The Dallas Stars came out flying to start the game, but when Alexandre Burrows blew a rolling puck past Kari Lehtonen 1:18 in on the Canucks' first shot, the Canucks really made the Stars' flight brief. Sure, Henrik Sedin coughed the puck up 6:00 later and Brad Richards scored a beauty to make it 1-1, but less than 2:00 later Hank set up Alexander Edler for a one-timer from the point that was deflected in by Ryan Kesler to make it 2-1. Then the slaughter ensued.
-The only Canucks who did not register a point were Kevin Bieksa, Tanner Glass, Manny Malhotra and Jannik Hansen.
-7 different Canucks scored: Alexandre Burrows, Kesler, Christian Ehrhoff, Mikael Samuelsson, Hank, Mason Raymond and Dan Hamhuis.
-Slumpbusting: Mason Raymond had not scored a goal in 11 games going in. He had a goal and an assist tonight. Mikael Samuelsson had not scored a goal in 14 and managed 1 goal and 1 assist. Dan Hamhuis had not scored a goal in 25 games. Burrows was goal-less in his last 6. Jeff Tambellini's assist was his first point in 14. It was just a matter of time.
-Ryan Kesler now has 27 goals on the season, a new career high!
-5 shots for Samuelsson, by the way. That was more than any other skater.
-5 combined points by the Sedins.
-The Canucks are 5 points up on Detroit for the Western Conference lead.
-Vancouver had not scored on the power play in 10 tries...until unloading 3 power play goals on the Stars. They were 3 for 6 tonight.
-The last time these 2 teams locked horns, the Canucks won 4-1 but were outshot 45-22. Cory Schneider was awesome. This time they blow them out plus outshoot them 36-26. Roberto Luongo was excellent tonight.
-Congrats to Christopher Tanev on his first NHL point. I like this guy.
-Lots of crashing and banging. A very physical game. Edler took out Jamie Benn. Torres smoked Loui Eriksson. There were hurting Stars everywhere. Benn and Wandell left and did not return.
-Mike Ribeiro's 11-game point streak came to a halt tonight.
-Game review from a Star fan's perspective at Defending Big D.
HIGHLIGHTS:
LAST BUT NOT LEAST: The Canucks honor Thomas Gradin before the game. Gradin scouted the Sedins and played the huge role to bring them here. Here is footage of the ceremony: