The Vancouver Canucks head into Game 3 with eyes on a 2-1 series lead.
The Vancouver Canucks resume their second-round series against the Edmonton Oilers Sunday in Game 3. Vancouver is 13-25 all-time in Game 3's but did win Game 3 during their series against the Nashville Predators. This year, all eight teams that advanced to the second round won Game 3, showing just how vital the third game of a series is to the overall result.
Heading into this game, the main focus for the Canucks has to be shutting down Connor McDavid and Leon Draisiatl. In Game 2, the duo played over 22 minutes together at even strength, with the Oilers duo holding a 16-3 shot advantage when on the ice together. If Vancouver has any intention of winning this series, they need to try and slow down 97 and 29; otherwise, it could be a frustrating game 3 for the Canucks and their fans.
One other interesting storyline to watch will be the battle between Nikita Zadorov and Evander Kane. The two were chirping each other throughout Game 2 and needed to be separated by the refs a few times after whistles. It should be another physical battle between the two and one that may even result in a fight, depending on the score.
Players to Watch
J.T. Miller
All eyes will be on J.T. Miller in Game 3 as he will once again draw the McDavid matchup for most of the night. After Miller clearly won the matchup in Game 1, McDavid was able to take over in Game 2, with Miller and his linemates having a nightmare night, according to the analytics. It won't be easy, but Miller's ability to win his matchup will have a direct impact on the final score.
Zach Hyman
Zach Hyman has caused plenty of problems for Vancouver in the first two games of the series. He has two goals and is tied for the team lead with eight shots on goal. A menace in the crease, the Canucks need to get in low passing lanes to avoid easy tip-ins during Game 3
Canucks Projected Lineup
Suter-Miller-Boeser
Karlsson-Pettersson- Mikheyev
Joshua-Lindholm-Garland
Åman-Blueger-Lafferty
Hughes- Hronek
Soucy- Myers
Zadorov- Cole
Šilovs
DeSmith
Oilers Projected Lineup
Draisaitl- McDavid- Hyman
Kane- Nugent-Hopkins- Foegele
Holloway- McLeod- Perry
Janmark- Ryan- Brown
Ekholm- Bouchard
Nurse- Ceci
Kulak- Desharnais
Skinner
Pickard
Spread
Canucks: 1.67 (+1.5)
Oilers: 2.25 (-1.5)
Total
Over 6.5: 2.00
Under 6.5: 1.83
Money Line
Canucks: 2.70
Oilers: 1.48
Game Information
Start Time: 6:30 PM PT
Television: Sportsnet
Radio: Sportsnet 650
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.
