Tampa Bay makes their only trip to Rogers Arena this season.
The Vancouver Canucks (18-9-1) welcome the Tampa Bay Lightning (13-11-5) to Rogers Arena on Tuesday night. This has been a matchup owned by Tampa Bay over the last few years, with the Lightning currently riding a seven-game win streak against the Canucks. Expect plenty of excitement as this will also be the battle of the two highest-scoring players in the NHL as J.T. Miller (40 points) goes head-to-head with Nikita Kucherov (47 points).
One of the key matchups tonight will be the Canucks' penalty kill versus the Lightnings' power play. Tampa Bay comes into this game with the third-ranked power play in the league but has struggled this month, only converting on three of their 18-man advantage. As for Vancouver, they have continued to improve but still have allowed goals in three of their last four. With Steven Stamkos sitting on 199 career power play goals, the Canucks will need to be wary they don't give up yet another milestone to the Tampa Bay captain.
Tonight will also be an amazing opportunity for Vancouver's emergency backup goaltender, Roman Basran. With Jonas Johansson potentially missing the game due to illness, the former Kelowna Rocket could be called upon to be Andrei Vasilevskiy's backup tonight. Basran's last professional game came on April 1 when the Surrey-born goalie stopped 29 of the 34 shots he faced for the Wichita Thunder in the ECHL.
Lastly, Tampa Bay may be without Victor Hedman, who was injured during the team's last game in Seattle. A "game-time decision," according to head coach John Cooper, the Lightning have recalled Philippe Myers just in case. This was a massive break for the Canucks, as the 32-year-old is already up to 27 points in 29 games and is STILL one of the premier defenders in the NHL.
Players to Watch
Sam Lafferty
Since being promoted to Vancouver's top line, Sam Lafferty has gelled well with Elias Pettersson and Ilya Mikheyev. He has goals in three of his last four games and has added physicality to the line. If he can continue to play his game, he should be able to make a positive impact tonight.
Brandon Hagel
Brandon Hagel is having a strong start to the year and is on pace to set career highs in assists and points this season. He plays on the Lightning's top line with Kucherov and Brayden Point and does not look out of place. A speedy winger that can beat defenders to loose pucks along the boards, the Canucks need to be aware when he steps over the boards.
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: 2.80(-1.5)
Lightning: 1.45 (+1.5)
Total
Over 6.5: 2.00
Under 6.5: 1.83
Money Line
Canucks: 1.78
Lightning: 2.10
Game Information
Start Time: 7:00 pm PT
Television: Sportsnet
Radio: Sportsnet 650