NORTH STARS DOMINATE CANUCKS AT HOME

In what was looking like a battle of Campbell Conference elite, turned one sided very quickly when the Canucks visited the North Stars. Starting off in the 1^st period, both teams had their fair share of chances even though the North Stars outshot the Canucks 14 to 9. Specialty teams played a roll in the first period with the Canucks tying the game on a short handed goal by Cam Neely on the second powerplay of the night for the North Stars.

It wasn't until the closing minutes of the 1^st period did the North Stars take the lead for good.  With what was a very evenly played first period, that's where it ended as the Canucks took themselves completely out of the game, getting outscored 5-0 even though out shooting the North Stars 15-14 in the period.  But, again, it was specialty teams that rose to the occasion as the North Stars, with goals from Roenick and Khristich scored on the powerplay and then another 3 at even strength chasing starting goalie Ed Belfour from the game.  With the game out of reach the Canucks and North Stars traded 3^rd period goals ending the game with the North Stars dominating 9-3.  Marty Brodeur was busy with the lop sided score stopping 29 of 32 shots he faced giving him his league leading 26^th win of the season only 3 wins away from his personal best of 29 wins he set just last year.

 Next up are the LA Kings, a team looking to find a identity of their own and and make something of this season where Marty Brodeur once again will be between the pipes and only 1 tweak to the lineup where Brian Lawton will be scratched for Yuri Khmylev.

Stay tuned.