Morning Box Score: Poor Power Plays Costs Blackhawks in Vancouver

By Angie Wiatrowski in News on Feb 5, 2011 3:00PM

The Vancouver Canucks hold the best record in the NHL, but have had some trouble solving the Blackhawks, being knocked out of the playoffs in back-to-back seasons. The Canucks snapped their five-game losing streak over the Blackhawks in a 4-3 win Friday night.

Poor calls seemed to be the trend as Dave Bolland's goal was called back with five minutes left in the first period, and Canucks' Christian Ehrhoff's goal three minutes later appeared to be offside. Bolland's goal was called off because the referee said Troy Brouwer was "in the crease" and was called on interference.

"I don't think I touched him," Brouwer told reporters. "I think he said I didn't give him space. It's going to be his call and it happens real quick. (Bolland) saw an overview and said I gave him space. But the ref isn't looking from the sky. He's looking right from the ice and he has to make the call he thinks is right."

What may have been poor judgment on the referee side cannot completely be to blame as the Blackhawks had plenty of power-play opportunities and fell short. Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews scored and Nick Boynton scored his first goal in 69 games but the Hawks went 0 for 5 in power play including 47 seconds of 5 on 3.

Blackhawks veteran goaltender Marty Turco was back in net and made 28 saves. The Hawks have lost three of their last four and are still at the start of their six-game road trip as they head to Calgary Monday.