The Vancouver Canucks could have caved while trailing the lowly Buffalo Sabres 2-0 and facing a steep climb to a playoff spot, but they instead fought back to win 4-2 on Sunday.
That effort didn’t elude David Booth, who scored the 4-2 tally:
“Huge two points for us. We didn’t back down, we pushed through and came back.” - Booth
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) March 24, 2014
Head coach John Tortorella was also impressed, noting that this win might spur them on for bigger things during a short two-game road trip.
“The guys didn’t panic at the start of this game. We’re giving ourselves a chance on this upcoming road trip.” - Torts #Canucks
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) March 24, 2014
That resiliency might be seen most clearly in Zack Kassian’s game, as he had plenty of assists (four) but estimated that he needed quite a few more stitches.
"Four assists, ten stitches. My face isn't getting any prettier, that's for sure." pic.twitter.com/WLdX26IOYD
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) March 24, 2014
If the Canucks can muscle through those two road games (Minnesota on Wednesday, Colorado on Thursday), they have an opportunity to pile up points in a mad rush toward the end. They play five straight home games against tough playoff-caliber opponents before two (on-paper) softies at Edmonton (April 12) and a season-closing home game against Calgary.
They might need other teams to stumble, yet with three wins in four contests, at least they’re not backing down (as Booth might say).
It’s not all good news, however, as it appears that Henrik Sedin is banged up.
No Henrik Sedin to start third period. Injured left leg in second period. #canucks #sabres
— Ben Kuzma 🇺🇦 (@benkuzma) March 24, 2014