GDRC – Canucks @ Stars

The Vancouver Canucks look to wrap up a successful road trip in Dallas this afternoon as they face Marty Turco and the Stars.

The Canucks are 2-0-1 on their current road trip, after an improbable comeback win in St. Louis on New Year’s Eve. Reports indicate the Blues head coach was fired following that loss. This would mark the second time this season that a head coach was fired after a loss to the Canucks, making the Canucks the NHL’s version of the Grim Reaper.

The trip from St. Louis to Dallas is not especially long but the Canucks have not fared well in recent afternoon games, both in results and injuries. That said, even a loss today would leave Vancouver at 2-1-1 on this trip when they then head home.

The Canucks will see a new face in their lineup this afternoon as well. Brad Lukowich, who had been playing for the Texas Stars of the AHL, cleared waivers and will likely suit up for the Canucks today. Lukowich brings a solid stay-at-home presence to the blue line and his stats with Texas have been solid so far this year.

This is an important game for the Canucks as the Stars currently sit in the 9th place, only 2 points behind the 7th place Canucks. However the Stars have a very deceptive record as they have 11 OT points. Without the bonus points, the Stars would be in the 12th spot. A win for the Canucks would move them to 5th spot in the conference and keep the Stars at bay.

Let’s hope the Canucks didn’t party too hard on New Year’s Eve and can shake off the cobwebs to finally get a win during an early game.