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Canucks Army GDT #36 – Canucks vs. Kings
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Rhys Jessop
Jan 1, 2015, 14:32 ESTUpdated:
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After a short two-game road swing to close out 2014, the Vancouver Canucks are back at home to ring in the new year against the Los Angeles Kings. Los Angeles has struggled to gain traction on the road this season, but there’s a reason why they’re the defending Stanley Cup champions: they’re still really good and will run you out of the building if you’re not careful as Vancouver learned earlier in 2014-15.
The playoff race in the Pacific division is also as tight as ever with four teams within one point of one another. The Kings will overtake Vancouver, San Jose, and Calgary with a win tonight, so the Canucks should be extra motivated to put forth their best effort.
Read past the jump for a preview of tonight’s game.

Broadcast Info

Puck Drop: 7:00 PM PST
TV: Sportsnet Pacific
Radio: TSN 1040

Lineups

Courtesy of DailyFaceoff.com
Jannik Hansen will skate on the second line with Derek Dorsett playing with Alex Burrows and Bo Horvat on line 4. Zack Kassian is healthy and cleared to play, but likely will not dress tonight. Ryan Miller will start in net.
Defensive Pairings
 
Jake Muzzin
 
Drew Doughty
 
Alec Martinez
 
Matt Greene
 
Brayden McNabb
 
Jamie McBain
No word on any roster changes or starting goalies for Los Angeles. Expect Jonathan Quick to play.

Head to Head

Storylines

  1. No Zack Attack – After some controversy about whether he had been cleared to play on Tuesday, Zack Kassian has definitely been cleared to play this time around, but won’t dress against the Kings. Vancouver could use his size against an abrasive opponent like Los Angeles, but more importantly, they could use another good winger and Kassian is a good winger. Coupled with the recent trade rumours, it makes you speculate about Kassian’s standing with the organization.
  2. Back on Track – The Kings have put an uncharacteristically poor start in terms of puck possession behind them and once again become one of the NHL’s premiere teams in terms of Corsi%. They’re just 4-3-3 in their last 10 games, but 1-5 in the shootout, and have dragged themselves back into the playoff race. With a win tonight, they’ll move into second in the Pacific division.
  3. Road Woes – While the Kings have a dominant 14-4-2 record in Los Angeles, they’ve struggled on the road. Away from home, they’re just 4-8-6 with an even goal differential at 5-on-5. They’re still very dangerous though, as they have an NHL-best 54.2% Corsi on the road.

Game Day Reading

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