Canucks Gameday Preview #25: An Opportunity To Pick Up A Home Win Against A Tired Blue Jackets Team

After a successful six-game road trip, the Vancouver Canucks (13-7-4) return home to face the Columbus Blue Jackets (11-11-3). This will be a massive opportunity for the Canucks, as the Blue Jackets did play last night and lost 6-3 to the Edmonton Oilers. A win would be huge from a confidence perspective for Vancouver as they have not picked up a win at Rogers Arena since November 16 against the Chicago Blackhawks. 

Latest From THN's Vancouver Canucks Site:

Can The Canucks Withstand The Loss of Filip Hronek?

"I'm Really Proud Of Him": After Strong Start To His Canucks Career, Tocchet Not Shocked To See Lankinen On Team Finland's 4 Nations Face-Off Roster

Vancouver Canucks Prospect Update: December 2024

While the Blue Jackets are averaging 3.44 goals per game, they have had trouble keeping the puck out of their own net, averaging 3.60 against per game. They also have one of the league's worst penalty kills, which is currently sitting at 72%. If the Canucks can forecheck hard and force Columbus to chase in the offensive zone, there should be plenty of opportunities for Vancouver's offence to cash in on Friday night. 

Note: Due to the Taylor Swift concert next door, road closures will impact fans' access to the game. Please click here for an updated look at the road closures. 

Players to Watch:

Max Sasson:

Friday will be a special night for Max Sasson as he is projected to make his home debut with the Canucks. The undrafted forward had a strong road trip, putting up two points in five games while averaging 8:45 per night. Coming off his first career 10+ minute game, Sasson should get some chances to score his first career goal in his first career game at Rogers Arena. 

Sean Monahan:

Fans in Vancouver need no introduction when it comes to Sean Monahan. After spending last year with the Winnipeg Jets, Monahan signed with the Blue Jackets this past offseason and is off to a strong start to the 2024-25 campaign. With 28 points in 46 games against the Canucks, Monahan is always a threat when the puck is on his stick in the offensive zone.  

Vancouver Canucks Projected Lineup:

DeBrusk-Pettersson-Boeser
Joshua-Suter-Garland
Höglander-Blueger-Boeser
Sasson-Räty-Heinen

Hughes-Juulsen
Brännström-Desharnais
Soucy-Myers

Lankinen
Šilovs

Top 5 Scoring Leaders (Goals, Assists, Points):

Vancouver Canucks (13-7-4):

Quinn Hughes: 6-23-29
Elias Pettersson: 7-16-23
Conor Garland: 8-14-22
Jake DeBrusk: 11-9-20
J.T. Miller: 6-10-16 (17 games)

Columbus Blue Jackets (11-11-3)

Zach Werenski: 8-18-26
Kirill Marchenko: 10-14-24
Sean Monahan: 8-14-22
Cole Sillinger: 3-12-15
Yegor Chinakhov: 7-7-14

Game Information:

Start Time: 7:00 pm PT
Venue: Rogers Arena
Television: Sportsnet
Radio: Sportsnet 650