Canucks Gameday Preview #45: Vancouver Returns Home For Matchup Against Arizona

Adam Kierszenblat

Jan 18, 2024, 18:39

Adam Kierszenblat

Jan 18, 2024, 18:39

The Canucks host the Coyotes in their first game back after a seven-game road trip

The Vancouver Canucks (29-11-4) return home from a seven-game road trip to face the Arizona Coyotes (21-18-3) on Thursday night. With a win, the Canucks could become the first team in the league to 30 wins, depending on the result of the Colorado Avalanche vs Boston Bruins game. Vancouver also has a chance to hit 15 wins at home with a victory, matching their road win total so far this season.

The big question heading into tonight's game is what will the energy level be like for the Canucks. As mentioned, they have been on the road for nearly two weeks and will be looking to make a statement in front of their hometown fans. While the building may not be packed due to impending snowfall in Vancouver, the fans will be fired up as they welcome the team home after a 5-1-1 road trip.

Players to Watch

Ilya Mikheyev

This is a perfect opportunity for Ilya Mikheyev to break out of his scoring slump. He comes into this game with just one assist in his last seven games and will need to start producing offensively if Vancouver has their sights on a long playoff run. With two points in four career games against Arizona, tonight could be the night he and his linemates finally find the back of the net.

Sean Durzi

Sean Durzi has taken his game to another level this season. Averaging a career-high 22:20 per night, he has 25 points in 36 games and comes into this game with back-to-back multi-point efforts. He should see plenty of ice tonight as the Coyotes look to return to the win column.

Projected Lineup

Pettersson- Miller- Boeser

Mikheyev- Suter- Kuzmenko

Joshua- Bleuger- Garland

Höglander- Åman- Lafferty

Hughes- Hronek

Zadorov-Cole

Soucy- Myers

DeSmith

Demko

Odd Courtesy of BetMGM

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