Preseason Game #4 Preview: Coyotes @ Canucks

Who says nothing happens in the preseason? Last time out, the Canucks dropped their 3rd straight preseason game, but more importantly, Zack Kassian and Dale Weise got into some trouble, and Jordan Schroeder blocking a shot.

While all of that certainly provided us with a handful of new things to discuss, I’m sure most fans would be just fine with a rather uneventful showing tonight. This marks the 4th of 6 preseason games for the Canucks, as the Coyotes come to town.

Read on past the jump for a look at tonight’s expected lineup, and some other news and notes. 

Puck-Drop: 7 PM PST

Television: Rogers Sportsnet Pacific

Radio: Team 1040

In net: Roberto Luongo, Eddie Lack

(*) At the time we posted this, we still hadn’t received word on the status of Kassian and Weise. Well, we now know that they’ve both been suspended for the remainder of the preseason. No word yet on who fills in for them, but we do know that Brendan Gaunce and Bo Horvat skated as extras during the morning skate this morning.

Either way, there’s no doubt that this incarnation of the lineup is the most competitive one we’ve seen this preseason. In fact, this version of the Canucks could be very similar to what we’ll see on October 3rd, with the exception of a few names.

A few notable names are missing still, but we don’t have an update on their statuses, unfortunately. Jordan Schroeder’s foot, Nicklas Jensen’s "upper body injury", and David Booth’s groin are all still up in the air. Also, Dan Hamhuis will sit this one out with "overall body soreness". 

The Coyotes didn’t get the memo, apparently, as they’re sitting veterans like Doan, Ribeiro, Michalek, and Mike Smith. They’ll be going with former San Jose Sharks #2 Thomas Greiss in net. All is not lost for people attending the game though, as Gilbert Brule makes his triumphant return to Vancouver! This past summer’s first round pick, Max Domi, is also expected to play.

Finally, the Canucks sent 4 more guys down to Utica, as they’re getting closer and closer to having their opening night roster set. The casualties this time around were Joe Cannata, Patrick Mullen, Benn Ferriero, and Canucks Army favourite, Yann Sauve.

We’ll probably provide some commentary on Twitter throughout the game, so I encourage you to follow along.