Canucks Chalk Talk – Week In Review – Dec.14, 2015

The Canucks headed into the weekend looking to get back into the win column. Two weeks ago the team was sitting in a tie for third place, and now they sit in 6th and at risk of dropping even further if they couldn’t pick up any points this weekend. The
team had dropped 5 of 6 heading into the weekend but for the most part the team has been playing very well. The effort has been there on most nights, it’s just trying to find a way to win when the Nucks get down a goal and believing that they can beat
anyone on any given night.

Friday night was set up to be a huge test for the Nuckers squad. The team has played the first place Raiders tough all year and they knew they would have to give their best if they wanted a sniff at any points. I can tell you Friday was one of the best
games of the season to watch. It really showcased two teams that were playing hockey at a very high level. This game had everything in it: Great scoring opportunities; phenomenal goaltending; speed and skill; fights…it was a very spirited contest. The
game was tied 0-0 all the way until midway in the third, when the Raiders Viczina got away from his check and broke the tie. You could see it let the wind out of the Canucks sails and the Raiders smelled blood. They quickly capitalized and scored two
quick goals and it was 3-0 just like that. But the Canucks wouldn’t quit. After going 17 games without a goal, Wyatt Kemball broke out of his slump by going roof to score his 8th of the season. Arnason added a late goal, his 11th of the season in the
dying moments but it was too litle too late as the Canucks dropped yet another one goal game.

The Canucks knew they had to play with a sense of urgency on Sunday against the Railer Express. The realized the importance of a good start and they didn’t waste any time getting the ball rolling. Nick Stire and Mitch Lockhart each scored in the first to
give the Nuckers the 2-0 lead and they wouldn’t look back from there. Stire score 2 goals, his 12th and 13th of the season, Carrey scored one, his 6th of the season and Mitchell Lockhart who has been on fire scored 3 goals and added two assists. The
Canucks end up with the 6-3 victory and move into a tie for 5th place. That 2 points was much needed for the Canucks, and now they will face a tough test as the play the Hawks and Jets before they head into the Christmas break.

Canucks News and Notes
Mitch Lockhart now sits 6th in league scoring with 17 goals and 13 assists, while Nick Stire sits tied for 11th in league scoring with 13 goals and 13 assists. Lockhart surpassed his career high in goals (14) just 24 games into the season. Jarrett Lynam
made his Canucks debut last night. He played a solid game and contributed on the Penalty Kill to help lead the team to victory. Kurtis Brakel stopped 34 of 37 shots to earn the victory. The Canucks need one more win to match their win total from last
season.