Lucic Shines as Bruins Blank Canucks

Dave Sheldon – Vancouver Giants
October 28, 2008

VANCOUVER BC - Former Vancouver Giants Captain Milan Lucic had a solid debut in his return to Vancouver, registering five shots and eight hits in over 16 minutes of ice time to help the Boston Bruins shutout the Vancouver Canucks 1-0.

Lucic had a slow start, later admitting that he was nervous in his return to his hometown. But after a couple of shifts, Lucic settled down and played the game that Giants fans had been used to seeing at the Coliseum. Up and down his wing, finishing checks and creating opportunities, Lucic had some glorious chances thwarted by Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo. Late in the third period, Lucic had two great chances. First, a rocket off Lucic's stick was blasted off the shoulder of the Canucks keeper, momentarily stunning the Canucks keeper. Minutes later, Lucic had a partial breakaway and was stymied at the last moment by a Luongo poke check as he was pulling the biscuit past Captain Canuck.

For his efforts in the game, Lucic earned the third star. Afterwards in the media scrum, Lucic admitted he was more than excited by the day's events...and also a little overwhelmed. 'It was exciting to see all of the media today prior to the game. I never expected a reaction like this,' said Lucic. 'But once the game was underway, it was important to concentrate on the task at hand.'

When asked about the shot late in the period that felled Luongo momentarily, Lucic was also asked if he was trying to put the puck through the Canuck's goalie. 'I was trying to put the puck behind him, not through him...he's one of the best goalies in the league, you have to make every shot count.'

The Vancouver Giants would like to once again thank Milan for all of his service to the club and wish him the best of success for another great season!

The Giants will get back on the ice tomorrow night at the Pacific Coliseum as the 2008 Western Conference and WHL Regular Season Champion Tri City Americans will pay a visit to the Rink on Renfrew. All the action can be heard on SUPERHITS 650 CISL with Dave Sheldon and guest analyst Jay Janower of GLOBAL TV. The White Spot Pre Game show starts at 6:30, puck drop at the Coliseum is at 7 p.m.