Second Chances
Just under a week ago, the Anaheim Ducks strolled into Rogers Arena and stole the Vancouver Canucks sunshine. The ageless wonder Teemu Selanne had a four point night and Daniel Winnik of all people had another two goals. It wasn’t pretty. Tonight, the Canucks get to spoil Anaheim’s home opener.
Matchup: Vancouver Canucks (1-1-1) v Anaheim Ducks (2-0-0)
Venue: Honda Center
Time: 7:00 pm
TV/Radio: Sportsnet, Team 1040
Game Notes
It’s the first California road trip of the season for Vancouver which could mean another healthy dose of Canuck fans in the building. It’s also a game against the Ducks, so expect a lot of goals and lead changes. The Ducks haven’t played since Monday, so hope that the Canucks can capitalize on their rust early.
What to watch: Anaheim
The Ducks haven’t won three straight to open the season since the won the cup in 2006-2007. They’re also hoping Bobby Ryan can get on the scoresheet for the first time this year. Daniel Winnik, meanwhile, has four goals to start the year as the Ducks have enjoyed a very balanced offensive attack.
Selanne needs just a single powerplay goal to move past Phil Esposito on the all-time list at 250. His four point game last Saturday was the first four-pointer from a player over 40 since Gordie Howe in 1971. What a guy.
Line-up
Kyle Palmieri-Corey Perry-Ryan Getzlaf
Bobby Ryan-Nick Bonino-Teemu Selanna
Daniel Winnik-Saku Koivu-Andrew Cogliano
Maxim Lapierre will play tonight- (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Jonathan Hayward)
Matt Belesky-Rickard Rakell-Devante Smith-Pelly
Toni Lydman-Francios Beauchemin
Bryan Allen-Cam Fowler
Luca Sbisa-Sheldon Souray
Jonas Hiller
Frederik Andersen
What to Watch: Vancouver
Maxim Lapierre missed practice this week with a groin strain but will play tonight.
Manny Malhotra is celebrating the birth of a baby boy last night in Vancouver and will miss the game. Andrew Ebbett will replace him and Manny will back for Sunday’s tilt against the Sharks.
Henrik Sedin ties Stan Smyl for second all-time on the Canucks’ games played list at 896.
Line-up
- Daniel Sedin-Henrik Sedin-Zack Kassian
- Chris Higgins-Alex Burrows-Jannik Hansen
- Mason Raymond-Jordan Schroeder-Dale Weise
- Andrew Ebbett-Maxim Lapierre-Aaron Volpatti
- Dan Hamhuis-Kevin Bieksa
- Jason Garrison-Alex Edler
- Keith Ballard-Alex Edler
- Cory Schneider
- Roberto Luongo
Key Match-Up
Fresh off his birthday yesterday, the golden boy Zack Kassian will try to wreak havoc on Anaheim’s defence, mainly the wonderkid Cam Fowler who missed Saturday’s game.
Scott Neidermayer has been brought into the coaching staff on the Ducks mainly to teach Fowler how to play like him.
Prediction
Unpredictable probably. 4-3 regulation win for the Canucks, the Sedins score a highlight reeler.
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About Richard Hodges
