VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- Martin Gelinas recorded his first career four-goal game and linemate Russ Courtnall added a goal and three assists as the Vancouver Canucks made the most of their shots Thursday night in a 6-2 victory over the Phoenix Coyotes.
Gelinas got his third career hat trick and second this month before the second period was 12 minutes old. He also picked up an assist for a career-high five points. Gelinas' four-goal game was the ninth in team history and the first since Pavel Bure performed the feat against Winnipeg on Oct. 12, 1992.
The line of Gelinas, Courtnall and Trevor Linden combined for 12 points for the Canucks, who snapped a three-game losing streak. Vancouver also beat the Coyotes for the first time in three meetings this season.
"It felt pretty good, it was a big game and a lot of fun," said Gelinas, who has 12 goals this month. "They were a little tired, so we took advantage. I played with Rusty (Courtnall) and Trevor (Linden) and I really feel comfortable with them. All I have to do is go to the net, like I do every night, and the puck kept going in. It was pretty neat, I'll cherish this for a long time."
The Canucks scored five times on their first nine shots and were outshot for the game, 33-17. Kirk McLean made 31 saves, helping Vancouver kill all five Phoenix power plays.
Cliff Ronning and Jim McKenzie tallied in the third period for the Coyotes, who have lost three of their last four games.
Gelinas, who had three goals at Detroit on February 6th, opened the scoring by putting his own rebound past Nikolai Khabibulin during a power play 2:42 into the game. He tallied again at 10:17, wrapping a puck around the right goalpost to make it 2-0.
Jyrki Lumme, who had a goal and two assists, scored just over three minutes into the second period before Gelinas got two more. He jammed home a rebound of Lumme's shot at 6:09 and beat Khabibulin with a high, quick snap shot five minutes later for his 23rd goal, making it 5-0.
Khabibulin, making his 23rd straight start, surrendered five goals on only nine shots and was replaced by Parris Duffus in his NHL debut.
Vancouver kept it going as Courtnall got his ninth of the season with 2:28 to go in the period.
Ronning, a former Canuck, spoiled McLean's shutout bid at 3:16 of the third period. Adrian Aucoin's clearing attempt hit referee Richard Trottier. Ronning pounced on the loose puck and beat McLean high to the glove side with a wrister from the slot.
"The fans cheered after I scored. I didn't know what to expect, but it felt real good," Ronning said. "We were flat tonight. Sometimes your mind isn't there. I know I tried to have the best game I could under the circumstances."
McKenzie closed the scoring with 8:48 left.
"Vancouver is scrappy, they played hard like they wanted this
game early," he said. "They took it to us, regardless of the
shots. They weren't bad goals, mostly second and third
rebounds. Guys should be lying on the backs, not standing there
with their arms in the air after scoring a goal. All of us
weren't knocking them around, like we should."
Jon's 3 stars:
1. Martin Gelinas
2. Russ Courtnall
3. Trevor Linden
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