Canucks earn crucial victory over the Kings
Posted March 21, 2015 4:35 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
LOS ANGELES, CA (NEWS1130) – Eddie Lack made his biggest save of the day on Tyler Toffoli’s shorthanded breakaway, and then a few moments later, Radim Vrbata scored the game-winning goal as the Canucks beat the Kings 4-1.
The win was critical for the Canucks in their chase for a Western Conference playoff spot. Vancouver began the day just two points ahead of Los Angeles for second place in the Pacific Division, so the win moved the Canucks four points clear. The Calgary Flames were also in action and earned a single point with a 3-2 overtime loss to Columbus. They now trail the Canucks by two points.
There were no goals scored in an exciting first period that saw the Canucks outshoot Los Angeles 13-11. Turnovers were a problem for Vancouver in the opening frame, but Lack made some tough stops, and also got some help from his goal-post on a Dwight King breakaway attempt.
Dan Hamhuis took a roughing penalty just 17 seconds into the second period, and with him sitting in the penalty box, Marian Gaborik beat Lack with a quick wrister to make it 1-0.
The Canucks pulled even with 5:06 remaining in the middle period. Radim Vrbata sent a floating saucer pass into the slot and Nick Bonino picked it out of the air to re-direct the puck past Jonathan Quick for his first goal in three weeks.
Just over three minutes into the third period, LA’s Drew Doughty was sent off for two minutes for slashing. With the Canucks on the powerplay, Toffoli snuck behind the Vancouver defense, but was stopped by Lack to keep the game 1-1. Just seconds later, Toffoli cross-checked Alex Burrows hard into the boards, which landed him a five minute major penalty and a game-misconduct. Burrows left the game, but did return with a couple of minutes to play.
The Toffoli penalty gave the Canucks 57 seconds of a five-on-three powerplay, and for the first time this season, they capitalized with a two-man advantage. Alex Edler’s point-shot missed the net, but the puck deflected out to Vrbata at the left side of the net, and he beat Quick from a tough angle to make it 2-1.
Los Angeles pressed for the equalizer but Daniel Sedin and Bo Horvat added empty-net goals for Vancouver to round out the scoring.
Lack made 24 saves to get the win, which improves his record to 13-10-3.
The Canucks will wrap-up their two-game road trip Sunday evening against the Arizona Coyotes. Head coach Willie Desjardins has confirmed that he intends to give Jacob Markstrom the start in goal, just his second of the season.
