Canucks trap the Hawks into submission in Game 3

by Sean Zandberg on May 6, 2009 12:44 AM PDT in Game Review Comment 27 comments

"It was our game plan not to feed their transition," Luongo said. "I couldn't even count the number of turnovers on my hand."

Actually, Luongo would have only needed one hand -- as Chicago forced just three giveaways the entire game as compared to 12 in the opening two games of the series. In addition to clogging the passing lanes, the stellar defensive unit blocked a series-high 21 shots despite playing without top-four defenseman Sami Salo, who was out with an injury.
"I think one of the keys for us was to be able to put in a full 60 on the ice," Vancouver coach Alain Vigneault said. "We put a couple past them -- and when we made mistakes, Louie was there to make the saves."

The Canucks finally delivered the game that we knew they could.

Crazily enough, they took THREE delay of game penalties for clearing the puck over the glass in their own zone, yet still persevered. Right when it looked like the Hawks would mount a comeback (which you know that they believed they could), the Canucks would not only kill off the power plays (minus the Campbell PP goal), but they also weathered the Blackhawks' attack 5 on 5 when Chicago was pressing to inch closer to tying the game.

It was a mental win for Vancouver, who finally didn't blow a lead in a game versus the Hawks. That was something they had to do, or this series was potentially over.

Great to see Taylor Pyatt back on the ice. He was a physical presence out there, but more importantly his team along with him played a tight defensive game to shut the Hawks down. Crucial win. Nice way to shut the fans up at the United Center and take control of this series.

Not one Canuck was in the minus tonight, and Alex Edler led the Canucks with 2 assists. So much for the Canucks being "in trouble" without Sami Salo. Yeah, stick that headline up your ass, msm.

Oh, and Mason Raymond looked great as Pavol Demitra's replacement. Speaking of Demo, he may be lost for the series. I also wonder how Mattias Ohlund is doing after getting smoked late in the game. Hope he's alright.

I love these games where Roberto Luongo doesn't have to be Jesus out there, I'll take the boring trap hockey as long as it ends in a win and a lead not getting blown.

BOXSCORE AND HIGHLIGHTS

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Hate to nitpick, but...

Pretty sure that was game 3 we played tonight. Must’ve been one helluva bday.

I agree on all points. Sixty minutes of playoff hockey (read :trap), physically took it to them in both ends of the rink. Great stickwork to seal up the lanes. Kept aware of the stretch pass. Moved everything to the perimeter in the defensive zone. Some of the best forechecking I’ve seen in awhile, while keeping in position.

by kesrows on May 6, 2009 1:18 AM PDT reply actions

I think he pulled a little Nostradamus…

by rsm on May 6, 2009 2:08 AM PDT up reply actions

Haha, oops. Corrected.

Yeah, that looked more like a game from the Blues series…for once

Nucks Misconduct

by Sean Zandberg on May 6, 2009 8:23 AM PDT up reply actions

BBBBBBBEEEEEEERRRRRRRNNNNNNNNNNNNNNIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEERRRRRRR

by Molson78 on May 6, 2009 2:01 AM PDT reply actions

!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by Molson78 on May 6, 2009 2:02 AM PDT reply actions

And just think

how much better we can be if Sundin shakes that nagging injury

by Nucks in 09 on May 6, 2009 2:45 AM PDT up reply actions

Sundin looked good last night. So did Bernier. If I recall correctly I think they were the 2 most impressive guys last night.

I'm old enough to understand. Jerks.

by rollonubears on May 6, 2009 4:41 PM PDT up reply actions

Gonna rock this game tonight…so excited to get it so quickly with a little help from my friends.

Woot.

by GZ Expat on May 6, 2009 3:12 AM PDT reply actions

Actually,its tomorrow

but yea,im predicting 5-2 canucks win

then a 2-0 shutout in game 5

we sit back and watch wings and ducks go at LEAST 6 games

by Nucks in 09 on May 6, 2009 3:16 AM PDT up reply actions

And i never thought

i would say this,but i hope the wings win it in game 7…..ducks defense look a little scary

positive side of a ducks matchup would be home ice,but i think the wings would be more tastey….osgood looks much more beatable right now

by Nucks in 09 on May 6, 2009 3:21 AM PDT reply actions

Hawks suck BIG time

my brother was banned for some reason…..now im banned too

they cant take it……..GO NUCKS!!!!!!!!!!

by Nucks in 09 on May 6, 2009 7:41 AM PDT reply actions

actually..

I “warned” you. But I’m in a shitty mood and think I’ll ban you anyway. No one buys the “no that was my brother” defense..

Second City Hockey

by Matthew Dirt on May 6, 2009 7:56 AM PDT up reply actions 2 recs

Lol I saw what you were doing over there, I don’t think you’ll get any sympathy here, Canucks fan or not.

by Vivendi14 on May 6, 2009 11:12 AM PDT up reply actions

We are friends with the folks at Second City Hockey. We do not encourage trolling at that site. These comments sections at game time do not have to turn into 13 year-old mentality fighting. It’s unfortunate that some people have to be such pains in the ass.
I’ll be honest with you. If any Canuck fan here trolls at any other hockey site we will not support you nor defend you here unless deemed worthy.
That being said, people will troll anyways.
Just try to be a bit respectful. I used to troll a bit, (Blues board in round 1) and there was no point in doing it. I just found the keyboard arguments lame and immature. Poking the angry bees nest was nearly pointless. I knew it would piss them off.

Now, if we met up in the street that is a different story. But hiding behind a fake name and trolling is so cowardly.

Nucks Misconduct

by Sean Zandberg on May 6, 2009 12:12 PM PDT up reply actions

Madness!!! Who really thinks playing Detroit over Anaheim IF we make it to the 3rd round would be preferable?
I would play Anaheim a hundred times out of a hundred if we had the choice. The lack of respect towards Detroit is crazy. The ducks have a solid defence, but I will take my chances in a tight series with them over tryin to stop the powerhouse Wings and there offense.
Madness, to want the Wings.

PS> for the record, I think we would have a chance with the Wings, but facing Anaheim would be much much much much preferable, at least in my mind.

by Nuckels on May 6, 2009 9:27 AM PDT reply actions

I’m not going to think that far ahead this time.

Nucks Misconduct

by Sean Zandberg on May 6, 2009 9:39 AM PDT up reply actions

Hopefully the players don’t either.

Bring me Stanley. Alive if possible, dead... just as good.

by King Luongshanks on May 6, 2009 9:54 AM PDT up reply actions

Thats why I threw in the “IF” :) Things are good, i’m enjoyin every game and I don’t wanna jinx anything.

by Nuckels on May 6, 2009 10:12 AM PDT up reply actions

Oh, I like your attitude, Nuckels, and I caught the “IF”.
I just think this series is far from over.

Nucks Misconduct

by Sean Zandberg on May 6, 2009 12:13 PM PDT up reply actions

has anyone

heard if there will be any improvement on the video for the next game? The versus cameraman was brutal….

by Karina on May 6, 2009 3:39 PM PDT reply actions

CBC cameramen weren’t good either.

by cyxj on May 6, 2009 3:48 PM PDT up reply actions

CBC

used the Versus cameraman….

by Karina on May 6, 2009 4:21 PM PDT up reply actions

Really?

No wonder!! CBC is usually very good at tracking the puck…

by cyxj on May 7, 2009 2:39 PM PDT up reply actions

Yeah, I can’t stand watching games on versus.

by Shooby34 on May 6, 2009 4:33 PM PDT up reply actions

Happy belated Birthday.

Hey,
newly signed up, though been reading your blogs for a couple of weeks now. Was my birthday too! Was trolling St. Loius & Chicago’s sites as well, like your comments on that matter. My only regret if we do well this year, (won’t mention the “s” word) is no #16.

by Gene Binns on May 6, 2009 6:58 PM PDT reply actions

Yeah we could have put Trevor on the 4th line this year but oh no, he had to retire.

Nucks Misconduct

by Sean Zandberg on May 6, 2009 11:13 PM PDT reply actions

I remember hearing once that Linden wouldn’t raise the cup over his head for a picture for a kid because he didn’t deem himself worthy to do that unless he earned it. So sad that he’ll never be able to do that.

by Molson78 on May 7, 2009 12:59 AM PDT up reply actions