Sunday, February 11, 2007
Thrashers 2 Canucks 3
When Markus Naslund skated on the ice for his first shift with Brad Moran and Brandon Reid, I had to do a double-take. I mean, Markus hasn't posted the same numbers this season as he has in previous seasons, but he's been better recently. Surely, he deserves more than to play with a couple of Moose call-ups with a combined 15 games of NHL experience.
But as has been the case all season, Markus embraced his new role (hey Jan Bulis, take note) and showed again why he is every bit still deserving of the "C" on his jersey:
Overall, the team gave a much better effort than Wednesday's. (To be fair, it really doesn't get much worse than Wednesday's.) They came out of the gate flying, forcing the play and creating some early scoring chances. Brendan Morrison scored his 13th goal of the season only 1:44 into the first period and the Canucks never looked back.
More from the Mainstream
Three days off and then to Minnesota on Valentine's Day.
______________
Comments/Questions: Feel free to post in the comments section or email me at gocanucksgo10 (at) hotmail (dot) com.
Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks, Atlanta+Thrashers
But as has been the case all season, Markus embraced his new role (hey Jan Bulis, take note) and showed again why he is every bit still deserving of the "C" on his jersey:
Naslund could have buckled in frustration. He could have ended up mired in self pity.He scored a powerplay goal - with an assist from Brad Moran - and helped his Vancouver Canucks to a 3-2 win over the Southeast Division-leading Atlanta Thrashers.
Instead, he did what his coach hoped he would do -- he led. And the line thrived.
Naslund embraced his hitching to a pair of unheralded minor leaguers, Brad Moran and Brandon Reid, and somehow the result was a line that was nearly as dangerous as any trio the Thrashers and their established stable of superstars could produce.
"You know, I took it as a fun opportunity," Naslund said. "I've played with everyone this season. It doesn't bother me. I'm used to it now. I just encouraged them and made it as easy as I could for them."
Overall, the team gave a much better effort than Wednesday's. (To be fair, it really doesn't get much worse than Wednesday's.) They came out of the gate flying, forcing the play and creating some early scoring chances. Brendan Morrison scored his 13th goal of the season only 1:44 into the first period and the Canucks never looked back.
More from the Mainstream
- The Thrashers made it close in the third period, but Luongo was there to shut the door. - Ben Kuzma (Vancouver Province)
- As entertaining as this game - *ahem* Kovalchuk - was, we, unfortunately won't see the Thrashers again until 2010. Or somewhere around there anyway. - Ed Willes (Vancouver Province)
- You gotta give Dany Sabourin some credit. It's not easy to not play a lot (or at all). - Ben Kuzma (Vancouver Province)
About the game around the blogosphere
- Canucks Fangirl was at the game and shares her thoughts.
- Waiting For Stanley and The Chief Canuck recap the game as well.
My 3 Stars of the Game
- Brendan Morrison (VAN): Two goals and a solid two-way game.
- Ilya Kovalchuk (ATL): Easily the most dangerous player on the ice all night.
- Markus Naslund (VAN): Where did his slapper come from?
Official Statistics
Next GameThree days off and then to Minnesota on Valentine's Day.
______________
Comments/Questions: Feel free to post in the comments section or email me at gocanucksgo10 (at) hotmail (dot) com.
Technorati Tags: NHL, hockey, Vancouver, Canucks, Atlanta+Thrashers
Labels: game recap
2 Comments:
Moran and Reid showed alot of hustle indeed. Maybe they should stick with the big team for a while! That line looked terrific!
It was fun to watch for sure. I do have to throw a note of caution and say that the Thrashers didn't exactly play a great defensive game that night.
Post a Comment
<< Home