Canucks grinding winger Kiefer Sherwood, who never lacks for being emotionally involved by leading the NHL in hits, notches his first career hat trick for a home crowd
Sometimes, the best medicine doesn’t come in tablet or liquid form.
After all, if you can’t get up to ramp it up against current NHL scoring leader and Hart Trophy winner Nathan MacKinnon — and former Norris Trophy recipient Cale Makar — then maybe check for a pulse.
Last season, the Canucks went 0-2-1 against the Avalanche and were outscored 12-6. Incentive should not have been an issue and it wasn’t in an impressive 3-1 victory.
Canucks grinding winger Kiefer Sherwood, who never lacks for being emotionally involved by leading the NHL in hits, notches his first career hat trick, had a game-high seven shots to go with three hits and a blocked shot.
He gave the Canucks a two-goal cushion in the second period by denying the Avalanche a zone entry on the power play, speeding away on a breakaway with Makar and pursuit and going glove side on Mackenzie Blackwood.
It was his 10th goal of the season to equal a career high Sherwood set last season with the Nashville Predators. He then went one better with an empty-netter. His first goal Monday came by getting to the net and jamming home a rebound. And the fans even chanted his name.
“That was a pretty special one — I was trying to take it in,” said Sherwood. “I appreciate the support and their passion is something Vancouver is known for. I’ll definitely remember it. I’m just grateful for the opportunity and try to put my work boots on every night.
“We know we had to attack them low and create possessions and things will open up.”
Sherwood is also part of the penalty kill that had a perfect 4-for-4 night against the high-octane Avalanche,. something that will be crucial in an upcoming two-game road trip.
“A step in the right direction, and not just the PK, but overall,” stressed Sherwood. “Something we’re striving for as a group is consistency and when we show the heart of the team the better we play.”
The pace and aggression gave the meeting a playoff feel and that was a big deal. Especially when MacKinnon ripped a third period power play chance off the crossbar.
Demko delivers the goods
The Avalanche weren’t going to go quietly into the night and served notice in the second period.
They outshot the Canucks 9-1 in early portion of the frame and forced Demko to be at his cool and calm and acrobatic best in his third start since returning form a knee injury.
It started when Makar drove the net on the power play and Valeri Nichushkin was denied on the rebound. Demko then got a piece of a hot MacKinnon shot before being forced into snow-angel mode.
He stopped a series of chances in a sequence where a Chris Wagner shot and Ivan Ivan rebound chance were turned away. He then moved smartly from left to right to make two short-handed saves.
In the first period, Demko faced just six shots but had to move smartly to deny Artturi Lehkonen on a wraparound attempt before turning aside a sizzling Samuel Girard shot from the slot.
A thirst for the first
Miller was true to his pre-game word about be ready from the outset.
“We always respond well and I’m confident that we will,” he predicted. “You don’t want to let them (Avalanche) get wound up with time and speed — that’s the killer. Make them do it the hard way.”
Miller did it his way by winning the opening draw against MacKinnon and finished an impressive shift by cutting across top of the crease for a backhand scoring chance.
Sasson making an impression
An undrafted player making it to ‘The Show’ is always a good story.
Sasson continued to show that he’s here for more than a couple of cups of coffee. His speed is better, his game reads are better and his ability to dish some smart feeds were noticeable Monday.
While he needed some early adjustments to know where and when to go on his new line — especially when Jake DeBrusk had the puck at speed through the neutral zone and Sasson hesitated to get into the offensive zone — he made quick adjustments during the game.
“A lot of what they’ve been preaching is holding on to pucks and not just throwing it away,” stressed Sasson. “I’ve improved in where everyone is supposed to be and what may be opening up against a certain team. It’s always moving your feet.”
