Kassian leads Canucks past Flames
Posted January 23, 2013 10:25 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Zack Kassian opened the scoring in regulation and then tallied the shootout winner as the Vancouver Canucks edged the Calgary Flames 3-2 for their first win of the shortened season.
The two teams remained scoreless through 20 minutes, with Vancouver holding a 10-7 edge in shots after one period.
Kassian got the Canucks on the board just shy of the six-and-a-half minute mark when Kassian had his initial shot blocked, but picked up the rebound and snapped a shot past Miikka Kiprusoff blocker side.
The Canucks took a 2-0 lead two minutes later as Mason Raymond jumped off the bench and wired a wrist-shot into the top-left corner for a powerplay goal. It was the ninth goal of Raymond’s career versus the Flames, the most he’s scored against any team.
Calgary responded on a powerplay of its own just 2:40 later. After the Canucks killed off a pair of 5-on 3’s, Alex Tanguay ripped a shot off the far post and in to beat Cory Schneider, with Alex Edler still in the box.
The Flames tied the game before the middle period was up. Mikael Backlund took a nice feed from Jarome Iginla and beat Schneider with a quick shot to make it 2-2.
The teams traded chances in the third period, but both goalies kept the door shut to force overtime, which solved nothing.
Alex Burrows scored as the first shooter for Vancouver, but Alex Tanguay responded on Calgary’s second attempt. Extra shooters were needed, and in the fifth round, Kassian beat Kiprusoff with a slick deke, and then Schneider turned aside Curtis Glencross to clinch the win.
Schneider made 34 saves on 36 shots for his first win of the season.
The Canucks (1-1-1) will now head out on the road for three games in California, beginning on Friday against the Anaheim Ducks.
