SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct. 4 (UPI) -- Antti Niemi shut down Vancouver over the final 50 minutes Thursday and San Jose roared from behind to defeat the Canucks 4-1.
This season opener was a rematch from the first round of last year's playoffs, in which San Jose turned in a four-game sweep that led to the dismissal of Vancouver Coach Alain Vigneault.
John Tortorella was hired to replace Vigneault and his debut with the Canucks was spoiled by San Jose's domination of the second and third periods.
Brent Burns and Justin Braun tallied in the second period and Patrick Marleau and Tommy Wingels had third-period goals.
Niemi made 21 saves and the only goal he allowed came on the power play by Jason Garrison.
Roberto Luongo gave up all four goals on 35 shots.
