5 thoughts: Vancouver Canucks vs Chicago Blackhawks - referee blunder and Bedard in a slump?
The Vancouver Canucks beat the Chicago Blackhawks, 6-3.
21 Seconds - 21 seconds in, the Vancouver Canucks got on the board first. Danton Heinen scored his first goal as a Canuck. The Canucks advanced the puck with ease up the ice, and then a nice tic-tac-toe-like play found the back of the net. It would unfortunately set the pace for the rest of the game, as Chicago would let in five more goals.
Connor Bedard in a Slump? - Connor Bedard may be in his «sophomore slump.» Sure, his points are good, but he only has one goal on the year so far and is showing a lot of frustration. He got a of chances in the second period, but just couldn't capitalize on either of them. They all seemed to go to the same spot, too. There was one in the second where he was wide open in the slot and was unable to corral the puck, but then got it down, but couldn't nick the corner and shot it right at Kevin Lankinen.
Petr Mrazek - Mrazek isn't looking like the same Mrazek from last year. He's letting in a lot more goals and seems to be losing the puck in some cases as well. He also bailed us out more times last season. Mrazek let in six goals on 30 shots last night. This year so far, Petr had a 3.34 GAA and a .887 SV%. But, Chicago signed him a two-year deal in January, so he'll be here until he's 34. We'll just have to see how he does and if he gets better throughout the year.
Ryan Donato - After the Canucks took a swift 2-0 lead over the Hawks only a few minutes into the first period, Donato shot one home to put Chicago on the board and make it 2-1. The puck was sent in deep and Alex Vlasic was battling down low for it. Vlasic then managed to get the puck knocked to the right. Jason Dicksinson swooped in and made a diving backhanded pass to center it, and Donato was right there to shoot it in.
Terrible - The refs were terrible tonight. Especially with this one call. The Canucks «scored,» but really, it was offside. Sherwood was handling the puck near the blue line and lost it. The puck clearly went over the blue line, and was offside. However, after a Blackhawks challenge, the referees thought otherwise and it was ruled a good goal.
They also missed SEVEN players out on the ice before the Canucks scored their fourth goal.
Referees have to be better.
