NHL Final: Vancouver Canucks 3 , Chicago Blackhawks 1

NHL Final: Vancouver Canucks 3, Chicago Blackhawks 1

Notes Heading In:

Goalie Jaroslav Halak gets the start with Thatcher Demko slated to start Tuesday night in Nashville.

Vasily Podkolzin is a healthy scratch with Justin Dowling taking his spot in the line-up.

Both JT Miller and Alex Chiasson were playing in their 600th NHL game tonight.

Goal Scorers

1st Period 1-0 Vancouver – Alex Chiasson (5) – Justin Dowling (12:21) Even Strength

2nd Period 2-0 Vancouver – Brock Boeser (12) – Quinn Hughes, Jason Dickinson (4:28) Even Strength

3rd Period 2-1 Chicago – Connor Murphy (4) – Patrick Kane, Kirby Dach (13:01) Even Strength

3rd Period 3-1 Vancouver – Luke Schenn (2) – Unassisted (19:39) Empty Net

Fresh Legs, Fresh Brains

The Vancouver Canucks had very much an off-night in Calgary and the message was clear, “we sure the hell can’t have that happen again!”

And they responded. Their first period energy was the exact opposite of what they brought to the table against the Flames. They had as many shots in the first three minutes as they did through the first period-and-a-half on Saturday night.

Dowling’s addition paid off early as his forechecking and his nice pass found Chiasson for the game’s opening goal.

Mr. Halak

When you hear Canucks trade chatter, remember the one guy that could potentially want out of Vancouver is Halak. He did a wonderful job of selling himself with a very good, steady performance on Monday night … oh boy … is that a jinx ??  I started to write this with six-and-a-half minutes left in the 3rd period and Halak let in a softee from Connor Murphy with 5:59 remaining.

Not only did the goal let the Blackhawks back into the game, it brought the dead quiet fans back into it as well. Plus, instead of finishing off a dandy, calm, workmanlike road game with a game to play tomorrow night, it added a bit of unnecessary stress and effort for the Canucks.

Schenn’s empty net goal finished things off.

So as I was saying, I’ll link here and/or will post another story shortly about the Vancouver Canucks Slovakian back-up.

He Said It:

“If there is depth scoring at certain times of the game, it helps our team, so we’ve got to find ways to contribute more here down the stretch,” — Alex Chiasson.

Simmer’s Vancouver Canucks 3 Stars:

Honourable mentions to Schenn (12 hits) and Conor Garland.

3) Jaroslav Halak – Finally gets his first road win of the season and finally gets a little bit of offensive support. Not a ton, but enough. Made 20 saves.

2) Oliver Ekman-Larsson – A big reason the Canucks played so well defensively, contributed in all elements. 4 shots, 4 hits, 2 takeaways and a block in 23:55.

1) Quinn Hughes – Smooth as silk. Just his break-out passes were first-star worthy. Played 26:52, had the assist, two shots on goal and two takeaways.