Canucks Gameday Preview #62: Vancouver Takes On L.A. For The First Time This Season

Adam Kierszenblat

Feb 29, 2024

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Adam Kierszenblat

Feb 29, 2024

featured

The Canucks were 2-2 against the Kings during the 2022-23 season.

For the first time this season, the Vancouver Canucks (38-16-7) take on the L.A. Kings (29-19-10) in what may be a first-round playoff preview. The Kings currently sit in the number one wildcard spot but are tied with the Nashville Predators, who each have 68 points on the campaign. With a win, the Canucks would reach the 85-point mark for the third time since the 2014-15 season while also reestablishing their spot at the top of the NHL standings.

This is a massive game for Vancouver on several fronts. They are playing a division opponent and looking to get back on track after dropping five of their last six games. With the trade deadline looming, this will be the last time fans get to see this Canucks lineup, as Vancouver's management will be working the phones ahead of the Mar. 8 deadline.

Players to Watch

J.T. Miller

Few players in the NHL are hotter right now than J.T. Miller. The Canucks center is on a five-game point streak, recording 11 points over those games. With 21 points in 20 career games against the Kings, look for him to continue to lead by example and once again find his way onto the scoresheet.

Quinton Byfield

It is safe to say that Quinton Byfield is living up to expectations. The 21-year-old since fourth on L.A. with 44 points in 56 games and recently scored what may be the goal of the year. Currently playing beside Anže Kopitar and Pierre-Luc Dubois, he could be in store for his first goal against Vancouver if the Canucks can not contain him properly.

Projected Lineup

Höglander- Pettersson- Mikheyev

Suter- Miller- Boeser

Bains- Lindholm- Garland

Di Giuseppe- Blueger- Lafferty

Hughes- Juulsen

Cole- Myers

Zadorov- Hronek

Demko

DeSmith

Odd Courtesy of BetMGM

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