NHL MORNING SKATE – JAN. 11, 2016

Posted on January 11, 2016 by CanucksBanter

NHL MORNING SKATE – JAN. 11, 2016

Welcome to the “NHL Morning Skate,” a daily collection of the latest news and notes from around the League.

SUNDAY’S RESULTS
Home Team in Caps
Buffalo 4, WINNIPEG 2
WASHINGTON 7, Ottawa 1
CHICAGO 6, Colorado 3
New Jersey 2, MINNESOTA 1
Detroit 2, ANAHEIM 1
Florida 2, EDMONTON

OVECHKIN ECLIPSES 500-GOAL MILESTONE IN CAPITALS’ WIN

Alex Ovechkin scored twice, including his 500th and 501st career goals, to become the fifth-fastest player in NHL history to reach the milestone and lift the Capitals to their fourth consecutive victory.

* At 32-7-3 (67 points), the League-leading Capitals continued their best start to a season – in terms of wins and points – in the franchise’s 41-year history. They improved to 20-2-2 in their last 24 games dating to Nov. 21, including 10 straight wins at Verizon Center.
* Ovechkin became the 43rd player in NHL history to reach the 500-goal milestone, doing so in his 801st career game (501-433—934). Only four players have achieved the milestone in fewer contests: Wayne Gretzky (575), Mario Lemieux (605), Mike Bossy (647) and Brett Hull (693).
* Since entering the NHL in 2005-06, Ovechkin (501) has 184 more goals than the next-closest player (Patrick Marleau: 317). Ovechkin (934) also has 50 more points than anyone else in that span (Sidney Crosby: 884).
* Overall, Ovechkin’s average of 0.625 goals per game ranks fourth in NHL history among players with a minimum of 300 games played, behind Bossy (0.762), Cy Denneny (0.755) and Lemieux (0.754).
* Ovechkin, who registered his second multi-goal game in as many days (also Saturday at NYR: 2-0—2), has scored in three consecutive outings (5-0—5) to move into first place in the NHL with 26 goals this season.
* “It is a special moment,” Ovechkin said. “It is nice to be in that category. It is really hard to score in this league right now, system-wise . . . Without my teammates’ help, without the system, how we play, it is very hard to do.”

WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 10: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals poses with the puck commemorating his 500th career NHL goal that he scored in the second period during an NHL game against the Ottawa Senators at Verizon Center on January 10, 2016 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/NHLI via Getty Images)

MONTOYA, PANTHERS PUSH RECORD WINNING STREAK TO 12 GAMES . . .

Al Montoya made 24 saves, including 21 over the final two periods, to help the Panthers extend their franchise-record winning streak to 12 games and establish another club record with their sixth consecutive road victory.

* At 26-12-4 (56 points), the Panthers maintained a five-point cushion atop the Atlantic Division. The team ranked sixth in the division and was 11 points out of first place when its streak began on Dec. 15.
* The Panthers improved to 13-6-2 (28 points) as visitors this season. Their 13 road wins and 28 road points rank second in the NHL, behind only the Capitals (16-4-2, 34 points).
* Montoya earned his career-high fifth consecutive victory to improve to 7-1-1 this season (1.62 GAA, .940 SV%). That includes a 5-1-0 record on the road (1.65 GAA, .935 SV%).
* Jaromir Jagr scored 3:22 after the opening face-off, his team-leading 15th goal of the season and fourth in his past four games (4-1—5). With 737 career goals, Jagr is four shy of tying Brett Hull (741) for third place in NHL history.
* ICYMI: The Panthers’ neighbors, the NBA’s Miami Heat, celebrated the team’s 12th straight win with a special tweet:

. . . KANE, HOSSA POWER BLACKHAWKS TO SEVENTH STRAIGHT VICTORY

Patrick Kane and Marian Hossa each scored twice to power the Blackhawks to their seventh consecutive victory, their longest winning streak since Nov. 26 – Dec. 11, 2014 (8-0-0).

* At 27-13-4 (58 points), the Blackhawks climbed within four points of the idle Stars (29-11-4, 62 points) for first place in the Central Division. The team ranked fourth in the division and was 13 points out of first place when its streak began on Dec. 29.
* Via Elias, Kane and Hossa became the first set of Blackhawks teammates to each score twice in the same game since March 17, 2015 vs. NYI (Hossa: 2-0—2, Jonathan Toews: 2-2—4).
* Kane registered his second multi-goal game of the season (also Oct. 9 at NYI: 2-0—2) to maintain a share of second place in the NHL with 25 goals overall (w/ Jamie Benn). He has posted at least one point in 38 of 44 outings, pacing the League in assists (37) and points (62).
* Hossa notched his first multi-goal game since March 17, 2015 vs. NYI (2-0—2). He has 7-12—19 overall in 2015-16 (39 GP).
* Toews added 1-2—3 for his second three-point game of the season (also Dec. 17 vs. EDM: 1-2—3). He has 5-5—10 in his past eight outings.

AROUND THE RINKS

* Sam Reinhart recorded his first career hat trick to help the Sabres snap a six-game losing streak (0-6-0). Per Elias, Reinhart became the first Sabres rookie to post a hat trick since Jan. 14, 2006 vs. LAK (Jason Pominville: 3-0—3). At 20 years, 65 days, he also became the fifth-youngest player in franchise history to collect a hat trick.
* Riley Sheahan scored the tiebreaking goal with 3:44 remaining in regulation to propel the Red Wings to their fourth consecutive win (all on the road). Petr Mrazek, who has been in net for all four games during the streak, made 30 saves to improve to 15-8-3 in 28 appearances this season (2.16 GAA, .930 SV%, 2 SO).
* Jon Merrill recorded the tiebreaking goal midway through the third period – his first goal since Dec. 13, 2014 at DAL – to help the Devils snap a three-game skid (0-3-0). Merrill has tallied five goals in his NHL career (151 GP), three of which have stood as game-winners (also Feb. 7, 2014 vs. EDM and March 23, 2014 vs. TOR).

MILESTONES & BENCHMARKS

* Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith played in his 800th NHL game.
* Forward Zach Sill scored his first goal with the Capitals (5 GP) – and second goal in 88 career NHL appearances (also Jan. 21, 2015 w/ PIT vs. CHI).

LOOSE PUCKS

Avalanche forward Matt Duchene (2-1—3) recorded his fourth three-point game of the season. He shares sixth in the NHL with 21 goals in 2015-16 (w/ Joe Pavelski) . . . Capitals forward Nicklas Backstrom collected three assists to extend his point streak to six games (3-6—9) . . . Teammate Jason Chimera also posted three assists, equaling a career high for the second time this season (also Nov. 21 vs. COL: 0-3—3) . . . Red Wings forward Dylan Larkin registered one assist to extend his point streak to five games (1-4—5). He ranks second among rookies with 14-15—29 overall . . . Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford (34 SV) earned his fifth consecutive victory. He shares second in the NHL with 23 wins this season (w/ Jonathan Quick) . . . Sabres forward Evander Kane collected one assist in his return to Winnipeg. Kane, the fourth overall selection by the Thrashers in the 2009 NHL Draft, totaled 109-113—222 over six seasons with the Jets/Thrashers (361 GP) . . . Teammate Zach Bogosian logged 23:23 in his return to Winnipeg. Bogosian, the third overall selection by the Thrashers in the 2008 NHL Draft, totaled 40-87—127 over seven seasons with the Jets/Thrashers (393 GP) . . . Wild forward Zach Parise registered his first goal against his former team, the Devils. Parise, who compiled 194-216—410 over seven seasons with New Jersey (502 GP), now has scored against every NHL team.

SNEAK PEEK AT MONDAY’S ACTION

All Times Eastern
Boston @ NY Rangers, 7:00 p.m., NHLN-US, SN, TVAS, NESN, MSG
San Jose @ Calgary, 9:00 p.m., CSN-CA, SNW
Florida @ Vancouver, 10:00 p.m., FS-F, SNP
Detroit @ Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m., SNE, SNO, SNP, FS-D, FS-W

PANTHERS AIM FOR 13TH STRAIGHT WIN AGAINST CANUCKS

The Panthers (26-12-4, 56 points), who have won a franchise-record 12 consecutive games overall as well as six straight on the road, look to extend those marks when they visit the Canucks (16-16-10, 42 points) at Rogers Arena.

Florida’s 12-game winning streak equals the longest such run in the NHL since the 2013-14 season, when Boston also went 12-0-0 from March 2-22. No team has won 13 straight since the 2012-13 campaign, when the Penguins reeled off 15 consecutive victories from March 2-30 to match the 1981-82 Islanders for the second-longest winning streak in NHL history.

Roberto Luongo, who compiled a 252-137-50 record over eight seasons with the Canucks (448 GP), is expected to get the start for the Panthers. Luongo has won a career-high and franchise-record nine consecutive games dating to Dec. 15 (1.31 GAA, .954 SV%, 2 SO), the longest such run in the NHL this season.

With 420 career victories, he also is three wins shy of tying Tony Esposito (423) for seventh place in League history.

Week over week confidence unchanged – Canada’s Prairie Provinces hit new 12 month low (released January 11, 2016)

Posted on January 11, 2016 by CanucksBanter

Bloomberg-Nanos Economic Banner

Bloomberg Nanos Weekly Consumer Confidence Tracking

Although the overall index remained stable in the Bloomberg Nanos Canadian Confidence Index (BNCCI), the forward looking Expectations Sub-indice for the energy rich Prairie Provinces hit another 12 month low.

“The economic mood in the Prairies has gone from the highest in the country to the lowest with a continuous negative cycle of negative forward sentiment,” said Nanos Research Group Chairman Nik Nanos.

“The latest consumer sentiment surveys confirm that the impact of the economic shock and extremely low interest rates has not been uniform across cohorts. Indeed, a Bank of Canada analysis finds that younger and less educated households with lower income and net worth, and who live in the more-effected provinces are more likely to be highly indebted, with the overwhelming majority of that debt mortgage-related. The percentage of highly-indebted households has doubled since the 2007 Crisis, which implies a higher degree of vulnerability in the event of another shock, all else being equal”, said Robert Lawrie of Bloomberg Economics.

The BNCCI, a composite of a weekly measure of financial health and economic expectations, registered at 53.78 compared with last week’s 53.77. The twelve month high stands at 58.62.

The Bloomberg Nanos Pocketbook Index is based on survey responses to questions on personal finances and job security. This sub-indice was at 59.00 this week compared to 59.08 the previous week. The Bloomberg Nanos Expectations Index, based on surveys for the outlook for the economy and real estate prices, was at 48.56 this week (compared to 48.47 last week).

The average for the BNCCI since 2008 has been 56.69 with a low of 43.28 in December 2008 and a high of 62.92 in December 2009. The index has averaged 53.78 this year.

To view the weekly tracking visit our website.

Methodology

The BNCCI is produced by the Nanos Research Corporation, headquartered in Canada, which operates in Canada and the United States. The data is based on random telephone interviews with 1,000 Canadian consumers (land- and cell-lines), using a four week rolling average of 250 respondents each week, 18 years of age and over. The random sample of 1,000 respondents may be weighted by age and gender using the latest census information for Canada and the sample is geographically stratified to be representative of Canada. The interviews are compiled into a four week rolling average of 1,000 interviews where each week, the oldest group of 250 interviews is dropped and a new group of 250 interviews is added. The views of 1,000 respondents are compiled into a diffusion index from 0 to 100. A score of 50 on the diffusion index indicates that positive and negative views are a wash while scores above 50 suggest net positive views, while those below 50 suggest net negative views in terms of the economic mood of Canadians.

A random telephone survey of 1,000 consumers in Canada is accurate 3.1 percentage points, plus or minus, 19 times out of 20.

All references or use of this data must cite Bloomberg Nanos as the source.

Canucks Aiming To End Panthers’ 12-Game Winning Streak

Posted on January 11, 2016 by CanucksBanter

CANUCKS BANTER By Andrew Chernoff January 11, 2016

The Vancouver Canucks (16-16-10) play the last game of their 7-game home stand against the Florida Panthers (26-12-4) tonight at Rogers Place.

Canucks mission, as self serving as it is, end the Panthers’ 12-game winning streak in game two of Florida’s Western Canada road swing.

Vancouver looks for their 6th win in 10 games, sporting a record of 5-2-2 in their last 9.

The Canucks are 2-1-2 against the Panthers in their last five games played.

Canucks are 8 goals from 11, 000 goals scored as an NHL franchise, according to NHL.com

The Panthers’ streak is tied for the 10th-longest in NHL history and the longest of any team that failed to qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs the previous season, according to Elias Sports Bureau.

The 1992-93 Pittsburgh Penguins hold the NHL record with 17 straight victories.

Roberto Luongo will be in net for the Panthers tonight, and will face the Canucks for the 5th time since being traded and is 2-1-1 against his former team. It will be his 898th career game tonight.

Jacob Markstrom gets the call for his 8th consecutive start, his first start ever against his former team .

Markstrom is 4-2-1 with a .927 save percentage in seven starts since Ryan Miller injured his groin Dec. 20 at the Florida Panthers.

Bo Horvat is currently sitting on a three-game point streak (4-1-5). Since the start of the new year, Horvat shares the NHL-lead in goals scored (4) and is t-sixth in points (5).

Sven Baertschi has a goal in each of his last two games and three points (2-1=3).

VANCOUVER, BC – JANUARY 1: Jacob Markstrom #25 of the Vancouver Canucks stops Corey Perry #10 of the Anaheim Ducks to preserve a shootout victory for the Canucks during their NHL game at Rogers Arena January 1, 2016 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Vancouver won 2-1. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images)

Luongo has a 9-0-0 record, a 1.31 GAA, .954 SV% and two shutouts, over his last nine games.

Emerson Etem, acquired Friday in a trade with the New York Rangers, will make his Vancouver debut.

Jared McCann to play tonight, even though he missed the morning skate in place of Adam Cracknell.

In their last game, Vancouver lost for the third time on their 7-game home stand against the Tampa Bay Lightning Saturday night at Rogers Place, 3-2 in overtime.

Bo Horvat, had a goal and an assist ; and Sven Baertschi, a power play goal, in the losing effort. Vancouver is now 5-3-1 in their last nine games. And 8-8-4 at home this season.

Jacob Markstrom stopped 32 of 35 shots in his 7th straight start, for a Sv% of .914.

Markstrom is now, 4-4-2 in his last 10 games, with a GAA of 2.12 and a Sv% of .929. On the home stand, he is 3-2-1, with a GAA of 2.42 and Sv% of .921.

In their previous game, Vancouver led by Bo Horvat’s two goals, including the winner on the power play with 1:06 remaining in regulation, defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2. Sven Baertschi, with a goal on his return to the lineup, also scored for Vancouver.

Jacob Markstrom stopped 26 of 28 shots in his 6th straight start, for a Sv% of .929.

Vancouver has a 4-4-4 record against the Atlantic division opponents and 8-8-5 record against the Eastern Conference overall.

Current injuries for the Canucks include: F Brandon Sutter (sports hernia surgery), D Luca Sbisa (hand), and D Dan Hamhuis (facial fracture) and F Jannick Hansen (upper body) are on the injured reserve list.

This morning the Canucks tweeted that Willie Desjardins feels that both Sbisa and Sutter are close to returning to the lineup.

Sbisa is ahead of Sutter and Sutter is very close. “They’ll both be with us at some point on our trip”

Vancouver sits in 3rd place in the Pacific division with 42 points, 4 points behind Arizona in 2nd place. They are 13 points behind Los Angeles; a point in front of Anaheim. They are two points ahead of San Jose and Calgary; 5 points in front of Edmonton.

San Jose has 3 games in hand on Vancouver; Anaheim and Calgary 2 games each in hand on the Canucks; Los Angeles and Arizona have played one less game each than Vancouver.

The Panthers come into the game having played the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday night at Rexall Place, in the first game of their three game Western Canada road trip, where they extended their consecutive winning streak to 12 games, with a 2-1 victory.

Jaromir Jagr scored his 15 goal of the season unassisted; Jonathan Huberdeau scored the winner.

Goalie Al Montoya recorded his 50th career win, stopping 24 of 25 shot for a .960 Sv%.

Al Montoya now sports a 7-1-1 record this season, with a 1.67 GAA and 0.944 SV%.

Florida previously defeated the Ottawa Senators 3-2 last Thursday at Canadian Tire Centre. Reilly Smith had a goal, Jonathan Huberdeau had two helpers; Aleksander Barkov and Vincent Trocheck also scored.

Roberto Luongo stopped 30 of 32 shots and had a .938 Sv%; and had his career-best ninth consecutive win.

Current Florida injuries: Dave Bolland (lower body) is day-to-day. Steven Kampfer (lower body) and Marc Savard (post-concussion syndrome) are on the injured reserve list.

Florida is 3-4-1 against Pacific Division opponents and have a 8-6-1 record against the Western Conference overall.

The Panthers sit in 1rst place in the Atlantic division of the Eastern Conference, with 56 points, 5 points ahead of Detroit; 6 points ahead of Montreal; 7 points in front of Boston.

FLORIDA 12-GAME WINNING STREAK

Florida became the first NHL team to ever win 12 consecutive games, after missing the playoffs the previous season, when they defeated Edmonton last night.

The Panthers are making it difficult to lose, as they have shown during their team record 12 game winning streak: 12-0-0, 38 goals for (3.17 G/gm) and 15 goals against (1.25 G/gm).

The Panthers have given up 9 goals in their past 8 games and 15 goals during their winning streak, which is the longest in the NHL this season, and the longest since the Boston Bruins won 12 games in a row during the 2013-14 season (March 2-22), according to NHL.com.

Power play is 5 for 43, 11.6 percent;
Penalty kill is 36 for 41, 87.8 percent.
Face-off win percentage is 47.8 percent.
The penalty kill is above their season average of 82 percent;
Power play below their season average of 16.8.
Face-off win percentage is below their season average of 48.8 percent.

The Panthers have also set a franchise record for consecutive road wins with 6. During that stretch they have:

22 GF (3.67 G/gm) & 6 GA (1.00 G/gm)
19.5 SF/gm; 27.2 SA/gm)
Their power play is 1 for 14, 7.1 percent (below season average of 8.9%)
Penalty kill is 19 for 21, 90.5 percent (above season average of 84.8%)
Face-off win percentage is 50.3 percent (above season average of 48.4%)

Over the 12-game streak dating back to Dec. 15, Aleksander Barkov leads Florida with six goals and 14 points. Jonathan Huberdeau leads the club with 11 assists. Florida has allowed the least amount of
goals in the NHL (15) over their 12-game winning streak. The Panthers have outscored their opponents 38-15 over their last 12 games.

FLORIDA PANTHER NOTES

Florida has won a franchise record 12 consecutive games. Over the 12-game span, the Panthers have won six consecutive home games and six consecutive road games.
With a win last night in Edmonton, Florida set a new franchise record for consecutive road wins (6) and set a franchise record for consecutive games with a point (13 games, 9-0-4)
Florida owns a 11-2-0 record over their last 13 road games.
The Panthers have allowed 9 goals over their last 8 games.
Florida owns a 17-0-1 record when scoring at least three goals and a 22-3-2 record when scoring first. Florida has scored 3+ goals in six of their last eight games.
Florida ranks first in the NHL for least goals allowed in the first period (19) and for least goals allowed this season (88).

CANUCKS JOTTINGS

Bo Horvat has 4 goals, 1 assist in his last three home games, including 2 power play goals.
Canucks are averaging 2.36 goals per game. For an 82 game schedule the estimate is Vancouver will finish with 194 goals. The least number of goals ever scored by a Vancouver team in a full season of 82 games are 192 by the 1998-99 Canucks.
In his last 10 home games, Horvat has a FOW% of 55.9 percent (95 FOW and 75 FOL); 21 shots, 10 hits, 8 takeaways, 7 blocked shots; 2 PPG; 5 PTS (4 G-1 A=5PTS); and a 19.0 shooting percentage.
Canucks penalty kill is a killer at 25 for 28, 89.3 percent in their last 10 home games. And 31 for 37 in their last 10 games overall, 83.8 percent.
Vancouver has points in 11 of its last 19 (7-8-4=18 pts) & 14 of its last 25 games (9-11-5=23 pts).
Vancouver is 6 for 49 in their last 17 games overall since December 1, 2015, with the man advantage (5 for 34 at home in 10 games since December 1).
The Panthers organization contains a number of former Canucks, including former goaltender Roberto Luongo who posted a record of 252-137-50 and 38 shutouts and former defencemen Dale Tallon (44-93-137 in 222 GP) and Willie Mitchell (10-48-58 in 264). Florida’s Assistant Coach Mike Kelly also served as an Assistant Coach with the Canucks and their AHL affiliate the Manitoba Moose (2005-08).
Captain Henrik Sedin is 8 games played from tying Trevor Linden (1140) for most games played in a Canucks uniform. Henrik has skated in 1,132 career regular season games and also ranks first in franchise history in points (949), assists (729), and plus/minus (+224).
Daniel Sedin is 2 goals from tying Markus Naslund (346) for first all-time in franchise goals. In the goals department, Daniel ranks first in franchise history in power play goals (120), game-winning goals (76), and overtime goals (13). He is also 5 shots from becoming the first and only Canucks player in history to register 3,000 in his career.
Vancouver has had 140 power play opportunities to date, the sixth most of any team in the League; 69 of these opportunities have been drawn on the road (t-fourth in the NHL).

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

The Canucks head out on a 6-game road trip visiting Eastern Conference opponents:

Thursday, January 14 against the Washington Captials;
Friday, January 15 against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Sunday, January 17 against the New York Islanders
Tuesday, January 19 against the New York Rangers
Thursday, January 21 against the Boston Bruins
Saturday, January 23 against the Pittsburgh Penguins

Their next home game will be Tuesday, January 26 against the Nashville Predators.

COMING INTO TONIGHT…….

POINT STREAKS:

ALEX BIEGA (0-2-2 / 2 Games)

SVEN BAERTSCHI (2-1-3 / 2 Games)

BO HORVAT (4-1-5 / 3 Games)

CANUCKS AND NHL PLAYERS STATS:

Alex Edler is tied for 17th in the NHL in TOI/G with 24:36.
Jannick Hansen is tied for 23rd in the NHL in plus/minus with a +11.
Daniel Sedin is tied for 37th in the NHL in plus/minus with a +10
Henrik Sedin is tied for 40th in the NHL in plus/minus with a +10.
Bo Horvat is tied for 2nd in the NHL in negative plus/minus with a -19.
Radim Vrbata is 13th in the NHL in negative plus/minus with a -13.

Daniel Sedin is tied for 11th in NHL scoring with 38 points (17-21=38).
Henrik Sedin is tied for 26th in NHL scoring with 34 points (9-25=34).
Henrik Sedin is tied for 8th in the NHL in assists with 25.

Derek Dorsett is tied for 49th in NHL hits with 93.
Chris Tanev is 7th in the NHL in blocked shots with 98.
Alex Edler is tied for 13th in the NHL in blocked shots with 92.
Radim Vrbata is tied for 8th in the NHL in shots on goal with 144.
Daniel Sedin is tied for 8th in the NHL in shots on goal with 144.

Jacob Markstrom is 13th in the NHL with least goals allowed (10 games or more), with 34.
Jacob Markstrom is 24rth in the NHL in GAA with 2.48 (13 games or more played).
Jacob Markstrom is tied for18th in the NHL in Sv% with .919 (13 games or more played).
Ryan Miller is 4rth in the NHL in goals allowed with 76.
Ryan Miller is 16th in the NHL in shots faced with 836.
Ryan Miller is 17th in the NHL in saves made with 760.

Brandon Prust is 14th in the NHL with 57 penalty minutes.
Derek Dorsett is 1rst in the NHL with most penalty minutes with 110.
Derek Dorsett is tied for 5th most minor penalties in the NHL with 20.
Derek Dorsett is tied for 2nd in the NHL in roughing penalties with 8.
Derek Dorsett is tied for 1rst in the NHL in misconducts with 4.
Derek Dorsett is tied for 3rd most fighting majors in the NHL with 6.
Brandon Prust is tied for 2nd in the NHL in fighting majors with 7.

Alex Edler is tied for 21rst in the NHL in missed shots with 52.
Radim Vrbata is tied for 36th in the NHL in missed shots with 46.
Daniel Sedin is tied for 36th in the NHL in missed shots with 46.
Henrik Sedin is 42nd in the NHL in shooting percentage with 17.3 percent

Jared McCann is tied for 18th in the NHL in rookie points with 11 (7-4=11)
Jared McCann is tied for 10th in the NHL in rookie goals with 7.
Jared McCann is 12th in the NHL in rookie shots on goal with 62.
Ben Hutton is tied for 7th in the NHL in rookie assists with 10.
Ben Hutton is 17th in the NHL in rookie shots on goal with 51.
Ben Hutton is tied for 21rst in the NHL in rookie points with 10.
Ben Hutton is 13th in the NHL in rookie TOI/G with 17:49.
Ben Hutton is 11th in the NHL in rookie blocked shots with 35.
Ben Hutton is tied for 7th in the NHL in rookie negative plus/minus with -7.
Jake Virtanen is 11th in the NHL in rookie hits with 56.

GOALS BY PERIOD:

Canucks are 25th in the NHL in goals scored with 99.
Canucks are tied for 16th in the NHL in goals scored in 1rst periods with 30.
Canucks are 27th in the NHL in goals scored in 2nd periods with 31.
Canucks are tied for 18th in the NHL in goals scored in 3rd periods with 37.

Canucks are 22nd in least goals against in the NHL with 116.
Canucks are tied for 17th in the NHL in least goals against in 1rst periods with 32.
Canucks are tied for 4rth in the NHL in least goals against in 2nd periods with 33.
Canucks are tied for 21rst in the NHL in least goals against in 3rd periods with 43.

Opponents have scored first in 26 of 42 games played, for a record of 14-8-4.
Canucks have scored first in 16 of 42 games played, for a record of 8-2-6.

REAL TIME:

In the NHL, Vancouver is:

27th in hits with 783
15th in giveaways with 323
21rst in blocked shots with 548
25th in takeaways with 211
15th in total face-offs with 2542
29th in face-off wins with 1153
30th in face-off losses with 1389
20th in shots for with 1219
23rd in shots against with 1290
13th in missed shots with 465

LACK OF PRODUCTION:

Ben Hutton, 35 games without a goal; plus/minus of -7
Yannick Weber, 33 games without a goal; plus/minus of -14
Chris Higgins, 22 games without a goal; plus/minus of -14
Adam Cracknell, 22 games without a goal
Alex Burrows, 20 games without a goal; plus/minus of -7
Derek Dorsett, 1 goal in last 33 games played
Brandon Prust, 1 goal in last 31 games played
Bo Horvat, 4 goals in the last 30 games; plus/minus of -16
Jared McCann, 1 goal in last 21 games played; plus/minus of -8
Radim Vrbata, 1 goal in last 13 games played
Chris Higgins, 1 assist in last 25 games played
Brandon Prust, 1 assist in last 22 games played
Chris Tanev, 2 assists in last 25 games played
Alex Edler, 0 points in last 11 games played; plus/minus of -3
Yannick Weber, 1 point in last 14 games played; 2 points in last 20 games played
Ben Hutton, 1 point in last 13 games played; 2 points in last 19 games played

THE ROAD TO 25:

The Canucks have never had a season without a 25-goal scorer. Who will it be this year?

Daniel Sedin, 17 goals in 42 games played
Jannick Hansen, 12 goals in 41 games played
Radim Vrbata, 10 goals in 40 games played
Henrik Sedin, 9 goals in 40 games played
Jared McCann, 7 goals in 38 games played
Sven Baertschi, 7 goals in 34 games played

WESTERN CONFERENCE WILD CARD STANDINGS

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE STANDINGS

2015-2016 VANCOUVER CANUCKS VS ALL TEAMS

CANUCKS PLAYER STATS

PANTHER PLAYER STATS

STATISTICS COURTESY OF THE NHL AND VANCOUVER CANUCKS

Canucks Exploring Trade Options For Chris Higgins

Posted on January 10, 2016 by CanucksBanter

CANUCKS BANTER By Andrew Chernoff January 10, 2016

Vancouver, B.C. – Vancouver Canucks General Manager Jim Benning confirmed today that the club is exploring trade options for forward Chris Higgins.

“As part of our transition to a younger team, I can confirm we’re exploring trade options for Chris Higgins so we can create more roster space for our younger players to develop. Chris is a quality person who has been an important member of our team for nearly five seasons. Our focus has been on finding a positive new situation for him and we will continue to do so.”

Poor Change In Overtime Leads To Tampa Bay 3-2 Win Over Vancouver

Posted on January 10, 2016 by CanucksBanter

CANUCKS BANTER By Andrew Chernoff January 10, 2016

The Vancouver Canucks (16-16-10) lost for the third time on their 7-game home stand against the Tampa Bay Lightning (21-17-4) Saturday night at Rogers Place, 3-2 in overtime.

Bo Horvat, had a goal and an assist ; and Sven Baertschi, a power play goal, in the losing effort. Vancouver is now 5-3-1 in their last nine games. And 8-8-4 at home this season.

For Horvat, he now has 4 goals in three straight games, two on the power play, and an assist. For Baertschi, he now has 5 goals and 2 assists along with 15 shots on net, in his last 7 games played.

Jacob Markstrom stopped 32 of 35 shots in his 7th straight start, for a Sv% of .914. He is now, 4-2-2 in his last 8 games.

Vancouver was 1 for 2 on the power play, and 4 for 4 on the penalty kill. Canucks are now 3 for 29 in their last 12 games with the man advantage, and 25 for 28 in their last 10 home games on the penalty kill.

VANCOUVER, BC – JANUARY 9: Nikita Kucherov #86 of the Tampa Bay Lightning scores in overtime on Jacob Markstrom #25 of the Vancouver Canucks during their NHL game January 9, 2016 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Tampa Bay won 3-2. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images)

Tampa Bay got some early scoring chances putting the Canucks on notice they came to play. Vancouver could not, or just didn’t, make the necessary adjustment and that would lead to something Canuck fans are too used to seeing: the other team score the first goal.

Tampa Bay, on their 4rth unanswered shot of the game, would open the scoring and take a 1-0 lead at 3:41 on a goal by Alex Killorn, his 7th of the season, on a wrist shot, assisted by Nikita Kucherov (17) and Vladislav Namestnikov (11).

Canucks would get their first shot at the 5:53 mark of the opening period, as they continued to play without any push back against the Lightning, who were dominating the period.

Nearing the halfway point of the period, the Lightning had a 5-1 edge on shots, with Vancouver seemingly starting to figure out how to get some offensive play going in the Lightning end.

A penalty by Tampa Bay to Ryan Callahan at 9:21 for holding Ben Hutton, would give Vancouver their first power play of the game, and a chance to get some shots on Andrei Vasilevskiy, the Lightning goaltender. Unfortunately for the Canucks, the power play was anything but polished with little good puck movement and was free of any real scoring threat.

At 14:12, Alex Killorn of the Lightning would be assessed a penalty for hooking Jake Virtanen, putting the Canucks back on the power play.

This time, Vancouver would do a better job with the man advantage, getting the tying goal, on Sven Baertschi’s 7th goal of the season at 15:24, on a backhand shot, assisted by Bo Horvat (9) and Yannick Weber (5).

With a couple of minutes left in the period, Vancouver caught up to the Lightning in shots, surpassing them 7-5, making the last half of the opening period opposite of the first half.

The period would end with both teams tied at 1-1.

After being out shot 5-0, the Canucks ended up out shooting the Lightning 8-6 in the first period. Vancouver was 10 for 19 on face-offs. Bo Horvat was 4 for 5; Adam Cracknell, 4 for 6. Henrik Sedin led Canucks in shots with 2. Jake Virtanen had 2 of Vancouver’s four hits in the opening period and drew one penalty that led to the tying 1-1 power play goal. Vancouver was 1 for 2 on the power play.

In the second period, Vancouver would get some good shots on the Lightning goalie early, but things would settle down with the momentum shifting to Tampa Bay.

The Lightning received a 4 minute power play as the Canucks were assessed a double minor to Alex Edler at 4:03 for high sticking Nikita Kucherov and drawing blood. The Canucks killed the double minor successfuly.

Alex Edler would receive a minor almost five minutes later, for interference at 8:59, handing the Lightning another power play opportunity to get the go ahead goal.

Edler’s teammates bailed him out, killing off the penalty. The penalty kill was 3 for 3 in the period, keeping the game tied at 1-1. Canucks penalty kill improved to 24 for 27, 88.89 percent in their last 10 home games, with the penalty kills.

With five minutes left, both teams would start getting scoring chances, as the special teams gave way to regular lines for both teams, but the game would continue to be tied after two periods.

Shots were 9 to 7 Lightning and even at 15 each after two periods. Face-offs were 9 for 16 for Tampa Bay. Radim Vrbata and Henrik Sedin led Canucks in shots after two periods with 3 each; Sven Baertschi had 2. Alex Edler led the Canucks in penalty minutes after two periods with 6.

Canucks entered the final frame with a record of 9-7-9 in 1-goal games and 6-0-3 when tied after two periods; and 8-5-3, when tied after the 1rst period.

Bo Horvat got himself an breakaway on the Tampa Bay goalie in the opening minute of the 3rd period but his chance was snuffed out.

Nearing the halfway point of the 3rd the Canucks were getting some sustained pressure in the Lightning end.

While there was lots of skating, and play making, shots were 5-3 Tampa Bay, at the 10 minute mark.

Vancouver got into penalty trouble again, and Tampa Bay would get a man advantage at 10:19 when Yannick Weber would be sent off for cross checking Tyler Johnson, and a chance to break the tie.

The Canucks would kill the penalty one second before the Lightning would finally score, and take the lead 2-1, on a goal by Valtteri Filppula (5), on a wrist shot, assisted by Anton Stralman (15) and Ryan CAllahan (9), off the skate of Alex Edler and past Jacob Markstrom.

After the go ahead goal, Tampa Bay dominated the rest of the period, plugging up the neutral zone, and putting up a wall on their blue line.

With under three minutes left, the Lightning were out shooting Vancouver 13-4, and 8 to 1 in the final half of the final frame.

With 2:50 left in the game, Bo Horvat on a seemingly innocent play on the Lightning net, would score to even the game up at 2-2.

Horvat, his 6th goal, on a wrist shot, assisted by Ben Hutton (10) and Alex Biega (4) at 17:10. It was Horvat’s 4rth goal in his last 3 games.

The game would go into overtime tied 2-2 at the end of regulation play.

For the 14th time this season, the Canucks would go into overtime with a chance to improve upon their 1-7 record.

Several Canucks had opportunities to put the game away but it would take a sloppy change to lead to the winning goal.

With Henrik Sedin out of gas and changing, Lightning player Vladislav Namestnikov threw the puck up the ice to Nikita Kucherov, who went in on Markstrom, and scored the winning goal for a 3-2 victory for Tampa Bay.

Nikita Kucherov, his 16th goal of the season, assisted by Vladislav Namestnikov (12) and Anton Stralman (16) at 3:51.

With the loss, Vancouver takes over 3rd place in the Pacific division with 42 points, 4 points behind Arizona in 2nd place. They are 13 points behind Los Angeles; a point in front of Anaheim. They are two points ahead of San Jose and Calgary; 5 points in front of Edmonton.

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