Canucks vs. Ducks: Sub-Plots to Watch

Dating back several years, and largely fuelled by the antics of the now departed Chris Pronger, the Canucks and Ducks do not like each other. A festering hate and resentment that is further fuelled by lots of tough youngsters eager to make their respective teams should help incite an aggressive, if not violent, preseason match tonight in Anaheim.   Interesting sub-plots to watch tonight: Nathan McIver – the fledgling Canucks' defenseman started last year with the Canucks before being picked up on waivers by the Ducks. In his first game with the Ducks, near the end of the preseason, McIver faced-off against his former Canucks' teammates and made them pay the ultimate price; the stay-at-home d-man scored the overtime winner. McIver is back with the Canucks once again and is the ultimate long-shot to make the team; he’ll be eager to repeat his desperate heroics against his former team. Mikael Samuelsson – the highlight featured free agent signing of the o...