The Vancouver Canucks come into this contest holding onto the final spot in the Western Conference. They come into the game with 61 points and hold only a 2 point advantage over the Minnesota Wild. That means that every game is of even higher significance because they have to keep the Minnesota Wild at bay over their final 30 games. 

The first period was actually quite boring, as there were no penalties and no goals scored. The Canucks went and outshot the Blackhawks in the opening period 12-7, but both goalies were impressive as Eddie Lack of the Canucks and Corey Crawford of the Blackhawks were the ones keeping the points off the board.

Patrick Kane of the Blackhawks got the scoring going early in the second period though, as he got a quick unassisted goal which was his 27th of the season. The Blackhawks took this quick 1-0 lead, which would be their only lead of the game.

The Canucks kept going hot in the second period, with Linden Vey, Bo Horvat, and Zack Kassian all scoring goals. The Canucks closed out the period with a 3-1 lead despite the shots on goal being almost exactly the same, 16-15. But the scoring would get crazy in the third period.

During that period, Marian Hossa scored a power play goal with just under 8 minutes left for his 15th goal of the season. It looked like the Blackhawks could get back into the game as they now trailed just by one. But Daniel Sedin was able to score with just under 5 minutes left for the Canucks which meant they had a 4-2 lead.

The Blackhawks were fierce in the final few minutes which meant they were going to do everything they can to tie the game up. Duncan Keith and Marian Hossa both scored goals in the final 3 minutes with Patrick Kane getting an assist on both plays. It tied the game up at 4 and sent it into overtime.

In the overtime period, Daniel Sedin scored just over a minute into the final game to give the Canucks the win and the 2 points to keep them up above the Minnesota Wild. It was the only shot on goal in the period which closed it up quite quickly.

Next Games:

The Vancouver Canucks (30-20-3, 63 points) will go back to Vancouver to face the Boston Bruins on Friday the 13th of February. The Chicago Blackhawks (33-18-4) take the single point for the overtime loss and will stay at home to face the New Jersey Devils also on Friday the 13th.

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About the author
Caleb Wahlgren
I will not deny that I am a big fan of the Green Bay Packers. But I love the NFL and want to see the very best for it.