Crosby returns to Vancouver

[Boston Bruins]

Van(AP) - In his first game since his trade to Boston, Sidney Crosby had nothing but praise for the fans in Vancouver. With so many signs being held by up Canucks fans saying "Thank you Sid" or "We miss you", it was hard for Crosby not to keep his composure after a brief video tribute from the Vancouver Canucks. He wasn't here very long but his departure you could say has had an impact. Motivation is one thing "The Kid" didn't need for this game and from the outset Crosby would leave his mark on the game.

In what was a slow paced opening period where both teams only had six shots apiece, it would be Mats Zuccarello who would open the scoring assisted by none other than Crosby and Zach Hyman at 9:51. Less than four minutes later it would be Hyman with his 33rd of the year finishing a beautiful tic tac toe play with John Carlson and Crosby yet again. Boston would take the 2-0 lead into the second period. Former Bruin Brandon Hagel would pull the Canucks to within one goal with his 17th. The Canucks would press the issue but sparkling saves from Connor Hellebuyck on Leon Draisaitl and Quinn Hughes kept the Canucks at bay. Boston would get the lift they needed and would ride the momentum with John Carlson scoring at the 13:14 mark with assists going to Roman Josi and again to Crosby. Less than a minute later Kirill Kaprizov would bring the Vancouver fans to their feet when he would score his 46th goal of the year with a brilliant shot over the shoulder of Connor Hellebuyck. The youngster has been on a tare and is doing all he can to get the Canucks out of their current funk. Unfortunately :28 later Zach Hyman would strike again this time being sent in on a breakaway and beating Canucks goaltender Charlie Lindgren with a backhand deke. The Bruins would dominate the rest of the period outshooting the Canucks 18-8 to finish the second.

Vancouver wouldn't relent and would close the gap with a goal from defenseman Quinn Hughes. The Canucks would keep the pressure on with a constant fore check and a quick transition game. The Bruins would only muster five shots on the period but they would make the most of them. Brock Nelson would secure the lead with his 18th goal assisted by Bryan Rust. Zach Hyman would score his 35th goal on the powerplay capping a off a hat trick performance with an assist going to none other than Sidney Crosby. Boston would win the game 6-3. "The Kid" would end up with four assists and would be named the game's 3rd star. Nobody was sitting when Sid took to the ice to receive his acclaim. The crowd gave a loud cheer and applause as Crosby left the ice to the chant of "Sidney". While most point to the departure of goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen after being dealt to San Jose as part of the problem with Vancouver's goaltending, some are also looking at what the Canucks have done since Crosby was dealt away to Boston. Needless to say the Bruins are more than happy with the return they have got since his arrival.

[Vancity]

The fans may miss him… but I sure don’t.