So, that excellent power play that we’ve been hearing so much about lately – uh, where was it?  When you go 0 for 7 on the power play, there needs to be some serious looks at what’s going wrong.

And about the only thing that was worse last night was the Canucks’ inability to avoid taking stupid, costly penalties that would eventually cost them.  The Canucks couldn’t score on the power play last night, and it didn’t seem like they could stop the Wings from scoring on the power play either.  Except for Mike Brown’s fighting major, the Canucks gave the Red Wings the man advantage 5 times in the first two periods, and they scored on three of them.  Willie Mitchell’s pnalty in particular, to put them two men down, could hardly be classed as birilliant.

It was hardly the free-wheeling affair of the season’s third game when the Canucks came from behind to win it in overtime.  Unfortunately, there were no such heroics this time, although they sure made a game of it in the third period, but just couldn’t seem to get it finished.

But, based on the way that they’ve been playing lately, they alternate wins and losses (okay, so California was different – sue me).  So, the next game against the Predators tomorrow night should be a win.

Hopefully I haven’t jinxed it for them now.

Well, now. I’m glad I was right about the outcome and wrong about the score. (And yeah, I realized that Bert didn’t play last night, so he wasn’t going to score).

For all of those who claim that the Canucks have no one who can score, I’d like to invite you to explain what happened last night, then. Obviously they aren’t going to put six into the net each night, but the fact that neither the Sedins, nor Steve Bernier played, and they sat the regular defensive corps, that was a pretty damn impressive win.

If Jannick Hansen and Mason Raymond don’t start the season here, there’s something seriously wrong with what Alain Vigneault and Mike Gillis are thinking. I mean, all Hansen did was score two goals on three shots in only 11:30 of ice time – less than any other skater for the Canucks last night. The guy deserves a shot at starting the season here. Mason Raymond, too. Another three points for him as well, and he was just flying. It was fun to watch. Even more fun than watching the Blues spank the Leafs.

About the only negative aspect of last night’s game was the penalty trouble that the Canucks got into late in the game, with Taylor Pyatt, Mike Brown, and Alex Burrows all going off in a span of one minute and 18 seconds, leaving the Canucks to play two men down for a long time. At least the game was well in hand, but, come on, usually it’s the team that’s down by 5 goals that takes the stupid penalties at the end of the game. Staying out of the penalty box at inopportune times is something else the Canucks have to work on.

Thankfully, Roberto Luongo played incredibly on the PK, and nothing else got by him. Not bad for a guy who wasn’t even scheduled to play last night.

And the Canucks are 5-0 – the only unbeaten team left in the pre-season. Sure would be nice to see this momentum roll over into the start of the regular season with 4 or 5 wins in a row coming out of the gate.

Sharks are in town tonight, and Bobby’s going to the game, so he’ll have his thoughts posted after the game or tomorrow morning.

6 – 0 isn’t too much to ask.

From the pressbox:

• Demolition of Flames ‘a lot of fun’ – Jason Botchford – The Province
• Kesler Hails Hansen After Two-Goal Night – Jim Jamieson – The Province
• Canucks Offense Too Much For Flames In 6-1 Loss – TSN

It started with an impressive scrap between Mike Brown and Ryan Hollweg right from the opening faceoff, but the game itself wasn’t all that great for the Canucks through the first two periods, anyway.

But in the end, they got the win, and Roberto Luongo is now one shutout short of tying Dan Cloutier’s record of seven in a season. Ryan Kesler had another good night, despite taking yet another one in the face, for which no penalty was called. That guy is going to be one ugly dude by the end of this season.

Daniel Sedin got his 19th of the season, and Jason Jaffrey put the final nail in the coffin to make it 3-0. The Canucks now have a few days off before they play the Islanders next Tuesday.

Thoughts from the bench:

•  Canucks, Rangers, Blondes & Fights (Canucks & Beyond)
• Rangers 0,Canucks 3 (Canucks Hockey Blog)
• yeah, in the river, baby (The Yankee Canuck

And the pressbox:

• Luongo earns sixth shutout versus Rangers (TSN)
• Those Boos are now Loous (The Province)