Avalanche 4 - 3 Canucks SO/F - Game 80 - 04.06.10

With the North West division title locked up, the Vancouver Canucks looked to end their remaining games of the 2009/10 season in a dominating fashion.

The Canucks were also in pursuit of their first ever 50 win season as they took on a young Avalanche team who were fighting for their playoff lives.

Starting in net for the Canucks was none other than the man himself, Roberto Luongo. On the opposite end, Craig Anderson who has been the heart and soul of his team got the call to start for the Avalanche.

This game did no start well for the Canucks seeing how they kept turning the puck over with lazy giveaways. Eventually a weak clearing attempt would cost them as Darcy Tucker shot the puck through a screened Luongo to make it 1-0 for the Avs.

With minutes to go in the first period, the Canucks responded with one of their own as Daniel Sedin tapped in the loose puck to even the score at one.

In the dying seconds of the first, T.J. Galiardi's shot hit Luongo and bounced in to give the Avs the go ahead goal.

Half way in the second period, Mason Raymond raced down the Avalanche zone and shot the puck to beat Anderson short side for the 2-2 goal.

Once again the Avs were back on top when Paul Stastny regained the lead for his team.

On the very first powerplay opportunity for the Canucks, The Sedin twins teamed up to score the tying goal with minutes to go in regulation.

Overtime solved nothing and this game was off to a shootout.

Unfortunately for the Canucks, all three shooters failed to put the puck past Anderson. The only player to score was the Avalanche rookie and Calder trophy nominee, Matt Duchene.

The lone shootout goal was enough for the Avs to clinch a playoffs spot in the western conference bracket.

That simply ment that the Calgary Flames had been eliminated from playoff contention for the first time since 2003.

Overall the Canucks played a entertaining game and they responded when the had to, but the amount of giveaways is something that needs to be addressed.

The Canucks now fly to California for their final road game of the regular season against the San Jose Sharks.

Catch that game this coming Thursday at 7:30PM PST on Rogers Sportsnet-HD.

GO CANUCKS GO