Record Scratch: Canucks & Oilers

> F-Bomb Motivation: There was bound to be some quiet furiosity from the coaching staff after their record-scratching loss to the Edmonton, a game in which the Oilers scored four times, limited one of the top scoring teams to a single tally and silenced their top-ranked power play as well. Like any good coach, he let the curses fly. You can’t fault the Canucks for taking their foot off the gas, but at the same time you can’t leisurely skate into the playoffs either (certainly not with the prospect of the Hawks, Stars or Ducks on the horizon). Luongo will return to the net and Samuelsson returns to the second line alongside Higgins and Kesler. Raymond remains the third line pivot between Torres and Hansen and Lapierre will center Glass and Tambellini.

> Another Long Summer: The Oilers already proved you can’t ignore any team no matter what time of the season it is. At least Canucks fans got to see some of the skills the Oil rookies have which was fun to see, even at our expense. The Hartikainen/Paajarvi/Omark line (lots o’ vowels in there) was on fire and Devan Dubnyk rolled out a very strong game. It sounds like Omark has dropped back to the third line, Paajarvi to the second and Vande Velde will center the first. Dubnyk cast aside 40 shots two nights ago and is likely guaranteed to see at least 30+ shots tonight (the Canucks have averaged 34 shots per game against the Oil this season). Smid may return to the blueline and Brule & Fraser are questionable.

> Impress Your Friends With Knowledge!: If the Canucks need any motivation besides their burnt egos, there’s this: The Oilers need one win to ensure this season isn’t their worst statistical effort in franchise history. They’ll probably get that win, but by sweeping a home and home against the best team in the league? Not bloody likely. [h/t Edmonton Journal]