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Green's shootout goal extends Canucks' win streak to seven

Jan 8, 2007 - 6:50 AM VANCOUVER, British Columbia (Ticker) -- Josh Green matched his season's output to keep the Vancouver Canucks' winning streak intact.

Green scored in the sixth round of the shootout to lift the Canucks to a 4-3 win over the Florida Panthers, which extended their win streak to seven games.

It was the first meeting of the clubs since the blockbuster five-player trade on June 23, highlighted by goaltender Roberto Luongo going to Vancouver and power forward Todd Bertuzzi being sent to Florida.

"It was a good win," Vancouver captain Markus Naslund said. "I didn't think we played that strong in the first two periods. But after we got down, I thought we started to generate a bit more. It obviously meant a lot to Roberto."

"We battled hard and obviously Luongo was outstanding," Florida center Olli Jokinen said. "I feel bad for Eddie (Belfour). We had three chances to put the game away in the shootout, and we didn't score, and that's what happens. A sad, tough loss, but I think we can be happy with the way we played."

Green, who entered with only one goal in 36 games this season, netted the decisive tally when he skated in and snapped the puck over Belfour's blocker.

"I was a little bit surprised (to get picked to shoot)," Green said. "I felt a kick in the back, and I thought someone was playing a joke on me. I'm just happy to contribute and be a part of this. It's a good win for our team."

Luongo preserved the triumph when he denied Florida's Jozef Stumpel with a glove save.

"I felt pretty good in the first couple periods," Luongo said. "The intensity level was high. It was my fourth game this week, so I kind of lost a little energy in the third. I was a bit lethargic, but I regrouped for overtime and we got the two points."

Trevor Linden, Naslund and Brendan Morrison scored for Vancouver in regulation while Luongo finished with 33 saves.

Naslund's goal came at 3:59 of the third period and tied the game, 2-2, when he banged in a rebound of Daniel Sedin's shot between the legs of Belfour from the slot.

"It's funny how, even though you've been around for a long time, confidence is a tough thing to touch on," Naslund said. "Once you get a goal it makes it a lot easier. I don't usually show a whole lot (of emotion) when I score. But when you do it every 16 games, you have to."

It was Naslund's first goal in his last 18 games. His last tally was the game-winner in a 1-0 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on November 28.

Defenseman Mike Van Ryn, Ville Peltonen and Gregory Campbell scored for Florida and Belfour recorded 26 saves.