Canucks will look to stop Minnesota's four-game win streak.
The Vancouver Canucks (16-9-1) will have their hands full Thursday night as they look to end the Minnesota Wilds' (9-10-4) four-game win streak. The Wild have owned the Canucks over the past few years, having won the last eight regular-season matchups against Vancouver. If the Canucks do come out victorious, it will be the first time since October 29, 2018, they will have beaten Minnesota at Rogers Arena. That night, they were led by a young rookie by the name of Elias Pettersson, who potted two goals, including the winner, during a 5-2 victory.
This game will be a great opportunity for Vancouver's penalty kill to gain some traction. While the Wild come into this game with the 20th-ranked power play, they have been one of the hottest teams since their coaching change on November 28, going four for 11 over those four games. If they can find a way to keep Minnesota off the scoresheet with the man advantage, it would provide a significant boost to the penalty kill unit that has allowed a goal in each of their last five games.
Players to Watch
Brock Boeser
The NHL's goal leader comes into this game on a five-game point streak and will be looking to do some damage against his hometown team. Surprisingly, the Wild are a team that Brock Boeser has struggled against, only scoring twice in 13 regular season meetings. Expect a strong performance as he looks to become the first player in the league to hit 20 goals this season.
Marco Rossi
In his first full NHL season, Marco Rossi is starting to find his groove. The 2020 ninth-overall pick is playing on Minnesota's top line and has points in three straight. The Canucks need to be aware when he is on the ice, as he is dangerous when the puck is on his stick.
Projected Lines
Mikheyev- Pettersson- Lafferty
Höglander- Miller- Boeser
Joshua- Bleuger- Garland
Kuzmenko- Åman- Di Giuseppe
Hughes- Hronek
Cole- Juulsen
Zadorov- Myers
DeSmith
Demko
Spread
Canucks: -2.80 (+1.5)
Wild: +1.45 (-1.5)
Total
Over 6.5: 1.91
Under 6.5: 1.91
Money Line
Canucks: 2.10
Wild: 1.75
Game Information
Start Time: 7:00 pm PT
Television: Sportsnet
Radio: Sportsnet 650