ELMONT, N.Y. — Music control is true power. Conor Garland, the Vancouver Canucks` resident DJ, selected “New York, New York” as their victory song on Wednesday night, a choice that was both predictable and fitting.
It`s doubtful Frank Sinatra`s music has ever been played at such high volume by individuals born around the time of his death. However, had Old Blue Eyes been part of the Canucks lineup against the New York Islanders, he probably would have scored as well.
Despite their typically solid defense faltering, the Canucks amplified their offense to fuel their crucial playoff push in the National Hockey League. A strategic move indeed.
What was less anticipated was the variety of scorers in Vancouver`s 5-2 victory. Teddy Blueger, a checking center, Aatu Raty, a minor-league call-up, and Derek Forbort, a defensive defenseman, all found the back of the net. Forbort`s daring offensive surge broke a 2-2 deadlock with just 23 seconds remaining in the second period. This goal sparked a four-goal rally in the final 26 minutes, allowing the Canucks to decisively win against the Islanders.
Forbort, who had just ended an 82-game goal drought on March 9th, has now scored twice in his last 10 games.
Tristan Blackwood