Canucks 3 Flames 1

The Canucks ended a string of six straight road games in which they surrendered the first goal. They also played a much more disciplined game, got a few breaks and outstanding goaltending from Roberto Luongo.

"We're no different than any other team in this league," said relieved Canucks coach Alain Vigneault. "Starts are key and that's where you build confidence.

"Five or six games in a row killing penalties to start, you waste energy and momentum, and hopefully tonight was the start of something positive."

Willie Mitchell needed just one word Tuesday to summarize a third-period sequence in which Roberto Luongo turned aside four scoring chances on a crucial 5-on-3 power play.

"Exceptional," Mitchell said after Luongo backstopped the Vancouver Canucks to a 3-1 win over the Calgary Flames.

"He was really good. That wasn't exactly the way we wanted to play the 5-on-3 -- we got into a few mix-ups out there -- but he was tremendous.

"They score there and it's different game. That's why he's an all-star."

• The key to last night's win? According to Iain MacIntyre (Vancouver Sun), discipline and preparedness. It also didn't hurt that the Canucks' dynamic duo on defense - Willie Mitchell and Kevin Bieksa - shut down Jarome Iginla again.

My 3 Stars of the Game

1. Roberto Luongo (VAN): Stopped 26 of 27 Calgary shots when it counted. Only shot to beat him - a late David Moss goal - didn't have an impact on the game.
2. Daniel Sedin (VAN): Two goals gives him a tie for the team lead.
3. Matthew Lombardi (CAL): Quick forward was a handful for the defense and generated a few scoring chances. Four shots on goal and won nine of 12 faceoffs (75%)

Official Statistics

• Scoresheet
• Stat Sheet
• Shift Chart