Canucks game day: Canucks hoping shakeup to power play will lead to victory against Edmonton
2 years ago
Losers of their past — and first — two home games of the season, the Vancouver Canucks held a practice at Scotia Barn, AKA 8 Rinks, in Burnaby yesterday.
The players were keeping things light and their spirits seemed to be high. It appeared clear that the players aren’t in any sort of panic mode, and that they fully believe things are going to turn around sooner or later.
As head coach Travis Green said yesterday, the Canucks’ top guys are going to start scoring sooner or later at five-on-five.
Right…!?
The Canucks have a date with the 5-1 Edmonton Oilers tonight from Rogers Arena in Vancouver, as the Canucks continue to search for their first home win of the season.
Lineups
The Canucks didn’t hold morning skate today. Instead, they had an optional morning skate. Here are the notes from that:
- Tyler Motte, who Travis Green said yesterday is on pace to join the Canucks’ main practice group sometime during this homestand, took part in the skate today. That would suggest that Motte is getting closer and closer to returning.
- Thatcher Demko starts in goal for the Canucks, and Mikko Koskinen will start for the Oilers.
The Canucks’ big shakeup at practice yesterday didn’t come in the form of their 5v5 lines. Instead, it was their power play that got some new looks.
It will be interesting to see if the Canucks change up their set plays a bit with this new personnel. Teams have a read on the two or three plays the Canucks like to go to, and if they don’t change it up a bit, this new personnel will likely be a moot point.
What was said
Travis Green said we’ll see if either Jason Dickinson or Tucker Poolman slot back into the lineup tonight, but wouldn’t say much more.
Green also talked about Quinn Hughes matching up against Connor McDavid in the past.
“He’s a smart player, he’s a fast player. He’s more than capable of playing against a lot of players in the league, he’s shown that. We have confidence in him.”
Justin Bailey knows the opportunity that lies in front of him after being called up from the Abbotsford Canucks. He’s been used on the penalty kill, and if he wants to stick with the team, he’ll need to continue to show he knows how to get the job done short-handed.
Tonight could be a major test of Bailey’s PK abilities.
“Any time you’re playing 3rd or 4th line, you want to be responsible in all aspects of your game, especially on the PK,” said Bailey. “It’s something that I’m working hard on.”
Puck drop is at 7 PM tonight from Rogers Arena.
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