The Canucks have won four of five on their current seven-game road trip.
The sizzling Vancouver Canucks (28-11-3) will be looking for their fifth straight win on Saturday afternoon as they visit their expansion cousins, the Buffalo Sabres (18-20-4). With a win, Vancouver would not only extend their lead in the Pacific Division but also record their second five-game win streak of the season. Playing in their 24th game away from Rogers Arena of the season, the Canucks could also become the first team in the NHL to have 15 road wins this season.
All eyes will be on the lotto line as Elias Pettersson, J.T. Miller, and Brock Boeser have been on a tear these last four games. All three are also expected to be named to the All-Star Game before puck drop as Vancouver is projected to send five players plus head coach Rick Tocchet to the event. Based on the way the Canucks top line has ripped through the Devils, Rangers, Islanders and Penguins, they could once again find themselves all over the stat sheet by the end of this game.
Players to Watch
Pius Suter
Pius Suter is one player who hasn't gotten enough credit for his work this season. He is one of the hardest-working players on the team and is currently being tasked with jump-starting Andrei Kuzmenko's offensive game. Currently sitting on 99 career points, he could join the century club with a strong game against the Sabres.
Zach Benson
Zach Benson has been a bright spot for Buffalo this season. The Chilliwack-born forward was drafted 13th overall this past June and has 14 points through his first 32 NHL games. A player Vancouver passed on in the draft, you know he will be motivated to show the Canucks why that was a mistake.
Projected Lineup
Pettersson- Miller- Boeser
Mikheyev- Suter- Kuzmenko
Joshua- Bleuger- Garland
Höglander- Åman- Lafferty
Hughes- Hronek
Zadorov-Cole
Soucy- Myers
Demko
DeSmith
Spread
Canucks: 2.50 (-1.5)
Sabres: 1.55 (+1.5)
Total
Over 7: 2.05
Under 7: 1.80
Money Line
Canucks: 1.70
Sabres: 2.20
Game Information
Start Time: 1:00 PM PT
Television: Sportsnet
Radio: Sportsnet 650
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