Canucks Gameday Preview #39: Vancouver Aims To Get Back On Track Versus New Jersey

Canucks will be looking to even the season series after falling 6-5 earlier this year.

Photo by Simon Fearn-USA TODAY Sports - Canucks Gameday Preview #39: Vancouver Aims To Get Back On Track Versus New Jersey

The Vancouver Canucks (24-11-3) will look to get back on track as they face the New Jersey Devils (21-14-2). Nicknamed the "Hughes Bowl," this game will only feature two Hughes brothers as Jack will not play due to injury. This game could also feature a milestone as Thatcher Demko currently sits at 99 career wins and could become just the fifth goaltender in franchise history to hit 100 wins in a Canucks jersey.

Carson Soucy will also make his return to the lineup versus the Devils. The Canucks defender has not played since Nov. 12, when he suffered a lower-body injury versus the Montreal Montreal Canadiens. He will replace Nikita Zadorov, who is currently listed as day-to-day.

Players to Watch

Andrei Kuzmenko

After being a healthy scratch against the St. Louis Blues, Andrei Kuzmenko is set to draw back into the lineup for Vancouver. This will be a great opportunity for him to get back on the scoresheet as New Jersey is allowing the fifth most goals per game this season. With trade rumours swirling, the Canucks winger will need to step up and prove he can play the type of game head coach Rick Tocchet wants.

Luke Hughes

As expected, Luke Hughes has been one of the best rookies in the NHL this season. He ranks fourth in points with 22 and is one of four rookies to average more than 20 minutes a game so far this season. Look for him to play a significant role on the power play, especially with brother Jack out of the lineup.

Projected Lineup

Mikheyev- Pettersson- Kuzmenko

Suter - Miller- Boeser

Joshua- Bleuger- Garland

Höglander- Åman- Lafferty

Hughes- Hronek

Cole- Juulsen

Soucy- Myers

Demko

DeSmith

Odd Courtesy of BetMGM

Spread