Vancouver Canucks Win Streak Ends with Loss to Flames
By Jeff Godley
The Vancouver Canucks have lost their first game since Christmas, as the Flames avenge last night’s game with a 3-1 victory at the Saddledome.
All good things must come to an end, including Vancouver Canucks winning streaks.
Last night, the Calgary Flames thoroughly outplayed the Canucks in Vancouver. Still, thanks to Ryan Miller‘s heroics the Flames lost that game.
Vancouver played much better tonight, but it was the Flames who walked away with the win.
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Playing on back-to-back nights, including travel, cost the Canucks the last time they visited Calgary. Tonight, there were some additional challenges.
Ben Hutton hurt his hand during last night’s game, but was hopeful to play tonight. However, after taking the warmup it was determined he could not play.
With Chris Tanev already ruled out, coach Willie Desjardins was forced to dress only five defenseman to start the game. There were scary moments when both Nikita Tryamkin and Luca Sbisa took hard hits and appeared to be in pain, but fortunately both were able to finish the game.
In place of a sixth defenseman, Anton Rodin drew back into the lineup. However, Desjardins chose not to play him for even a single shift. Strange times.
Recap:
At any rate, Calgary got on the board with two quick goals in the first period. First, Alex Chiasson tipped in a shot from Sean Monahan:
Just 63 seconds later, Matt Stajan beat Jacob Markstrom in close to make it 2-0:
Vancouver responded with an excellent effort in the second period, and Bo Horvat drew them within one. However, Chad Johnson was spectacular and Vancouver was unable to find an equalizing goal. Michael Frolik‘s breakaway goal late in the third period sealed the Canucks’ fate.
Final Score:
| 1 | 2 | 3 | T | |
| Flames | 2 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| Canucks | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Canucks Player of the Game:
53. Vancouver’s streak is over, but Horvat’s streak continues. He scored the lone goal for the Canucks after a long, dominant second period shift with linemates Alex Burrows and <a rel=. C. Vancouver Canucks. BO HORVAT
The Canucks probably deserved to lose last game, and probably deserved at least a point tonight. In the end, they earn a home and home split with the Calgary Flames.
Next: Winning Streak Due to Luck
The Vancouver Canucks lose their first in seven games. They now return home briefly before heading out for a brief two-game road trip, which begins Tuesday night in Nashville.