Thank heavens that atrocious road trip from hell is over. With the Canuck’s final stop in Pittsburgh today to take on Sidney Crosby and Evegin Malkin, no one expected the team to win. Not because the Canucks did not match up against the Penguins, but due to fatigue.

Well, the Canucks showed their fans that it takes more than the stupid NHL scheduling to break this team’s spirits as the Vancouver Canucks froze the Pittsburgh Penguins in their tracks 3-1 in Pittsburgh this afternoon.

The Sedin twins had a great afternoon where Daniel Sedin had a goal and two assists, Henrik Sedin had three assists and Pavol Demitra had two goals. That line combined for 8 points today. Absolutlely awsome.

What was more impressive is how they played their game when Captain Roberto Luongo was injured in the first period. When Curtis Sanford entered the game, the Canucks carried on with their game plan. They played a defensive style game where they shut down the high flying Penguins and had opportunities open up for them on which they capitalized. There was a 10 to 12 minute stretch in the second period where the Penguins did not register a shot on Sanford. This is the sign of a team that believes in one another and is not relying on one person to make a difference. They all contributed to make a difference. The team celebration at the end of the game showed this best.

They completed the road trip 3-0-1 where most were hoping they would achieve the 500 mark. This is truly aremarkable accomplishment by the team. All Canuck fans should be very proud of them. But in reality, no team should have gone through this type of road trip. Check out the map posted below and follow the order of the games keeping time zones in mind and the dates (map image from Google search).

The NHL really needs to help ALL 30 TEAMS have a fair travel schedule through the season. For example, if the New York Rangers had to travel to Calgary, then Edmonton, then perhaps to Toronto to play the next night and then travel back towards Vancouver before returning home, believe me, this would not happen again in the future or it would be corrected before the schedule comes out.

Honestly, my opinon is that Luongo’s injury is influenced by this road trip. Not only is this the last game on the trip, but it was an early game. Everyone has a morning routine they go through before they start their day. If anything disturbs your routine before you go work, to school or church it can throw your day off, or in this case Luongo’s timing.

Let’s just hope that the lower body injury they are reporting is not serious and that Luongo will back in the lineup soon.

This road trip was a success, but with all forms of success, there are usually some pitfalls, and in this case, our captain ended up injured. I hope the Canucks discuss this road trip with the NHL and try to ensure that a road trip like this does not happen again in the future.

Next Game: Vancouver Canucks versus the Detroit Red Wings on Monday November 24 2008

The Canucks are 6-0 in the pre-season

I know people still say that it doesn’t count right now. 

Try telling that to the fans at GM Place last night who gave the Canucks a standing ovation when the final horn sounded at the end of the third.

If the Canucks success from this pre-season carries over into the regular season, look out. 

Having the chance to see the game live yesterday, I can tell you this year’s team has two levels of play that will make it tough for opponents to beat them.

On Wednesday, everyone watched the Flames getting slaughtered by toughness and speed along with stellar goaltending from Roberto Luongo. 

Although the Canucks had a slow start to last night’s game against the Sharks, the Canucks (without Pavol Demitra, Mattias Ohlund, Ryan Kesler and Roberto Luongo) displayed the ability to make the come back win with toughness, playing a puck possession game and stellar goaltending from Curtis Sanford against a stacked Sharks team.

Some points from the game… 

1. The Canucks speed exposed Rob Blake’s inability to keep up with the young Canucks as he took two penalties in the game. Keep in mind that other teams have “aged” defensemen that play well positionally, but can’t move that fast.

2. Believe it or not, the Canucks were actually checking and hitting Joe Thornton and Jonathan Cheechoo. Unlike previous seasons where the Canucks would watch these two in awe as they made plays around the Vancouver net. 

3. The twins and Steve Bernier were awesome. This line looks to be what it is being hyped up to be, just awesome. This line alone orchestrated the come back win.

4. Hordichuk and Brown on a two on one rush. Brown’s pass was amazing, but unfortunately Hordichuk ran into Nabokov. The fans were going nuts. 

5. Curtis Sanford was outstanding. He could not have been faulted on the two goals scored on him. One goal was because one of Canucks defenseman bobbled the puck and the other goal was a shot that ricocheted off the back glass behind Sanford and landed one of the Shark’s forward’s stick who was facing an open net.

6. At the end of the game, just like a captain should, Roberto Luongo came off the bench and congratulated Curtis Sanford for a game well played. 

This was awesome.

We actually have a team coming together. 

Next Game: Sunday October 5 2008 against Anahiem at 7:00pm

Well, well Wellwood! Canucks are 4-0 in the pre-season

It really feels good to say that.

Again, the new guys are shining bright.

Steve Bernier had points with the Sedins, Curtis Sanford is making key saves in both the game and the shootout, and then there’s Kyle Wellwood.

Yes, I know it is pre-season, but this is the guy that Mike Gillis was being hounded about all through the summer when other teams were picking up players like Marian Hossa.

Kyle Wellwood was the key in the victory today with a nice goal during regulation time and the shootout winner. If he can stay in shape and continue to play well, I think the Canucks stole one from the Leafs. Time will tell if the Leafs screwed up again.

Next game: Wednesday October 1 2008 Against Calgary 7:00pm on TSN