The Canucks welcome the Carolina Hurricanes to Rogers Arena for the only time this season.
The Vancouver Canucks (17-9-1) welcome the Carolina Hurricanes (14-11-1) to Rogers Arena on Saturday night for the only time this season. Last year, the two teams split the season series, with each team winning on the road. Expect a fired-up Hurricanes group as they come into the game, having lost three straight and four of their last five.
The biggest question surrounding the Canucks is whether they can have a strong first period. While they did beat Minnesota on Thursday, they were heavily outplayed during the first 20 minutes and arguably would have been down multiple goals if not for Casey DeSmith's play. If they continue this trend of slow starts, Carolina should have no problem making them pay for their mistakes on the scoreboard.
Lastly, this will be a great opportunity for Vancouver's penalty kill to get some confidence. The Hurricanes' power play has struggled over the past 15 games, converting just seven of their 45 chances with the extra skater. If they can keep Carolina off the scoresheet on the power play, it will be the first time since November 16 and 18 the Canucks have gone perfect on the penalty kill in back-to-back games.
Players to Watch
Conor Garland
Conor Garland's hard work on the third line is starting to pay off on the scoresheet. The winger has points in each of his last two games and has helped transform Vancouver's third line into one of the strongest in the league. Based on his recent run of form, expect his line to once again pin the Hurricanes deep in their own zone for long stretches of time.
Seth Jarvis
One player who is going to be motivated for Carolina is Seth Jarvis. The winger has been held off the scoresheet in three straight games and played a season-low 14:19 against the Oilers on Wednesday. The former Portland Winterhawk had no problem scoring against Vancouver in the WHL; now, he looks to do the same, this time at the NHL level.
Projected Lineup
Mikheyev- Pettersson- Lafferty
Höglander- Miller- Boeser
Joshua- Bleuger- Garland
Kuzmenko- Åman- Di Giuseppe
Hughes- Hronek
Cole- Juulsen
Zadorov- Myers
Demko
DeSmith
Spread
Canucks: +2.20 (+1.5)
Hurricanes: -2.75 (-1.5)
Total
Over 6.5: -1.30
Under 6.5: +1.05
Money Line
Canucks: -105
Hurricanes: -115
Game Information
Start Time: 7:00 pm PT
Television: Hockey Night in Canada
Radio: Sportsnet 650