CANUCKSARMY GDT 23 – CANUCKS @ DEVILS
By Always90four
6 years agoIt feels like forever since the Canucks last played a game, but they get back in the saddle tonight to take on the New Jersey Devils, who currently sit 7th overall in the NHL standings. That’s great, and all but the Canucks are riding high after convincing wins against the Flyers and Penguins on the road.
The eastern road swing continues against a tough Devils squad that won’t give up many chances, but with the Canucks newfound offence, Vancouver will look to continue their impressive pace.
Let’s do this!
WATCH / LISTEN / FACE-OFF
TV: SNET-P
RADIO: SN650
PUCK DROP: 4:00 PM
LINE COMBINATIONS
Erik Gudbranson left the game in Pittsburgh, but it looks like he’ll be ok to play tonight. Chris Tanev has been in the mix to return and could get into the lineup as early as this evening. Alex Biega would be the first person to be scratched. Derek Dorsett returned to Vancouver to get his neck looked at and won’t return on the trip. Troy Stecher is eerily close to returning but probably won’t play until the weekend.
Jacob Markstrom will get the start.
Vancouver Canucks lines courtesy of Dailyfaceoff.com:
| LW | C | RW |
|---|---|---|
 SVEN BAERTSCHI |  BO HORVAT |  BROCK BOESER |
 DANIEL SEDIN |  HENRIK SEDIN |  JAKE VIRTANEN |
 LOUI ERIKSSON |  MARKUS GRANLUND |  THOMAS VANEK |
 BRENDAN GAUNCE |  BRANDON SUTTER |  SAM GAGNER |
| DEFENSIVE PAIRINGS | |
|---|---|
 ALEXANDER EDLER |  DERRICK POULIOT |
 MICHAEL DEL ZOTTO |  ALEX BIEGA |
 BEN HUTTON |  ERIK GUDBRANSON |
New Jersey is battling injuries as well with Marcus Johannson sidelined with a concussion, Marco Mueller is out with a clavicle injury, and Kyle Palmieri is out with a foot injury. How New Jersey is Kyle Palmieri though? That name was fit to play for this team.
Cory Schneider will start. Like there was any doubt?
New Jersey Devils lines courtesy of Dailyfaceoff.com:
| LW | C | RW |
|---|---|---|
 TAYLOR HALL |  TRAVIS ZAJAC |  JESPER BRATT |
 ADAM HENRIQUE |  NICO HISCHIER |  BRIAN GIBBONS |
 MILES WOOD |  BRIAN BOYLE |  DREW STAFFORD |
 PAVEL ZACHA |  BLAKE COLEMAN |  JIMMY HAYES |
| DEFENSIVE PAIRINGS | |
|---|---|
 ANDY GREENE |  STEVEN SANTINI |
 JOHN MOORE |  DAMON SEVERSON |
 WILL BUTCHER |  BEN LOVEJOY |
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
- The Canucks power play. Currently sitting at 19.8%, it was dismal only a few weeks ago. Since Nov 1, the Canucks are sporting a 25% PP efficiency good enough for 9th in the league. Overloading the top unit and creating a shooter position has increased their rate at a staggering pace. It may not be sustainable all year, but right now it’s dangerous and will take some serious defence to stop it.
- November has also been a very giving month for opponents of both teams. Vancouver and New Jersey have allowed 34 and 33 goals respectively against their opponents this month so saying this will be low scoring is a bold prediction. Expect a 6-5 type game.
- Thomas Vanek has six assists in his last six games. The Austrian sniper is now the playmaking winger many would not have predicted. He isn’t just passing though, Vanek has nine shots on net in that time and will undoubtedly start seeing the red light go off.
- Loui Eriksson is addressing his haters on the scoresheet. In his last five games played, Eriksson has two goals and four assists, two power play points and one shorthanded assist. The $6-million man is warming up to his role on the Canucks and is turning in some quality starts. If Eriksson can stay in the dirty areas, his goal totals most likely will be going up, and his physical presence will keep the puck away from defenders. Is Loui Eriksson actually good?
- Not to be outdone by his other depth teammates, Derek Pouliot is emerging as a staple on the Canucks blue line. He’s being used on the PP/PK on the regular, he’s amassing points from his heads-up play, and he’s yet another Jim Benning guy that someone else gave up on that the Canucks can shape into a valuable asset to the team.
THE TWITTER TAKE
A great idea, a great cause, a great #flow
MY 94 CENTS
This has been some kind of tear the Canucks have been on lately. Obviously, it hasn’t been perfect, and a few injuries have mounted, but it’s becoming cool to be a Canucks fan again. Since the last time New Jersey faced Vancouver, there have been some significant changes in the power play, the production of the top line and heck, even the Sedins!
Tonight is the beginning of the New York circuit, and the Canucks could emerge as one of the hottest teams in the league by the time it’s all said and done. I’m looking forward to this one but don’t be surprised if both teams come out sluggish after a Thanksgiving feast yesterday.
OVER / UNDER
Thomas Vanek points (+/- 3) Go with the under. I think Vanek has a good night, but he’ll max out at two points.
Derek Pouliot assists (+/- 2) This feels like a push. Pouliot has been quietly impressing on the back end, and his confidence is showing when there are shifts where the defence doesn’t look like it has any.
The Pint is your home for all things game day. Come down for game day specials like $5 mugs of bud and bud light and get 20% off food if you’re a season ticket holders.
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