Canucks Gameday Preview #54: A Five-Game Road Trip Comes To A Close In Chicago

Adam Kierszenblat

Feb 13, 2024, 09:43

Adam Kierszenblat

Feb 13, 2024, 09:43

With a win, the Canucks would sweep the season series with the Blackhawks.

Photo by Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports - Canucks Gameday Preview #54: A Five-Game Road Trip Comes To A Close In Chicago

The Vancouver Canucks (35-12-6) wrap up their five-game road trip with a matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks (14-35-3). While he is getting close to returning, Connor Bedard is expected to miss this game as he recovers from a fractured jaw. With a win, the Canucks would sweep the season series while also recording a point in 15 of their last 16 games.

Vancouver must be careful, as this has all the makings of a trap game. While Chicago has lost their last six games, they have kept games close, with their most recent outing being a 4-3 overtime loss to the New York Rangers. Even though Vancouver has a 45-point advantage in the standings, the Blackhawks will be amped up to hand the Canucks their third regulation loss of 2024.

Player to Watch

Brock Boeser

After scoring a hat trick in Vancouver's final game before the All-Star break, Brock Boeser has gone cold, recording two assists over his last four games. He had chances the last few games but couldn't add to his team-leading 30 goals on this road trip. A game against the league-worst Blackhawks may be precisely what he needs to get back on track.

Nick Foligno

Nick Foligno has been one of the few bright spots for Chicago this season. He has goals in back-to-back games and was able to beat Thatcher Demko twice the last time these two teams played at the United Center. While he isn't the most dynamic scorer on the Blackhawks roster, he still finds ways to contribute nightly.

Projected Lineup

Höglander- Pettersson- Lindholm

Suter- Miller- Boeser

Joshua- Bleuger- Garland

Di Giuseppe- Lafferty- Mikheyev

Hughes- Hronek

Cole- Myers

Friedman- Juulsen

Demko

DeSmith

Odd Courtesy of BetMGM

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