This game weighed heavily on peoples hearts with the loss of two former Canucks in what will be known as the most tragic off-season in hockey history. Rick Rypien, who lost a battle against depression earlier this summer, was paid tribute before the game along with his parents. It was a heart wrenching video tribute, highlighted by Kevin Bieksa - Rypiens closest friend on the team - holding a #37 jersey high above his head before handing it off to the Rypien family. Rick was beloved by teammates and fans alike because of his small stature-big heart.
Gaborik, among others, came into this game remembering long time friend and teammate, Pavol Demitra. They became friends in their days in Minnesota where they were line mates. Demitra passed away in the horrific accident in Russia, when the team plane crashed immediately after take off. All but one of the people on the plane were killed in the tragedy.
Both will be missed by not only Canuck fans, but everybody in the hockey community.
R.I.P Rick Rypien
R.I.P. Pavol Demitra
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It was a battle to see who would blink first. Lundqvist and Luongo were both going head-to-head to see who would eventually let the first one in. There wasn't a goal until early in the third, where Mike Rupp buries the rebound and gives the Rangers the lead, after only a handful of shots. Luongo wasn't tested nearly as much as Lundqvist, who had to be borderline super human because the entire second period was dominated by the Canucks. The Rangers were outshot 28-9 after two periods. Didn't this happen last year against the Blue Shirts as well? This is where these defensive breakdowns need to be eliminated. All it takes is just a quick mental lapse and all the hard work goes down the drain.
When the Canucks had the puck, they had the puck. It was theirs until Lundqvist covered up or it bounced over their stick and the Rangers dumped it down the ice. This is what Canuck fans are used to seeing, total domination with an unbeatable goaltender to try and score on. Vancouver looked better in the first two periods than all the previous games combined. It could be the return of Kesler, it could be that Luongo didn't want to be outplayed by Lundqvist, or maybe it was the emotional boost they got from the Rypien tribute.
The power play looked dangerous and had tons of time to work because of NY's terrible discipline. There were way too many offensive zone penalties for the Rangers, which I'm sure will be addressed after the game by Mr. Happy, John Tortorella. Even though we had as many power plays as New York had shots, we still couldn't find a way to solve the riddle that is Henrik Lundqvist.
The third period was incredible, and not in a good way. There is no reason that the Canucks can play so well and just man-handle the Rangers, while outshooting the Rangers 3-to-1 and still be down 2-0 half way through the third. Lundqvist is doing what Luongo should be doing, making timely saves and maybe stealing a game or two. Although, you got the sense that Lundqvist wasn't going to let anything past him, even if you had an empty net. Lundqvist gave the Rangers the confidence, nay, the WILL TO LIVE, and the hope that they could win. Once a team has someone holding the fort down like King Henrik did, it's hard not to think you're invincible.
At the end of it all, the Canucks started out strong, then absolutely collapsed. There was no goal tending when there needed to be, there was no defense before in front of the lack of goal tending, no sustained offense in the third. It was a typhoon of terrible. All the Rangers can say is, "Thanks again, Henrik".
PS. What a move by Edler in the third period.
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