The Canucks are up 2-0 in the Western Conference Finals. And this time around we can fairly say that that is very much the Sedins fault.
The wonder twins were brilliant in this game, combining for 5 points and at times dominating the Sharks. That’s two very strong games in a row for the much maligned MVBs – Most Valuable Brothers. It’s good to see them rolling. Henrik in particular looks much more comfortable out there after a bit of rest.Here are some more thoughts on Wednesday night’s game:
- With a goal, an assist and a fight, Kevin Bieksa earned the Gordie Howe Hat Trick. That is the third such hat trick in the career of the man they call “Juice.”
- What a cheeky play by Chris Higgins to spring Bieksa free on that breakaway. He has been a most excellent trade deadline acquisition.
- It was good to see the Canucks break out a bit. Twelve Canucks hit the score sheet, including the most unlikely of all – Aaron Rome. That’s how good the Sedins were. Even Rome capitalized on their unstoppable cycle.
- I don’t know if the Sharks are tired or what, but it is very obvious who the better team was in both games. San Jose starts out okay, but in the second and third periods the Canucks just overwhelmed them with their speed and neutral zone play.
- That may change in San Jose, as historically the Canucks and Roberto Luongo have struggled at the HP Pavillion. Cory Schneider played all of Vancouver’s regular season games in San Jose this season. As Todd McLellan said after the game, “A real smart man told me you’re never in trouble in a series until you lose a game at home.”
- One area of concern has to be the Canucks penalty kill. The Sharks are 3 for 4 in the series. They are a team that feeds of their power play. They will be hoping it can get them back in this series.
- The Sharks are 0-8 when trailing a series 2-0.
- Ben Eager’s undisciplined play will undoubtedly get a lot of attention on the radio shows and internet forums. Whatever. He’s an undisciplined bush league player and proved it again on Wednesday night. If I’m a San Jose fan, I’d be far more disappointed in coach Todd McLellan. He seemed at a loss as to how to solve the Canucks. Is sending out the goon, with his intent so obvious, the best he can do?
- I would have called Eager a boob, but for those who saw what the rather promiscuous female fan did by the penalty box, you know that would not have been appropriate. Let’s just say the Green Men have some competition.
- Say what you want about Eager – San Jose’s biggest problem is so many of the Sharks top players never showed up. Where was the eagerness from the likes of Ryane Clowe or Devon Setoguchi or Joe Pavelski or Dany Heatley?
- No one is really saying too much yet, but Ryan Kesler has gone quiet offensively in Vancouver, too.
To read more of Joe Pelletier’s blog, visit Greatesthockeylegends.com
