The Detroit Red Wings saw their brief two game winning streak come to an end in Vancouver Wednesday night as the host Canucks built a lead early and held on for a 4-2 victory. Detroit was held scoreless in the third and final period, while Vancouver got a much needed insurance goal by Alexander Edler. Edler's shorthanded goal just over three minutes into the third period supported a 38 save effort from Roberto Luongo.
Detroit surrendered three goals in the opening period as Christopher Higgins and Cory Hodgson scored within 21 seconds of each other to give the Canucks an early 2-0 lead just under 10 minutes into the game. Todd Bertuzzi answered with Detroit's first goal 13:46 into the first period, but Alex Burrows put Vancouver ahead 3-1 less than two minutes later.
Drew Miller made it 3-2 with just under four minutes to go in the second period, but the Red Wings could not manage an equalizer. Ryan Kesler received a roughing penalty early in the third period, but Detroit was only on the power play for 15 seconds before Edler's shorthanded goal.