Both the Canucks and Jets could be resting players as each prepares for the upcoming 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The Vancouver Canucks (50-22-9) conclude their 2023-24 regular season schedule with a visit to Canada Life Centre to take on the Winnipeg Jets (51-24-6). With both team's playoff matchups already confirmed, this could be a low-event game with star players missing from each lineup. With a point, the Canucks would hit the 110-point mark for just the third time in franchise history, while with a victory, they would join the Jets and Dallas Stars as the only teams in the Western Conference to hit the 51-win mark.
This game is all about ironing out last-minute details for Vancouver. The Canucks already know they will be facing the Nashville Predators in the first round and should be focused on getting out of Winnipeg injury-free. This will also be a good opportunity for Thatcher Demko to get a bit more play time before the playoffs, as he is expected to start the final regular season game of 2023-24.
Players to Watch
Vasily Podkolzin
This game is a perfect opportunity for Vasily Podkolzin to show why he should be in the lineup for Game 1 of the postseason. If he can bring some energy to the game by throwing a few hits, it will show Rick Tocchet and the rest of the team he is ready to provide a spark in the playoffs. It will also be the last opportunity for him to score his first of the season and break the goose egg that has followed him around for the past 18 games.
Nino Niederreiter
Nino Niederreiter is having a solid season with the Jets. Playing on the third line, he is up to 18 goals and has surpassed the 30-point mark for the fourth consecutive season. The former fifth-overall pick from 2010 continues to bring value to this Winnipeg lineup and could see an elevated role if the Jets do decide to rest some players.
Projected Lineup
Mikheyev-Pettersson-Höglander
Joshua-Lindholm-Garland
Podkolzin-Blueger-Lafferty
Di Giuseppe-Åman-Suter
Hughes- Juulsen
Soucy- Myers
Zadorov- Friedman
Demko
DeSmith
Spread
Canucks: 1.44 (+1.5)
Jets: 2.85 (-1.5)
Total
Over 5.5: 1.87
Under 5.5: 1.95
Money Line
Canucks: 2.15
Jets: 1.74
Game Information
Start Time: 5:00 PM PT
Television: Sportsnet
Radio: Sportsnet 650
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