Tanev’s late goal lifts Canucks over Jets

Defenseman Chris Tanev broke a tie in the third period and Vancouver beat the Winnipeg Jets, 2-1, on Sunday night after Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo left early because of an injury.

Luongo left with 3:30 remaining in the first period. Earlier, Luongo had his leg clipped by big Winnipeg defenseman Dustin Byfuglien, and was knocked flat during a goalmouth collision with the Jets’ Blake Wheeler.

The Olympic gold medallist was replaced by Eddie Lack. Luongo is one of the goalies being considered to play for Canada in the Sochi Olympics.

Tanev scored at 10:23 of the third period. He took a pass in the high slot from Zack Kassian and ripped a shot past goalie Ondrej Pavelec.

Brad Richardson opened the scoring for Vancouver on a power play midway through the first period.

Evander Kane tied it on a power play in the second.

Vancouver improved to 22-11-6 and is tied with San Jose for fifth place in the Western Conference. The Canucks have won nine of their last 11 games.

The Jets are 11th in the West at 16-17-5.

AP