Sports - NHL - Canucks

POSTED: Wednesday, May. 06, 2009

Recap: Chicago vs. Vancouver

Roberto Luongo stopped 23 shots to help the Vancouver Canucks to a 3-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals at United Center.

Mason Raymond, Steve Bernier and Henrik Sedin each had a goal for the Canucks, who now hold a 2-1 lead in this best-of-seven series. Alex Edler chipped in two assists in the win.

"Our game plan was to play a good low game," said Luongo. "They had a couple of chances early, but nothing too crazy. The first games we were a little loose defensively and we had to tighten up."

Brian Campbell scored the lone goal while Nikolai Khabibulin was charged with three goals on 21 shots for the Blackhawks, who will host Game 4 on Thursday.

"We need to score the first goal," said Chicago defenseman Duncan Keith. "Playing from behind all the time catches up with you. We have to play tight. We know we have a good offensive team and we have to keep them away from our goal. The series is far from over."

The Canucks got the only goal of the first period and it came off the stick of Raymond. A clear attempt was kept in the zone by Kevin Bieksa along the right boards. He sent a pass over to Ryan Kesler, who from the inside right circle winged it over to the left side for the easy slam by Raymond with 4:26 left in the frame.

Luongo needed to make just seven saves in the first period to keep Chicago off the board.

Vancouver took a 2-0 lead one minute into the second period on the power play as Edler fired a shot on net from the left point that Khabibulin stopped, but Bernier was on the doorstep to sweep in the rebound.

Vancouver made it a 3-0 game at the 8:40 mark of the second as a turnover in the Chicago end resulted in Sedin getting the puck at the low right side. His initial shot was stopped, but he kept whacking at it and it eventually trickled between the pads of Khabibulin.

Chicago, though, got one back on the power play at the 11:09 mark of the second as Campbell sent a shot from the high slot that went through a screen set up by Dustin Byfuglien in front of Luongo.

Chicago had its chances in the third as the team was awarded two power plays and had 10 shots on net, but Luongo and the Vancouver defense stood tall to give the visitors the series lead.

Game Notes