After falling to the Minnesota Wild yesterday, the Vancouver Canucks (20-9-2) are back in action today as they take on the Chicago Blackhawks (9-19-1). This will be a perfect opportunity for Vancouver to rebound as Chicago heads into the game as the worst team in the league. While on paper, this looks like an easy win for the Canucks, they can't get ahead of themselves, especially with Connor Bedard at the other end of the ice. Canucks Player of the Week_ Nils Höglander, Dec 3-10, 2023 Speaking of Bedrad, he is developing into a superstar, as expected. Despite a constant rotation of wingers, the former Regina Pats center is up to 24 points in 29 games. Playing against the team he grew up cheering for, he will need to have a big game if the Blackhawks want to win. This will also be a chance for Anthony Beauvillier to face off against Vancouver for the first time since being traded. The winger played 55 games as a Canuck before being moved to Chicago to clear up cap space. Currently skating on the Blackhawks' second line, you know he would love to score against his former team. Players to Watch Sam Lafferty Another player who is playing against their old team for the first time is Sam Lafferty. Before landing in Vancouver, he had played 97 games with Chicago, recording 32 points during that time. Projected once again to play with Elias Pettersson and Ilya Mikheyev, could he be in store for a goal against the Blackhawks today? Jason Dickinson Another former Canuck in Chicago's lineup is Jason Dickinson. Playing mostly third-line minutes, he is already up to 14 points in 29 games, which surpassed his total in Vancouver. With two assists in nine games against the Canucks, this could be the game he gets his first career goal versus Vancouver. Projected Lineup Mikheyev- Pettersson- Suter Höglander- Miller- Boeser Joshua- Bleuger- Garland Kuzmenko- Åman- Lafferty Hughes- Hronek Cole- Juulsen Zadorov- Myers Demko DeSmith Odd Courtesy of BetMGM [https://sports.on.betmgm.ca/en/sports/events/vancouver-canucks-at-chicago-blackhawks-15083886] Spread Canucks: 2.10 (-1.5) Blackhawks: 1.75 (+1.5) Total Over 6.5: 2.00 Under 6: 1.83 Money Line Canucks: 1.45 Blackhawks: 2.80 Game Information Start Time: Noon PT Television: Sportsnet Radio: Sportsnet 650 Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAyODg1NTQwNTc0NDA1NjQ0/thumbnail.jpg]
