CHB Countdown: Top 5 Memorable Penalty Shot Moments

After a long, grueling road-trip the Canucks were looking to ease their way back into the game with a nice home-start against the Washington Capitals. Unfortunately for them, the “Hockey Gods” had other plans and granted the Caps a penalty shot less than two minutes into the game. But hey, at least the shooter was only Alex Ovechkin, league leader in goal-scoring and the reigning Hart Trophy winner (SARCASM).  Fortunately for the ‘Nucks, Bobby-Lou was on his game and held Ovi off the scoresheet, allowing our boys to cruise to a 3-2 victory. 

The Canucks have had a few historical moments involving the “most exciting play in hockey”, some glorious, others heartbreaking. But regardless of the penalty-shot outcome we can all agree wholeheartedly, none were forgettable. Here are the top 5 memorable penalty shot moments in Canucks history.

5) Alex Burrows vs. Corey Crawford. In arguably the most important game in Canucks history, Alex Burrows was granted a penalty shot against Corey Crawford to give the Canucks a 2-goal lead in game 7 of the 2011 Western Conference Quarterfinals. Despite Burrows failed attempt he did get the last laugh putting a knucklepuck past Crawford in overtime to win the series.

4) Pavel Bure vs. Damian Rhodes. Not an especially important goal in terms of the bigger picture, but fun to watch for the cocky call by the Russian Rocket. Read his lips when he’s talking to the ref. Gotta love Pav.

3) Henrik Sedin vs. Chris Mason. One would think that Hank has nightmares about coming down on a goalie without a pass option. This cheeky move seems to prove otherwise, as the Canuck captain puts in a beautiful insurance marker late in a game versus Nashville.

2) Sidney Crosby vs. Roberto Luongo. The best player in the world versus one of the greatest goalies in the world in overtime. Need I say more?

1) Pavel Bure vs. Mike Richter. It’s hard to put a play where the Canucks come out on bottom this high on the list, but no one can deny the sheer excitement of this moment. The most dynamic goal-scorer in the league taking a penalty shot in game 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals – heart-breaking result but thrilling nonetheless.