Deep Diss Hockey
The highly anticipated game between the Vancouver Canucks and their rival Chicago Blackhawks earlier this month was tremendously exciting as Vancouver won 2-1 in a shootout but it lacked that physical edge everyone was pining for.
Far from revenge being exacted on Duncan Keith, it was probably the tamest game between the two teams in years in terms of physicality. Both teams said before the game that they were only looking for the two points, and surprisingly that wasn’t just a line to feed the media.
Will this game be any different? We’ve seen three fights in a row now, maybe we can get that number up to five?
Matchup: Vancouver Canucks (8 – 3 – 3) v Chicago Blackhawks (12 – 0– 3)
Venue: United Centre
Time: 5:30 pm
TV/Radio: Sportsnet, Team 1040
Game Notes
It’s the Blackhawks and Canucks. What more do you need.
What to Watch: Chicago
The ‘Hawks are destroying the league right now. They haven’t lost in regulation, and have given up the fewest goals in the league aside from (weirdly) Ottawa.
The Western Conference looks like it will go through Chicago.
It’s the Blackhawks and Canucks. What more do you need.
They’re riding a fifteen game point streak and can tie the NHL record with a win tonight. Of course, ask Detroit last year what happens when a record runs into the Canucks on the road.
Line-up
- Brandon Saad-Jonathan Toews-Marian Hossa
- Patrick Sharp-Dave Bolland-Patrick Kane
- Bryan Bickell-Andrew Shaw-Viktor Stalberg
- Brandon Bollig-Marcus Kruger-Michael Frolik
- Duncan Keith-Brent Seabrook
- Sheldon Brookbank-Nick Leddy
- Niklas Hjalmarsson-Johnny Oduya
- Ray Emery
What to Watch: Vancouver
Andrew Ebbett is on waivers which means that he’ll be abandoned by his large family in Chicago quite like Kevin McAllister was in Home Alone.
His demotion means that David Booth is back and that Jordan Schroeder is becoming a regular NHL player.
It also means that this is it, the healthiest the Canucks will ever be this year save someone crafting a bionic eye for Manny.
It also complicates Alain Vigneault’s life, who will have a lot of coin-flipping to do when deciding who plays on what line, nevermind who gets the start in net.
Does he reunite the American Express line or give that spot to a guy like Zack Kassian? Does Booth even start the year on Kesler’s wing? So many questions, so many #1stplaceproblems.
Line-up
- Daniel Sedin-Henrik Sedin-Alex Burrows
- David Booth-Ryan Kesler-Chris Higgins
- Mason Raymond-Jordan Schroeder-Jannik Hansen
- Aaron Volpatti-Maxim Lapierre-Zack Kassian
- Dan Hamhuis-Kevin Bieksa
- Jason Garrison-Alex Edler
- Keith Ballard-Chris Tanev
- Roberto Luongo/Cory Schneider
Injuries
For Chicago, Daniel Carcillo is out for about a month while Corey Crawford will probably not play.
For Vancouver, none! Well Manny, but other than that, none!
Predictions
I can never predict these games. Let’s just hope they take away a record from the ‘Hawks on home ice.
Game Day Tweets
Harrison here. It would appear Daniel and I disagree on the Malhotra situation. Me: (vansunsportsblogs.com/2013/02/18/are…) Daniel: (blogs.thescore.com/nhl/2013/02/19…)
— Pass it to Bulis (@passittobulis) February 19, 2013
#canucks Manny Malhotra still wants to play NHL hockey…but what do I know? bit.ly/UArMBq
— Dan Murphy (@sportsnetmurph) February 18, 2013
Vancouver Canucksplace Ebbett on Waivers
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) February 18, 2013
AV says @d_booth7 has been medically cleared to play. #canucks
— Farhan Lalji (@FarhanLaljiTSN) February 18, 2013
RT @gvalksportsnet: Canucks 3rd in nhl in fighting majors w. 13.Oilers are dead last with 2.
— Sportsnet Pacific (@SNETPacific) February 18, 2013
CLICK HERE CHECK OUT THE VANCOUVER CANUCKS CLUBHOUSE TODAY ON NWSB!
About Richard Hodges
