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CANUCKS ARMY GDT 65 – CANUCKS VS. PREDATORS
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Always90four
Mar 2, 2018, 15:00 ESTUpdated: Mar 2, 2018, 13:16 EST
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Friday night hockey is here! The Vancouver Canucks are ready to get your weekend started on the right note as they welcome the Nashville Predators to town. Nashville is dominating the NHL right now and claimed their sixth consecutive win last night against the Oilers. The Canucks are once again in yo-yo mode as they do the win/lose/win/lose thing.
It’s a new look Canucks squad after the deadline for a few reasons: Loui Eriksson is done for the year with a broken rib, Brendan Leipsic is playing wingman to the Brock Boeser/Bo Horvat line and Tyler Motte unleashes his PK prowess on the checking line. Losing might not be so bad if Vancouver is playing games like they did against the Rangers the other night. It’s positive progress.
Let’s Do This!™
WATCH / LISTEN / FACE-OFF
TV: SNET-P
RADIO: SN650
PUCK DROP: 7:00 PM
LINE COMBINATIONS
As noted above, new Canuck Brendan Leipsic got the royal treatment and was placed on the Horvat line in his first game. He put up two assists and looked like he fit pretty quick. He’ll get another look on that line. Tyler Motte also stood out but on the PK and Darren Archibald has a balanced attack on the fourth line.
Chris Tanev may be done for the year as well even though he is off crutches. Honestly, let him rest and fire him up next season. What is he going to accomplish in a few weeks? Nothing.
Anders Nilsson played unreal in relief of Jacob Markstrom.
Vancouver Canucks lines courtesy of Dailyfaceoff.com:
Don’t expect this lineup to change tonight. The Predators have won six straight games and as many Canucks fans remember, you don’t change a winning lineup.
Juuse Saros may see the start tonight after Pekka Rinne owned the Oilers one night ago.
Nashville Predators lines courtesy of Dailyfaceoff.com:
WHAT TO WATCH FOR 
  • Back to back games have favored the Predators this season. They have a 5-2 record in the second game of their back to back sets and in most of them, they’ve looked good. Real good. Nashville went down early against the Oilers last night but then just owned them after that. It’s possible the Canucks have a one-off but if they don’t, its #Smashville time.
  • Brendan Leipsic had a pretty nice debut but the Predators aren’t the Rangers. It would be great to see some of his grit, some of his nastiness whilst getting his linemate Brock Boeser the puck before a goal. Travis Green has to like having him available and he used him a lot in Portland in the WHL. This could be something special.
  • Henrik and Daniel Sedin still make beautiful music together against so many teams and the Predators are no different. Since 2015/16, the Sedins have combined for 13 points in 8 games (Henrik played one fewer game). They’ve scored four combined goals so the rest have been of the setup variety. Nikolay Goldobin could be in for a good night.
  • Could it be possible the Canucks have a few league-leaders in their midst? Brandon Sutter is one lucky defensive assignment away from being tied for the league-lead in shorthanded points. Yep, Brandon Sutter, the guy everyone slagged on is a PK specialist that produces. Silver linings come in all packages.
  • The Canucks season has deteriorated from slight promise to forced positivity. This team has blown leads and been run out of the building while at the same time upset heavyweights and produced Calder candidates. When it comes to winning though, the Canucks trail only the Capitals in win% when leading after the first period with a .923 rating. If the Canucks have the lead after one, they are more likely to win than not. Simply unbelievable.
THE TWITTER TAKE
His chemistry with soon to be Calgary Flames forward Dillon Dube is scary good. He’s setting up his teammates in style but when the puck is on his stick and it’s decision time, Kole Lind makes it count. Love that pick.
MY 94 CENTS
I’m feeling pretty good these days.
My oldest kid is turning into a speed-skating demon, the Kelowna Rockets are a few weeks away from a long (hopefully) playoff run, Kole Lind just signed his ELC, and the Canucks are actually fun to watch right now. Sure, they’re kind of all over the place but losing doesn’t seem to hurt. Brock Boeser seems to have reignited his scoring touch and what a shot it is and the Predators are the latest team that needs to be heartbroken.
It’s Friday, let’s just enjoy this one. It could end up being a big ol’ stinker but there will be reasons to be positive. Grab your favorite brew and hang out with the buds. Just keep thinking that Dahlin is still possible.
EITHER / OR (POSITIVE FEEDBACK HAS E/O RETURNING)
Canucks embarrassing loss or surprising win?     It’s feel-good week in British Columbia. Let’s go with the surprising win. TAKE THE WIN!
Better chance at #2 star: Colton Sissons or Sam Gagner?     All-in again on Vancouver. Former Kelowna Rocket Captain Colton Sissons has done just dandy against the Canucks but tonight is the beginning of a revolution. Sam Gagner has an impressive night but loses out to someone a bit more impressive in a Canucks uniform.
The Pint is your home for all things game day. Come down for game day specials like $5 mugs of bud and bud light and get 20% off food if you’re a season ticket holders

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