GAME ESSENTIALS

THE SKINNY

The Canucks answered the question everyone had been asking about whether you can get momentum from a loss. Apparently, no. Two nights after their emotional 1- 0 loss in Los Angeles, the Canucks were no- shows in Anaheim and dropped an ugly 9- 1 decision to the Ducks. Goalie Eddie Lack was chased after giving up three goals on just 13 shots. Joacim Eriksson did not fare any better. Nick Bonino, Corey Perry ( right) and Teemu Selanne each scored twice. Zack Kassian scored for Vancouver.

THIS AND THAT

Anaheim goalie Jonas Hiller did not have an opportunity to try and win his 15th straight game. Hiller was scratched due to illness and replaced by Frederik Andersen ( right) ... David Booth returned to the Vancouver lineup after sitting out three games. He skated on a line with Mike Santorelli and Dale Weise and set up Zack Kassian’s power- play goal late in the second period ... The Ducks are now 20 points ahead of Vancouver in the NHL’s Pacifi c Division ... Tom Sestito and Tim Jackman dropped the gloves at the end of the second.

LOOKING AHEAD

The schedule, on paper at least, now turns favourable for the Canucks. They meet the struggling Phoenix Coyotes tonight in Glendale, Ariz., and then return home to meet the Calgary Flames on Saturday night on Hockey Night in Canada. After a onegame trip to Edmonton on Tuesday, the Canucks then play four straight games at home against, Nashville, Phoenix, Edmonton and Chicago.

LAIN GETS CALL

Forward Kellan Lain has been recalled by the Canucks from Utica. The 6- foot6, 217- pound Lain has 11 points in 35 games and leads the Comets with 84 penalty minutes. He will join the team tonight in Phoenix. “Yeah, he’s a big guy,” coach John Tortorella said before the game. “We have got good reports down there as far as his physical play, as far as his willingness. Whether he plays or not I don’t know. But we are continually getting good reports there so I hope he gets a chance. We’ll see what happens.”