Vancouver Canucks Defeat NY Islanders: 5 Thoughts

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Vancouver Canucks
Jan 17, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Ben Hutton (27) celebrates his goal with teammates during the second period against the New York Islanders at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

The Vancouver Canucks are finally winning one-goal games.

The Vancouver Canucks’ win over the New York Islanders was a big one, but it came at an equally punishing cost. It felt ironical to be in Long Island without left winger Chris Higgins, but nevertheless, the Canucks hung on to a one-goal lead for 30 minutes, gave one up, then dominated the overtime and the skills competition portion to snatch two points in Brooklyn, New York City.

With the win, the Canucks are tied with the San Jose Sharks at 48 points, though having played three more games than the Sharks. Vancouver is also tied with the Nashville Predators, but with the Predators having a game in hand. With the Sharks starting pull away with now five straight wins, it is time to start watching the final Western wild card spot.

Related: Week #16 Outlook and Predictions

As to our predictios, Janik Beichler, our editor, proved best, after having predicted a 2-0 win for the Canucks. At least I was right when I said that the score could be worse if Ryan Miller doesn’t show up. The Canucks also played true to my second key to the game, to match physicality with physicality when playing the league-best hitters in the form of the New York Islanders.

If the Islanders proved to be so disgruntled with the Canucks, I wonder how the Boston Bruins game will play out. Fun stuff. Of course, fun lasts until the first guy goes down hurt, which happened Sunday. Here are my five thoughts after the Canucks’ 2-1 shootout victory over the Islanders.

Next: 1. The Eastern Conference hates Vancouver