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Canucks 5, Islanders 2: Completing rare Triple Crown of victories by going wire-to-wire

Published

8 months ago

January 10, 2024

A pair of first-period goals, and three markers by defencemen, allowed the Canucks to outpace the Islanders and claim an impressive win

Tyler Myers is hugged by Conor Garland after scoring at 17:54 of the second period against the New York Islanders on Tuesday night. Photo by Bruce Bennett /Getty Images

The Triple Crown of Horse Racing is an annual torturous test of energy and endurance.

The final leg for elite three-year-old thoroughbreds is the Belmont Stakes, the longest exhausting run of 1 1/2 miles, or 2,400 metres, located at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y.

The area is also home to UBS Arena, the posh digs for the New York Islanders, and where the Vancouver Canucks were attempting to complete their own Triple Crown Tuesday.

With wins in New Jersey on Saturday and Madison Square Garden on Monday, the second half of a back-to-back grind was expected to be the toughest challenge. The Canucks had to break from the gate and not chase the game to accomplish the New York area sweep for the first time in franchise history.

And that’s exactly what the Canucks did.

A pair of first-period goals, and three markers by defencemen, allowed the Canucks to outpace the Islanders and claim an impressive 5-2 victory. They improved to 3-1 on a seven-game road trip and 27-11-3 overall in pursuit of the NHL overall lead.

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Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet believed his club had enough in reserve by measuring minutes at Madison Square Garden. And it played out.

“It was the consistency and a lot of good efforts from everybody,” he said. “We had a good first and a lot of energy. When we came out with a lot of good shifts, I knew these guys were ready to play. To win three games in New Jersey and New York is tough to do.”

The win came in convincing fashion and included goals you don’t see every night.

J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson played pickleball with passes across the crease before the slick Swede potted his 20th of the season. And Tyler Myers took advantage of an Islanders line change by unleashing a 93 mile-per-hour slapshot at full stride to the stick side to make it 4-1 in the second period.

“Not much changes,” Myers said of the back-to-backs. “Make sure shifts are short and a very simple game. Last night (Monday), was very simple for us. It generated opportunities.”

Maybe Hughes put it best.

“It’s crazy how a year can change,” he said. “Last year, we had a really hard time keeping leads in the third, and this year, we kind of look like a mature group.”

Here’s what we learned as Filip Hronek, Hughes, Pettersson, Myers and Dakota Joshua into an empty net scored for the Canucks, while Brock Nelson had both goals for the Islanders:

Filip Hronek and Quinn Hughes celebrate Hughes' first period goal against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena on January 09, 2024 in Elmont, New York. — Filip Hronek and Quinn Hughes celebrate Hughes’ first period goal against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena on January 09, 2024 in Elmont, New York. Photo by Bruce Bennett /Getty Images

The smart start, the Hughes ballet

There was statistical proof that a good start was prudent.

The Islanders had surrendered one or fewer goals in the opening period in their previous 23 games. They also entered the night by outscoring the opposition 35-22 in the first period. Only the Los Angeles Kings had allowed fewer goals in the opening frame.

If that wasn’t enough, Coquitlam speedster Mat Barzal had points in all of his 10 previous meetings against his hometown club while collecting 17 points (3-14).

Conor Garland had a three-shot period and then the damage was done in convincing fashion.

First, it was Hronek ripping a point slapper that felled Casey Cizikas, and as he hobbled off the ice, the play continued and allowed Hronek to pounce on a loose puck to open scoring. Then, it was Hughes doing a figure skating and ballet combo to provide a two-goal cushion.

The Norris Trophy favourite emerged from behind the Islanders net with puck possession, wheeled into the faceoff circle, did a backward spin, and got to the slot to snap home his 11th of the season.

“Huggy’s goal was incredible,” said Tocchet. “When you get that second wave on the rush, and it was probably one of our better games breaking the puck out, that’s why our defence got some of those chances.”

And then there’s the Lotto Line that has combined for 18 points in the three games since being reunited Saturday.

“They’re so opportunistic if there’s a breakdown,” added Tocchet. “Obviously, a hell of a goal from Miller to Petey. They’ve been great and they’re dominating. It’s a great line.”

For Hughes, the win was just another part of the process of staying even-keeled and staying structured.

“We just want to keep climbing up the mountain,” he said. “We’re happy with how this road trip has gone, but we’ve got to finish up strong. Our depth scoring is why we’re good this year with multiple contributions and it’s nice to see Myers get rewarded.

“He has played so well for us. He’s taking tough matchups, penalty kill and blocking shots. And for him to get a goal is big. We’re going to need that down the stretch.”

Adam Pelech of the New York Islanders checks Teddy Blueger #53 of the Vancouver Canucks in the crease during the first period at UBS Arena on January 09, 2024 in Elmont, New York. Photo by Bruce Bennett /Getty Images

DeSmith can be the difference

Casey DeSmith has had busier nights, but this one was efficient.

The backup goaltender improved to 7-3-2 and increased his .917 save percentage with a 17-save performance that had moments of resilience to ensure the Islanders didn’t gather momentum.

In the first period, DeSmith made a tough stop on Pierre Engvall after he took a cross-ice feed at the top of the crease from Nelson. He then stopped a streaking Barzal, who unloaded a hot shot to the far side that DeSmith got a piece of with his shoulder.

In the second period, DeSmith thwarted a 2-on-1 as Kyle Palmieri took a Barzal feed before remaining calm to stop a sharp-angle attempt during a three-shot sequence. DeSmith was beat on a second-period power play when Palmieri sent a backhand pass to Nelson at the far post. And late in the third, Nelson found the short side.

DeSmith even took a shot off the mask in third period for a performance exclamation mark as the Canucks improved to 24-0-0 when leading after two periods.

“It’s just work hard in practice and good habits — Clarkie (goalie coach Ian Clark) is big on the habits — and it translates to games,” said DeSmith. “It’s paying off. Obviously, the team was incredible tonight going back-to-back against a really good Islanders team.

“That was one of the better wins this season. We’re not giving up a lot of odd-man rushes and it seems like there’s a lot of chemistry and the Lotto Line is hot right now and fun to see.”

Scott Mayfield of the New York Islanders checks Nils Hoglander of the Vancouver Canucks into the glass during the first period at UBS Arena on January 09, 2024 in Elmont, New York. Photo by Bruce Bennett /Getty Images

Maintenance day welcome ‘luxury’

Ian Cole is 34 years old.

He brings veteran savvy and a Stanley Cup pedigree to the back end and plays with a youthful exuberance. However, defending comes with wear and tear.

And because the Canucks now have eight healthy blueliners, it made sense Tuesday to give Cole a rest-and-recovery day on the second half of back-to-back games.

It meant Noah Juulsen was reinserted in a pairing with Nikita Zadorov while Cole, who hasn’t missed a game this season and leads all club blueliners in shot blocks (79) and is third in hits (40), could ensure he’s ready for Thursday in Pittsburgh.

“More of a maintenance and saving some wear and tear,” said Tocchet. “We’re healthy and it’s a good luxury right now.”

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Red Wings sign Moritz Seider to 7-year deal worth nearly $60M

Published

3 hours ago

September 19, 2024

Anne Joseph

DETROIT (AP) — The Detroit Red Wings made another investment this week in a young standout, signing Moritz Seider to a seven-year contract worth nearly $60 million.

The Red Wings announced the move with the 23-year-old German defenseman on Thursday, three days after keeping 22-year-old forward Lucas Raymond with a $64.6 million, eight-year deal.

Detroit drafted Seider with the No. 6 pick overall eight years ago and he has proven to be a great pick. He has 134 career points, the most by a defenseman drafted in 2019.

He was the NHL’s only player to have at least 200 hits and block 200-plus shots last season, when he scored a career-high nine goals and had 42 points for the second straight year.

Seider won the Calder Trophy as the league’s top rookie in 2022 after he had a career-high 50 points.

Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman is banking on Seider, whose contract will count $8.55 million annually against the cap, and Raymond to turn a rebuilding team into a winner.

Detroit has failed to make the playoffs in eight straight seasons, the longest postseason drought in franchise history.

The Red Wings, who won four Stanley Cups from 1997 to 2008, have been reeling since their run of 25 straight postseasons ended in 2016.

Detroit was 41-32-9 last season and finished with a winning record for the first time since its last playoff appearance.

Yzerman re-signed Patrick Kane last summer and signed some free agents, including Vladimir Tarasenko to a two-year contract worth $9.5 million after he helped the Florida Panthers hoist the Cup.

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Veterans Tyson Beukeboom, Karen Paquin lead Canada’s team at WXV rugby tournament

Published

4 hours ago

September 19, 2024

Anne Joseph

Veterans Tyson Beukeboom and Karen Paquin will lead Canada at the WXV 1 women’s rugby tournament starting later this month in the Vancouver area.

WXV 1 includes the top three teams from the Women’s Six Nations (England, France and Ireland) and the top three teams from the Pacific Four Series (Canada, New Zealand, and the United States).

Third-ranked Canada faces No. 4 France, No. 7 Ireland and No. 1 England in the elite division of the three-tiered WXV tournament that runs Sept. 29 to Oct. 12 in Vancouver and Langley, B.C. No. 2 New Zealand and the eighth-ranked U.S. make up the six-team WVX 1 field.

“Our preparation time was short but efficient. This will be a strong team,” Canada coach Kevin Rouet said in a statement. “All the players have worked very hard for the last couple of weeks to prepare for WXV and we are excited for these next three matches and for the chance to play on home soil here in Vancouver against the best rugby teams in the world.

“France, Ireland and England will each challenge us in different ways but it’s another opportunity to test ourselves and another step in our journey to the Rugby World Cup next year.”

Beukeboom serves as captain in the injury absence of Sophie de Goede. The 33-year-old from Uxbridge, Ont., earned her Canadian-record 68th international cap in Canada’s first-ever victory over New Zealand in May at the Pacific Four Series.

Twenty three of the 30 Canadian players selected for WXV 1 were part of that Pacific Four Series squad.

Rouet’s roster includes the uncapped Asia Hogan-Rochester, Caroline Crossley and Rori Wood.

Hogan-Rochester and Crossley were part of the Canadian team that won rugby sevens silver at the Paris Olympics, along with WXV teammates Fancy Bermudez, Olivia Apps, Alysha Corrigan and Taylor Perry. Wood is a veteran of five seasons at UBC.

The 37-year-old Paquin, who has 38 caps for Canada including the 2014 Rugby World Cup, returns to the team for the first time since the 2021 World Cup.

Canada opens the tournament Sept. 29 against France at B.C. Place Stadium in Vancouver before facing Ireland on Oct. 5 at Willoughby Stadium at Langley Events Centre, and England on Oct. 12 at B.C. Place.

The second-tier WXV 2 and third-tier WXV 3 are slated to run Sept. 27 to Oct. 12, in South Africa and Dubai, respectively.

WXV 2 features Australia, Italy, Japan, Scotland, South Africa and Wales while WXV 3 is made up of Fiji, Hong Kong, Madagascar, the Netherlands, Samoa and Spain.

The tournament has 2025 World Cup qualification implications, although Canada, New Zealand and France, like host England, had already qualified by reaching the semifinals of the last tournament.

Ireland, South Africa, the U.S., Japan, Fiji and Brazil have also booked their ticket, with the final six berths going to the highest-finishing WXV teams who have not yet qualified through regional tournaments.

Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team WXV 1 Squad

Forwards

Alexandria Ellis, Ottawa, Stade Français Paris (France); Brittany Kassil, Guelph, Ont., Guelph Goats; Caroline Crossley, Victoria, Castaway Wanderers; Courtney Holtkamp, Rimbey, Alta., Red Deer Titans Rugby; DaLeaka Menin, Vulcan, Alta., Exeter Chiefs (England); Emily Tuttosi, Souris, Man., Exeter Chiefs (England); Fabiola Forteza, Quebec City, Stade Bordelais (France); Gabrielle Senft, Regina, Saracens (England); Gillian Boag, Calgary, Gloucester-Hartpury (England); Julia Omokhuale, Calgary, Leicester Tigers (England); Karen Paquin, Quebec City, Club de rugby de Quebec; Laetitia Royer, Loretteville, Que., ASM Romagnat (France); McKinley Hunt, King City, Ont., Saracens (England); Pamphinette Buisa, Gatineau, Que., Ottawa Irish; Rori Wood, Sooke, B.C., College Rifles RFC; Sara Cline, Edmonton, Leprechaun Tigers; Tyson Beukeboom, Uxbridge, Ont., Ealing Trailfinders (England);

Backs

Alexandra Tessier, Sainte-Clotilde-de-Horton, Que., Exeter Chiefs (England); Alysha Corrigan, Charlottetown, P.E.I., CRFC; Asia Hogan-Rochester, Toronto, Toronto Nomads; Claire Gallagher, Caledon, Ont., Leicester Tigers (England); Fancy Bermudez, Edmonton, Saracens (England); Julia Schell, Uxbridge, Ont., Ealing Trailfinders (England); Justine Pelletier, Rivière-du-Loup, Que, Stade Bordelais (France); Mahalia Robinson, Fulford, Que., Town of Mount Royal RFC; Olivia Apps, Lindsay, Ont., Lindsay RFC; Paige Farries, Red Deer, Alta., Saracens (England); Sara Kaljuvee, Ajax, Ont., Westshore RFC; Shoshanah Seumanutafa, White Rock, B.C., Counties Manukau (New Zealand); Taylor Perry, Oakville, Ont., Exeter Chiefs (England).

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Follow @NeilMDavidson on X platform, formerly known as Twitter

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 18, 2024.

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Vancouver Canucks star goalie Thatcher Demko working through rare muscle injury

Published

4 hours ago

September 19, 2024

Anne Joseph

PENTICTON, B.C. – Vancouver Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko says he’s been working his way back from a rare lower-body muscle injury since being sidelined in last season’s playoffs.

The 28-year-old all star says the rehabilitation process has been frustrating, but he has made good progress in recent weeks and is confident he’ll be able to return to playing.

He says he and his medical team have spent the last few months talking to specialists around the world, and have not found a single other hockey player who has dealt with the same injury.

Demko missed several weeks of the last season with a knee ailment and played just one game in Vancouver’s playoff run last spring before going down with the current injury.

He was not on the ice with his teammates as the Canucks started training camp in Penticton, B.C., on Thursday, but skated on his own before the sessions began.

Demko posted a 35-14-2 record with a .918 percentage, a 2.45 goals-against average and five shutouts for Vancouver last season.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 19, 2024.

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