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Canucks dominate third period, take 1-0 series lead over Sharks with 3-2 win

Henrik Sedin, Daniel Sedin

Vancouver Canucks’ Henrik Sedin (33) , of Sweden celebrates his goal with Daniel Sedin, of Sweden, during the third period of Game 1 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup Western Conference final playoff series, Sunday, May 15, 2011, in Vancouver, Canada. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Jonathan Hayward)

AP

The Vancouver Canucks went into the third period down 2-1 but simply outlasted the San Jose Sharks in the final frame. CSN’s Ray Ratto points out that the Canucks took 21 of the last 28 shots in Game 1, as the home team wore down their talented opponents.

Many wondered if the Sharks’ seven-game tussle with the Detroit Red Wings caused that weak finish, but that seems like a flimsy excuse. It disrespects the physical game the Canucks bring to the ice (they were credited with 38 hits) and seems like a “too bad, so sad” complaint since San Jose had plenty of opportunities to earn some rest earlier in that second round series.

Let’s not forget that the Canucks were in a similar situation (but with two less nights of rest) against the Nashville Predators in Round 2, yet they prevailed in that Game 1.

Vancouver 3, San Jose 2; Canucks lead series 1-0

No doubt about it, the Canucks wanted more from the Sedin twins going into this series. The duplicate duo seemed to gain confidence as the contest went on (much like their team). Daniel Sedin didn’t manage to find the net, but his six shots on goal indicate that he was involved in much of the play. Henrik Sedin might have been the MVP of the game, though. Henrik earned a secondary assist on Kevin Bieksa’s game-tying goal and then cashed in on a brilliant Christian Ehrhoff pass to put home the game-winning goal on the power play.

A look at the goalies

Roberto Luongo should thank his teammates for pulling out the win tonight, because he was responsible for the type of goal that can earn a “goat” label. Luongo and the Canucks defense experienced a lapse in communication late in the first period, leading to an ill-fated pass that landed right on Joe Thornton’s stick and into Vancouver’s net. The Canucks went into the first intermission with a bitter taste in their mouths down 1-0.

Antti Niemi was brilliant at times in a losing effort, making 35 saves. Still, he showed that Luongo isn’t the only goalie who struggles to move the puck, as his failed clear helped to set up Maxim Lapierre’s 1-1 goal.

Sharks build a small lead

Early on in this game, it seemed like the Sharks were going to get the “easy” goals. Along with that gimme for Thornton, Patrick Marleau was able to score on the power play to give San Jose a 2-1 lead going into the third.

Niemi’s most brilliant moments probably came late in the second period, as he made some gorgeous saves and survived a rugby-like scrum.

Canucks dominate third

Some will say that San Jose “choked” in the third, but it’s more appropriate to say that Vancouver took over. Henrik Sedin sent a pass to Alexander Burrows, who set up Kevin Bieksa for an odd angle goal Niemi probably regrets. Sedin then scored that PP game-winner about a minute later, rapidly changing the tone of the game.

Outlook for both teams

The Canucks took care of business tonight and must feel content about their efforts. They played their game - and perhaps most importantly - didn’t sit on their lead when they earned it 8:21 into the third. Ryan Kesler didn’t get on the board, but the team was still able to win because of their quality depth and Henrik Sedin’s much-anticipated production.

The Sharks cannot be happy with coughing up another third period lead, even if they were tired. The Canucks are a deeper team than Detroit and a more explosive one that Los Angeles, so they must finish stronger. The Sharks converted on their only power play, so they can look at that as a silver lining since they’ll almost certainly get more opportunities in future games.

On the bright side for those blaming fatigue, the two teams will play on Wednesday instead of the traditional two-day turnaround. We’ll see if the Sharks can take advantage of that extra rest or if the Canucks will remain too much for that talented San Jose squad to handle.