The Canucks fell 4-1 in their last meeting with the Golden Knights.
On the eve of the trade deadline, the Vancouver Canucks (40-17-7) head to Vegas to take on the Golden Knights (33-22-7). Vancouver will get a chance to see some of Vegas' new acquisitions, as Anthony Mantha and Noah Hanifin should be in the lineup for the Golden Knights. With a win, the Canucks would sweep their current three-game road trip while also opening a 15+ point gap between them and Vegas.
Playing against yet another potential first-round opponent, Vancouver will need to be sharp against a motivated Golden Knights team. Not only will their new players want to put on a show in their debuts, but Vegas is also looking to snap a three-game losing streak that has seen them drop into the first wild card position. This is the perfect test for the Canucks, as they will need to stay patient and be strong in their defensive zone to leave Sin City with a victory.
Players to Watch
Carson Soucy
Carson Soucy will play a crucial role for Vancouver in this game. He had a strong return to the lineup against the L.A. Kings and will need to carry that momentum into this matchup. Whether it is on the penalty kill or establishing a physical presence, he built for this type of game and could see upwards of 18 minutes, depending on how many power plays the Golden Knights are given.
Noah Hanifin
After being acquired yesterday by Vegas, Noah Hanifin will be looking to get his Vegas career off to a strong start. With 30 games of regular season experience against the Canucks, he knows how to shut down Vancouver and will be leaned on at both even strength and on the power play. With 35 points in 61 games this season, his addition to the Golden Knights roster could be problematic for the rest of the league moving forward.
Projected Lineup
Höglander- Pettersson- Suter
Mikheyev- Miller- Boeser
Podkolzin- Lindholm- Garland
Di Giuseppe- Blueger- Lafferty
Hughes- Hronek
Soucy- Cole
Zadorov- Juulsen
Demko
DeSmith
Spread
Canucks: 1.40 (+1.5)
Golden Knights: 3.00 (-1.5)
Total
Over 6: 1.91
Under 6: 1.91
Money Line
Canucks: 1.95
Golden Knights: 1.87
Game Information
Start Time: 7:00 PM PT
Television: Sportsnet
Radio: Sportsnet 650
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