If there’s one thing the Canucks don’t want to happen, it’s to lose 10-0 for the second time in as many games. Yes, even in the preseason.
Following the 10-0 shellacking the Flames handed the inexperienced lineup the Canucks sent to Calgary, the Canucks will be sending a better-looking group to Edmonton to face the Oilers tomorrow. This doesn’t come without challenges, however, as the Canucks are set to face the Seattle Kraken tomorrow night as well.
Is it time to start Thatcher Demko on back-to-back nights?! In all seriousness, here’s what you need to know about tonight’s game.
What we saw (on social media)
The group travelling to Edmonton didn’t practice today, so it’s hard to tell who is going to be lining up for the Canucks, but we’d assume only one of JT Miller or Elias Pettersson (and their linemates) will be travelling to Edmonton for tonight’s game. There will also likely be one “regular” bottom six line serving as the second line for the Canucks in both games, so do with that what you will.
It’s on the other side that we have a bit more clarity:
Yes folks, that is the Oilers’ regular top six forward group, their NHL starting goalie, and all of the personnel that made up the NHL’s best power play last season. Hopefully the Canucks are sending some of their new penalty killers to Edmonton…
Nonetheless, tonight’s game marks an excellent test for whoever the Canucks send to face off against the Oilers. It’s a good chance for a regular top six line and bottom six line to get some reps in shutting down one of the league’s most dangerous top six forward groups.
And for the “other guys” (as Tocchet called them when discussing his lineup after yesterday’s practice) filling out the rest of the Canucks’ forward group, it’s a great chance to make a strong impression. Paging Dakota Joshua!
There’s no What was said section today because the group travelling to Edmonton didn’t skate at UBC this morning! So maybe this series should have been called “Scenes from social media” for the day…
What are you going to be looking for in the game this evening?
I’m hoping we see Thatcher Demko or Casey DeSmith get into some action and would love to see Cole McWard get a shot to play with Quinn Hughes in some game action after the two skated yesterday. Here were the line rushes we saw yesterday. Tocchet also said by games four through six that we’d see almost a full NHL lineup, and it’s hard to believe that won’t look something like this:
You can watch tonight’s game at 6 PM on Sportsnet Pacific! Note: Tomorrow’s game against the Kraken isn’t being televised but we have a plan to bring you coverage of this game regardless!
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