Vancouver Canucks Round 2, Game 3 Preview: A Massive Test As The Series Switches To Edmonton

Adam Kierszenblat

May 12, 2024, 07:01

Adam Kierszenblat

May 12, 2024, 07:01

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