HKB Line Clips Wings

Full marks to the Canucks in their 4-3 OT victory over the Detroit Red Wings last night. After a 6-1 drubbing at the hands of the Washington Capitals Monday night, the Canucks were saying they would be better Thursday night, and they were.

They were many positives for the Canucks in the victory, but none more than the Hansen, Kesler, Burrows Line. Responsible for 3 of the 4 Canuck goals, including the OT great individual effort of Alex Burrows, this line that was put together late in the preseason, continues to impress with their combination of speed, skill and tenacity.

This line is gaining a reputation, as well as garnering respect. The Red Wings put the Draper checking line against the HKB line whenever possible. While most of the NHL knows Alex Burrows for being one of the most hated agitators of the league, they are now starting to learn what most regular observers of the Canucks have known for a while, Burrows has a finesse game to go with the other intangibles of his game.

Asked before the game what it is like to know that he is one of most hated players in the league, Burrows replied, "I have 20 friends on this team, and that is all the friends I need".

The SSB line (Sedin, Sedin, Bernier) line were not awarded with any points, but were a threat throughout. And finally, the line of Raymond, Demitra and Pyatt showed up on the scoresheet with Raymond burying a Willie Mitchell rebound into a yawning cage.

Pyatt has a lot of work to do. His lack of speed is hurting the line defensively. After letting his check, Wing D-man Kronwall, walk around him twice in the Canucks zone, Coach V put Pyatt down on the 4th line, where her rode the pine for a lot of the second period. When are the Canucks going to give Mike Brown a shot to crack this line up. The kid's got wheels and is as tough as they come.

Low and behold, the Canuck brass saw the ill of their ways and replaced dough boy Wellwood with Hordichuk in the line up. Rypien, Johnson, Hordichuk have been the best fourth line the Canucks have had in quite some time.

Never again should the Canucks give a chance to a player that comes to camp so out of shape. The Canucks have place Wellwood on waivers, with the hopes that someone will take him, and his 1 mi lion salary, off the Canucks hand. But guaranteed nobody will. Hopefully the Canucks will not send him to the Manitoba Moose. Uncommitted players are like a cancer in the dressing room. I say good riddance and give him his outright release.

The Canucks are in for a tough test tonight against the undefeated Buffalo Sabres. Playing their second game in two nights, the Canucks face off against a fast, tough, highly skilled Sabre team. They will see the rejuvenated Tomas Vanek, who already has five goals this season.

Look for Hordichuk to go with tough guy Andrew Peters if the two get a chance.