Canucks Gameday Preview #65: A Must-Win Game Against The Calgary Flames

The Vancouver Canucks (29-24-11) wrap up their back-to-back on Wednesday when they take on the Calgary Flames (20-23-10). This will be the final regular season meeting between these two clubs, with Calgary holding a 2-1 series lead. Wednesday will be a must-win in regulation for both the Canucks and Flames, as they are two of the four teams battling for the final Wild Card spot in the Western Conference. 

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While nothing is official until puck drop, it looks like Vancouver will be getting a massive boost as Quinn Hughes could be making his return to the lineup. Hughes has missed the last four games with an injury and has only played in three games since the beginning of February. If Hughes is cleared to play, it will be a massive boost to the lineup, both at even strength and on the power play. 

Player to Watch:

Nils Höglander:

Despite the low goal total, Nils Höglander has been very impressive over the past month. He had a strong game Tuesday against the Montréal Canadiens and played a key factor in the Canucks first goal of the game. If Höglander can be his energetic and chaotic self, he could be set for a big game against Calgary.

Dustin Wolf:

Goals will be at a premium on Wednesday, in large part due to the play of Dustin Wolf. The Flames goalie is in the Calder conversation and is coming off a shutout against the Canadiens. With already one win against Vancouver in his NHL career, Wolf could make Wednesday a frustrating night for fans in Vancouver. 

Vancouver Canucks (29-24-11):
Last 10: 4-6-0

Quinn Hughes: 14-46-60
Conor Garland: 16-23-39
Brock Boeser: 18-20-38
Elias Pettersson: 13-24-37
Jake DeBrusk: 22-14-36

Calgary Flames (30-23-10):
Last 10: 4-3-3

Nazem Kadri: 22-24-46
Jonathan Huberdeau: 22-24-46
MacKenzie Weegar: 7-29-36
Matthew Coronato: 16-16-32
Blake Coleman: 12-18-30

Game Information:

Start Time: 6:00 pm PT
Venue: Scotiabank Saddledome
Television: Sportsnet
Radio: Sportsnet 650

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