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 Manny Malhotra (27) celebrates Frazer McLaren's goal in the first period against Vancouver's Roberto Luongo. (REUTERS) |
THE BUZZ: With aspirations of "proving themselves" Sunday, the 14-12 Canucks failed to contain the powerhouse Sharks, dropping a 4-2 decision to the visiting San Jose team at GM Place.
FIRST: Kyle Wellwood wasted no time in giving Vancouver the lead, scoring two minutes into the game, but Frazer McLaren tied it up later in the period with his first NHL career goal.
WINNER: A powerplay tally by defenceman Dan Boyle in the middle frame sealed the deal for the Sharks, who have yet to lose in regulation when leading after two. San Jose finished with 20 shots on Roberto Luongo, including 15 in the second, while the Canucks directed 27 pucks at Evgeni Nabokov.
QUICK TALLIES: Two goals 13 seconds apart in the third added cushion to the Sharks lead, giving Nabokov a league leading 16 wins.
COACH TALK: We had an opportunity in the first period if our powerplay would have clicked to build a little bit of momentum," said Alain Vigneault. "Obviously their penalty killing is real good but our execution wasn't there. At the end of the day, they were just a little bit grittier than our guys were and that's why we lost the game."
UP NEXT: Looking to improve their road record, the Canucks head to New Jersey Wednesday to start a four-game away stretch. It's the only meeting between the two teams this season.
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