Let’s Go Boys!
The Canucks are back in action tonight, taking on the hated Chicago Blackhawks in the first of four games on the road. Cory Schneider is expected to get the start in goal and David Booth will play his first game of the season.
On the road again
The Canucks roll into the windy city tonight to face-off against the rival Blackhawks. In one almost emotionless meeting this season, the Canucks beat the Blackhawks 2-1 in the shootout.
The first game between the two teams that took place on February 1st was expected to be a rough game as it marked the teams first meetings since Duncan Keith elbowed Daniel Sedin, forcing the Canucks winger to miss the remainder of the regular season and the first three games of the playoffs.
What the Canucks need to do to win:
Quiet down the Madhouse
In order for the Canucks to do that, they’ll need to get on Chicago early and often. Ray Emery is in goal for an injured Cory Crawford (upper-body) and is 5-0 in all his starts this season.
If the Canucks want to quiet down the Madhouse, they’ll have to pepper Emery and the Hawks early.
The Nucks need to get on Chicago early and often
Snap the streaks
The Canucks are on a two game losing streak after winning six straight. It’s hard to find a lot to complain about when a team is 6-2-2 in their last ten, but this “mini” streak is surely one the Canucks will want to snap tonight against the Blackhawks team that has yet to lose a game in regulation this season.
The Hawks, 12-0-3 are one point off Anaheim started the 2006-07 season with a 12-0-4 record. The Canucks will look to play spoiler and end the Hawks winning ways.
Contributions from everyone
The Canucks are in need of some secondary scoring. The line of the Sedin’s with Burrows has been in on four of the last six goals during this two game “mini slump.”
Solid play from Mason Raymond and Chris Higgins will be keys to getting some secondary scoring. Zack Kassian is goalless in his last seven games, but has registered two assists.
He’s seen his ice time drop as well during these last few games as well. If he’s going to stay in the line up, he’ll need to do more to contribute both on and off the score sheet.
David Booth’s return brings some speed and scoring back to the line up. He’ll start on the fourth line with Dale Weise and Max Lapierre, but likely move his way up throughout the game.
There you go, folks. My keys to winning the game tonight – Quiet down the Madhouse, Snap the “mini” slump, end the Hawks winning ways and get some much needed secondary scoring.
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About Mitch Dyck
