Bernier Makes Impact as Canucks Continue Winning Ways

By Aleem Peermohamed

The gritty Steve Bernier helped the Canucks top the San José Sharks Thursday evening to remain undefeated in the pre-season, much to the delight of the home crowd at GM Place. Bernier’s play cleared the way for his line mates, Henrik and Daniel Sedin, all evening.

Bernier and the Sedins were in on all of Vancouver’s 3 goals. Henrik potted the winner 39 seconds into the final frame, while Bernier and Daniel tallied power play markers in the second as the Canucks came back from trailing 1-0 after the first period to hold on for a 3-2 win over the Sharks. Henrik's winning goal won't show up as a powerplay marker in the stats, but the goal was scored just 1 second after a penalty to Rob Blake had expired.

Right winger Bernier was a member of the Sharks for three years and no doubt he was pumped for this game, keen to show his old squad had made a mistake trading him at the deadline last season to the Buffalo Sabres in an effort to land mobile puck mover Brian Campbell for a playoff push. The Sabres then proceeded to move the 6ft 2 225 lb Bernier to Vancouver in an off-season move, in exchange for a third round draft pick in 2009 and a second round pick in 2010. The Canucks are the third team for Bernier in one calendar year, and he hopes to take advantage of the opportunity provided in Vancouver, skating alongside the twins on the first line.

Vancouver has been in search of the ideal right winger for the Sedins since the departure of Anson Carter two seasons ago. Bernier looked to fit right in with Henrik and Daniel, as the trio combined for five points .