Still On a Roll

It seems like the past week or so has been a string of "biggest win of the season" games and just when you think it couldn't possibly continue they pull another one off. Coming off a shootout loss to the Islanders, in which they played one of their worst periods of the year, the Canucks picked up what was essentially a "road trip saving" win against the Rangers. The next day they followed it up with one of the biggest wins in recent memory against the Wild, a game everyone thought they would probably lose. Two days later they lose their captain to what appears to be a devastating injury, yet they still manage to pull out a victory against Sidney Crosby and the Penguins. Back home they learn that Luongo is going to be out for a while and then they get to face the defending Stanley Cup champions...

The Red Wings were the better team for most of the night, winning most of the battles against a Canuck team that looked out of gas. And yet the Canucks were still playing well, limiting Detroit's chances while generating a good number for themselves. It was a valiant effort, spoiled by a Detroit goal with 3:30 to go... this one was over. A minute later Sami Salo floats one towards the net and Daniel Sedin gets a piece of it, managing to bounce the puck past Chris Osgood... tie game, did that really just happen? On to overtime and the Canucks catch a break and get to go on the power play, Sami Salo absolutely wires a shot top corner and the Canucks win again. Another huge win.

The Canucks now get the Flames tomorrow at home before heading to Calgary to start a seven game road trip. Needless to say, the next two games are pretty big. Their goal should be a split, which would keep the Flames five points back and give the Canucks a nice cushion for their tough road trip. A sweep would put them nine up on the Flames, but you have to think that this roll is going to come to an end soon. I guess we'll find out starting tomorrow night...

Injury Updates

• On Monday I wrote that Kevin Bieksa was still a ways off... but looking back at his prognosis he was listed as 2-4 weeks, it's been almost two. Still a little early, but it sounds like he's probably going to be ready for Thursday's game.
• Ryan Johnson has been playing with a broken finger and will miss the next couple games as they re-assess the injury. Hopefully he won't miss a significant amount of time, but it doesn't look too good. He's been great on the PK. Alexander Bolduc has been called up to replace him on the 4th line. Bolduc had a very solid pre-season, sticking around until the final two pre-season games.
• Steve Bernier banged up his shoulder against the wings, but everyone seems confident that he will be able to play Thursday. Update: Bernier did not skate today and is now doubtful for Thursday's game. Obviously the shoulder and toe injuries are bothering Bernier more then they let on yesterday.

An interesting side note... think Canuck fans were desperate to find some news on Luongo's injury? Well, on Monday visits to this blog were up 800% compared to an average day.