The Canucks were out to prove that unlike last year’s frustrating playoff losses to the Blackhawks, they can beat the elite teams in the NHL, even if their record doesn’t land them in the same territory.

They didn’t even need their top three defensemen to do it.

In back to back Saturday nights under CBC’s spotlight the Vancouver Canucks have put up two of their best performances of the year, beating the Penguins and Blackhawk’s in commanding 6-2 and 5-1 victories.

The Canucks have been victims of playing down to the level of their opponent in the past, but as friends of mine have pointed out; the Canucks’ most infamous characteristic has become a double edged sword.

In December and January the Canucks have inherited Rick Rypien’s David vs. Goliath determination, toppling the Washington Capitals, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Chicago Blackhawks, proving that both the Canucks and Rypien are not to be ignored this season.

Ryan Kesler said it before the game even started “I feel we’re up there with these teams,” and he was a man possessed last night. His effort on the first goal of the game was outstanding; he forced the puck into the slot after ringing one low off the post, setting up Mikael Samuelsson. I cringed when I saw Samuelsson awkwardly try and force the forehand shot home after it was poked out front by Kesler, however just as Samuelsson is proving team Sweden management wrong, he did the same to me proving he could bury the golden opportunity to open the game. At least he didn’t tell me to go #%@$ myself.

The Canucks wouldn’t wait long to continue the scoring, Henrik Sedin potted his 22^nd of the year on a great one man effort, poking home the puck after he created a scramble in front of Antti Niemi. Minutes later, Stone Cold Steve Bernier lifted a backhand rebound past Niemi to make it 3-0.

After the intermission, the ‘Hawks changed netminders, however it wouldn’t save the game, the Canucks slowed the tempo of the second period down and choked the life out of the high powered ‘Hawks in the second.

In the third, the Blackhawks continued to press the Canucks wave after wave, but Luongo was not about to allow another third period collapse doom the Canucks. The captain made 43 saves to lead the Canucks to another solid victory; his mastery in goal is hard to describe when he’s really on fire, so I will allow Louie to do it himself.

Yeah, he’s kind of good.

A solid game from the Canucks, I really love that the boys in blue and green are icing huge games against some of the best the NHL has to offer, these games should seem easier come playoff time.

The big games continue for the Canucks, the Buffalo Ryan Millers Sabres are in town tomorrow night to test the hot Canucks once again.

It’s been a slow start for the Canucks, however since the Christmas break the Canucks have won 10 of their last 14 games and have 22 points out of a possible 28. That’s a pretty good response from the team that dropped games to both of the Eastern and Western Conferences worst teams in December.

22 points out of a possible 28, that’s the way to get the job done and move up in the standings. Playing solid hockey is one thing, but cashing in on the points is most important right now.

Speaking of points, Henrik continues to reign supreme among the NHL’s top scorers, extending his lead last night, four points ahead of Alexander Ovechkin at 74. Ovechkin leads the league in plus minus at +30, however several Canucks including both Sedin twins are near the top too.

Alex Burrows +25, Christian Ehrhoff, +24, Daniel Sedin, +21 (IN ONLY 33 GAMES!), Sami Salo +15, Shane O’Brien +14. Hell of a list; proves the Canucks have really bought into playing solid hockey in both ends of the rink.

Shane O’Brien may be playing the best hockey he’s ever played in his life, and I can’t get enough of it. He’s really coming into his own as a tough, rugged, smart NHL defenseman. It’s a small sample space but if he keeps this up Shaner may become one of my favourite Canucks.

It’s guys like O’Brien who are the unsung heroes of the team, stepping up and playing big minutes while Salo, Mitchell and Bieksa are out is a huge lift to the team. Nolan Baumgartner, Aaron Rome and Brad Lukowich all stepped up big last night as well, all playing over around fifteen minutes. Way to work guys.

Injuries, News and Notes

• Sami Salo and Willie Mitchell are both day-to-day with groin and back injuries, but both should be back in the next week. Kevin Bieksa of course will be out indefinitely with another leg laceration.
• Rick Rypien has missed the last two games with what is believed to be the flu, consider him day-to-day if that is true.
• Alex Burrows continued his points streak to 11 games, he seems unstoppable right now. I’m sure Ryan Miller will have something to say about that.
• Canucks and Sabres tomorrow at 7, word is the green men will grace GM Place with their presence again, love it.