  Alex Burrows scores one of his two goals on Dan Ellis Monday at GM Place. (REUTERS)
|
Two weak penalty calls against Vancouver late in the third yesterday gave the Canucks their first regulation loss in 10 games as the Nashville Predators won 3-2 at GM Place.
Shea Weber fired a slapper past Roberto Luongo with just over four minutes to go after three questionable penalties -- one on Nashville and two on Vancouver -- were dished out in a span of 21 seconds to put the Preds on a four-on-three powerplay.
Alex Burrows, who had three minor penalties in the third period, spewed off at referee Stephane Auger during a post-game scrum. He alleged that Auger told him during the warm ups that "he was going to get me back tonight" after a December 8 incident in a game against Nashville involving Jerred Smithson.
"I feel like some refs are coming into the building and doing a great job officiating every game, some other refs, like Auger tonight, he's taking it personal, he comes into the game and he knows he's going to make a call against me to give Nashville an advantage and I don't think that’s fair for my teammates or the fans," said Burrows.
It took until the 16:42 mark before the top line continued their point streak. Burrows' goals and Daniel Sedin's two assists gives them points in the last six, while Henrik Sedin has 19 points in his last 10. The elder of the twins also stays four points up on Joe Thornton for the NHL scoring lead.
With Calgary losing to Colorado in a shootout, Vancouver failed to take over the Northwest division lead and falls two points behind both the Avalanche and the Flames.
Jannik Hansen, who was a healthy scratch for the last six games, was slotted back into the lineup last night after Steve Bernier sat out with a groin injury.
UP NEXT: The Canucks go on a one-game road trip Wednesday when they play the Wild in Minnesota, the fourth matchup between these two division rivals.
