<?xml version="1.0" encoding="iso-8859-1"?>
<rss version="2.0">
	<channel>		<title>RUWT? News</title>
		<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com</link>
		<description>RUWT? News for Vancouver Canucks</description>
		<language>en-us</language>
		<copyright>Copyright 2006-2007 areyouwatchingthis.com</copyright>
		<lastBuildDate>Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:29:53 GMT</lastBuildDate>
		<pubDate>Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:29:53 GMT</pubDate>
		<generator>RUWT?</generator>

		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Canucks clear room for Daniel Sedin's return]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[VANCOUVER, British Columbia(AP) -- The Vancouver Canucks have
cleared room for the return of high-scoring forward Daniel Sedin
by sending forward Matt Pettinger to their AHL affiliate on
Saturday.

Sedin has missed 18 games since his foot was broken by a
teammate's shot in the fourth game of the season on Oct. 7.
Sedin has led the Canucks in goals in each of the last three
seasons.

Sedin would be reunited on the Canucks' top line with identical
twin Henrik, likely Sunday night at home against the Chicago
Blackhawks.

"They're still good players when they're not with one another.
Hank has proved that," head coach Alain Vignault said earlier
this week. "But, obviously, I believe they're better together."

Daniel and Henrik were drafted second and third overall in 1999
by the Canucks and have played most of their careers on the same
line, evolving into point-a-game players over the last three
seasons. But Daniel's first serious injury, he had only missed
10 games before that in his nine-year career, has proven Henrik
can produce offensively without his twin.

He recorded 18 points without Daniel, including 10 goals, and
leads the team - and is tied for 10th in the NHL - in scoring
with 24 points. With 13 goals already, Henrik is also proving he
is more than a set-up center, and is on pace to smash last
season's career-best 23.

Daniel, who scored 31 goals last season, had four assists in his
first four games this season, while Henrik had three goals and
three assists before losing his regular linemate on Oct. 7.

The Canucks waived Pettinger before sending him down to Manitoba
in the AHL. He has played 420 career NHL games over seven
seasons. He was signed as a free agent on Nov. 2, getting one
goal and one assist in seven games.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nhl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nhl/news/136034-Canucks-clear-room-for-Daniel-Sedins-return</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nhl/news/136034-Canucks-clear-room-for-Daniel-Sedins-return</guid>
				<pubDate>Sat, 21 Nov 2009 21:34:23 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Canucks rally in 3rd period, beat Avalanche 5-2]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[VANCOUVER, British Columbia(AP) -- The Vancouver Canucks showed
some rust early, then their rest paid off in the third period.

Defenseman Christian Ehrhoff's second goal pulled Vancouver even
5:12 into the third period, and Henrik Sedin netted the go-ahead
tally less than four minutes later as the Canucks rallied late
to beat the Colorado Avalanche 5-2 on Friday night.

Off since an 8-2 romp at Colorado six days earlier, Vancouver
trailed 2-0 early after David Jones and Matt Duchene scored
power-play goals. But Colorado had played twice since that last
meeting, and wrapped up a trip in which the Avalanche played
three-games in four nights. The Canucks took advantage in the
third.

"We had a few days off and came back pretty good," Ehrhoff said
as teammates chanted "Bobby Orr" in the locker room after the
first two-goal game of his six-year NHL career.

"In the first period we didn't kill those first two power plays
against and we were down, but we came back strong and kept
working hard and we dominated in the third and won the game,"
Ehrhoff said.

Steve Bernier added another goal - on a pretty slap pass from
Ehrhoff - just as the first penalty in a brief 5-on-3 advantage
ended with 8:21 left. And Mikael Samuelsson scored on a skipping
point shot less than 2 minutes later.

"We made it tough on them, our forwards worked their D all night
down low and they didn't have enough left in the tank and we put
it through them in the third," added Ehrhoff, who hit the post
trying to get his hat trick goal.

Roberto Luongo made 22 saves as the Canucks opened a five-game
homestand the way they ended a five-game road trip last Saturday
in Colorado, where they beat the Avalanche 8-2.

"We knew they were going to come out strong, they were not going
to be happy with the result they had last game against us,"
Luongo said. "They scored two on the power play but we stuck
with our game plan and chipped away."

Ehrhoff cut Vancouver's deficit to 2-1 with a man-advantage goal
early in the second period, and made it 2-2 with his second goal
5:12 into the third period.

The Canucks almost went ahead on the next shift, with Alex
Burrows hitting the post and Ryan Kesler chipping the rebound
onto the goal line before the puck was cleared. Burrows then set
up the go-ahead goal with a spin move at the side of the net
that left goalie Craig Anderson down and Sedin with an empty
net.

Anderson, pulled after giving up four goals in Saturday's loss
to Vancouver, made 23 saves as the Avalanche fell to 1-4-1 in
their last six games.

"We just slept in the third and made key turnovers that led to
their goals," said Anderson, sporting a cut lip and a suture
over his eye after a stick in the mask. "We've got to figure out
what's going on, and figure out how to play with the lead. Once
we figure out how to play with the lead, we'll be all right."

While the Canucks rested after the one-sided win in Denver,
Colorado had split games in Calgary and Edmonton before wrapping
up its stretch of three games in four nights.

Avalanche coach Joe Sacco didn't think fatigue was a good
excuse. He said his team needs to learn keep pressing after
building a two-goal lead, something that also cost them a win in
Edmonton on Wednesday.

"It's a mindset right now more than anything, Sacco said. "You
can't sit back in this league, and that's two games in a row now
where we've had leads in the third period and we get on our
heels.

"You can't play in this league if you are going to sit back and
let the other team dictate how the game is going to be played. I
thought we played pretty well in the first two periods and then
a couple of missed assignments, a little casual in our defensive
zone coverage, a bad penalty, and now the next thing you know
the game is out of reach."

NOTES: Colorado beat the Canucks 3-0 in the first weekend of the
season, but Vancouver has won the next three meetings by a
combined score of 16-5. ... The Avalanche also got LW T.J.
Galiardi back after he missing nine games because of a high
ankle sprain. Veteran D Adam Foote missed a second game due to a
jaw injury. Vancouver LW Daniel Sedin, the team's leading goal
scorer the last three seasons, is expected to return Sunday
against Chicago. He has been out for 18 games due to a broken
foot.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nhl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nhl/news/135901-Canucks-rally-in-3rd-period-beat-Avalanche-5-2</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nhl/news/135901-Canucks-rally-in-3rd-period-beat-Avalanche-5-2</guid>
				<pubDate>Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:04:25 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Avalanche-Canucks Preview]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By MATT BEARDMORE
STATS Writer

Colorado (13-6-3) at Vancouver (11-10-0), 10:00 p.m. EDT

The Colorado Avalanche have struggled since opening the season
with 10 victories in their first 13 games.

Facing the team that routed them last week might not be the best
way for the Avalanche to get back on track.

Colorado closes out its three-game trip Friday night, when it
faces a well-rested Vancouver Canucks team opening a five-game
homestand.

The Northwest Division-leading Avalanche (13-6-3) finished last
in the Western Conference in 2008-09, but opened this season
with an NHL-best 10-1-2 mark. Since then, however, Colorado is
3-5-1 following Wednesday's 6-4 loss at Edmonton.

The Avalanche led 4-2 following Kyle Cumiskey's second-period
score, but allowed four unanswered goals in the final 20:16.

"Those are the ones you have to put away and we didn't do that,"
said first-year coach Joe Sacco, whose team has dropped four of
five.

Even with the man-advantage, Colorado hasn't been able to put
much away lately, going 5 for 58 on the power play in its last
16 games.

Milan Hejduk, who leads the Avalanche with five power-play goals
and 10 total, scored twice Wednesday and has three goals in his
last two games. He went scoreless in Saturday's 8-2 loss to the
visiting Canucks after missing two contests with a sore back.

The last time the Avalanche allowed that many goals was an 8-1
loss to the Oilers on March 19.

"(The Canucks) outworked us in all aspects of the game," said
center Paul Stastny, who leads the team with 16 assists and 20
points. "We have to be ready to play and we weren't and it
showed."

While Colorado plays its third game in four nights, Vancouver
(11-10-0) takes the ice for the first time since the lopsided
victory in Denver.

The Canucks snapped a three-game slide in that contest, scoring
their most goals since an 8-1 victory at the New York Islanders
on Jan. 14, 2006.

Playing in his 667th career game Saturday, center Henrik Sedin
recorded his first NHL hat trick.

"It's something to build on," Sedin said following the team's
2-3-0 trip. "It gives the guys confidence."

Sedin's twin brother, Daniel, practiced with the Canucks on
Thursday but is not expected to return until Sunday against
Chicago. Daniel Sedin has missed the last 17 games with a broken
foot.

Lately, forward Mason Raymond has helped Vancouver compensate
for his loss.

Raymond has five goals and five assists in his last eight games
after having three goals and no assists in his first 13
contests. Raymond and Ryan Johnson each recorded a career-high
three assists on Saturday.

"I would say in his last three weeks, (Raymond) been one of our
better players at generating offense as far as finishing more
and we need some other guys to surprise us also here," coach
Alain Vigneault told the Canucks' official Web site.

Roberto Luongo made 32 saves against the Avalanche in his third
game since being out two weeks with a broken rib. He is 1-3-2
with a 3.11 GAA in his last six home starts versus Colorado.

Avalanche goaltender Peter Budaj stopped 27 shots Wednesday in
his second start of the season. He gave up four goals on eight
shots Saturday after replacing Craig Anderson, who allowed four
goals in the first two periods.

Anderson is 0-4-0 with a 3.49 GAA in four career starts in
Vancouver.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nhl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nhl/news/135510-Avalanche-Canucks-Preview</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nhl/news/135510-Avalanche-Canucks-Preview</guid>
				<pubDate>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:02:51 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Health Officer: Canucks jumped H1N1 vaccine line]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[VANCOUVER, British Columbia(AP) -- British Columbia's provincial
health officer says Vancouver Canucks players jumped the line
when they received swine flu vaccinations this week.

"If they got the vaccine and they weren't in any of the risk
groups as individuals then they were queue-jumping," Dr. Perry
Kendall said in an interview Thursday.

"I don't know why they queue-jumped because they only had to
wait a few days."

The H1N1 vaccine will be made available to all British
Columbians on Friday.

Swine flu immunizations in the province have been restricted to
people over 6 months with chronic health conditions, pregnant
women, people living in isolated communities, health care
workers, first responders, and healthy children and adolescents
between 6 months and 18 years old.

Last week, Health Canada gave clinics and doctors across the
country permission to start using some doses of H1N1 vaccine on
the general public. But the final decision on when to do that
lies with individual provinces and territories.

Canucks coach Alain Vigneault denied after practice Thursday any
wrongdoing by his team.

"It was always our intention that once the vaccine was made
available to the public that our players would have the
opportunity to take it if they wanted it," he said. "My
understanding is it's been made available to the public. That's
all I know."

Canucks general manager Mike Gillis declined to be interviewed.
A team spokesman wouldn't say how many players were vaccinated
or if the immunizations were made available to the rest of the
team's staff.

The Calgary Flames were heavily criticized last month when
players and their families received the H1N1 vaccine while
thousands of Albertans waited in lines that stretched for hours.

Two Alberta Health Services employees were eventually fired for
helping set up the private clinic.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nhl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nhl/news/135469-Health-Officer-Canucks-jumped-H1N1-vaccine-line</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nhl/news/135469-Health-Officer-Canucks-jumped-H1N1-vaccine-line</guid>
				<pubDate>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:20:08 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Canucks GM: Forsberg staying in Sweden]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[VANCOUVER, British Columbia(AP) -- An NHL general manager says
Peter Forsberg is going to stay in Sweden this season.

Mike Gillis of the Vancouver Canucks was considering signing the
former Colorado star, but said he learned Monday that Forsberg
wanted to stay in his home country.

Forsberg, who is playing for Modo of the Swedish Elite League
after 12 NHL seasons spent mostly with the Avalanche, has dealt
with nagging ankle and foot problems for several years.

"My understanding is Peter is going to stay and play in Modo and
he won't return to the NHL this year," Gillis said Monday.

"I think it's a tribute to him that he didn't want to put
himself in a position where he was taking a roster spot and not
being an everyday player in the NHL," Gillis said.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nhl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nhl/news/134514-Canucks-GM-Forsberg-staying-in-Sweden</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nhl/news/134514-Canucks-GM-Forsberg-staying-in-Sweden</guid>
				<pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:37:04 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Canucks end 3-game losing streak with 8-2 win]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By PAT GRAHAM
AP Sports Writer

DENVER(AP) -- In game No. 667, Henrik Sedin had a first.

The center - an All-Star last season - notched his first NHL hat
trick, helping the Vancouver Canucks snap a three-game skid with
an 8-2 rout of the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday night.

Sedin's three-goal spurt was part of Vancouver's biggest
offensive outburst of the season, and broke the Canucks out of a
scoring funk.

"It was huge for us, especially after the last few games where
we haven't scored a whole lot of goals," said Sedin, whose team
had found the net three times in three games. "So we got some
easy ones tonight. That's what happens when you put pucks to the
net."

There were plenty of Vancouver players joining in on the scoring
parade. Steve Bernier netted two goals and Mathieu Schneider,
Jannik Hansen, and Tanner Glass also scored as the Canucks
wrapped up a five-game road swing (2-3).

Even more, 11 Canucks had assists, including three each by Ryan
Johnson and Mason Raymond.

"It's something to build on," Sedin said. "It gives the guys
confidence."

As for his hat trick, better late than never.

"I've played almost 700 games, but of course it's nice to get a
hat trick," Sedin shrugged.

Roberto Luongo was solid in net all night, stopping 32 shots.

Marek Svatos broke up Luongo's shutout bid early in the third
period when he knocked in a rebound for a power-play goal.

Luongo was making his third appearance since coming back from a
broken rib that sidelined him for about two weeks. He wasn't
tested much until the third period when Colorado turned up the
pressure.

Colorado forward Matt Hendricks scored a goal in the third to
cut the lead to 4-2. But any thoughts of a comeback were quickly
ended by Bernier's goal.

Sedin, Bernier and Glass then scored in about a 7-minute window
to decisively pull away.

"They made a strong push, they had a few chances," Luongo said.
"Unfortunately, they got a couple goals but we bounced right
back and answered right away."

Neither Avalanche goalie was immune from the barrage. Craig
Anderson was replaced by Peter Budaj to start the third period
after he allowed four goals on 22 shots.

Budaj fared even worse, allowing four more on eight shots.

"They outworked us in all aspects of the game," forward Paul
Stastny said. "We have to be ready to play and we weren't and it
showed. From top to bottom, we have to be better."

The Avalanche unveiled a new look Saturday, donning royal blue
sweaters. It was a departure from their predominantly burgundy
outfits.

They needed to try something new. Since a sizzling 10-1-2 start,
the Avalanche have struggled. They are 2-4-1 over their last
seven games.

Sedin sparked Vancouver early as he scored two of the team's
three goals in the opening period. He poked in a puck that had
trickled behind Anderson 1:57 in.

Later, Sedin lofted a shot over a sprawled-out Anderson on a
goal made possible by the hustle and thievery of Raymond.

Just out of the penalty box, Raymond flew after a puck deep in
the Avalanche zone. He stole it off the stick of a surprised
Anderson, then hit Sedin with a pass in front. Anderson couldn't
scramble back in time as Sedin scored his 11th goal.

Hansen scored midway through the first period when Glass found
him wide open in front.

"Sometimes, it's a mental game," Stastny said. "You can make
mental mistakes when you don't know where you're going and boom,
boom, boom, it's one, two, three to nothing and that's tough to
come back from."

Luongo had a great view of the offensive fireworks in the first
period. From his vantage point, he saw a team generating traffic
in front.

"We weren't giving (Anderson) that room to come out and
challenge the shooter," Luongo said. "We did a great job in the
first period, a lot of pucks went to the net - and then away we
went. It was a good effort all the way around."

NOTES: Avalanche F Milan Hejduk returned to the lineup after
missing two games because of an aching back. ... Avs D Tom
Preissing made his season debut, returning from a right knee
injury. He played just over 13 minutes and had one blocked shot.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nhl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nhl/news/134131-Canucks-end-3-game-losing-streak-with-8-2-win</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nhl/news/134131-Canucks-end-3-game-losing-streak-with-8-2-win</guid>
				<pubDate>Sun, 15 Nov 2009 06:51:57 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Canucks-Avalanche Preview]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By SANTOSH VENKATARAMAN
STATS Senior Writer

Vancouver (10-10-0) at Colorado (12-4-3), 10:00 p.m. EDT

The Colorado Avalanche and Vancouver Canucks traded shutouts in
their first two meetings this season. If it happens again,
chances are it will be the Canucks on the short end based on
their recent production.

Vancouver looks to end a three-game slide as it tries to get its
offense untracked in Colorado, where the Avalanche are seeking
to avoid a third straight loss Saturday night.

Colorado (12-4-3) got 35 saves from Craig Anderson in a 3-0 home
win over Vancouver (10-10-0) on Oct. 3. The Canucks returned the
favor Nov. 1 with a 3-0 home victory of their own with backup
goaltender Andrew Raycroft stopping 18 shots.

It's unclear who will be in net for Vancouver. Roberto Luongo
returned Thursday in his first action since Oct. 27 and made 26
saves in a 3-1 loss at Detroit. Luongo missed two weeks with a
broken rib.

"I felt like my timing was good and I was able to read the
play," he said.

The loss marked the third straight in which Vancouver managed
one goal. The offensive struggles began after the Canucks opened
this five-game trip with a 5-2 win over Minnesota on Nov. 5.

Mikael Samuelsson, whose eight goals have him tied for second
place on the club, has no points on the road trip.

Vancouver held a 15-5 edge in shots in the first period
Wednesday but did not score until Mason Raymond's goal in the
second.

"We played a good road game," Luongo said. "Unfortunately, we
don't have much to show for it."

Luongo is 3-8 with a 2.78 goals-against average in 11 career
games at the Pepsi Center.

The Avalanche are 6-1 home, losing their last game in Denver to
Edmonton 5-3 on Sunday. They lost again, 3-2 in a shootout at
Chicago on Wednesday.

Colorado took a 2-1 lead into the third period before Chicago
used a 15-3 edge in shots to tie the contest.

"They were down by a goal and came out flying in the third,"
Anderson said. "We did what we could to hold it off and managed
to get a point."

Anderson began 9-1-2 with a 1.97 GAA in his first 12 starts
before going 2-3-1 with a 2.94 GAA in his next six. His shutout
of the Canucks last month is his only victory in seven starts
against them.

Rookie center Ryan O'Reilly has 14 points to tie him for third
place on Colorado, but failed to score in the consecutive
losses. O'Reilly has also not registered a point against
Vancouver.

Right wing Milan Hejduk has missed the last two games with a
back injury and his status is uncertain.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nhl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nhl/news/133452-Canucks-Avalanche-Preview</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nhl/news/133452-Canucks-Avalanche-Preview</guid>
				<pubDate>Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:48:09 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Howard makes 31 saves, Red Wings beat Canucks 3-1]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By LARRY LAGE
AP Sports Writer

DETROIT(AP) -- The Detroit Red Wings are counting on Jimmy Howard
to be their backup goalie.

So far, so good.

Howard made 31 saves, Henrik Zetterberg scored the go-ahead goal
in the third period and Detroit beat the Vancouver Canucks 3-1
on Thursday night.

"I think everybody in this dressing room believes I can do it,"
Howard said. "I just have to keep doing it consistently."

Howard won on consecutive nights in the NHL for the first time
since Detroit drafted the goalie from Ogdensburg, N.Y., in the
second round of the 2003 draft.

"He really battled and made big plays," Red Wings coach Mike
Babcock said. "That's a real good sign for us."

Howard played in a 9-1 win Tuesday night at Columbus to give
Chris Osgood a break, then was back on the ice the next night
because Osgood was feeling ill.

"In a tight game, you got to come up with the big saves at the
right moment and he did," Detroit defenseman Nicklas said. "In
the third period, he made some key saves."

Roberto Luongo did not blame himself for not stopping the shot
that put Detroit ahead for good.

Zetterberg took a long pass from Brad Stuart, slipped past the
defense and lifted a backhander over Luongo's left shoulder for
his team-leading 17th point.

"Tried to follow it," Luongo said. "He went from forehand to
backhand and then put in right under the crossbar. Not a lot of
guys can do that, only a few around the league."

Luongo made 26 saves in his first start since facing Detroit on
Oct. 27 when he aggravated a broken rib.

"I felt like my timing was good and I was able to read the
play," he said.

Niklas Kronwall scored an empty-net goal in the final minute.

Tomas Holmstrom gave Detroit a 1-0 lead late in the first
period. Vancouver's Mason Raymond tied it in the second.

Detroit won its third consecutive home game and is 5-1 after a
slow start to pull within a point of the Central
Division-leading Chicago Blackhawks.

"We aren't winning games in the same fashion that we used to,
that's pretty obvious," Babcock said. "But we are finding ways
to grind games out and that's what we have to do."

The Red Wings lost players in the summer who combined to score
88 goals last season, including Mikael Samuelsson, who signed
with the Canucks.

"They played like last year and the year before that,"
Samuelsson said. "I don't really see a difference."

The Canucks have lost three in row and close a five-game road
trip Saturday at Colorado.

Vancouver outplayed the Red Wings for much of the game, but left
Joe Louis Arena without a point.

"We played a good road game," Luongo said. "Unfortunately, we
don't have much to show for it."

The Canucks outshot Detroit 15-5 in the first period and after
an evenly played second period, it controlled the action in the
third until Zetterberg scored at the eight-minute mark.

"We had a lot of chances, just couldn't bury them," Henrik Sedin
said. "(Howard) made some big saves."

NOTES: Steve Yzerman dropped the ceremonial first puck in a
pregame ceremony that honored him for being inducted into the
Hockey Hall of Fame on Monday night. ... Vancouver's Jannik
Hansen played for the first time this season, returning from a
hand injury. ... Drew Miller made his Detroit debut, a day after
being claimed off waivers from Tampa Bay. He filled in for Kirk
Maltby, who was feeling ill. ... Howard earned his second career
victory Oct. 27 at Vancouver, where he made 20 saves after
Osgood was pulled. ... Holmstrom has nine goals in 17 games
after scoring just 14 times last season, when he was slowed by
injuries.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nhl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nhl/news/133353-Howard-makes-31-saves-Red-Wings-beat-Canucks-3-1</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nhl/news/133353-Howard-makes-31-saves-Red-Wings-beat-Canucks-3-1</guid>
				<pubDate>Fri, 13 Nov 2009 04:15:47 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Canucks' Hordichuk suspended, coach fined $10,000]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[TORONTO(AP) -- The NHL has suspended Vancouver forward Darcy
Hordichuk one game and fined Canucks coach Alain Vigneault
$10,000.

Hordichuk was assessed an instigator penalty after fighting Cam
Janssen at 15:04 of the third period during Tuesday night's 6-1
loss to St. Louis. Janssen had roughed up Tanner Glass during a
fight earlier in the game.

Anyone assessed an instigator penalty in the final five minutes
of a game receives the automatic suspension, while the coach
gets a $10,000 fine, a figure that doubles for each subsequent
infraction.

The NHL punishment Thursday means Hordichuk losess $4,016 in
salary, which goes to a players' assistance fund. Vigneault's
fine goes to the NHL Foundation.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nhl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nhl/news/133247-Canucks-Hordichuk-suspended-coach-fined-10-000</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nhl/news/133247-Canucks-Hordichuk-suspended-coach-fined-10-000</guid>
				<pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:32:34 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Canucks-Red Wings Preview]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By NICOLINO DIBENEDETTO
STATS Writer

Vancouver (10-9-0) at Detroit (7-5-3), 7:30 p.m. EDT

Injuries, key offseason departures and a change to the system
played major roles in the Detroit Red Wings' surprisingly slow
start. Utter domination of a Central Division rival may have
been just what they needed to prove they're still capable of
being a force in the Western Conference.

The Red Wings look to build on one of their best performances of
the season Thursday night when they host the Vancouver Canucks,
who are expected to give Roberto Luongo his first start in over
two weeks.

Detroit (8-5-3), a Stanley Cup finalist last season after
winning it in 2008, lost Marian Hossa and Mikael Samuelsson in
free agency to Chicago and Vancouver, respectively, while Jiri
Hudler opted to play in Russia. That trio of right wings
combined for 82 goals with Hossa accounting for a team-high 40.

The Red Wings are also without forwards Johan Franzen (knee),
Valtteri Filppula (wrist) and Jason Williams (leg) due to
long-term injuries.

Some of those absences combined with coach Mike Babcock's
implementation of a more defensive game plan may have
contributed to Detroit's 3-4-2 start, as the team fell behind
the Blackhawks and Columbus in the Central.

The Wings, though, are in the process of turning things around,
going 5-1-1 as they seek a ninth consecutive division crown.

They may have reinforced that message to their rivals Wednesday
with a 9-1 rout of the Blue Jackets. The performance came after
they totaled eight goals in the previous four games, including a
listless 5-1 loss at Toronto on Saturday.

"I don't know about that," said Babcock when asked if the
Wednesday's performance was a statement game. "We're trying to
get a win. If that's a statement then great. It's just one of
82, as you know, and you've got to get wins.

"I obviously wasn't very happy with our last game and I let the
guys know about that. We played with good structure. We got a
lot of pucks to the net, which is important, and things turned
out well for us."

Detroit may have a tough time coming close to replicating its
offensive outburst against the Canucks (10-9-0) with Luongo back
in net.

The four-time All Star goaltender hasn't started since a 5-4
loss to the Red Wings on Oct. 27, when he re-aggravated a broken
rib while trying to play through the injury for a second
consecutive game.

Luongo was thrust into action earlier than expected Tuesday when
he started the second period of a 6-1 loss at St. Louis after
Andrew Raycroft gave up four goals on 13 shots. He stopped 15 of
17 shots in Vancouver's second consecutive defeat.

"That's the only positive thing," Luongo said after Tuesday's
loss. "I got some minutes, but it's tough. You don't want to
come in situations like that."

Luongo is 6-6-0 with a 2.80 goals-against average and a shutout
in 13 games this season, and owns a 3-3-1 record with a tie and
a 2.69 GAA in eight contests at Joe Louis Arena.

If coach Alain Vigneault decides to rest Luongo, then Raycroft
would get his seventh consecutive start. The veteran went 4-2-0
with a 2.37 GAA and a shutout in place of Luongo.

Samuelsson will make his return to Detroit after playing the
previous four seasons there, helping the Red Wings win the
Stanley Cup in 2008. The right wing, who is noted for his strong
defensive play, has eight goals and six assists for the Canucks
after signing a three-year deal with them. Samuelsson had an
assist against his former team in Vancouver's loss to Detroit
last month.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nhl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nhl/news/133144-Canucks-Red-Wings-Preview</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nhl/news/133144-Canucks-Red-Wings-Preview</guid>
				<pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:57:50 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Perron has hat trick, paces Blues' rout of Canucks]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[ST. LOUIS(AP) -- The St. Louis Blues believed they were due for a
breakout game at home. Andy McDonald, Brad Boyes and David
Perron paved the way for an offensive outburst.

The trio combined for 10 points, with Perron recording his first
NHL hat trick, Boyes netting a goal and three assists, and
McDonald contributing a goal and two assists in his 500th career
game.

It added up to St. Louis' 6-1 victory over the Vancouver Canucks
on Tuesday night.

The Blues, who were 1-5-1 in their first seven home games,
scored four times in the first 7:36 - including Perron's two
goals in a span of 1:54.

"We hadn't played real well at home," said Boyes, who nearly
matched his season total of six points. "It was a tough building
to play in last year. We've got to get that way again. This was
a good way to get going."

Erik Johnson also scored, and Chris Mason made 22 saves for the
Blues.

"We wanted to be good early, and that was the message," Blues
coach Andy Murray said. "Tonight, we were good early."

The Canucks, who had won three of four, got a third-period goal
from Henrik Sedin.

"They beat us to loose pucks, they were the better team 1-on-1
and they had better chances obviously," Canucks coach Alain
Vigneault said of the Blues. "They played real well. That team
came out real hard. Their execution was real good and they took
it to us real hard in the first period. They had some quality
chances and they buried them."

Andrew Raycroft, who had been 4-1 with a 1.60 goals-against
average while No. 1 goalie Roberto Luongo was injured, allowed
four goals on 13 shots before being replaced after the first
period.

"Obviously it was a tough first period," Raycroft said. "Four
goals in eight minutes is not good enough."

Luongo then made his first appearance since Oct. 27, when he
broke a rib. He was not expected to play until Thursday in
Detroit.

"That's the only positive thing," Luongo said. "I got some
minutes, but it's tough. You don't want to come in situations
like that."

McDonald scored 18 seconds into the game, beating Raycroft with
a wrister from the slot after a drop pass by Boyes. Perron's
deflection in the slot of Boyes' shot from the top of the left
circle at 5:42 made it 2-0.

"We came out pretty hard," McDonald said. "We generated a lot of
chances in the first. It's something we've failed to do in the
past. We've been struggling to score goals, so it was nice to be
able to come out and jump on them a little bit and get everybody
rolling."

Johnson, who missed last season due to a knee injury, scored his
first goal since March 28, 2008, when his feed into the slot
deflected into the net off Canucks winger Matt Pettinger's skate
at 6:53.

Perron netted his sixth of the season by sending in a wrist shot
from the right circle at 7:36, giving the Blues a 4-0 lead.

Boyes' third of the season came on the power play, a one-timer
from the left circle off a feed from McDonald past Luongo at
18:45 of the second period.

Sedin broke Mason's shutout bid 1:02 into the third when his
backhander trickled over Mason and across the goal line after
the goalie was picked by Ryan Kesler behind the net.

Perron completed his hat trick when he deflected in Johnson's
shot 15:53 into the third.

"It's always good to get a goal, and it's even better to get
two, and even better to get three," Perron said. "The most
important thing was we got a lot of shots. We got some goals,
finally, so it felt good."

NOTES: It was the first meeting between the teams since the
Canucks swept the Blues in the first round of the playoffs last
season. ... The Blues' four goals in the first 10 minutes marked
the third time they've accomplished such a feat. The team record
for quickest four goals at the start of a game is 6:41 set on
Feb. 6, 1973, against the Canucks. ... Vancouver LW Daniel Sedin
(broken foot) was on the ice Tuesday morning but didn't play.
Sedin, sidelined since Oct. 10, could be in the lineup Thursday
at Detroit. ... Blues LW B.J. Crombeen and Canucks D Kevin
Bieksa fought each other twice. ... The Blues are 3 for 35 on
the power play in eight home games after going 2 for 7 Tuesday.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nhl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nhl/news/132876-Perron-has-hat-trick-paces-Blues-rout-of-Canucks</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nhl/news/132876-Perron-has-hat-trick-paces-Blues-rout-of-Canucks</guid>
				<pubDate>Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:59:42 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Canucks G Luongo back after 2-week absence]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[ST. LOUIS(AP) -- Vancouver Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo is back
in the nets after missing two weeks because of a broken rib.

Luongo, who hadn't played since he was injured on Oct. 27,
replaced Andrew Raycroft at the start of the second period
Tuesday night against the St. Louis Blues. The Blues led the
game 4-0 after one period.

Luongo took part in the Canucks' morning skate Tuesday but
wasn't expected to play until Thursday in Detroit. Canucks coach
Alain Vigneault removed Raycroft after the goalie allowed four
goals on 13 shots.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nhl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nhl/news/132864-Canucks-G-Luongo-back-after-2-week-absence</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nhl/news/132864-Canucks-G-Luongo-back-after-2-week-absence</guid>
				<pubDate>Wed, 11 Nov 2009 02:31:28 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Canucks-Blues Preview]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By JEFF MEZYDLO
STATS Senior Writer

Vancouver (10-8-0) at St. Louis (5-6-4), 8:00 p.m. EDT

The Vancouver Canucks are close to getting two of their top
players back from injuries. However, it likely won't happen in
their next contest.

Before stars Roberto Luongo and Daniel Sedin return to the ice,
the visiting Canucks try to hand the St. Louis Blues their sixth
consecutive loss Tuesday night in a rematch of last season's
first-round playoff series.

After missing six games with a rib injury, Luongo was aiming to
make his return in goal Tuesday, but the Vancouver captain came
down with the flu and will serve as the backup to Andrew
Raycroft. Luongo, 6-6-0 with a 2.79 goals-against average, could
be ready to go as early as Thursday at Detroit.

Sedin, meanwhile, has missed all but the first four games since
breaking his foot in early October and might not return until
Thursday, or at Colorado on Saturday.

Luongo and Sedin are just two of a host of injuries Vancouver
(10-8-0) has been forced to overcome. The Canucks have played
well without both, including a 4-2-0 mark without Luongo.

"We're obviously battling the injury bug," Raycroft told the
Blues' official Web site. "If we can get through this stretch
and play well like we are we'll get wins and come out of it
ahead of the game."

Facing the Blues (5-6-4) could help the Canucks do just that.

Though the teams split their four games played during the
regular season in 2008-09, Vancouver outscored St. Louis 11-5 to
sweep a first-round playoff series between the clubs.

St. Louis' offensive struggles from that series seem to have
carried over to this season where it's scored four goals during
an 0-2-3 stretch.

Vancouver had its three-game winning streak snapped with a 2-1
loss at Dallas on Friday.

"It was one of those games where we didn't have it for 40
minutes," forward Ryan Kesler said of the Canucks, who were
playing their ninth game in 14 days and third in four.

Mason Raymond scored and Cory Schneider made 45 saves for the
Canucks, who are 1-1-0 on a five-game road stretch.

Schneider spelled Raycroft, who's 4-1-0 with a 1.60 GAA this
season and has a 1.00 GAA during a personal three-game win
streak. He's 1-1-0 with a 1.01 GAA lifetime against the Blues.

After scoring 11 goals last season, Raymond has seven in 18
games and four in his last five.

David Perron, who had a goal in the regular season and one in
the playoffs against Vancouver, had one with an assist in the
Blues' 3-2 shootout loss at Atlanta on Sunday.

Andy McDonald added his fifth goal for St. Louis, which has
earned a point in its last three games.

"It means we're close \2026 one point in each of our last three
games," Perron said. "Sometimes it's just a shot away from
winning. Obviously we're not scoring as many goals as we'd like
right now, but we're finding a way and we're really working hard
at it."

McDonald had three goals and four assists in seven games -
including playoffs - against the Canucks last season.

Though Ty Conklin made 38 saves against the Thrashers to fall to
2-2-1 with a 2.24 GAA, Chris Mason could be back in net for this
contest.

Mason is 3-4-3 with a 2.45 GAA this season, but 1-4-1 with a
3.19 GAA versus the Canucks.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nhl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nhl/news/132659-Canucks-Blues-Preview</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nhl/news/132659-Canucks-Blues-Preview</guid>
				<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:00:40 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Luongo to return to Vancouver roster]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[VANCOUVER, British Columbia(AP) -- Canucks star goaltender Roberto
Luongo is returning to the roster for Vancouver's game against
the St. Louis Blues after missing two weeks with a broken rib.

Luongo is expected to back up Andrew Raycroft on Tuesday night.
The Canucks sent goalie Cory Schneider to Manitoba of the AHL
earlier Tuesday. Luongo could make his first start since the
injury on Thursday in Detroit.

Luongo was injured when a sharp-angle shot hit a seam in his
chest protector during a game Oct. 24 against Toronto. He
finished that game and posted a shutout against Edmonton the
following night before the pain in his ribcage flared up during
a loss to Detroit on Oct. 27.

Raycroft was 4-1-0 during Luongo s absence.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nhl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nhl/news/132756-Luongo-to-return-to-Vancouver-roster</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nhl/news/132756-Luongo-to-return-to-Vancouver-roster</guid>
				<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:58:32 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Richards, Morrow send Stars past Canucks]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[DALLAS(AP) -- The Dallas Stars peppered Vancouver rookie goalie
Cory Schneider with a flurry of shots, and finally a couple
found the back of the net.

Brad Richards scored midway through the second period to put
Dallas in front, Brenden Morrow added a third-period power-play
goal, and the Stars beat Vancouver 2-1 despite Schneider's
45-save performance Friday night.

Marty Turco stopped 32 shots to help Dallas snap the Canucks'
winning streak at three games. Mason Raymond scored for
Vancouver, making the second stop on a five-game trip.

"We got a lead tonight, which helped a little bit," Richards
said. "That's nice, because no matter how many saves (Schneider)
is making, the first one kind of relaxes the bench a little bit
and we realized that we can score on him."

Schneider was outstanding in his first start and second
appearance of the season. Andrew Raycroft, who started four
straight in place of the injured Roberto Luongo (ribs), got a
break after a 5-2 victory Thursday night in Minnesota.

"It's only my sixth start so this is part of the process,"
Schneider said. "I'll have some good ones and I'm sure a few bad
ones along the way. This helps my confidence. I learned a lot
tonight. You never know when you're going to get your next
chance. You've got to make the most of it."

The Canucks were weary, playing their ninth game in 14 days and
third in four, and they got off to a slow start before finding
their legs for a 17-7 shots advantage in the third period.

"You could tell we were out of gas, but we woke up in the third,
came out flying, and nearly snuck out a point," Schneider said.

Turco held on as the Stars avoided their seventh overtime game.
Dallas has won only once this season in games that have gone to
overtime or the shootout.

"I think we got lucky and caught a tired team on the road and we
took advantage of that," Richards said.

Dallas turned up the pressure in the first period, holding a
22-10 shots edge. But Schneider, the former Boston College star,
was perfect, denying prime scoring chances by Mike Ribeiro and
Loui Eriksson - both alone in the low slot - in the final three
and a half minutes of the opening period.

The Stars finally cashed in on their 29th shot at 8:05 of the
second period when Richards flicked Eriksson's centering pass by
Schneider for a 1-0 lead.

Dallas had a chance to expand its advantage when Ribeiro went in
on a breakaway, but Ribeiro got off a weak shot that Schneider
was able to smother with 1:53 remaining in the second period.
That left the Stars clinging to a 1-0 edge entering the third
period despite a 40-17 shots advantage.

"They were the quicker and more effective team in the first two
periods," Canucks coach Alain Vigneault said. "We had one player
fresh and that was our goaltender. He had a great outing and
gave us a chance to stay in it."

Morrow struck from close-in on a power play to make it 2-0 at
3:50 of the final period before Raymond ended Turco's bid for
his 37th career shutout at 8:14.

The Canucks thought they'd tied it at 2 with 15:41 left when
Henrik Sedin appeared to jam a loose puck past Turco, but
officials ruled the whistle had already blown.

Vancouver was unable to capitalize on 18 seconds worth of a
5-on-3 with over 6 minutes left, and the Canucks fell to 3-6 on
the road.

"It was one of those games where we didn't have it for 40
minutes," Vancouver's Ryan Kesler said. "Cory played an
unbelievable game and that last 20 minutes, we left everything
on the ice."

NOTES: LW James Neal, who leads the Stars with nine goals, was
scratched due to a groin injury and is listed as day-to-day. ...
Vancouver was completing the fourth of 14 back-to-backs this
season. ... Schneider was playing in his 10th NHL game. ... D
Shane O'Brien returned for the Canucks after serving a one-game
league suspension on Thursday night. ... Luongo, who missed his
sixth straight game, is expected to return to the lineup next
week.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nhl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nhl/news/131927-Richards-Morrow-send-Stars-past-Canucks</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nhl/news/131927-Richards-Morrow-send-Stars-past-Canucks</guid>
				<pubDate>Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:14:46 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Canucks-Stars Preview]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By JEFF MEZYDLO
STATS Senior Writer

Vancouver (9-7-0) at Dallas (6-3-6), 8:30 p.m. EDT

A rash of injuries hasn't prevented the Vancouver Canucks from
stringing together some wins.

The surging Canucks look for a season-high fourth consecutive
victory when they visit the Dallas Stars on Friday night.

Alex Burrows had a goal with an assist and recently acquired
Matt Pettinger also scored to help short-handed Vancouver
(10-7-0) post a 5-2 win at Minnesota in the opener of a
five-game road trip Thursday.

The result was a third straight win and fourth in five games for
the Canucks, who are playing without stars Roberto Luongo (rib
injury), Daniel Sedin (foot), Pavol Demitra (shoulder) and Steve
Bernier (flu). Vancouver entered that contest having lost 82
man-games to injury.

"We're having fun and we believe in each other and every night
it's a new guy stepping up," said Andrew Raycroft, who made 28
saves in his fifth straight game in place of Luongo.

Enforcer Darcy Hordichuk scored his first goal in 50 games and
Pettinger found the back of the net in his second since signing
with the Canucks on Monday.

"You're not going to win with one line and you're not going to
win with two lines," right wing Mikael Samuelsson said. "You're
going to win with your whole team."

While the Canucks are fortunate to get contributions from some
unlikely sources, players like Burrows and Henrik Sedin - who
scored his eighth goal Thursday - are still expected to carry
the load in the offensive end.

Burrows had a goal while Henrik Sedin and Samuelsson each added
two assists in Vancouver's 4-3 shootout win at home over Dallas
on Oct. 11. Sedin has two goals and four assists in his last
three games versus the Stars.

While Luongo likely won't return until next week, the red-hot
Raycroft is expected to be back in net for this contest. The
former Calder Trophy winner is 4-1-0 with a league-leading 1.60
goals-against average this season, and 3-0-0 with a 1.67 GAA
against Dallas.

Current backup Cory Schneider allowed three goals on 12 shots in
his only action during a 7-2 loss at Anaheim on Oct. 30.

Vancouver is 3-5-0 on the road, but will try for a fourth
straight win over Dallas (6-3-6), which tries to bounce back
after a 3-2 overtime loss to Calgary on Wednesday.

"(The Canucks) will be another tough matchup," defenseman
Stephane Robidas told the Stars' official Web site. "It will be
another chippy game. They'll come strong."

Dallas' James Neal has scored six of his team-leading nine goals
in the last six games. He has two with an assist in five career
contests against the Canucks.

Despite the return of longtime veterans Mike Modano and Jere
Lehtinen from injuries Wednesday, Dallas dropped to 0-1-2 after
winning two in a row. The Stars are 1-0-6 in games that have
gone beyond regulation.

"We want those points," said center Mike Ribeiro, who's gone
without a point in his last two contests, but had a goal with an
assist against the Canucks last month. "But we cannot look back
now, we can only look forward and focus for the next game."

After missing two games with flu-like symptoms, the Stars' Marty
Turco stopped 19 shots against the Flames. He's 4-2-4 with a
2.33 GAA this season and 17-6-2 with a 1.95 GAA versus
Vancouver.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nhl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nhl/news/131695-Canucks-Stars-Preview</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nhl/news/131695-Canucks-Stars-Preview</guid>
				<pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:34:46 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Unlikely scorers lift Canucks over Wild]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By JON KRAWCZYNSKI
AP Sports Writer

ST. PAUL, Minn.(AP) -- The Vancouver Canucks are so banged up,
they will take offense from anybody these days.

That's just what they got against the Minnesota Wild on Thursday
night.

Tough guy Darcy Hordichuk and newly signed Matt Pettinger each
scored their first goals of the season, forming an unlikely pair
to lead the short-handed Canucks to a 5-2 victory.

"You're not going to win with one line and you're not going to
win with two lines," right winger Mikael Samuelsson said.
"You're going to win with your whole team and that's what we did
tonight. It's huge."

Hordichuk scored his first goal in 50 games on his first shot of
the season. Pettinger was signed off the street on Monday to
bolster a depleted roster.

"I haven't had a lot of shots this year, but it's not how many
shots you have, it's how many you make count," Hordichuk said.
"It was nice to have one go in."

Mason Raymond and Henrik Sedin also scored for the Canucks, who
have won three in a row and seven of nine despite missing seven
players with injuries. Alex Burrows added an empty-net goal.

Kyle Brodziak scored twice for the Wild, who were slow and
sloppy throughout and showed little fight against a weakened
opponent.

Niklas Backstrom gave up four goals on 17 shots and was pulled
by new Wild coach Todd Richards for the first time.

"All you have to do is look at the standings and see there's got
to be desperation and urgency with every game we play," said
Richards, whose Wild are in last place in the Northwest
Division. "We were behind 2-0 and then we decided to play."

Vancouver's Andrew Raycroft made 28 saves in his fifth straight
game in place of Roberto Luongo, who has been out with a rib
injury. Raycroft made two excellent saves, using his stick to
deflect a shot by Petr Sykora in the second period, then making
a sliding kick save on Owen Nolan in the third to keep Vancouver
in front.

The Canucks entered having lost 82 man-games to injury in their
first 16 contests, with stars like Luongo, Daniel Sedin (foot)
and Pavol Demitra (shoulder) missing extended time.

The Wild had won two in a row for the first time this season.
They had four days off between games, and took the first period
of this one off, as well.

Minnesota managed just three shots in the period and only had
one on three power plays. Center James Sheppard's blind backhand
pass in his own zone was easily picked off by Hordichuk less
than 4 minutes in, and he slipped a wrist shot past a surprised
Backstrom for a 1-0 lead.

The frustration boiled over at the end of the period, when Wild
enforcer Derek Boogaard was called for cross checking and
unsportsmanlike conduct.

Raymond buried a cross-ice feed from Alexander Edler 2:20 into
the second period for a 2-0 Canucks lead.

"I don't know what it is," defenseman Greg Zanon said in a
sullen Wild dressing room. "Obviously there are no answers.
You'd like to think everybody was ready, but I don't have any
answers for that one."

The Wild finally started flying about midway through the period,
putting more pressure on Raycroft. But every time they found the
net, the Canucks responded to stem the momentum.

"We're having fun and we believe in each other and every night
it's a new guy stepping up," Raycroft said.

Backstrom, the All-Star who is the rock-solid backbone of this
shaky team, was just as much to blame. He took poor angles
throughout the first two periods and somehow let Pettinger score
from a seemingly impossible shallow angle, prompting Richards to
insert Josh Harding to start the third.

"I have to make the saves to keep us in the game," Backstrom
said.

NOTES: Vancouver D Shane O'Brien served a one-game suspension
for jabbing Rangers agitator Sean Avery with his stick on
Tuesday while both were on the team benches. ... Wild C Eric
Belanger left in the second period because of an upper body
injury and didn't return. ... It was Brodziak's fourth career
game with more than one goal and the first by a Wild player this
season. ... Edler had two assists.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nhl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nhl/news/131679-Unlikely-scorers-lift-Canucks-over-Wild</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nhl/news/131679-Unlikely-scorers-lift-Canucks-over-Wild</guid>
				<pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:26:25 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[NHL suspends Canucks defenseman O'Brien for 1 game]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[TORONTO(AP) -- The NHL has suspended Vancouver Canucks defenseman
Shane O'Brien for one game.

His stick made contact with the New York Rangers' Sean Avery
while both players were on their respective benches in a game on
Tuesday. The league announced the discipline on Thursday.

No penalty was assessed at the time of the incident, which
occurred at 4:21 of the third period.

O'Brien is eligible to return for Friday night's game in Dallas.
He will forfeit $8,290.16 in salary.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nhl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nhl/news/131624-NHL-suspends-Canucks-defenseman-OBrien-for-1-game</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nhl/news/131624-NHL-suspends-Canucks-defenseman-OBrien-for-1-game</guid>
				<pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:20:47 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Canucks-Wild Preview]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By ALAN FERGUSON
STATS Writer

Vancouver (9-7-0) at Minnesota (5-9-0), 8:00 p.m. EDT

Despite a lengthy list of injured players, the Vancouver Canucks
keep finding ways to win.

The Canucks could get a little healthier during a five-game road
trip, which begins Thursday night against the Minnesota Wild.

Vancouver's most notable injuries are to No. 1 goaltender
Roberto Luongo (fractured rib) and 2008-09 leading goal scorer
Daniel Sedin (broken foot), but Luongo is expected to return on
this trip along with forward Jannik Hansen, who fractured his
right hand in a preseason fight.

Centers Ryan Johnson (concussion) and Alexandre Bolduc
(shoulder) could also travel with the team, but Sedin and Pavol
Demitra (shoulder) are expected to stay home. The trip ends in
Colorado on Nov. 14.

"Obviously, it's challenging for everyone, but (injuries) are a
part of the game," left wing Alex Burrows told the league's
official Web site. "Hopefully, we'll get those guys back soon."

The Canucks, however, lost Michael Grabner for at least six
weeks after he fractured his ankle before Sunday's 3-0 win over
Colorado. Vancouver followed with a 4-1 home victory over the
New York Rangers on Tuesday night as Andrew Raycroft continued
his strong play in place of Luongo.

Raycroft earned his first shutout in nearly two years against
the Avalanche, his former team, and stopped 22 shots Tuesday for
his third win in four starts since Luongo got hurt.

"It's good to do a good job filling in," said Raycroft, who
leads the NHL with a 1.52 goals-against average. "Tonight was
definitely my best game this year, I think."

The Canucks (9-7-0) scored three goals in the final 11:12 on
Tuesday en route to their sixth win in eight games.

"This team has a lot of character, a lot of grit, a lot of hard
work," said Ryan Kesler, who has a goal and three assists in the
last two games.

The Wild (5-9-0) are relatively healthy and have won consecutive
games for the first time this season, beating the Rangers on
Friday and snapping an eight-game road losing streak the next
night against Pittsburgh.

Niklas Backstrom stopped 34 shots and Eric Belanger scored the
go-ahead goal in Saturday's 2-1 victory.

"You definitely have to give the credit to Backstrom in this
one," coach Todd Richards said. "He made some huge saves for us,
and when you're where we are at in the standings, that is what
you need. You need performances like that from your star
players. And Nick is definitely one of those star players."

Backstrom has a 2.23 career goals-against average against the
Canucks and has been in net for all seven meetings since the
start of last season but won only once. Minnesota needed
overtime to win that game 4-3 and was held to seven goals in the
other six.

The only matchup this season saw Backstrom make 37 saves in a
2-1 defeat in Vancouver on Oct. 17. Kesler scored and Mikael
Samuelsson, who leads the Canucks with eight goals, had the
game-winner in the third.

Vancouver has won three straight in Minnesota but Luongo was in
net for each. Raycroft lost his only game against the Wild over
the last two-plus seasons.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nhl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nhl/news/131264-Canucks-Wild-Preview</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nhl/news/131264-Canucks-Wild-Preview</guid>
				<pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:00:09 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Rypien helps Canucks beat Rangers]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[VANCOUVER, British Columbia(AP) -- Just when it looks like the
injury-riddled Vancouver Canucks might fall apart, they battle
back.

It happened after a lopsided loss in Anaheim on Friday night,
and again after the New York Rangers tied Tuesday night's game
on a controversial power play 6:24 into the third period.

Rick Rypien put the Canucks back ahead 2:30 later, the first of
three late goals that lifted the Canucks to a 4-1 victory over
New York.

Mikael Samuelsson scored his second of the game on a power play
with 5:57 left and Henrik Sedin added an empty-netter with 1:24
to go as the Canucks won for the sixth time in eight games
despite missing seven injured players.

"This team has a lot of character, a lot of grit, a lot of hard
work," said Kesler, who was in the penalty box when the Rangers'
Christopher Higgins tied it early in the third period, but
finished with three assists for Vancouver.

"We got beat pretty good in Anaheim but came right back and put
our work boots on and didn't get discouraged and came out with
two pretty good victories."

The first was a 3-0 win over Colorado on Sunday, which was the
first shutout for Andrew Raycroft in almost two years. He
followed that up with another good game against New York, making
22 saves for his third win in four starts since Roberto Luongo
suffered a hairline rib fracture.

"It's good to do a good job filling in," said Raycroft, who
leads the NHL with a 1.53 goals-against average and is second
with a .937 save percentage. "Tonight was definitely my best
game this year I think."

Henrik Lundqvist, playing his first game in the city where he is
expected to backstop Sweden at the 2010 Olympics in February,
matched Raycroft most of the way. He finished with 26 saves, but
didn't get much help in the third period as New York lost for
the sixth time in seven games after opening the season 7-1-0.

"We tie the game up and then just don't do the job defensively,"
coach John Tortorella said. "We gave up nine scoring chances
tonight so I'm happy with the way we defended but we made a
couple major mistakes at the key times."

Kesler, who is also expected to be a big part of the Olympics
for Team USA, was in the center of the action all night,
including a wild scrum that turned up the heat on an otherwise
tedious, tight-checking game early in the third period.

Rangers star Marian Gaborik, who had his four-game goal streak
snapped, shoved the agitating Kesler with his stick during a
line change, touching off a melee in front of the New York bench
that featured 10 Rangers against seven Canucks and resulted in
five 10-minute misconducts, including one to Shane O'Brien for
poking New York agitator Sean Avery with his stick from the
benches.

Kesler ended up with the only minor penalty, though, and Higgins
parked in front of the net to fire in his first goal of the
season and tie the game.

"It gave us a power play and we scored a power play goal to tie
the game up but we just couldn't keep the momentum on our side,"
said Tortorella.

Canucks head coach Alain Vigneault was less willing to discuss
the melee that left his team shorthanded, and allowed the
Rangers back into the game.

"I could comment in a multitude of ways but I've already talked
to (GM Mike Gillis) about it and he told me he was going to deal
with it," he said.

NOTES: Luongo skated with goaltending consultant Ian Clark the
last two days and is expected to join the team on a five-game,
11-day road trip that starts Thursday in Minnesota. ... The
Rangers haven t won in Vancouver in almost 12 years, but this
was only their fifth visit since Wayne Gretzky scored a hat
trick in a 6-3 win on Oct. 11, 1997. ... Rangers RW Enver Lisin
missed the game with a bruised foot and was replaced on the top
line with Gaborik and Vinny Prospal by Higgins. ... New York
Enforcer Donald Brashear, who played five seasons in Vancouver,
missed a second-straight game with a lingering arm injury, and
remains one game shy of his 1,000th in the NHL.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nhl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nhl/news/131173-Rypien-helps-Canucks-beat-Rangers</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nhl/news/131173-Rypien-helps-Canucks-beat-Rangers</guid>
				<pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 07:30:51 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
	
			
	</channel>
</rss>









