Devils 5, Canucks 3
The Skinny: Danius Zubrus’ empty-netter in the final minute of play quashed a furious third-period rally by the home side. After falling down 3-0 after a period and 4-1 early in the third, Vancouver got goals from Pavol Demitra and Steve Bernier to make things interesting in the late going. The Canucks have now lost seven of their last nine at GM Place.
The Turning Point: With the Canucks pouring it on early in the third period, Willie Mitchell’s point shot beat everyone but the post. Just 35 seconds later, Travis Zajac made it 4-1 for the visitors on an odd-man rush.
The Hook: Jason Labarbera’s sixth start in Cauncks’ colours was his shortest, as he was pulled just 3:29 into the game after surrendering two goals on six shots.
The Anti-stats: The Devils had not won at GM Place in nearly 10 years, and the Canucks were previously 6-1 in games in which they got a goal from Alex Burrows, who got Vancouver on the scoreboard.
The Rating: Vancouver got better as the game went on, but that was to be expected after playing perhaps their worst first period of the season. *** (out of 5)
The Next Game: The Canucks will try to bump the slump against Phoenix tomorrow night when Roberto Luongo is expected to make his return after a 24-game absence.
