Canucks Gameday Preview #70: Tanner Pearson Makes His Return To Rogers Arena As Vancouver Welcomes The Canadiens For The Only Time This Season

Adam Kierszenblat

Mar 21, 2024, 09:35

Adam Kierszenblat

Mar 21, 2024, 09:35

The Canucks defeated the Canadiens 5-2 in their only other meeting this season.

One of the most anticipated games of the season goes down on Thursday night as the Vancouver Canucks (43-18-8) welcome the Montreal Canadiens (25-31-12) for the only time this season. While the two teams are separated by 32 points, this matchup is always exciting as Canadiens fans fill Rogers Arena to watch their favourite team. With a victory, the Canucks would surpass 95 points for the first time since 2014-15 while also hitting the 23-win mark at home for the 12th time in franchise history.

One storyline heading into this game will be Tanner Pearson's return. While Pearson did not play against the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday, he is expected to be in the lineup against Vancouver, a team he played over 200 games with before being dealt this offseason. While his point totals may not be eye-popping, with only 12 in 48 games, he should be extra motivated to have a strong game in his first trip back to Rogers Arena.

Players to Watch

Vasily Podkolzin

Now that Vasily Podkolzin has established himself in the lineup, it is time for him to start producing offensively. The Canucks winger has played in the last seven games but is still looking for his first point of the season. Expect plenty of physical play from the young winger as he continues to show why he deserves to be an everyday NHLer.

Brendan Gallagher

It is always exciting when Brendan Gallager comes to town. The former Vancouver Giants legend has now surpassed both the 200-goal and assist mark and is showing he can still be a valuable piece of Montreal's lineup. A pain to play against, do not be surprised if he records his 500th career penalty minute against Vancouver.

Projected Lineup

Höglander- Pettersson- Garland

Suter- Miller- Boeser

Mikheyev- Lindholm- Lafferty

Podkolzin Blueger- Åman

Hughes- Hronek

Soucy- Myers

Zadorov- Juulsen

DeSmith

Šilovs

Odd Courtesy of BetMGM

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