Lu robbed after a solid game.

Another game, another loss. What the heck is going on? This time around, Luongo was definitely not to blame, as he gave it his all. A combination of a lack of offense from the 'Nucks, a rough no call in OT leading to the game winning SJ goal, and an overblown story line of Claude Lemieux playing his first game since 2003 all came together in the San Jose 2-1 win over my boys from B.C. 

It wasn't really much of an effort from anyone in this game, except Luongo. The Canucks had their lowest amount of shots in the season, putting just 13 on net in regulation, and even that was almost enough to pull off the shocker. 12:38 into the game, and after a couple of huge stops by Roberto on Setoguchi and company, Thunder Bay, ON native Taylor Pyatt nabbed his second goal in as many games from the Twins. It was busy in front, and Hank fed the puck through to Pyatt who put the puck in easily, and he took the shot from right in front of the net. After that, it was our captain's chance to shine again and again. He made save after thrilling save, 27 in all on 29 shots. They included a save where he was knocked down on his back and sat up only to see a shot coming his way, which he nabbed with his glove while still sitting on his seat. It was ridiculous, because it looked so easy, but was just remarkable when you realized what he just did. The Canucks kept things strong until the Sharks finally decided to make good with just 40 seconds to go in the game. Nabokov was on the bench for the extra attacker, as San Jose was just seconds away from getting shutout by the Mighty Orca. However, with tons of traffic in front after a wild rebound, Taber, Alberta native Devin Setoguchi was able to get the puck passed Luongo, despite his best possible effort. It was a mad house out on the ice, and despite the let down, we were headed to OT with a chance to stun the Sharks. At 2:17 of the OT period, Daniel "Deuce Deuce" Sedin headed to the box after a costly hook. About 51 seconds later, Nabokov drilled a three line pass to Joe Thorton. Thorts was standing over the blue line, chilling just inside the offensive zone, when he received the pass. The refs kept the whistle in their pockets, the Sharks crashed the net, and eventually scored the game winning power play goal thanks to Patrick Marleau. After 63:08 of hockey, the Canucks were once again defeated by Karen's Sharks (the third time this year). After the game, my boy Henrik bumped into Naokov and Ryan Clowe, I believe accidentally. Ryan "Clown" turned around to start getting rough with Hank after the bump, and a battle started. Big boy Shane "SOB" O'Brien came back onto the ice after stepping off toward the locked room, and stood up for 33 by going after Clowe. I see it as a strong play to protect your boy, the media saw it as a move that could lead to SOB getting fined. BS. 

The Northern California media kept it local for their ridiculous three stars, as they went with 1) Marleau, 2) Setoguchi, and 3) Dan Boyle (2 shots on goal and 1 giveaway gets you third star?). Of course, the underrated 3 stars of the game per LSF are going to be quite different. I'm going with 1) Roberto Luongo (27 saves on 29 shots in his first impressive start since returning from the injury), 2) Taylor Pyatt (give this guy some damn props for his second goal in two games), and 3) Shane O'Brien (a +1 rating, and the only penalty minutes he took were from the after party, where he stuck up for his bros). Not a bad list. 

So, are we all ready to give up yet? Six straight losses, eight losses in our last nine games, and Roberto is 0-1-2 since returning from his injury? Not a lot to get excited about since the turn of the New Year in Canucks Nation (2-4-4). The OT loss has dropped our record to 22-19-7 (51 points), and has dropped us to the #3 spot in the division. Now Van-ca-tesh is at -7 of the Flames, even with the Oilers (but behind on wins), and just +2 on Minnie and +4 on Avalanche. Right, that means that the Canucks could be in the cellar in the Northwest in as little as two games if things work out for their worst. Luckily, we have reached the All-Star break in South British Columbia. The 'Nucks will have time to kind of sit around and figure out what the hell is going on. The Flames are the only NW squad with one more game before the official break, but hopefully the Blue Jackets can stay hot and win that one to keep the division where it is at heading into the Montreal festivities. 

In baseball, the big Q signed a one year deal with the Halos, so we better keep our "The extra B is for..." jokes fresh and dusted off for the '09 season. 

Mason Raymond made the NHL Youngstars roster. Did your youth? See you Sunday, for the United States' only 2nd Annual NHL All-Star Party!