The U.S. women's hockey team is right where it wants to be. Well, almost. They can't wait to fly to Vancouver on Sunday and get the Olympic Games started.

New York's Marian Gaborik scored a hat trick in New York's 3-1 road win in Colorado to end a five-game losing streak.

Coach Jacques Martin showed confidence in Jaroslav Halak and was repaid in spades.

Shane O'Brien #55 of the Vancouver Canucks and teammate Roberto Luongo #1 celebrate their win over the St.

Seven games on Wednesday, and at the end of the night there were eight Eastern Conference teams at 55 and 54 points; of those eight, only three will make the playoffs.

David Shoalts Published on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2010 12:57AM EST Last updated on Saturday, Jan.

L.A. Kings defenceman Drew Doughty checks Vancouver Canucks' Alexandre Burrows into the boards during a game in Los Angeles.

Last year, the Canucks managed, for the most part, to steer clear of any notable controversies.

Brad Lukowich found an ideal time to end a lengthy scoring drought, netting the game-winner in the third period on a marvelous setup by the crafty Daniel Sedin to lift the Vancouver Canucks to a 3-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres at GM Place.

A little controversy has not hurt Alexandre Burrows' popularity with the fans, which has been bolstered along with his scoring touch by a pair of hat trick games.

They're aware of it, but they're not focusing on it. Vancouver is down three regular defensemen for Saturday night's game against the Hawks, but the visitors aren't relying on that as part of their game plan.

The Dallas Stars will try to bring a nine-game road losing streak to a halt when they begin a three-game trip tonight versus the Vancouver Canucks at General Motors Place.

Kyle Wellwood's insurance goal late in the third period proved vital, as Vancouver handed Dallas its 10th straight road loss, 4-3, at GM Place.

The Dallas Stars will try to bring a nine-game road losing streak to a halt when they begin a three-game trip tonight versus the Vancouver Canucks at General Motors Place.

With so many big hockey stories out there, it's hard not to feel a thousand miles behind in covering them, but we'll try to play a bit of catch-up here.

Cue the "Law and Order" music. Burrows versus Auger. Now get ready for the verdict: a $2,500 fine for Canucks winger Alexandre Burrows , and no discipline for referee Stephane Auger.

Alexandre Burrows kept his torrid goal- scoring pace going with another tally, and Vancouver took advantage of Pittsburgh's backup netminders in a 6-2 victory at GM Place.

Sidney Crosby's second trip through Western Canada has nearly gone as well as his first.

Four games in the N.H.L. on Monday, but the big story is in Vancouver, where the red-hot Alexandre Burrows scored two more goals.

Alexandre Burrows #14 of the Vancouver Canucks skates with the puck against the Los Angeles Kings on October 29, 2009 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.