The high-scoring Canucks have to get again to their defensive staples, beginning Thursday in opposition to Minnesota.
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Minnesota Wild (9-10-4) vs. Vancouver Canucks (16-9-1)
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When and the place: Thursday, 7 p.m., Rogers Area
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TV: Sportsnet. Radio: Sportsnet 650
The excitement: The Canucks went 9-6 over their gruelling November schedule. December is simply as gruelling, with 11 video games earlier than Christmas. The Canucks bought one other time without work Wednesday to recuperate, maybe slightly shocking after how they misplaced 6-5 to the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday. They fought again arduous, however blown protection in their very own finish led to a few objectives. It’s one factor to lose since you’re drained, it’s one other to lose due to unforced errors. The Canucks had been enjoying disciplined hockey in their very own finish to begin the season, however that’s been slipping currently.
The historical past: That is the primary assembly of the season for the 2 groups. Minnesota, beneath outdated coach Dean Evason, beat the Canucks in all three conferences final 12 months, although solely the final sport, a 2-1 win for the Wild at Rogers Area on March 2, had Rick Tocchet behind the Canucks’ bench.
Canucks Report
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The hope: The Wild have received 4 straight video games beneath new coach John Hynes. The coach’s bounce goes to put on off sooner or later. Possibly that is the night time? The Canucks’ offence stays red-hot and Minnesota offers up a number of objectives.
The worry: The Canucks’ current defensive struggles don’t show to be short-term, relatively, they change into a everlasting subject.
The highest weapons: Brock Boeser is on a five-game level streak; he has 5 objectives over that stretch and is the NHL’s main goal-scorer. His centre, J.T. Miller, has 39 factors and is second within the NHL in scoring. Andrei Kuzmenko was benched, once more, by Tocchet final sport. Mats Zuccarello leads the best way for the Wild with 27 factors in 23 video games; Joel Eriksson has 12 objectives.
The wounded: Canucks: Pius Suter (decrease physique, IR day-to-day), Carson Soucy (leg, LTIR) and Guillaume Brisebois (concussion, LTIR). Wild: Zach Bogosian (higher physique, day-to-day).
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The quote: “I’m uninterested in answering questions on him … Kuzy’s bought to, he’s bought to forecheck. Let’s begin with that.” — Tocchet on a sure Russian winger.
The lineup:
Forwards
Mikheyev-Pettersson-Lafferty
Kuzmenko-Miller-Boeser
Joshua-Blueger-Garland
Hǒglander-Åman-Karlsson
Defence
Hughes-Hronek
Cole-Juulsen
Zadorov-Myers
Goalie
Thatcher Demko
The prediction: The Canucks are nonetheless scoring. Their defence isn’t that tough to repair. Minnesota nonetheless isn’t good. Search for a 4-3 Canucks’ win.
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