Canucks Army GDT #7 – Canucks @ Flyers

The Canucks have embarked on their 7 game road trip, which kicks off tonight in the city of Brotherly Love. Thus far this season they’ve done a good job of taking care of business against subpar teams, but have had some serious trouble with teams that are, you know, competent.

Fortunately for them the Flyers, with a 1-5 record on the year, are an absolute mess at the moment. They replaced their coach last week, squeeked out their only win of the season thus far against the lowly Panthers, and then promptly lost 2 in a row (including a walloping at the hands of the Red Wings). They’re missing 2 of their top 6 forwards, Luke Schenn is on their top defensive pairing, and their starting goaltender is Steve Mason. Just remember that when you complain as a Canucks fan..

Considering the way their last 2 games have gone, and what lies ahead on this upcoming road trip, getting back on track in this one would be awfully nice.

Puck Drop: 4 PM PST

TV: Rogers Sportsnet Pacific 

There’s some changes in the lineup for the Canucks in advance of this game, as they’re finally starting to resemble the team that we figured we’d see back in the preseason. Jordan Schroeder, after just 1 practice with the team, is set to make his 2013-14 season debut following a foot injury sustained in the preseason. At least initially, it’s expected that he’ll fill Zac Dalpe’s roll as the 4th line centre, but I’d expect him to quickly jump up to the 3rd line (which would in turn bump Brad Richardson down to the unenviable 4th line gig between Tom Sestito and Dale Weise).

If that’s the case, then we can expect the lines to look something like:

On defense, Alex Edler will be serving the 2nd game of his 3 game suspension, meaning that we’ll see the same pairings as Saturday night. Hopefully Dan Hamhuis doesn’t have a few drinks before tonight’s game. He’s going to get better soon.. right?

According to DailyFaceoff, the Flyers lineup will look something like this:

Interesting. Obviously the Flyers are missing two big pieces up front in Vinny Lecavalier and Scott Hartnell, but still, that’s an ugly team. Only the Buffalo Sabres are scoring fewer goals per game than the Flyers (1.33), which probably has a lot to do with the fact that their best player Claude Giroux has 1 measly assist on the season. They’ve still got some talent in that lineup, and really should be able to generate more offense than they have thus far, but have been an absolute trainwreck all the way around this season.

Somehow their lone bright spot has been Steve Mason, who has looked good in a very limited sample of 4 games. He’s an impending RFA this summer, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that he strings together a few more good starts prompting the Flyers to throw a bunch of money his way. That would be fun. And it would be very Philadelphia Flyers-ish of them; I’m so glad they’re around, because for a hockey fan that’s following along from a distance, they truly do make the NHL a better place.

via NHL.com and Hockey Analysis 

Ready for the Road – If the Canucks score first, and wind up winning, you get $2.80 for every $1 you wager. Keep in mind they’re facing Steve Mason..

Bombs from the Back End – If Jason Garrison scores a goal and the Canucks win, you get $4 for every $1 you bet. After scoring in the 1st two games, Garrison has failed to find the back of the net in the past 4. If he keeps firing 10 shots on goal, though, then you better believe he’ll get back to his scoring ways.

Don’t forget to sign up for Streakcred. There’s 12 games on the schedule tonight, making it a good one to get started if you haven’t already!