The Skinny: T.J. Galiardi scored a pair of goals as the worst team in the Western Conference beat the Canucks in their own barn. Milan Hedjuk had a goal and two assists for the Avalanche, who snapped an eight-game losing streak with the win.
The Replacements: This wasn’t the powerhouse Avalanche squad that most hockey fans remember; this rookie-laden group boasted ten players that have made their NHL debuts this season as a result of injuries to the likes of Joe Sakic, Ryan Smyth, Paul Stastny and Adam Foote.
The Head-Scratcher: A night after peppering Dwayne Roloson with 46 shots, Vancouver managed just 21 shots on Peter Budaj. The Avalanche have allowed the third-most goals in the NHL.
The Statement: Want to know what head coach Alain Vigneault thought of his team’s effort? Vigneault sent Shane O’Brien for a big chunk of a late power play; O’Brien has yet to score a goal in 74 games this season.
The Waste: Vancouver missed two opportunities to pass Calgary atop the division thanks to back-to-back losses to Edmonton and Colorado.
The Rating: Lack of jump, lack of fire and a lack of entertainment from the Canucks. 1.5 out of five stars.
The Next Game: The Canucks host the Flames tomorrow in a game that could very well decide the Northwest Division and third place in the Western Conference.
