The Vancouver Canucks and Edmonton Oilers play their first playoff game against each other since 1992.
The Vancouver Canucks and Edmonton Oilers play their first playoff game against each other since 1992.
After five days off, the Vancouver Canucks are back in action as they start their second-round series against the Edmonton Oilers. This will be the third time these two Pacific Division rivals face off in the postseason, with Edmonton claiming the first two matchups. As for Vancouver, they swept this year's season series, which included a 3-1 victory on April 13 that all but secured the Pacific Division for the Canucks.
Heading into Game 1, Vancouver will be looking to prove the doubters. Most experts have the Oilers as heavy favourites, despite the Canucks finishing ahead of them in the standings. A win on Wednesday night would start to create doubt in those predictions while also giving Vancouver some early confidence that they can hopefully carry throughout the series.
For the Canucks to win, they need to win the special teams battle. That means connecting their power plays, which has been a challenge, and shutting down Edmonton's top-ranked power play. While it won't be easy, special teams will decide this series, meaning Vancouver will need to put their best foot forward on a nightly basis.
Players to Watch
Brock Boeser
Brock Boeser can break this series open. He scored six times against the Oilers in the regular season and led the Canucks with four goals against the Nashville Predators. If he can create some chaos in front of the net and jump on rebounds, Vancouver should be able to get on the board multiple times in Game 1.
Evander Kane
Evander Kane is dangerous when on his game. He is a physical force and has shown he isn't afraid to throw borderline hits or mix things up in front of the net. The Canucks need to find a way to get into his head, as it could create power play opportunities while also eliminating him from the game.
Canucks Projected Lineup
Suter-Miller-Boeser
Mikheyev-Pettersson-Höglander
Joshua-Lindholm-Garland
Di Giuseppe-Blueger-Lafferty
Hughes- Hronek
Soucy- Myers
Zadorov- Cole
Šilovs
DeSmith
Oilers Projected Lineup
Janmark- McDavid- Hyman
Nugent-Hopkins- Draisaitl- Kane
Holloway- McLeod- Perry
Foegele- Ryan- Brown
Ekholm- Bouchard
Nurse- Ceci
Kulak- Desharnais
Skinner
Pickard
Spread
Canucks: 1.45 (+1.5)
Oilers: 2.80 (-1.5)
Total
Over 6: 1.87
Under 6: 1.95
Money Line
Canucks: 2.10
Oilers: 1.77
Game Information
Start Time: 7:00 PM PT
Television: Sportsnet
Radio: Sportsnet 650
