Ryan Kesler powers Vancouver Canucks past Phoenix Coyotes 2-1 in shootout -NHL Update
Phoenix managed to go over regulation for another chance at the win against Vancouver but Ryan Kesler got the deciding shot during Monday night’s shootout thriller as the Canucks edged Phoenix Coyotes, 2-1, at the sold-out Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Vancouver missed on two straight power play opportunities sponsored by Phoenix’s Raffi Torres and Michal Rozsival, but also managed to kill of their own while Alexander Edler was out for holding.
Jason LaBarbera was playing in the Phoenix net and managed to block 21 of 22 attempts but failed on back-to-back chances during the shootout which ultimately gave Vancouver the hard earned victory.
"It would have been nice if I would have made a save in the shootout," said an agitated LaBarbera about his performance in the Monday night contest. "That would have helped a little."
Roberto Luongo on the other hand remained focused by blocking 23 of 24 shots along with the crucial save on Phoenix’s last attempt after Kesler made his game-winner.
"It hasn't been an easy couple months for me, still haven't won in a while," added LaBarbera. "It hasn't been a whole lot of fun, but you got to find a way to fight through it and give the guys a chance to win. I felt pretty good about my game tonight, obviously other than the end."
David Booth picked up the first goal of the night to put Vancouver ahead with his 10th goal of the 2011-2012 National Hockey League (NHL) regular season at the midway mark of the second.
Kesler found Booth open in front and passed him the puck in their own defensive end as the latter rushed down the ice and played a few tricks in front of LaBarbera to take the goal and give Canucks a crucial lead.
With less than three minutes remaining in regulation, Keith Yandle of Phoenix took control of the puck turning the possession around and being blocked by a Vancouver player, tried his luck by firing on an extremely difficult angle and surprised Luongo with the equaliser.
Phoenix had come into the match aiming for a sixth straight win but were disappointed to have it ended. They have the next against Los Angeles Kings on Thursday while Vancouver will be hosting Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday.
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