VANCOUVER, Canada (Eagle News) — The Vancouver Canucks continue their strong start to the NHL Season with three straight wins on the road following their win over the Washington Capitals.
The Canucks returned home to Rogers Arena following a five-game road trip where they managed to win four out of five games.
Forwards Sven Baertschi, Bo Horvat and goaltender Anders Nilsson led the team with huge performances.
The Washington Capitals began their three-game road trip, set to face all three Canadian teams in the Pacific Division.
However, a slow start to the game would have the Capitals scoreless in the first period.
Thomas Vanek opened the scoring for Vancouver at the 12:53rd mark for his fourth goal of the season.
Less than three minutes after, Bo Horvat scored his fourth of the year.
At the 18:43rd mark, Markus Granlund scored his second goal of the season which had the Vancouver Canucks up 3-0 at the end of the 1st period.
The Vancouver Canucks continued to add to their lead in the 2nd period with goals from Sven Baetschi and Derek Dorsett, making it 5-0.
The Washington Capitals continued to remain scoreless into the game until 15:17 into the 2nd period, as Evgeny Kuznetsov scored his first goal of the season.
Sven Baertschi scored again in the 3rd period for his second goal of the night and his fourth goal of the season. Following that, Chandler Stephenson of the Washington Capitals scored his first career NHL goal.
However, Vancouver’s lead was too much for the Washington Capitals to overcome.
The Vancouver Canucks defeated the Washington Capitals with a final score of 6-2.
Although still early in the NHL season, some question if the Canucks will continue their success and still be contending for a playoff spot in April.
With early performances from the their young core, Bo Horvat, Sven Baertschi, and goaltender Anders Nilsson, fans can hope that this team can compete in the post-season and back into Stanley Cup contention sooner, rather than later.
(Anthony Sevilla, EBC Canada Bureau)