Canucks Gameday Preview #51: Vancouver Heads To Boston Looking For Win 35 On The Season

Adam Kierszenblat

Feb 8, 2024, 20:26

Adam Kierszenblat

Feb 8, 2024, 20:26

With a victory against the Bruins, the Canucks would be the first team in the NHL to 35 wins.

Photo by Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports - Canucks Gameday Preview #51: Vancouver Heads To Boston Looking For Win 35 On The Season

Two of the NHL's best go head to head as the Vancouver Canucks (34-11-5) face off against the Boston Bruins (31-10-9) on Thursday night. The two teams will play twice this month, with the rematch set for Feb. 24 in Vancouver. With a win, the Canucks would become the first team in the NHL to 35 wins while tying the 2011-12 team for the third-longest point streak in franchise history at 13.

Based on how these two teams have played this year, this matchup has the potential to be a preview of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final. Both teams rank in the top ten for goals for and goals against, with each sending multiple players and coaches to the 2024 NHL All-Star Game. It should be an exciting game from start to finish as these two contenders battle for top spot in the NHL.

Players to Watch

Filip Hronek

One question heading into the game is whether Filip Hronek will snap his eight-game pointless streak tonight. Despite averaging just under 23 minutes and playing beside Quinn Hughes, Hronek hasn't hit the scoresheet since Jan. 11, when he had two assists versus the Pittsburgh Penguins. Expect him to surpass 20 minutes once again as he hopes to break out of his slump against the Bruins.

Charlie McAvoy

Charlie McAvoy has developed into one of the top defensemen in the NHL. He is averaging over 24 minutes this season and is on pace to set a new career high in both goals and points this year. Whether at even strength or on special teams, he makes a significant impact at both ends of the ice.

Projected Lineup

Mikheyev- Pettersson- Lindholm

Suter- Miller- Boeser

Joshua- Bleuger- Garland

Höglander- Åman- Lafferty

Hughes- Hronek

Cole- Myers

Zadorov- Juulsen

Demko

DeSmith

Odd Courtesy of BetMGM

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