GDRC – Canucks @ Predators

The Vancouver Canucks wrap up their 4-game road trip in Nashville tonight as they face off against the surprising Predators.

The Canucks will be looking to rebound after a mostly flat performance in Raleigh against the league’s worst team on Saturday.
The Predators host the Canucks tonight with both clubs sporting similar records. Nashville, however, is two points ahead as they have pushed two of their losses to OT/SO, gaining a couple of extra points. Both teams have played the same number of games and have the same number of wins, but the Preds’ extra points put them in a playoff spot, while the Canucks are on the outside looking in.

A win tonight for the Canucks will put them at 3-1-0 for this road trip and get them closer to .500 away from GM Place. Furthermore, it gives the Canucks some momentum back after their deflating effort against the Hurricanes, leading them into their 8-game home stand.

Roberto Luongo will return to the starting line-up after sitting out last game. Shane O’Brien is also expected to play tonight, fueling speculation that he is being showcased and shopped around for a possible trade. SOB has had trouble fitting into the roster, given the Canucks’ glut of defensemen, and it appears he has ultimately become the odd man out. The Canucks will likely not be willing or able to take salary back in return, so they’ll get nothing more than a 3rd round draft pick or lower.
While O’Brien’s days in a Vancouver uniform appear to be numbered, let’s hope the Canucks road losses are, as well. An overtime point would be respectable, but a win would be perfect. The Canucks need to play a boring, stifling game and gut out a classic 2-1 road win. Yes, that would do nicely.