The Flyers beat the Canucks 2-0 in their previous meeting this season.
The Vancouver Canucks (23-9-3) are set to take on the Philadelphia Flyers (18-11-4) in their final game before the calendar flips to 2024. This matchup will feature two of the hottest teams in the NHL, as both come in with a 7-1-2 record over their past ten games. This could also be a historic night for both coaches as Rick Tocchet looks to move into 75th on the all-time coaching wins list while John Tortorella has the chance to move past former Vancouver bench boss Alain Vigneault into tenth place with career win number 723.
Here is what Tocchet had to say when asked about Tortorella:
"The one thing I've learned from Torts is he's unwavering. Obviously, he's gonna listen to his skill coaches and stuff. I'm not saying he doesn't bend, but there are certain non-negotiables. I really respect that. He doesn't care about getting fired. He believes in a certain way of playing and running his team, and I respect that."
Tonight could be a memorable one for multiple reasons, as three Canucks have the chance to record career milestones. Elias Pettersson is one goal away from 150, Quinn Hughes is one assist away from 250, while Brock Boeser needs one point to hit 350. This begs the question, who gets to keep the puck if all three hit their milestones on the same play?
Players to Watch
Nikita Zadorov
Nikita Zadorov has been everything Vancouver hoped for when they traded for him at the beginning of December. He has made the Canucks harder to play against and continues to play a physical game night after night. Playing in game number 600 for his career, do not be surprised if he lays some big hits tonight.
Sean Couturier
One player that always gives Vancouver trouble is Sean Couturier. The Flyers center has 13 points in 17 career games against the Canucks and scored on a penalty shot the last time these two teams faced off. Looking for his tenth goal of the season, he has the potential to make life difficult for Vancouver at both ends of the ice.
Projected Lineup
Mikheyev- Pettersson- Kuzmenko
Höglander- Miller- Boeser
Joshua- Bleuger- Garland
Åman- Suter- Lafferty
Hughes- Hronek
Cole- Juulsen
Zadorov- Myers
DeSmith
Demko
Spread
Canucks: 2.50 (-1.5)
Flyers: 1.55 (+1.5)
Total
Over 6: 1.83
Under 6: 2.00
Money Line
Canucks: 2.35
Flyers: 1.62
Game Information
Start Time: 7:00 PM PT
Television: Sportsnet
Radio: Sportsnet 650