GAME ESSENTIALS
THE SKINNY
The Canucks scored first for the first time in five games as Daniel Sedin converted brother Henrik’s backhand pass. The Canucks then broke it open in the second on a goal by Ronalds Kenins and two power-play tallies from Yannick Weber. Dan Hamhuis, pictured, completed the scoring in the third with his first of the season, also on the power play. Eddie Lack made 28 saves to pick up his second shutout of 2014-15.
TURNING POINT
With the Canucks leading 2-0 late in the second period and the Coyotes still within striking distance, Kyle Chipchura, pictured, took an offensive-zone holding penalty on Kevin Bieksa, which was followed by a penalty to defenceman Andrew Campbell for closing his hand on the puck, giving the Canucks a 5-on-3 for 13 seconds. Weber scored on the 5-on3 and then again on the 5-on-4 to put the game out of reach.
BY THE NUMBERS
The Canucks led after the first period for the first time in 13 games and just the 22nd time in 81 games … Ronalds Kenins ended a 21-goal famine while Bo Horvat ended a ninegame pointless streak … Jannik Hansen’s assist on the Kenins goal was his first helper in 13 games … The Canucks improved to 30-1-3 when leading after two periods … With Ryan Miller expected to start Saturday, Eddie Lack, pictured, will finish the regular season at 18-13-4.
QUOTABLE
“I think Calgary is a really good team. I have a lot of respect for them. They play hard every night. If you look at the games they’ve won, they’ve won a lot of tough games. So they didn’t get in by luck. They got in because they’re good.” — Canuck head coach Willie Desjardins on his team’s first-round playoff opponent.
NEXT UP
The Canucks will wrap up their 82-game regular season on Saturday night at home against the lowly Edmonton Oilers, a team they haven’t played since Nov. 19. The Canucks are 4-0-0 against the Oilers this season, winning 5-4 in a shootout at home and 2-0, 3-2 and 5-4 in Edmonton. The Canuck power play is 4-for-18 against the Todd Nelson-coached Oil, pictured, while the penalty killers have allowed two Edmonton power-play goals in 15 opportunities.