Canucks pregame: Elias Pettersson can make history tonight with just one point vs. Kings

Elias Pettersson and the Vancouver Canucks will do battle against the Los Angeles Kings at Rogers Arena this evening, and when they do, all eyes will be on number 40 in blue, as they usually are. With a point tonight, Pettersson can extend his active point streak to 15 games, which would tie him with Petr Nedved and Todd Bertuzzi for the Canucks’ franchise record.

Pettersson’s point streak dates back to the Canucks’ March 4th tilt with the Toronto Maple Leafs, when Pettersson recorded a goal and an assist in a 4-1 Canucks victory. Over the span of the 14 games during his point streak, Pettersson has tallied eight goals and 12 assists.

Pettersson is just four points away from 100 on the season, and has tallied 36 goals and 60 assists to this point.

Another stat to keep an eye on, Pettersson has lifted his career point total to 317 through 318 career games. He’ll play game 319 tonight against the Kings.

Aside from Pettersson, another thing to keep a lookout for is if Akito Hirose will make his NHL debut tonight on defence after signing as a college free agent with the Canucks.

The Kings are certainly going to be bringing their A-game tonight as the Western Conference playoff race is alive and well. The Kings are fighting hard for home ice advantage in the first round and with only three points separating them, Vegas and Edmonton for top spot in the Pacific Division standings, every point matters.

Last night, LA went with Phoenix Copley in goal, meaning Joonas Korpisalo is tonight’s likely starter. Puck drop is at 5 PM tonight  (take note of the start time!) from Rogers Arena.