Network Inc. All rights reserved.
Unauthorized distribution, transmission or republication strictly prohibited.
CanuckFanInSF
October 30, 2011Don’t call it a comeback.
I knew they could do it – it was only a matter of time. I’m so happy they dug deep and came out with such energy, focus and intensity.
Everything just fell in place. And omg the 3rd and 4th lines. What the what?
I am in awe but at the same time, I shouldn’t be.
Boudreau was right to fear what the effect of the two consecutive losses had on the team
Aaaaahhh. I’m going to relish this while it lasts…
The Pierre
October 30, 2011The Pierre, huh? Spellcheck?
Good nickname.
MoneyMoney
October 30, 2011the correct term should be ‘The Peter’
C.K.
October 30, 2011“Somewhere, there’s an alternate universe where Luongo did not make that save. It’s full of zombies.”
This. Was. Epic.
Sleepy Lewis
October 30, 2011Fin in the costume is great, but the pumpkin cannibalizing the other pumpkin is key to that photo. I
whisky jack
October 30, 2011The Way It Was (well sort of, not quiite almost)
Sixty minutes they competed.
On CBC and in HD,
I saw it all on my TV
In a room that’s woodstove heated.
‘Twas Saturday HNIC.
The Olde Coot watched the game with me.
We drank a jug of bathtub gin
And cheered as they went on to win.
The Caps had thirty shots get through.
Robby was there for every one.
Fifteen thousand ecstatic fans,
Mr. Mooneys and Skeeter Dans,
Peanutflowers and Cambos too,
Rose up as one and chanted “LU LU LU LU LU …!”
Whisky Jack
Cathylu
October 30, 2011Bless you! Thank you for letting me re-live a great game. The other day I told my husband that it looked like the Canucks had lost their mojo. It has been found!
And you’re right about FIN-anana!
John Andress
October 30, 2011Something I think you forgot to mention. I loved the Canuck win. I also loved hearing two great CBC commentators. After a steady diet of Mark Lee and A. N. Other, it was a refreshing change to hear the game called by a professional. Simpson wasn’t too bad either. Please, please, please CBC. Make it a permanent change.
peanutflower
October 30, 2011No kidding. Jim Hughson is great, isn’t he? Great Save Luongo! No one says it like that. I’ve never heard anyone else use “smeagol” as a verb either. It makes the game so much better.
Nlee
October 30, 2011Unfortunately we’re only going to get CBC’s A team if its a big game…they usually do Leafs games.
John in Marpole
October 30, 2011When I turned on the early game and heard Bob Cole I knew we were in for a Hughson call, so I threw a couple extra brewskis in the fridge tocelebrate.
peanutflower
October 30, 2011Just re-reading IWTG and watcing Luongo’s save clip, I’m thinking I haven’t seen him make a save like that this season yet. That was the first “great save Luongo” save he has made. I hope that’s a sign of good things to come.
Rituro
October 30, 2011It seems like Luongo’s big problem all this season has been his trapper. How many shots have we seen bounce off the edge or outside of his glove? Or be dropped, or bobbled, or snuck through? Not sure if it’s the overcoaching creeping up again, but it feels like that’s where he needs to focus his game this year.
First step to helping with that focus: that monster save. Good golly, that’ll ramp the confidence up a few notches.
cc
October 30, 2011You forgot the Keslurk in the Booth interview after the game!
Harrison Mooney
October 30, 2011Was there one? I didn’t see it.
J21
October 30, 2011As long as we’re calling him The Pierre, why not go the whole hog and call him “The Stone”?
(Admittedly, “The Rock” is a bit more badass, but in addition to it being kinda taken by that movie wrestler guy, it’d more properly be Laroche).
jenny wren
October 30, 2011“At this juncture I redeclare
My deep respect for Lapierre!”
He recognized the trapezoid
And rendered Volkoun null and void.”
“Yeah, and I’m liking Volpatti too!
On several Caps he’s counted coup.
A flukey goal by number eight!”
“Please pass the jug of gin, eh mate”
“Hey! Higgins from Hamhuis and Booth
The Nucks are up again forsooth!”
“ A howitzer has Edler got!
Wow! that was really what a shot!”
“Three goals is all that Lui needs:
The Nucks don’t give up two goal leads.”
“You may well be right but OH JEEZ,
OV just scored from on his knees.”
“I think I need another drink.”
“There should be more booze in the sink.”
“While you were gone Knuble scored,
A penalty shot the fans adored.
It trickled in off Lui’s glove
Which caused a great outburst of love.”
“Damn! it is we never reckoned
How they lose it in the second.”
“Well we could watch the football game
Vancouver can first place reclaim.”
“Let’s just sit back and drink a cup.”
“Yes! Edler scores to tie it up!”
“But at seventeen fifty-four
We have to see Johansson score.”
The Olde Coot said, “Bring Cory in.”
“The only way that they will win.”
But when they saw that it was Lu,
They turned away from Channel Two.
Twas only later that they heard
How well they won it “in the Turd.”
Jenny Wren
RepubliCameroon
October 30, 2011I know I’m real late to the party on this one, but was there ever a PITB article posted where Chris “Kiss Huggins” Higgins was given that nickname, or does it predate his time with the Canucks?
Aside from Keslurks, it’s my favourite recurring joke on here. Just wondering if PTIB is/knows the source.
Harrison Mooney
October 30, 2011We’re the source. It’s just been in IWTGs so far.
RepubliCameroon
October 30, 2011Awesome.
You guys run a tight ship. Keep it up!
george oscar bluth II
October 30, 2011I guess Fin got up at 6:00 a.m. to go out to Tarzana to get the ol’ banana suit out of storage.
Kate
October 30, 2011My sister and I were at this game! It was awesome, she got to yell KISS HUGGINS a few times. So great to see the canucks play like we know they can, and for luongo to finally get a little love.
cambo
October 31, 2011Hey Kate, who gives a rats a** about Lou. It’s his job to stop the puck. Nucks only won because the Capitals goalies were worse than Lou which is tough to do.
Chazz Ranger
October 31, 2011Hey Troll, who gives a rat’s a** about your comments. Go hang out on the Canucks.com forum with the rest of the 12 year olds.
cambo
October 31, 2011hey chazz, hows that 0-41 looking. Your team is a joke.
Harrison Mooney
October 31, 2011My favourite thing about cambo is he doesn’t even know how many games are on the NHL schedule. But oh man, his opinions totally matter, yes they do!
cambo
October 31, 2011Thanks Harrison. the 0-41 is the Cannots playoff futility record.
Harrison Mooney
October 31, 2011Oh okay, thanks. For awhile there, I was disregarding your comments as pure nonsense.
cambo
October 31, 2011still scratching your head over Louser???? The rest of Canada isn’t. What a joke.
cambo
October 31, 2011hey chazz, mix in a salad!
Ablefish
October 31, 2011First!
(downvote for cambo.)
Thanks for the review guys.
cambo
October 31, 2011@ablefish, email me at heywould@jablowme.ca
Ablefish
October 31, 2011“Hidden due to low rating?” Hmm, oh well.
Anyways, the moment that really defined Jannik’s return for me was when he stripped the puck off the defender and scooped it over to Lapierre for an amazing chance. I haven’t seen all the games this year, but I think that was the first real Danish pickpocketing I’d seen this season. I love those.
cambo
October 31, 2011take off your “rose colored glasses” and see your team for what they are… speed bag fodor for Marchant and various grinders in the league. 0-41 chump.
cambo
November 1, 2011Ahhhh, poor Cancuk fan. Doesn’t like the comments from cambo.. Boo hoo. Get your crying towel suckers.
Harrison Mooney
November 1, 2011It’s true. You speak a truth no one else is brave enough to espouse or accept.
Daniel Wagner
November 1, 2011Brave isn’t the adjective I’d go with.
cambo
November 1, 2011nice “dodge ball” head band. The readers of this paper and the fan’s of the Nucks have such thin skin. I guess 40+ years of futility in the playoffs will do that to you.
Daniel Wagner
November 1, 2011Is “dodge ball” meant to be an insult? If so, you’re terrible at insults.
cambo
November 1, 2011Oh I see. Sorry for the driveby insult. Aren’t you President of the Thin Skinned Cancuk fan club?
Daniel Wagner
November 1, 2011I’m more just confused as to how it was an insult. That’s all.
I’m not just the President. I’m a member.
Harrison Mooney
November 1, 2011You can’t handle my brave adjective choice, you “dodge ball” headband-wearing person? Clearly, you’re blinded by 40 years of futility, amirite, Cambo? #CamboForPrimeMinister
cambo
November 1, 2011Check!
cambo
November 1, 2011Hey DW, and playing dodge ball as an adult isn’t considered loser????? I guess that’s why you cheer for the Nuckleheads.
Daniel Wagner
November 1, 2011Dodge ball is pretty much awesome. So no, it’s not “considered loser,” whatever that means.
Harrison Mooney
November 1, 2011yeah, I’m with Daniel on this one. Dodgeball is awesome no matter what the age.
cambo
November 1, 2011Sure if your 13! Maybe I should have said “LOUSER”. Nice porn stache!
Daniel Wagner
November 1, 2011I would return the 13-year-old crack in kind, but considering your spelling and grammar, I’m afraid you might actually be 13, in which case it’s not an insult. Really, ageism is a serious problem that shouldn’t be ignored and I wouldn’t want to suggest that calling someone 13 is a pejorative in such an instance. I’ve met many intelligent and mature 13-year-olds while working with church youth groups. They also enjoy dodgeball.
the olde coot
November 1, 2011Anyone for pick up sticks?
(Just in case you’re maybe six,
Which is how it sounds to me,
reading each petty repartee.)
cambo
November 2, 2011waaaaaaaa. Are you crying yet? Bwahahaha. Typical Nuck fan