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Canucks 4, Golden Knights 3: Plateaus aplenty as owning day showed the way – The Province

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Conor Garland, J.T. Miller, Brock Boeser and Quinn Hughes set career records as Canucks dig out from two-goal hole

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On a significant night, the distractions didn’t affect the action.

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For the Vancouver Canucks, who have been caught up in playoff positioning and possible first-round matchups, they got back to trying to own the day Monday at Rogers Arena.

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In a highly paced and playoff-like atmosphere, they dug out of an early two-goal hole and looked like a club that was determined to sharpen its game for the post-season and not go quietly into the night.

A 4-3 victory in regulation time ensured the Canucks will have home-ice advantage in opening round of the playoffs.

Conor Garland not only scored twice to make it 101 career goals in his 400th career game, both of his efforts are the kind of goals scored in the post-season.


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The speedy and pesky winger got to the net against big defencemen to get to a pair of rebounds and the second one late in the second period snapped a 3-3 draw. His teammates wore commemorative t-shirts in his honour — orchestrated by J.T. Miller to acknowledge the feat and lighten the mood — and the crowd even chanted his name.

“I don’t take anything for granted and I hope there are a lot more and it (400 games) is a nice number to get to,” said Garland. “The game gave us a lot of belief and we think we’re a good team and it’s hard to win at this time of year.

“To have a game like that, it’s a playoff game. And it (chanting) is pretty cool for anybody and they did it for Millsy and it’s well deserved. That’s the reward of playing in a Canadian market and a big one like Vancouver. If the environment is anything like this in the playoffs, it’s going to be a pretty cool place to play.”

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And if the journey is indeed the adventure then Garland has had quite a ride.

“My first year in the minors was tough with just four goals and not many people probably thought I could make it here,” he added. “And when you get your foot in the door, you never want to have it slammed shut on you.”

Conor Garland scores his second goal of the game during the second period
Conor Garland scores his second goal of the game during the second period Photo by Derek Cain /Getty Images

It was also a three-assist night for Miller, who hit the century point plateau for the first time in his career. And it was also Arturs Silovs staying calm as the Golden Knights pressed for the equalizer.

“I downplay everything but it is pretty special,” Miller admitted of the 100-point plateau. “We have a lot of work to do and I’ll have an extra beer tonight and it’s something I can enjoy in the summer. It’s hard to do. I’m playing with really good players on a really good team.”

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As for the team game, rebounding from an early deficit against the Stanley Cup champions meant something. And so did a lock-it-down third period.

“When we gave up two we didn’t crumble,” noted Miller. “We persevered and stayed with it and it’s a good step for the group. We didn’t back off and limited stuff to the outside.”

The night checked a lot of boxes for Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet. He was looking for resiliency and consistency once his club got back on even terms.

“There wasn’t any panic on the bench and the power play got us back in the game and it was great,” he said. “This was a good test and these are the moments you look for. When the pressure hits, you’ve got to be calm. There were tense moments but we did a nice job.”

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It certainly eased some concerns. 

“This is the game of today and not two weeks from now,” Tocchet pleaded following the morning skate. “We’re a day-to-day team, but now that the stakes are higher, there’s a lot of who are we going to play? Or, who plays with who? 

“Now, people’s minds are wondering in general. Are we going to win the division or not? There are too many variables. The messaging has to come from me to not let the guys’ minds wander.”

Here’s what we learned as Quinn Hughes and Brock Boeser also scored for the Canucks while Jack Eichel had both goals for the Golden Knights:


Brock Boeser is congratulated at the players bench after scoring against the Golden Knights
Brock Boeser is congratulated at the players bench after scoring against the Golden Knights Photo by Derek Cain /Getty Images

Boeser bags the big No. 40

For a moment, it looked like Boeser was going to be denied hitting a significant plateau.

The winger, who pledged to score 30 goals last season but slumped to 18 amid constant trade rumours and grieving the loss of his father, found the net in the second period to make it 3-3.

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Boeser’s wrist shot from the slot got by Elias Pettersson, who was parked at the top of the crease, and the goal was reviewed for goalie interference. It was confirmed a goal and Boeser was greeted by waves of applause as fans rose to their feet.

Boeser just wanted to find the joy in his game and worked to improve his fitness, focus and become a more complete player willing to play on the inside and backcheck effectively.

Boeser becomes the 10th player in franchise history to hit the 40-goal plateau. The others are Pavel Bure, Alex Mogilny, Markus Naslund, Todd Bertuzzi, Tony Tanti, Darcy Rota, Ryan Kesler, Ron Sedlbauer and Daniel Sedin.

Boeser was playing hurt and in treatment post game, which only spoke of his desire to make something of this season and hit a most memorable plateau.

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“That sucks,” deadpanned Miller. “I’ve been telling him he can’t score 40 without me and he’s shoving it in my face a little bit now. But he’s a hell of a player and proved he can score a lot of goals in this league and I’m glad to see it coming together for him.

“He’s going to the hard areas to score and has a really good release.”

Added Tocchet: “Forty goals are hard to score in this league. He was a little banged up before the game and he played. That’s what I’m proud about. It inspired the team a little bit. It wasn’t anything bad, but to see him score a big goal, a lot of guys were happy for him.”


Conor Garland watches a goal by Quinn Hughes on Logan Thompson #36 of the Vegas Golden Knights during the first period at Rogers Arena on Monday night.
Conor Garland watches a goal by Quinn Hughes on Logan Thompson #36 of the Vegas Golden Knights during the first period at Rogers Arena on Monday night. Photo by Derek Cain /Getty Images

Hughes enters select company

When the Canucks captain drew an assist on Garland’s power-play goal in the first period, the defenceman joined a pair of legendary blueliners who have amassed at least 200 helpers in a three-season span.

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The others to accomplish that feat were Bobby Orr and Paul Coffey. That’s quite the podium.

Hughes then drew the Canucks even with a power play point shot that was low, hard and accurate and benefited from a double screen down low by Pettersson and Garland. It moved the Hughes career-high goal meter to 17.

Miller drew assists on the two first-period goals to hit point total 99 (35-64), which equalled the career high the centre set in 2021-22. He then went one better with another helper.


Jack Eichel #9 of the Vegas Golden Knights is congratulated after scoring a goal as Brock Boeser steps out of the penalty box during the first period
Jack Eichel of the Vegas Golden Knights is congratulated after scoring a goal as Brock Boeser steps out of the penalty box during the first period Photo by Derek Cain /Getty Images

Slow starts not smart strategy

Two shots. Two goals.

That’s how Eichel quickly announced his arrival as the Canucks surrendered the first goal for the fifth time in their last seven outings.

Eichel’s first effort came at 1:52 of the opening period when he ripped a power play wrist shot from the slot between the legs of defenceman Nikita Zadorov. Silovs only got a piece of the effort as the shot deception affected his tracking.

Eichel then struck again after being left open on the back door to take a cross-ice feed and easily deposit the offering. He has four goals in the season series.

bkuzma@postmedia.com

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Champions Trophy host Pakistan says it’s not been told India wants to play cricket games elsewhere

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LAHORE, Pakistan (AP) — A top official of the Pakistan Cricket Board declined Friday to confirm media reports that India has decided against playing any games in host Pakistan during next year’s Champions Trophy.

“My view is if there’s any problems, they (India) should tell us in writing,” PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi told reporters in Lahore. “I’ll share that with the media as well as with the government as soon as I get such a letter.”

Indian media reported Friday that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has communicated its concerns to all the Champions Trophy stakeholders, including the PCB, over the Feb. 19-March 9 tournament and would not play in arch-rival Pakistan.

The Times of India said that “Dubai is a strong candidate to host the fixtures involving the Men in Blue” for the 50-over tournament.

Such a solution would see Pakistan having to travel to a neutral venue to play India in a group match, with another potential meeting later in the tournament if both teams advanced from their group. The final is scheduled for March 9 in Pakistan with the specific venue not yet decided.

“Our stance is clear,” Naqvi said. “They need to give us in writing any objections they may have. Until now, no discussion of the hybrid model has happened, nor are we prepared to accept one.”

Pakistan hosted last year’s Asia Cup but all India games were played in Sri Lanka under a hybrid model for the tournament. Only months later Pakistan did travel to India for the 50-over World Cup.

Political tensions have stopped bilateral cricket between the two nations since 2008 and they have competed in only multi-nation tournaments, including ICC World Cups.

“Cricket should be free of politics,” Naqvi said. “Any sport should not be entangled with politics. Our preparations for the Champions Trophy will continue unabated, and this will be a successful event.”

The PCB has already spent millions of dollars on the upgrade of stadiums in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi which are due to host 15 Champions Trophy games. Naqvi hoped all the three stadiums will be ready over the next two months.

“Almost every country wants the Champions Trophy to be played here (in Pakistan),” Naqvi said. “I don’t think anyone should make this a political matter, and I don’t expect they will. I expect the tournament will be held at the home of the official hosts.”

Eight countries – Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, England, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and Afghanistan – are due to compete in the tournament, the schedule of which is yet to be announced by the International Cricket Council.

“Normally the ICC announces the schedule of any major tournament 100 days before the event, and I hope they will announce it very soon,” Naqvi said.

___

AP cricket:

The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

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Dabrowski, Routlife into WTA doubles final with win over Melichar-Martinez, Perez

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RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – Ottawa‘s Gabriela Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe of New Zealand are through to the doubles final at the WTA Finals after a 7-6 (7), 6-1 victory over Nicole Melichar-Martinez of the United States and Australia’s Ellen Perez in semifinal action Friday.

Dabrowski and Routliffe won a hard-fought first set against serve when Routliffe’s quick reaction at the net to defend a Perez shot gave the duo set point, causing Perez to throw down her racket in frustration.

The second seeds then cruised through the second set, winning match point on serve when Melichar-Martinez couldn’t handle Routliffe’s shot.

The showdown was a rematch of last year’s semifinal, which Melichar-Martinez and Perez won in a super tiebreak.

Dabrowski and Routliffe will face the winner of a match between Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend, and Hao-Ching Chan and Veronika Kudermetova in the final on Saturday.

Dabrowski is aiming to become the first Canadian to win a WTA Finals title.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 8, 2024.

The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

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Winger Tajon Buchanan back with Canada after recovering from broken leg

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Inter Milan winger Tajon Buchanan, recovered from a broken leg suffered in training at this summer’s Copa America, is back in Jesse Marsch’s Canada squad for the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal against Suriname.

The 25-year-old from Brampton, Ont., underwent surgery July 3 to repair a fractured tibia in Texas.

Canada, ranked 35th in the world, plays No. 136 Suriname on Nov. 15 in Paramaribo. The second leg of the aggregate series is four days later at Toronto’s BMO Field.

There is also a return for veteran winger Junior Hoilett, who last played for Canada in June in a 4-0 loss to the Netherlands in Marsch’s debut at the Canadian helm. The 34-year-old from Brampton, now with Scotland’s Hibernian, has 15 goals in 63 senior appearances for Canada.

Midfielder Ismael Kone, recovered from an ankle injury sustained on club duty with France’s Marseille, also returns. He missed Canada’s last three matches since the fourth-place Copa America loss to Uruguay in July.

But Canada will be without centre back Derek Cornelius, who exited Marseille’s win Sunday over Nantes on a stretcher after suffering an apparent rib injury.

The Canadian men will prepare for Suriname next week at a camp in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

“We are looking forward to getting the group together again with the mindset that there is a trophy on the line,” Marsch said in a statement. “We want to end 2024 the right way with two excellent performances against a competitive Suriname squad and continue building on our tremendous growth this past summer.”

The quarterfinal winners advance to the Nations League Finals at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., with the two semifinals scheduled for March 20 and the final and third-place playoff March 23, and qualify for the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Thirteen of the 23 players on the Canadian roster are 25 or younger, with 19-year-old defender Jamie Knight-Lebel, currently playing for England’s Crewe Alexandra on loan from Bristol City, the youngest.

Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies captains the side with Stephen Eustaquio, Jonathan Osorio, Richie Laryea, Alistair Johnston and Kamal Miller adding veteran support.

Jonathan David, Cyle Larin and Theo Bair are joined in attack by Minnesota United’s Tani Oluwaseyi.

Niko Sigur, a 21-year-old midfielder with Croatia’s Hadjuk Split, continues in the squad after making his debut in the September friendly against Mexico.

Suriname made it to the Nations League quarterfinals by finishing second to Costa Rica in Group A of the Nations League, ahead of No. 104 Guatemala, No. 161 Guyana and unranked Martinique and Guadeloupe.

“A good team,” Osorio said of Suriname. “These games are always tricky and they’re not easy at all … Suriname is a (former) Dutch colony and they’ll have Dutch players playing at high levels.”

“They won’t be someone we overlook at all,” added the Toronto FC captain, who has 81 Canada caps to his credit.

Located on the northeast coast of South America between Guyana and French Guiana, Suriname was granted independence in 1975 by the Netherlands.

Canada has faced Suriname twice before, both in World Cup qualifying play, winning 4-0 in suburban Chicago in June 2021 and 2-1 in Mexico City in October 1977.

The Canadian men, along with Mexico, the United States and Panama, received a bye into the final eight of the CONCACAF Nations League.

Canada, No. 2 in the CONCACAF rankings, drew Suriname as the best-placed runner-up from League A play.

Canada lost to Jamaica in last year’s Nations League quarterfinal, ousted on the away-goals rule after the series ended in a 4-4 draw. The Canadians lost 2-0 to the U.S. in the final of the 2022-23 tournament and finished fifth in 2019-20.

Canada defeated Panama 2-1 last time out, in an Oct. 15 friendly in Toronto.

Goalkeepers Maxime Crepeau and Jonathan Sirois, defenders Joel Waterman, Laryea and Miller and Osorio took part in a pre-camp this week in Toronto for North America-based players.

Canada Roster

Goalkeepers: Maxime Crepeau, Portland Timbers (MLS); Jonathan Sirois, CF Montreal (MLS); Dayne St. Clair, Minnesota United FC (MLS).

Defenders: Moise Bombito, OGC Nice (France); Alphonso Davies, Bayern Munich (Germany); Richie Laryea, Toronto FC (MLS); Alistair Johnston, Celtic (Scotland); Jamie Knight-Lebel. Crewe Alexandra, on loan from Bristol City (England); Kamal Miller, Portland Timbers (MLS); Joel Waterman, CF Montreal (MLS).

Midfielders: Ali Ahmed. Vancouver Whitecaps (MLS); Tajon Buchanan, Inter Milan (Italy); Mathieu Choiniere, Grasshopper Zurich (Switzerland); Stephen Eustaquio, FC Porto (Portugal); Junior Hoilett, Hibernian FC (Scotland); Ismael Kone, Olympique Marseille (France); Jonathan Osorio, Toronto FC (MLS); Jacob Shaffelburg, Nashville SC (MLS); Niko Sigur, Hadjuk Split (Croatia).

Forwards: Theo Bair, AJ Auxerre (France); Jonathan David, LOSC Lille (France); Cyle Larin, RCD Mallorca (Spain); Tani Oluwaseyi, Minnesota United (MLS).

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 8, 2024.

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