I know, I’m late. Furthermore, I’m like two weeks behind with the Week That Was. Unfortunately, paid work trumps unpaid work.

I’m going to do a 2 in 1, sort of, for this, considering I missed blogging the Sens game as well. (That sound you hear? Google Analytics dying of crib death…) I thought this was probably one of the best games, top to bottom, from the Canucks in a long time. Kevin Bieksa looked good coming back in his first game since his calf was sliced and diced, Luongo was in fine form and just about everyone was doing their job. Even guys like Ryan Johnson.

That solid play continued into Sunday’s game against the Flames. Who would’ve thought the Canucks could’ve earned 4 points in the standings off of only 20 minutes of work? The first period against Calgary should be preserved and used for future generations of how to play hockey. I couldn’t believe how flawless the Canucks were looking in the opening frame. I know, I sound horribly homertastic, but man, literally everything was going the Canucks way. I mentioned over on Twitter during the game that the bounces were working out for the Canucks, too. It wasn’t just that bounces were in favor, but they were seemingly going right onto the sticks of the boys wearing the Orca. Sort of ridiculous, but the end result was a 3-0 lead and Mikka Kiprusoff being chased to start the second period.

From there on, though, it was mostly the Flames who were in the driver’s seat as they started to take over and dictate the pace of the game. Understandable, as the Canucks had just come off a 6 game road trip (sorry, but the Olympic break counts here) and were playing the second game of a back to back. Had the Flames not came out so flat in the first frame, it could’ve been a completely different result on the scoresheet.

Well, the first period effort and Luongo. It looks like it’s the long awaited start of Luongo getting ‘in the zone’ as even Sportsnet West play by play man, Peter Loubardias, who generally is not very good at calling the action on the ice, recognized this. Luongo looked sharp, which was a nice change of pace from the Luongo we had on the road: he of the giving up the first goal and getting subsequently yanked. So yes, Luongo put together a fantastic two games, although he was really only challenged in the second and third periods of the Calgary game.

I was also pleasantly surprised with Ryan Johnson’s play as of late. I thought he looked good in Ottawa (although from about halfways through the second onwards I was distracted) and he continued his, and I can’t believe I’m saying this, solid play against Calgary. Jannik Hansen also looked really good over the weekend and played probably his best hockey in the past 2 seasons he’s been on the Canucks. I also liked that he was mixing it up with the opposition, too. Following the Moose, I know he likes to chirp and get under the skin of opponents so glad to see him continue that trend.

Glad the Sedins have woken back up, too. I know that they were still producing while they were on their goalless drought, but it’s nice to see them out there controlling the play and being up to their usual troublesome selves. Perfect timing, too: Ovechkin is potentially facing a suspension for his hit on Chicago’s Brian Campbell and Henrik is 3 points behind him in what’s shaping up to be the NHL version of Catch Me If You Can. Can Hank make like Tom Hanks and chase down Ovi?

Beyond that, I hope to God Salo continues to stay healthy as he’s been a rock for the Canucks lately. Loved his diving into the net and playing goalie against Calgary last night. Anyone who saw the play knows what I’m talking about. Alberts also continues to intrigue me: I love the fact that he’s strong and not afraid to toss opposing players around. I’m also surprised that for being a defensive defenseman, Alberts sure likes jumping up into the play and pinching whenever it suits him. Surprising because he’s such a big guy you don’t expect him to be able to get back and into position so quickly but that’s exactly what he’s doing. Give him a little more time on the roster and I think folks are going to be really happy with him.

No idea where Mason Raymond’s been as of late, but it’d be great if he can make his way onto the Canucks roster, as I haven’t seen him in a while. What do you mean, he’s been playing? Seriously? Ugh. The second half of this season has been brutal for you, MayRay.

Canucks are going to continue their homestand with a game against Tavares and the Islanders Tuesday. The best part about that game? I’ll be catching it LIVE at GM Place!