The Vancouver Canucks extended their winning streak to 4 games and are now 10 - 2 in their last 12. Pretty decent considering they haven't played any of those games without their full complement of starters. In fact, the line-up they dressed in some of those games closer resembled an AHL team then the usual Canucks squad we've gotten used to.
Even with a full line-up, 10 - 2 is impressive. To do it with a depleted roster is almost jaw-dropping. I've been critical of Canucks head coach Alain Vigneault in the past, and I'm still not convinced he can fully get the job done, however, credit where credit is due. He's managed to not only keep the team competitive while missing multiple starters, dealing with the 2 headed goalie "champagne problem" as well as rampant trade deadline speculation, he has kept them absolutely rolling. So I lay bouquets at the feet of the coach.
Hours before tonight's game in Calgary against the Flames it was learned that Cory Schneider was unable to dress due to an illness. Roberto Luongo would start the game and local university goaltender Dustin Butler was brought in as an emergency backup to ride the pine.
No problem. Business as usual. Roberto Luongo went on to make 40+ saves to lead the Canucks to a 4-1 road win.
The team is finding ways to win through all kinds of adversity. Yes, they still have a lot to work on. Yes, the Flames are hardly what you would call a measuring stick. That said, it seems like the team is getting down to playoff style hockey gearing up for another run at Lord Stanley's Cup.
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