The last time we got together, we thought the Canucks might squeak out one more win against the Flames; they didn’t. Thankfully Calgary was embarrassed by Anaheim and we got a better draft pick. So the Canucks are ready to wow the 2015 winners of Kraft Hockeyville, North Saanich and who would be a better opponent than our buddies, the San Jose Sharks? 

BROADCAST INFO

TV: Sportsnet ONE
Radio: TSN 1040
Puck Drop: 7:30pm

LINEUPS

Things are going to get crazy for the next little bit with the roster blender in full effect. This is the first real test for the rookies and veterans alike to mix and mingle. Not a lot to go on here, but the obvious is keep an eye out on the carry-overs from Penticton.
Lining up for the Canucks:
Sven Baertschi – Brandon Sutter – Radim Vrbata
Chris Higgins – Bo Horvat – Jannik Hansen
Brendan Gaunce – Adam Cracknell – Alex Grenier
John Kurtz – Blair Jones – Nicklas Jensen
Alex Edler – Chris Tanev
Matt Bartkowski – Luca Sbisa
Ben Hutton – Alex Biega
Jacob Markstrom
Richard Bachmann
As for the Sharks, 2015 first round pick Timo Meier will be on display and our good bud Raffi Torres is a fin. These games are tough to get excited for, but hopefully we see some sparks.

REASONS TO WATCH THIS PRESEASON GAME

  • It’s the first actual Canucks hockey since April. That alone is reason enough to tune in.
  • The Monday nighter is the Colts vs. the Jets. Let’s call it now, Indy wins. Ok, back to the Canucks.
  • Lets just assume Jake Virtanen does something really impressive, say one of his patented murders (side note for new CA readers: these are not actual murders but large, over the top hits that take on a career ending life of their own) and we all get on Twitter and talk about it for days.
  • This is the first game involving both new and returning players. No more rookies vs. rookies! This hockey is real…ish! Hunter Shinkaruk had a good preseason against the Sharks in 2013, so maybe we’ll see a repeat?
  • https://youtu.be/hZ5cGl5TY20
  • If you’re AT the game this evening then this will get you right in the feels:

    WHAT THEY’RE SAYING


    MY TAKE

    I don’t have high expectations for this game but, all-in-all, I’m happy that Canucks hockey is back! I’m willing to see this team transition, but there has to be an honest attempt. The Canucks aren’t going to be terrible this year, and who knows? Maybe they surprise us again. We still have the Sedins and they’re just dandy still. The Sharks will probalby take this one, though; I’m going with 3-1 as the score.