GDRC – Canucks @ Blues

The last time the Vancouver Canucks were in St. Louis, Alex Burrows ended the Blues season with a game-winning  overtime goal. Much different circumstances this time around as the Canucks come off a five-day rest to visit the Blues. Canucks fans are hoping that the longer rest will help bring some ailing bodies back into the line-up.

Roberto Luongo, Daniel Sedin and Steve Bernier could all make their returns to the roster, with Luongo being the most likely depending on how he feels.

The Canucks return to action after a lengthy rest and a stellar performance from goalie Cory Schneider. Schneider had arguably the best game of his young NHL career, stopping 45 of 47 shots. Unfortunately, the team in front of him didn’t offer much offensive support and the Canucks lost 2-1.

The Canucks now face the Blues for the first time since sweeping them out of the playoffs last season. The Blues young line-up, bolstered by the returns of Paul Kariya and Erik Johnson, will be looking to exact some revenge on their early playoff exit.
The Blues have not started this season well. Statistically they’ve had trouble at both ends of the ice, and sit in 14th place in the Western Conference. While their Power Play is in the bottom six of the entire league, their penalty killing has been fairly effective. The other main issue for the Blues is overcoming early deficits.

For the Canucks to find a easy key to success tonight, they will need to get an early lead and hold that through the first period. If the Canucks can jump on the Blues early in the game, they should be able to get back in the win column.