Canucks Gameday Preview #30: Vancouver Battles Florida On Roberto Luongo Night

Roberto Luongo will be inducted into the Canucks Ring of Honour prior to the game.

The Vancouver Canucks (19-7-1) play host to the Florida Panthers (17-9-2) as part of what the organization is calling "Roberto Luongo Night." Prior to puck drop, the Canucks will induct Luongo into their Ring of Honour as they honour one of the greatest players in franchise history. From a bobblehead giveaway to the rare goalie ceremonial puck drop, expect a great atmosphere along with plenty of LUOOO chants throughout the night.

Now, onto the game; if Vancouver wants to win this game, they will need to cash in on their opportunities. Florida is one of the best defensive teams in the league this season as they sit in the top five for fewest shots against per game and fewest goals against per 60. If the Canucks can hit the 35-shot mark and crash the net all night, they should have no problem capturing their 20th win of the season. 

If Vancouver can beat the Panthers, it will be the first time since October 28, 2019, that the Canucks will have beaten Florida at Rogers Arena. That night, J.T. Miller had two goals, Elias Pettersson had three assists, and Thatcher Demko made 29 saves as Vancouver skated away with a 7-2 loss. With all three expected to be in the lineup tonight, fans will hope for a similar result four years later. 

Players to Watch

Brock Boeser 

After scoring a hat trick against Tampa Bay on Tuesday, what does Brock Boeser have in store for an encore? The sniper is tied for the league lead with 21 goals and has already surpassed his total from last season. With five goals in 11 career games versus Florida, the odds are pretty good that he will once again find the back of the net versus the Panthers. 

Sam Reinhart 

Sam Reinhart loves to play against Vancouver. In 15 career games, the West Vancouver-born forward has 11 goals and five assists. A dynamic player who is already up to 17 goals on the season, the Canucks will need to stay focused whenever he is on the ice. 

Projected Lineup

Lefferty - Pettersson- Mikheyev

Höglander- Miller- Boeser

Joshua- Bleuger- Garland

Di Giuseppe- Suter- Kuzmenko

Hughes- Hronek

Cole- Juulsen

Zadorov- Myers

Demko

DeSmith

Odd Courtesy of BetMGM

Spread

Canucks: 3.20(-1.5)

Panthers: 1.36 (+1.5)

Total

Over 6: 1.80

Under 6: 2.05

Money Line

Canucks: 1.95

Panthers: 1.87

Game Information

Start Time: 7:00 pm PT

Television: Sportsnet

Radio: Sportsnet 650