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CANUCKS ARMY GDT# 65 – CANUCKS VS. WILD
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Always90four
Feb 15, 2016, 15:00 ESTUpdated:
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Alright, lets just get that last game out of our minds period. The Vancouver Canucks and Minnesota Wild split the first two games in Minny and this is the “Rubber Match”. Jacob (pronounced ya-kub) Markstrom is starting so this might just be a win already.  Basically, every game now is must win, unless of course you are #teamtank and none of this matters to you anymore.
BROADCAST INFO
TV: SNET-P
RADIO: TSN 1040
PUCK DROP: 7:00PM
LINE COMBOS
Bo Horvat blocked a shot against the Leafs on Saturday and is questionable but he should play, he’s Bo. Dan Hamhuis also didn’t practice Sunday and with his injuries who knows? Alex Friesen is expected to make his NHL debut, but don’t expect the same treatment opposing players get in their debut, this Canucks team doesn’t score much, so don’t expect a magical story.
Jacob Markstrom gets the nod tonight. He’s been legendary in his last 6 starts going 5-0-1. Marky Mark will be ready.
Vancouver Canucks lines courtesy of Dailyfaceoff.com:
Defensive Pairings
 
Dan Hamhuis
 
Chris Tanev
 
Ben Hutton
 
Matt Bartkowski
 
Yannick Weber
 
Luca Sbisa
Not many big stories coming out of the Wild lineup but Jared Spurgeon who was out for a few games may be back tonight, Thomas Vanek should also play. Mike Yeo was fired over the weekend and the Wild will be coached temporarily by John Torchetti, formerly of F1 and Indy Car racing (just kidding, but the name is close)
Devon Dubnyk is expected to start, he’s done alright against the Canucks.
Minnesota Wild lines courtesy of Dailyfaceoff.com:
  • The Canucks are 5 points back of the playoffs today, they’re also 7 points back of AUSTON FREAKING MATTHEWS!!! Are you #teamtank or #teamsweep? Either way, the season is going to be a giant tire fire before its all over. I’m #teamsweep, I love the playoffs so tonight’s game is important to me and I think you should join me.
  • It was nice to see Daniel Sedin score last game, now we know they’re still being played out there. Willie Desjardins needs to recognize that Henrik and Daniel are STILL the team’s two best players so any situation where it’s important, maybe they put the Twins out there. If they were indeed used properly, Daniel Sedin being 7 points back of 10th overall might be a possibility. As long as he’s coaching that won’t happen.
  • Do you like Radim Vrbata, would you LOVE it if he played for say a team that was a contender and has juicy prospects we can all drool over? GET HIM THE FRICKIN PUCK!!! This is not Vrby’s ideal season and it would be tough to paint a picture where we get max value for him but he’s getting the chances so maybe just maybe Bo Horvat gets him the puck tonight and we see a Vrbata smoke show. I’m hoping here.
  • Feeling terrible for embarrassing their fans, the Canucks GO BACK to the skate for another night and win. They think “Hey, maybe we go back to these and somehow the Cup becomes a possibility again?” Im reaching and you caught me. The skate isn’t coming back at all and I’m sorry….so sorry.
  • Speaking of Radim Vrbata, if you mosey on over to waronice.com and check out his PP stats, his CF% is 88.6, dropping off 3 points from last year which he did quite well. His PDO has taken a pretty big hit too going from 112.4 to this seasons underperforming 96.9. Considering how every facet of the Canucks game is dreadful, these stats should be taken with a grain of salt; but we all know he’s a guy that can finish so just give him the puck.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
MY TAKE
Wow! Tough to tell what Canucks team/coach/gameplan shows up tonight but with Dubnyk in net, the Canucks will have their work cut out for them. If Horvat does indeed miss the game, there’s a big hole. Canucks drop this one in regulation.
WHAT’D I MISS?
Prediction: DUMP IT ALL FOR STAMKOS

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