Canucks 3 Sharks 2

The Canucks youth movement continues to show promise, as they did something they were unable to do last year, getting a win in San Jose. Goals by Jason Krog, Jannik Hansen and a beauty PP marker from Pavol Demitra, as well as more strong goaltending from Roberto Luongo and Cory Schneider helped the Canucks build a 3-0 lead after 2, then hang on for the 3-2 victory. I think the thing I enjoyed the most was a consistent work effort, for the most part for a 3rd consecutive game. There are a number of players challenging for roster spots and they are definitely making their presence felt. Mike Brown and Rick Rypien both did well in fights, Brown in the 1st against Ryan Clowe, and Rypien in the 2nd against a tougher and bigger Brad Staubitz. Despite suffering a bloodied face, Rypien surprised Staubitz more than once with his ability to change hands, and landed a number of blows against the San Jose prospect. Special teams got it done for Vancouver, as they scored two PP goals on the best PK in the NHL so far this pre-season, as well as a shorthanded marker by Krog, who tapped in a rebound after Sharks' goalie Brian Boucher stopped Jannik Hansen on a breakaway. Hansen has to be considered almost a lock to make the team with his strong play, he now has 3 points in 2 games. Kyle Wellwood had a decent game, showing a loss of focus at times, but still turning in a decent performance, picking up an assist on the Hansen goal. Mason Raymond looked very fast last night, and apart from a couple giveaways, Demitra looks like he is going to fit in well in the Canucks' offensive scheme this year. The Sharks made a contest of it halfway through the 3rd as Ryan Clowe broke the shutout on Schneider on the PP, and Patrick Marleau added one with 9 seconds left, but it wasn't enough to stop the Canucks from moving to 3-0. Joe Thornton was remarkably average for the Sharks, including taking a very selfish penalty in the 1st that was rather uncharacteristic for the reigning NHL assist leader.