Canucks rally for 3-2 shootout win over Avalanche

By Pat Graham

Associated Press

Published: Saturday, Feb. 4 2012 4:05 p.m. MST

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From left, Vancouver Canucks left wing Daniel Sedin, of Sweden, jumps in the air as he redirects a shot past center Ryan Kesler as Colorado Avalanche goalie Jean-Sebastien Giguere makes a save in the second period of an NHL hockey game in Denver on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012.

David Zalubowski, Associated Press

Summary

Kevin Bieksa tied the game with 34.1 seconds remaining in regulation and Mason Raymond scored the lone goal in the shootout as the Vancouver Canucks rallied for a 3-2 win over the struggling Colorado Avalanche on Saturday.

DENVER — Kevin Bieksa tied the game with 34.1 seconds remaining in regulation and Mason Raymond scored the lone goal in the shootout as the Vancouver Canucks rallied for a 3-2 win over the struggling Colorado Avalanche on Saturday.

Raymond sent the puck through the pads of Jean-Sebastien Giguere and Roberto Luongo stopped all three shots he faced for Vancouver, which ended the Avalanche's 10-game shootout streak.

Ryan Kesler also added a goal for the Northwest Division leaders.

Trailing 2-1 with 1:33 remaining, the Canucks pulled Luongo for an extra skater. Soon after, T.J. Galiardi had a chance to cement the win for the Avalanche, but missed the empty net.

Bieksa made it a costly misfire as he blasted a shot past Giguere. Just before scoring his tying goal, the defenseman was sitting on the bench, looking at new sticks. His selection apparently paid off.

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