Power play boosts Canucks over Dallas

All is right in Vancouver again….for now. The sun is out (finally) and the Vancouver Canucks have snapped their one game road losing skid with an impressive 5-2 victory over the reeling Dallas Stars.

The Stars were off to another great start Tuesday evening, but too many penalties and their inability to kill them off got them into trouble against the Canucks. Dallas was up 1-0 but Vancouver replied with 3 power play tallies in just over 11 minutes, which ended up being the difference.

Dallas had 4 power play chances of its own but was unable to capitalize. The Stars have only managed to score once in their last 24 power play chances. An ineffective specialty team is the big reason for their untimely demise.

The fourth straight loss for the Stars sees them in 12th spot in the Western Conference, 4 points out of the 8th and final spot with 9 games remaining on the schedule.

With the win, Vancouver is now tied with the Chicago Blackhawks for 4th place in the West, but the Hawks have one game in hand. Vancouver still has aspirations for catching Calgary for the Northwest division lead. The Canucks still have one head to head matchup with the Flames remaining, and first place is a definite possibility.

As for the matchup of the power house goalies, Vancouver’s Roberto Luongo stopped 35 of 37 shots, while Marty Turco made 17 stops on 21 shots for the Stars. Turco was roaming as he so often does, and was run into by a flying Darcy Hordichuk. It was a good night for the 4th line winger, who made the TSN highlights for his hit on Turco, and for his ensuing antics in the penalty box. At least he made Matthew Barnaby proud.

Dallas rookie James Neal scored his 24th goal of the season, tying Bobby Ryan of the Anaheim Ducks for the league lead among freshmen.