The Canucks have found themselves in a big home as their opening series against San Jose heads back to the Shark Tank. Vancouver is down 2-0 in the best of seven series after failing to get a win in the first two home games. Now, they are tasked with trying to get a key Game 3 win on the road in order to stay in contention for the Stanley Cup.
Much of the success of San Jose has come at the hands of Raffi Torres. He has set the tone of the series, playing aggressive defense, something he is known for. Torres was suspended 25 games for a hit he placed on Marian Hossa. His ability to keep top scorers like Ryan Kesler have been key for the Sharks.
Vancouver is beginning to hit the panic button. They have lost the last eight of nine playoff games in last two years. Last season, they were knocked out after five games in their opening series against the Los Angeles Kings. Falling into an early hole against the Sharks does not help their chances considering their recent playoff history.
The Canucks will have a change at the goalie position for Game 3. Cory Schneider will get the start after being injured for the first two games. While Luongo has not played bad in the series, Vancouver feels Schneider's success in the end of the regular season will help. Luongo stopped 61 shots in for the first two games, but it still was not enough to get the Canucks a win.
Vancouver has to find a way to score. The team has managed just three goals against Antti Niemi. The Sedin brothers each have one assist, also not getting the job done. If Vancouver can pair some goal scoring with the consistent goalie play that they have had, the team might be able to pull out a crucial win on the road.
Watch the Vancouver Canucks vs. the San Jose Sharks live stream, click here.
