GAME OF LIFE

Sven Baertschi, with Craig Cunningham’s name on his stick, has his best game for the Canucks

GLENDALE, Ariz. — With his friend’s name on his hockey stick and in his heart, Sven Baertschi had an inspired night.

Baertschi and former Vancouver Giants captain Craig Cunningham became roommates and friends after Cunningham was traded to the Portland Winter Hawks in his final season of junior hockey six years ago. Baertschi, 24, is part of the large hockey community praying and pulling for Cunningham, who collapsed before a minorleague game Saturday in Tucson and remains in critical condition in hospital.

With “Cunny” written on his stick, Baertschi had a goal and two assists as the Canucks beat the Arizona Coyotes 4-1 Wednesday. It was the first three-point night of Baertschi’s NHL career.

Baertschi and linemates Bo Horvat and Alex Burrows combined for eight points.

The Canucks were able to further develop their playing-with-the-lead game by scoring early against the Coyotes.

Baertschi tapped Horvat’s centring pass in at the far post past goalie Mike Smith.

The Canucks reacquainted themselves with playing-while-tied by yielding a goal to the Coyotes 58 seconds into the second. Insufficiently checked by Troy Stecher, Christian Dvorak deflected in Anthony DeAngelo’s point shot to make it 1-1.

But the Canucks exploded for three goals in 3½ minutes. Markus Granlund bounced a puck to Loui Eriksson, who bounced it through Smith’s pads. On the next shift, Horvat directed Burrows’ pass through the goalie.

When Burrows scored unscreened from the sideboards, Smith was yanked.

Baertschi drew assists on the Horvat and Burrows goals.

Ryan Miller made 35 saves in his first start since Nov. 13.

— GETTY IMAGES Sven Baertschi, left, and Alex Burrows celebrate a Canucks goal during their 4-1 victory over the Arizona Coyotes. Baertschi had a goal and two assists.

— THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Arizona Coyotes goalie Mike Smith, left, makes a save in front of Vancouver Canucks forward Daniel Sedin, but Smith a rough stretch in the second period when the Canucks scored three times in less than four minutes to secure a 4-1 victory.