Burrows the Hero in 4-3 Win Over Carolina

Alexander Burrows capitalized on a short-handed breakaway with just over a minute left in regulation at GM Place on Tuesday night, lifting the Vancouver Canucks over the Carolina Hurricanes 4-3 and allowing the Canuck faithful to finally breathe a sigh of relief. 

Vancouver jumped out to a 2-0 lead but it was quickly erased by the Hurricanes who capitalized on two out of their first three power play chances. The Canucks’ penalty kill got the last laugh, though, as Ryan Kessler beat Carolina defenseman Joni Pitkanen to a loose puck and chipped it past him to Burrows, who was in clear from the blue line. Burrows made no mistake as he roofed it by Carolina keeper Cam Ward to give Vancouver the lead for good.

With their first win in seven, and first home win in 10, the Canucks have moved back into 7th place in the Western Conference, albeit only a point separates 7th through 11th.

Roberto Luongo stopped 24 shots en route to his first win since coming back from the groin injury that kept him out for two months.

Pavol Demitra, who was expected back in the lineup Saturday versus the Wild but couldn't go, added 2 assists. The new line of Kessler, Mats Sundin and Demitra combined for 7 points on the night.

Vancouver finally found a way to win, after giving up leads of 2-0 and 3-2. The Hurricanes continue their struggles in Vancouver, where they have not won a game since October 15, 1999 (a total of 5 consecutive matches).

The Canucks will next host the Chicago Blackhawks at GM place on Saturday night as they appear on the 2nd half of Hockey Night in Canada.  The Hawks are 6-3-1 in their last 10 and this should be a good test for Vancouver.