What shaped up as the last chance for Cory Schneider and Cody Hodgson turned out to the Sergei Shirokov show on Sunday night.

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Vancouver Canucks defenceman Aaron Rome is hit along the boards by Liam Reddox Sunday in Edmonton.

Photograph by : Dan Riedlhuber, Reuters

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For the record, in this interminable preseason for the Canucks, it was a 5-4 overtime loss as Edmonton Oilers' Tom Gilbert scored on a slapshot at 3:03. Vancouver finished the preseason at 7-0-2, tying the franchise record for most wins.

Shirokov, the speedy Russian winger who played in the KHL last season, only got better in his second game back after missing a week with a knee sprain.

Shirokov collected two assists to give him seven points in four preseason games, but more to the point he got better after an impressive game in Calgary the previous night. The pint-sized (5-foot-10, 170 pounds) rookie seems to get better with better players. Shirokov appeared completely at home with the Sedins during a power play that led to Henrik's goal that tied the game 3-3.

"I think for a guy who's come into his first training camp he's done very well," said Canucks GM Mike Gillis.

Schneider played reasonably well, despite the five goals against, and was a victim of a Canucks team that appeared to be showing the effects of a long preseason. He isn't likely to win the battle for backup goaltender, as Andrew Raycroft was more consistent in his games.

Hodgson also built on his game in Calgary, posting his first assist on a nice pass to Christian Ehrhoff. But Hodgson, 19, doesn't appear ready for the NHL and looks destined to be returned to junior.

The regular season starts Thursday in Calgary.