The Vancouver Canucks will look to build off their Game 1 success in Game 2 against the Edmonton Oilers.
After a 5-4 Game 1 victory, the Vancouver Canucks head into Game 2 looking to send the series back to Edmonton up 2-0. It won't be easy, as the Edmonton Oilers will be fired up after blowing a 4-1 lead late in the second. As for the Canucks, if they can match the defensive effort they exhibited in Game 1, they should be able to frustrate the Oilers all night.
The big question heading into Game 2 revolves around Leon Draisaitl's health. The former Hart Trophy winner was injured in Game 1, and while he returned in the third period, he is now listed day to day, according to Edmonton coach Kris Knoblauch. With Draisaitl not at 100%, Vancouver needs to take advantage when he is on the ice, as his speed and overall ability to play physically may be compromised due to a back injury.
Lastly, the Canucks need to get their power play going. While they did generate four power play shots in Game 1, they went 0-3 and had trouble maintaining possession in the offensive end. If Vancouver can get on the board with the man advantage, it should give them some confidence that will hopefully roll over throughout the series.
Players to Watch
Conor Garland
After scoring the game-winner in Game 1, what does Conor Garland have up his sleeve for Game 2? His line of Dakota Joshua and Elias Lindholm was arguably the Canucks best trio all night, and they will need to put forth a similar effort on Friday. If he can keep connecting with teammates on spin passes, it should lead to not just chances but also goals.
Darnell Nures
Darnell Nurse had a rough Game 1 for the Oilers. He finished the night with a play/minus of -3 and was burned by Garland on what ended up being the game-winning goal. If Vancouver can exploit the matchup when he is on the ice, it should lead to quite a few scoring chances throughout 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
Foegele- McDavid- Hyman
Nugent-Hopkins- Draisaitl- Kane
Holloway- McLeod- Perry
Janmark- Ryan- Brown
Ekholm- Bouchard
Nurse- Ceci
Kulak- Desharnais
Skinner
Pickard
Spread
Canucks: 1.42 (+1.5)
Oilers: 2.90 (-1.5)
Total
Over 6: 1.87
Under 6: 1.95
Money Line
Canucks: 2.00
Oilers: 1.83
Game Information
Start Time: 7:00 PM PT
Television: Sportsnet
Radio: Sportsnet 650
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