CANUCKS ARMY GDT #75 – CANUCKS VS. STARS (HNIC PREVIEW)

9 years ago

It’s been a few days since we all demanded that all the Millionaires jerseys be burned in the middle Library Square. Losing to the Avs wasn’t fun and didn’t help the Canucks efforts to make the playoffs. Today is a new day and a new opponent. The Dallas Stars are in town on the second half of a back to back (heard this before?) after losing to the Edmonton Oilers 4-0.

Dallas actually was flying last night but it was just another example of not being able to buy a goal. The Canucks know that one all too well. So tonight, its the latest edition of the biggest game of the season, its Hockey Night in Canada and a win would be nice.

BROADCAST INFO

Puck Drop: 7 PM Pacific

TV: CBC – Hockey Night in Canada

Radio: TSN 1040

LINEUPS

LW	C	RW
Daniel Sedin	Henrik Sedin	Alexandre Burrows
Chris Higgins	Nick Bonino	Radim Vrbata
Shawn Matthias	Linden Vey	Derek Dorsett
Ronalds Kenins	Bo Horvat	Jannik Hansen

Defensive Pairings
Alexander Edler	Chris Tanev
Dan Hamhuis	Yannick Weber
Luca Sbisa	Kevin Bieksa

Eddie Lack starts and will finish too! The Millionaires jerseys are on the IR, so that should be an instant boost. Zack Kassian and Brad Richardson are day to day and likely won’t suit up.

LW	C	RW
Jamie Benn	Tyler Seguin	Patrick Eaves
Cody Eakin	Jason Spezza	Ales Hemsky
Antoine Roussel	Vernon Fiddler	Colton Sceviour
Curtis McKenzie	Shawn Horcoff	Brett Ritchie

Defensive Pairings
Jyrki Jokipakka	Alex Goligoski
Patrik Nemeth	John Klingberg
Jordie Benn	Jason Demers

Trevor Daley is day to day. Kari Lehtonen played last night, but Dallas believes they are still in the hunt so he should get the go.

HEAD TO HEAD

REASONS TO WATCH THIS GAME

LA is a game back of the Canucks so tonight’s game is a must win. Dallas losing to Edmonton last night deeply hurt their chances of making it. 2 points, 2 points, 2 points. ‘Nuff said.
The Sedins and Radim Vrbata are big Saturday night performers (4G and 5A combined in last 3 Saturdays) and all eyes are watching again. I doubt they disappoint.
The Stars hold the edge in the season series so far but the Canucks are a different team since December. Well, kinda.
Even though they wouldn’t say it, Daniel and Henrik will want to show Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn that its not a good idea to call them out. Odd as $#%@ or not, the Sedins do their talking on the ice.
Yannick Weber is the new found weapon on the PP, better late than never. Vancouver has not been getting a ton of chances but they need to start using Weber for their big shot; something about goals going in or whatever.
Dallas has won six straight versus the Nucks so maybe get the memo Vancouver and flip the switch.
There were no moral victories last game and no victory either so that double whammy should have the Canucks ready to rebound tonight.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

MY TAKE

Canucks vs Stars is usually an exciting matchup. The playoffs have given us some beauties, the 2011 run had some tight finishes and now that the stars have Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin in their primes, this should be another classic. The Canucks can beat these guys, but they can’t afford to go down 2-0 again. I’m optimistic for tonight; 4-2 Canucks and Shawn Matthias scores a highlight reel goal.