NHL Playoffs: Thoughts from Canuck's Game Two

Here I was, going to question coach Vigneault for playing Steve Bernier on the power play instead of Alex Burrows, and he goes and scores the first goal.

Now, instead of going off the goal posts and not going in, Mikael Sameulsson’s shots are bouncing the right way, as he scores the second goal.

Ryan Kesler has more jump tonight and has himself two assists already. Another player that has been missing, Pavol Demitra, is also making himself visible with an assist.

Well, I have to admit I was wrong about Andrew Alberts. I really felt that his physical presence would serve well for the battles in front of Lou. I just didn't gauge his slowness of foot.

Two games, four penalties, and every time the Nucks gained momentum, Alberts took a penalty.

The game is just too fast for him. Aaron Rome, where are you?

The Nucks may have to sacrifice the size for mobility.

Now, this was Christian Ehrhoff's better game. He really battled for position and the puck.

The second period has been L.A.’s best of the two games. What’s with all those penalties, with 4-1 in favour of L.A., and its only 10:43 of the second?

L.A. scores on the fourth power play as Sami Salo falls. A three on one rush occurs, L.A. scores and the Nucks blow a two goal lead in about 35 sec.

This second period has been Lou’s best since the Olympics. L.A. now has all the momentum.

Pavol Demitra is a step behind and losing the puck battles. Why is he in the lineup with Michael Grabner available?

The Canucks are a step behind the play, thus all the penalties.

Third period, it's early and Alberts takes his third penalty of the game and is quickly dispatched to the end of the bench were he remains glued to it. I’m sure coach would have liked to park him in the dressing room.

The fans are ready to draw and quarter him.

Both teams have good scoring opportunities. The period ends 2-2, and the Sedins have been completely shut out tonight.

I would expect this on the road, but not at home with the last change. Good luck on the road, boys.

OT, and L.A. scores on a Nucks too-many-men penalty, to win the game. How lame was that?

Let’s see now, two games, 10 penalties, four power plays scored against, and the Nucks are heading out for two road games where they are below .500. Only Ottawa of the 16 teams in the playoffs has a worse road record.

The Nucks cannot be taking an average of five penalties a game in the playoffs with their poor penalty-killing record, or it will be a first-round exit.

No matter if Aaron Rome is ready or not, Alberts needs to be replaced. Nolan Baumgartner, get ready to dress if Rome is not ready.

Also coach, you need to get the third line going. So Grabner needs to replace Demitra, because Grabner is a waste on the fourth line with limited ice time.

As for Demitra (since 2003, four goals in 22 playoff games), if you and Gillis are so keen on playing him, then sit out Jannik Hansen and move Demitra down to the third line where maybe, just maybe, he can help Kyle Wellwood and Mason Raymond.

If he doesn’t produce there, then sit him out and bring back Hansen. It’s the playoffs and time is of the essence.

You’re welcome.