Cory Schneider pulled in favour of Roberto Luongo as Ducks hammer Canucks 7-3 | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
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Cory Schneider pulled in favour of Roberto Luongo as Ducks hammer Canucks 7-3

Vancouver Canucks' goalie Cory Schneider, centre, sits on the bench next to teammate Kevin Bieksa, right, after he was replaced by Roberto Luongo after allowing five goals to the Anaheim Ducks during second period NHL hockey action in Vancouver on Saturday, January 19, 2013. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

VANCOUVER - Teemu Selanne had two goals and two assists Saturday to help make Cory Schneider's first NHL season-opening start a short one as the Anaheim Ducks thumped the Vancouver Canucks 7-3.

Daniel Winnik added two goals of his own for the Ducks while Sheldon Souray, Corey Perry and Kyle Palmieri also scored.

Schneider was pulled from the Vancouver net after allowing goals to Perry and Palmieri just 11 seconds apart early in the second period that capped a trio of Anaheim goals about three minutes apart. Winnik started the scoring spree with his second goal of the game.

Schneider, who signed a three-year, US$12-million contract last summer, allowed five goals on 14 shots. Roberto Luongo, who was expected to be traded after he was displaced as Vancouver's starter in last spring's playoffs, stopped 10 of 12 shots in relief.

Dan Hamhuis, Daniel Sedin and Alex Edler replied for Vancouver.

Jonus Hiller made 26 saves to get the win for the Ducks.

Anaheim converted all three of its power-play chances, while Vancouver was good on 2-of-4 opportunities.

The one-sided loss spoiled a festive pre-game atmosphere as NHL hockey returned to Vancouver following the lockout.

The work stoppage had no effect on Vancouver's attendance as the Canucks drew their 409th consecutive sellout, which let out a loud roar once the national anthems were sung. Some fans sported signs welcoming players back after their long layoff.

All fans received free scarves, and the Canucks gave away game-worn jerseys. Adults were offered one free beer per person. The team also held a draw for a team roadtrip giveaway on the Canucks' chartered airplane with players and offered a 50 per cent discount on all team merchandise.

Before the game, Vancouver general manager Mike Gillis thanked fans for their patience, support and loyalty, but did not apologize for the 119-day lockout.

Canucks captain Henrik Sedin made similar comments and vowed: "We'll do our best to make this a season to remember."

Winnik opened the scoring six and a half minutes into the contest as he deflected Saku Koivu's shot through Schneider.

Hamhuis tied the score 1-1 about three minutes later off a feed from Jannik Hansen, who got credit for another assist on Daniel Sedin's power-play goal at 11:23.

The 42-year-old Selanne, who started his 20th season, was off for holding at the time but made up for his miscue with an assist on Souray's goal at exactly four minutes after getting out of the box.

Winnik gave the Ducks a 3-2 lead three and a half minutes into the second period as he completed a three-way passing play with Koivu and Andrew Cogliano. Perry and Palmieri staked the Ducks to a 5-2 lead as they scored just 11 seconds apart.

That was it for Schneider and Luongo held the fort until the final minute of the second period when Selanne scored on a shot from the side of the net.

The veteran winger added his second goal only 22 seconds after Edler had scored to make it 6-3 to give Vancouver brief life.

News from © The Canadian Press, 2013
The Canadian Press

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