Canucks Army GDT #31 – Canucks vs. Stars

After a few days off to rest and reflect on the embarrassing 5-1 loss to the New York Rangers on Saturday night, the Canucks are finally back in action to take on the Dallas Stars in the second game of their four game pre-Christmas home stand. After being atop the NHL standings less than two weeks ago, their short 4-game losing skid has dropped the Canucks to within just two points of the final playoff spot in the West. They have also dropped 5 games in a row against the struggling Dallas Stars, so the Canucks are surely keen to snap a couple of bad streaks and put some more daylight between themselves and the Flames and Wild.

Read past the jump for a preview of tonight’s game.

Puck Drop: 7:00 PM PST

TV: Sportsnet

Radio: TSN 1040

To say the Stars have been disappointing this season is an understatement. After making the biggest offseason splash by acquiring Jason Spezza via trade, Dallas hasn’t been able to repeat their strong 5v5 play last season as they sit tied for last in the Central division. However, their record likely isn’t fully indicative of their talent, as some poor goaltending has let them down this year. Kari Lehtonen sits 47th in the NHL with a 0.912 even strength save percentage, which is tied with Eddie Lack, and 11 places ahead of Ryan Miller (0.903).

Speaking of Miller and Lack, it appears that the Canucks have followed Thom Drance’s advice from yesterday, and are starting Eddie Lack tonight in place of Ryan Miller. To be honest, neither goalie’s performance has been acceptable so far this season, but Miller’s at the age where a goalie’s play really begins to deteriorate. He’s not a true talent 0.900 save percentage goalie right now – at least he really shouldn’t be for another two years or so – so you should expect him to pull that up going forward. Still, his struggles have opened the door for Lack to perhaps muscle away a few more starts should he string together a few good games, and Eddie can make a good case for himself tonight.

Dallas has owned the Canucks recently though, as they’ve won five games in a row against Vancouver. Erik Cole and Tyler Seguin in particular have lit the Canucks up recently. Cole has struggled mightily in recent years, but has 12 goals in his last 10 games against Vancouver. Seguin, who leads the NHL in goals with 23 and points with 38, has also lit up Vancouver with 4 goals and 7 assists in his last 5 meetings against the Canucks.

If there’s a fatal flaw to Dallas, it’s that they can’t prevent goals, shots, or shot attempts to save their life. They’re dead last in the NHL allowing 2.91 5v5 goals against per 60 minutes, and are the 2nd worst team in the West at preventing shots and attempts, ahead of only the Colorado Avalanche. This means that, despite a super high-end scoring and shot rate, they aren’t really capable of outscoring or outshooting opponents. They rank one spot below Vancouver in score-adjusted Corsi at 49.8%, overtaking the New York Rangers.

If the narrative that fast teams give Vancouver trouble is true and not just a euphemism for “the Canucks aren’t very good,” then Vancouver’s defence corps may be in trouble tonight. That top line of Benn, Spezza, and Seguin seems like it would be lethal off the rush, and, well, we all remember Saturday. Vancouver will have to be very careful to not get torched once again tonight.