logo
CanucksArmy has no direct affiliation to the Vancouver Canucks, Canucks Sports & Entertainment, NHL, or NHLPA
Canucks Army GDT #39 – Canucks vs Panthers
alt
Rhys Jessop
Jan 8, 2015, 15:14 ESTUpdated:
Comments
A mid-January home date against a middle-of-the pack former Southeast division opponent isn’t exactly one that would be circled so boldly on the calendar for Canucks fans, especially not one against a team as inoffensive as the Florida Panthers. Tonight, however, is different. One of Vancouver’s greatest heroes-turned-villain-turned-hero-once-again is back, as Roberto Luongo takes the crease in Vancouver for the first time since unceremoniously being shipped out at the 2014 trade deadline.
The game likely won’t be as exciting as the reception for Vancouver’s best goalie ever is sure to be, but read past the jump for a preview.

Broadcast Info

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

Lineups

Courtesy of DailyFaceoff.com
Defensive Pairings
 
Alexander Edler
 
Chris Tanev
 
Ryan Stanton
 
Kevin Bieksa
 
Luca Sbisa
 
Yannick Weber
Alex Burrows will continue to skate on line 1. Radim Vrbata will return to the lineup, taking Linden Vey’s place on line 2. Brad Richardson will play after leaving last game with an injury. Frank Corrado has been recalled from Utica, but will not play. Dan Hamhuis is getting closer to returning from injury as he practiced with the team on Thursday. Ryan Miller gets the start in net.
Defensive Pairings
 
Brian Campbell
 
Aaron Ekblad
 
Willie Mitchell
 
Dmitry Kulikov
 
Shane O’Brien
 
Dylan Olsen
Al Montoya has re-joined the team after the birth of his child and will back up tonight. Some guy named Roberto Luongo will start for the Panthers. Perhaps you’ve heard of him.

Head to Head

Storylines

  • Youth Movement – The Florida Panthers have been playing some solid hockey of late and look to be in the mix for a playoff spot in the Atlantic division, sitting just three points behind Boston with four games in hand. Most of this has to do with the play of their young core. Aaron Ekblad is the likely Calder trophy favourite and on pace for a staggering 50 points – nearly unheard of for a 19-year old defenseman – and Alex Barkov is playing tough minutes against top competition and still managing to carry a 54.8% Corsi. 22-year old Nick Bjugstad, who Mike Gillis desperately wanted as a part of the return for Roberto Luongo, is leading the team in scoring with 15 goals and 9 assists in 37 games played.
  • Special Teams – The Vancouver Canucks have struggled at even strength this season, but have been able to remain competitive thanks to an elite penalty kill and an improving power play. Their division-leading +12 goal differential can be attributed almost entirely to special teams too, as Vancouver is +13 at 5-on-4 and 4-on-5 combined. Removing their +6 empty net goal differential, they’re a minus-7 in all other situations.
  • Return of the King – Of course, all the above is just window dressing for the main show tonight: the return of Roberto Luongo to Vancouver. Luongo is indisputably the best goaltender that the Vancouver Canucks have ever had, leading the franchise in all-time wins and shutouts, while trailing only Cory Schneider (who played fewer than 25% of the games Luongo did) in save percentage. Luongo also holds the single season records for most wins (47), most games played (76), most shutouts (9), and longest shutout streak (242:36). He also played a major role in carrying Vancouver to the Stanley Cup finals in 2011, tying Kirk MacLean’s records for most playoff wins (15) and shutouts (4) in a single playoff run. Tonight marks his first game in Vancouver since being dealt last season, and he is sure to be warmly welcomed back.

Gameday Reading

Breaking News