VANCOUVER, Canada (Eagle News) — Coming off a thrilling 2-1 overtime loss to the Dallas Stars, the Vancouver Canucks lost their second straight game at Rogers Arena to the New Jersey Devils 2-0, extending the Devils’ winning streak to three games.
Both teams were scoreless at the end of the first period with solid goaltending from the Devils’ Cory Schneider and the Canucks’ Jacob Markstrom. The Devils got on the board when Jimmy Hayes scored his third goal of the season at 10:09 into the second period. Drew Stafford added an empty-net goal with 14 seconds remaining in the final period.
The Canucks failed to capitalize on both power plays in the third period and went 0-4 on the man-advantage the entire game.
Schneider was drafted by Vancouver and spent the first two seasons with the Canucks. He saved all 37 shots, earning his first shutout of the season.
“I’ve always loved playing in this city and this building,” said Schneider. “I’ve always felt comfortable and at home here. It was fun.”
The Devils have yet to lose on the road, improving to 9-2-0, the team’s best start in franchise history.
New Jersey will continue their Western Canada road trip playing the Edmonton Oilers on Friday while Vancouver will host the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday.
(Anthony Sevilla, EBC Canada Bureau)