Canucks 4 Oilers 1

Game Recaps: canucks.com . ESPN
Statistics: Score Sheet . Stat Sheet

• The Canucks came out of the gate flying and kept it up for the rest of the game. Especially in the first period, they outskated the Oilers and drew four powerplay opportunities. For the game, the Canucks had ten powerplay opportunities; the Oilers had five.
• I wouldn't get too comfortable if I were Marc Crawford's crew. It's not likely the speedy Oilers will give up that many powerplays again in the next couple of games. Or maybe they should. Despite being short-handed for the equivalent of almost one full period, including about three minutes down by two guys, they only allowed one Canucks powerplay goal.
• Keith Carney and Eric Weinrich had strong games tonight. More importantly, both were visibly vocal, which seemed to help organize the defense.
• Tonight was the first time I've seen Sean Brown in action. He replaced Nolan Baumgartner in the lineup and looked solid in 12:16 minutes of ice-time, including regular shifts in the third period. He finished with a couple of hits, a blocked shot and a plus-1 rating.
• Alex Auld bounced back nicely after giving up seven goals against Detroit. He stopped 29 of 30 Edmonton shots and controlled most of his rebounds.
• I got the feeling that Kesler and Burrows were motivated by playing with new linemates. Five-on-five, Kesler played with Bertuzzi and Burrows played with Naslund. Both provided good energy and even produced some scoring chances. Likewise, Naslund and Bertuzzi played with good energy. Believe it or not, Bertuzzi even threw a big hit.
• One telling moment on how disciplined the Canucks were tonight - in front of the Edmonton net in the first period, Jarkko Ruutu - yes, Jarkko Ruutu - actually talked Josh Green into walking away from a scrum rather than taking a retaliatory penalty. Here's hoping they're just as disciplined on Thursday.