Canucks Gameday Preview #58: A Tough Test In The Mile High City

The Canucks will try to avoid their first three-game losing streak of the season when they face the Avalanche.

Photo by Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports - Canucks Gameday Preview #58: A Tough Test In The Mile High City

The Vancouver Canucks (37-14-6) will look to end their mini two-game losing streak when they face off against the Colorado Avalanche (34-18-4) on Tuesday night. Vancouver will be looking to even the season series, as Colorado took the first meeting earlier this season by a score of 5-2. This is also the first time this season that two teams who have scored 200 or more goals will face off, as the Canucks and Avalanche rank first and third in goals scored this year.

If Vancouver wants to end their losing streak, they must be more disciplined. Like the Minnesota Wild on Monday night, the Avalanche will capitalize if given constant five-on-threes throughout the game. Expect Thatcher Demko to be relied on heavily, as Colorado should be able to apply plenty of pressure on a tired Canucks team.

Players to Watch

Nils Höglander

Nils Höglander has found a place in the lineup on the all-Swede line. He has points in five of his last six games and must continue producing to stay in the top six. A player who has mastered the art of getting under the opponent's skin, look for him to be crashing the net and winning puck battles as he tries to help Vancouver get back in the win column.

Jonathan Drouin

Jonathan Drouin has been one signing that has gone under the radar this season. He has already surpassed his point total from last season with 32 points and is one of nine Avalanche players to have hit double digits in goal. Currently playing on Colorado's top line, he can do some damage if left with too much time and space.

Projected Lineup

Höglander- Pettersson- Lindholm

Suter- Miller- Boeser

Mikheyev- Bleuger- Garland

Di Giuseppe- Åman- Lafferty

Hughes- Hronek

Cole- Myers

Zadorov- Juulsen

Demko

DeSmith

Odd Courtesy of BetMGM

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