Cory Schneider posts fifth shutout as Canucks beat Coyotes

by Charlie Smith on April 9th, 2013 at 8:59 AM

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The Vancouver Canucks continued their winning ways last night with a 2-0 victory over the Phoenix Coyotes.

It was netminder Cory Schneider’s fifth shutout of the season and ninth of his career.

The Canucks benefited from the return of centre Ryan Kesler to the lineup after being out 20 games with a broken foot.

He scored the first goal of the game in a scramble in front of the net at 7:26 of the first period.

Meanwhile, Phoenix goalie Mike Smith stoned the Canucks for the rest of the game, blocking 40 shots.

But a fluke goal into an empty net finished off any hope of a Coyotes’ comeback.

Canucks defenceman Dan Hamhuis was given credit when Coyote Antoine Vermette's pass pass to the point missed Keith Yandle and slid down the ice into his team’s goal.

At the time, Phoenix had a man advantage after Jason Garrison had been sent to the penalty box for hooking.

The victory leaves Vancouver in third place in the Western Conference, two points up on Los Angeles and three points ahead of San Jose.

Vancouver continues to lead the Northwest Division with a four-point edge on the Minnesota Wild, who have one game in hand.

The Canucks now go on a five-game road trip beginning Wednesday (April 11) in Calgary, followed by games in Colorado, Nashville, St. Louis, and Dallas.