Canucks Gameday Preview #49: Vancouver Attempts To Enter All-Star Break On An 11-Game Point Streak

Adam Kierszenblat

Jan 27, 2024, 22:29

Adam Kierszenblat

Jan 27, 2024, 22:29

The Canucks enter this game with an 8-0-2 record in their last ten games.

The Vancouver Canucks (32-11-5) wrap up their pre-All-Star schedule with a matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets (15-23-9). This is the second time these two teams have faced each other this month, with the Blue Jackets winning 4-3 in overtime on Jan 15. If the Canucks can secure a point tonight, they will push their current point streak to 11 games, which would be the fourth longest in franchise history.

If Vancouver wants to extend their point streak, they must stay focused from start to finish. Even though Columbus is struggling this season, they have game-breakers that, when given the opportunity, can catch teams by surprise. With the Canucks not scheduled to play again at Rogers Arena until Feb 15, Vancouver must ensure they take advantage of playing on home ice as they look to send the fans home happy into the All-Star break.

Players to Watch

Nikita Zadorov

One question from the Canucks side is how will Nikita Zadorov bounce back after his game against the St. Louis Blues? The big defenceman did not play for most of the third period and registered a season-low 12:40 ice time on Wednesday night. Playing beside Noah Juulsen tonight, the hope is he can keep playing a physical role while also tightening up his defensive play.

Elvis Merzļikins

Elvis Merzļikins is set to start for the Blue Jackets as he looks to improve his record against the Canucks to 5-1. He hasn't recorded a win since beating Vancouver earlier this month and will be looking to break a streak where he has allowed four goals in each of his last two starts. With trade rumours swirling around the goaltender, he could be in store for a big game as he looks to boost up his trade value leading up to the deadline.

Projected Lineup

Pettersson- Miller- Boeser

Mikheyev- Suter- Kuzmenko

Joshua- Bleuger- Garland

Höglander- Åman- Lafferty

Hughes- Hronek

Cole- Myers

Zadorov- Juulsen

Demko

DeSmith

Odd Courtesy of BetMGM

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