NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 31: Referee Francois St. Laurent #38 calls game misconduct against Kevin Bieksa #3 of the Vancouver Canucks as Paul Gaustad #28 of the Nashville Predators is slow getting up after a hit in the third period an NHL game at Bridgestone Arena on March 31, 2015 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)

For at least a little while, it seemed like the Vancouver Canucks had changed their diving and ‘cheap shotting’ ways. This wasn’t the same type of group many despised, like the squad that lost to the Boston Bruins in the Stanley Cup Final in 2011 and the LA Kings Twitter feed trolled in 2012.

But at least for one night, against the Nashville Predators in a 5-4 shootout win, the Canucks morphed back into that type of team in a few plays.

First, we take a look at Alex Burrows’ hit on Predators forward Paul Gaustad. (S/t Steph as always)

i really don't know what happened. i think it's just shoulder contact, but holding his face for no reason is absurd pic.twitter.com/0WMdT1rWTS — Steph (@myregularface) April 1, 2015

He did say, after the game the play wasn’t intentional. It appears Burrows is skating up ice and Gaustad well … gets in the way. Whether Burrows acted appropriately after Gaustad impaired his skating line is another story.

Said Burrows to Rinkside Report:

“I felt that we collided more than anything, but you never want to see someone go down,” Burrows said. “I’ve been on the wrong side sometimes and you never want to see someone be down. I hope he’s alright.”

Burrows was ejected from the game, as is mandatory when an interference major is called.

“My intentions weren’t to hurt him or anything,” Burrows said.

Gaustad did leave the game and Burrows received an interference major and a game misconduct.

Also ...

Defenseman Kevin Bieksa went for a headshot on Viktor Stalberg in the first period and got two minutes for an illegal check to the head.

You also have this possible slew foot by Chris Higgins (S/t Steph again)

Bieksa also pulled this gesture later after the Burrows/Gaustad collision, per Rinkside Report.

As Gaustad was down on the ice, Vancouver defenseman Kevin Bieksa skated by him and yelled in his direction and was immediately given a game misconduct by referee Francois St. Laurent.

Alas there are definitely more honorable paths to victory, but it was just one night. If only these two teams could face one another in the playoffs...

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Josh Cooper is an editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @joshuacooper

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