Canucks sink Oilers to rule Northwest

Source: Agencies  |   2008-12-19  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

THE Vancouver Canucks scored three goals in the second period to beat the Edmonton Oilers 4-2 on Wednesday and stay top of the Northwest Division.

Left wing Daniel Sedin recorded two goals and one assist and Ryan Kesler added an early score as the Canucks avenged a 3-0 loss to the Oilers on Saturday.

Vancouver improved to 18-11-3 and kept pace with the co-division-leading Calgary Flames, who beat the Minnesota Wild 3-2 in overtime.

"The first couple of shifts were hard, but it turned into a good game for us and we needed it," Kesler said.

"I think everyone was disappointed with the loss Saturday night in Edmonton.

"It was good to get back at them."

The last-place Oilers (14-14-2) made a strong push when Sam Gagner cut the deficit to 3-2 on a power play goal with 1:29 remaining.

Jannik Hansen answered with an empty net score for the Canucks seconds later to put the game out of reach.

Vancouver goalie Curtis Sanford had 22 saves in his start for Robert Luongo, who is battling a groin injury.

Sanford was in line for a shutout heading into the third period before Dustin Penner put Edmonton on the board with an unassisted goal 2:32 into the third.

The Oilers came into the contest having won four of their last six, but couldn't defeat Vancouver for a second time in five days.

"We battled hard in the third and did the things we had to do to get back into the game," said Edmonton goalie Dwayne Roloson, who finished with 24 saves.

"It was a great third period for us and we didn't quit, unfortunately we weren't able to get the equalizer."

The Canucks also retired the No. 16 jersey of Trevor Linden. Linden spent the majority of his 19-year career with the Canucks and compiled 375 goals and 492 assists before retiring last season.

Vancouver is still awaiting for a decision from 37-year-old Mats Sundin, who is weighing contract offers from the Canucks as well as New York Rangers.

In St. Paul, Minnesota, Todd Bertuzzi scored the overtime winner as Calgary edged Minnesota.

Defeat spoiled the return of Marian Gaborik to the Minnesota lineup after 27 games missed through injury. He had a goal and an assist. The Wild have lost six in a row.

In Columbus, Ohio, the Blue Jackets won 2-1 in overtime to beat a San Jose Sharks team that entered the game with the best early-season record in NHL history.

R.J. Umberger scored 2:55 into overtime to give Columbus its fifth straight win.

San Jose came in with 52 points, surpassing the 1929-30 Boston Bruins for the best start through 30 games in NHL history.

The Sharks' five-game winning streak on the road was snapped but they earned at least a point for the 15th straight game.

In Los Angeles, struggling defenseman Michal Rozsival scored on a penalty shot and then netted the winner in overtime, lifting New York 3-2 over Los Angeles. Rangers improved to 10-1-1 in overtime games, counting shootouts.

In Buffalo, New York, New Jersey grabbed a 5-3 win over Buffalo. David Clarkson had a goal and an assist to lead the way for the Devils.