CANUCKS ARMY GDT# 25 – CANUCKS VS. LEAFS (HNIC)
By Always90four
7 years ago
Saturday night, Hockey Night in Canada, Canucks/Leafs.
What else could you honestly want in a game? This one has a chance to be a classic. No, not because we all think Erik Gudbranson is going to “kill” Matt Martin (because let’s be serious, he hasn’t hurt a fly this year) or that Auston Matthews gets to shine under the lights of Rogers Arena.
This game is going to be a classic because even though the Canucks have fallen out of relevance in the league’s mind, the spark that was ignited a few weeks ago has re-lit the flame bringing the east coast/west coast rivalry back.
Usually, when the Canucks and Leafs played in the past, it was must-see TV. Tonight, I believe we are going to get that again.
BROADCAST INFO
TV: CBC – HNIC (it’s the biggest game of the week)
RADIO: TSN 1040
PUCK DROP: 4:00PM
LINE COMBOS
No big changes tonight. Maybe a game-time decision but I doubt it.
Ryan Miller starts.
Vancouver Canucks lines courtesy of Dailyfaceoff.com:
| LW | C | RW |
|---|---|---|
 Daniel Sedin |  Henrik Sedin |  Brandon Sutter |
 Markus Granlund |  Michael Chaput |  Loui Eriksson |
 Sven Baertschi |  Bo Horvat |  Alexandre Burrows |
 Jack Skille |  Brendan Gaunce |  Jayson Megna |
| Defensive Pairings | |
|---|---|
 Luca Sbisa |  Troy Stecher |
 Ben Hutton |  Erik Gudbranson |
 Nikita Tryamkin |  Philip Larsen |
Frankie Corrado will be a healthy scratch against the Canucks which is a real shame; really thought he was going to be something big. Auston Matthews gets his second look at the Canucks because THAT’S who he really is concerned about. Matt Martin will be in the lineup. Oh boy.
Frederik Anderson is expected to start.
Toronto Maple Leafs lines courtesy of Dailyfaceoff.com:
| LW | C | RW |
|---|---|---|
 James van Riemsdyk |  Tyler Bozak |  Mitchell Marner |
 Zach Hyman |  Auston Matthews |  Connor Brown |
 Leo Komarov |  Nazem Kadri |  Nikita Soshnikov |
 Matt Martin |  William Nylander |  Ben Smith |
| Defensive Pairings | |
|---|---|
 Morgan Rielly |  Nikita Zaitsev |
 Jake Gardiner |  Connor Carrick |
 Matt Hunwick |  Roman Polak |
GAME NOTES, STATS AND OTHER INTERESTING INFO
- Not like it needs to be said but, THIS IS A BIG FREAKING GAME tonight! Losing to the Leafs is not an option and after the Canucks were embarrassed last time in Toronto, it’s time for payback. This might even be Philip Larsen’s biggest game he’s ever played.
- The Department of Player Safety is watching this one tonight and even though nothing is likely to happen to warrant extra attention, it wouldn’t hurt the Canucks to test the league a bit. The way they treat the Canucks is such a joke anyways, they might as well get their money’s worth if something goes down.
- Everyone on both teams are saying all the right things, speaking in hockey cliche 101, 2 points, looking ahead, BLAH BLAH BLAH – The Canucks want to right the wrong that was caused last time and whether it’s on the scoresheet or in the penalty box, the Canucks need to show up. Especially, after the dud against the Ducks.
- Troy Stecher needs to be used more. Everyone talked about Bo Horvat’s lack of ice time against the Ducks, well how about passing the puck to Stecher and letting him shoot? You have a super rookie on the top power play unit and you think a down low play is going to pan out? IT’S THE CANUCKS, PEOPLE!
- I brought up Philip Larsen and he has to be happy I did. Chris Tanev and Alex Edler will come back at some point (right?) and the PP specialist will need to show he has worth or it’s Utica for that fella. It probably will be tough to do as he’s now buried in the lineup. Oh well, it was a nice idea.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
See Toronto, this is why you can’t have nice things. It’s entirely possible this was Jeff Veillette’s idea. But seriously, Frankie Corrado? Wouldn’t that mean Auston gets the snub? Leafs nation isn’t the brightest bunch, are they?
MY TAKE
The last time both of these teams faced off, it didn’t end well. It was great to see some passion out of the Canucks because it’s been awhile since we’ve seen any. The game of the week, as far as Canada is concerned (or at least BC anyways) puts this one off the charts for hype. Canucks take this one in regulation and Nikita Tryamkin plays star.
ARE THE LEAFS OFFICIALLY BETTER THAN THE CANUCKS?
No, not yet. Toronto has 2 more points than Vancouver going into tonight but they play in the weak Eastern Conference. However, the Canucks play in a pretty weak division so maybe that’s a wash? The Leafs will never be better than the Canucks, I’m sure there is a stat or a Bill that declares such facts. Tonight will further that statement.
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