The Vancouver Canucks (21-43-8) continue their road trip on Monday as they visit the Vegas Golden Knights. Both teams have struggled as of late and have combined for just five wins over their last 20 games. Based on the standings, Monday is a must-win for Vegas as they are dangerously close to the playoff bar. Monday will feature a debut from the Golden Knights side as John Tortorella will be behind the bench for the first time. Vegas announced on Sunday that they had fired Bruce Cassidy and replaced him with Tortorella. Earlier this year, Tortorella helped Team USA win Gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics and brings over 1,500 games of experience behind the bench. Shifting to the Canucks, all the focus remains on whether they can sort out their second-period issues. Vancouver is the only team that has allowed over 100 goals against in the second, as they enter Monday's game with 103 against in 72 games. At this stage of the season, the team needs to show some level of progress, which could be as simple as not allowing a goal in the middle frame against the Golden Knights [http://thn.com/vegas]. PLAYERS TO WATCH: Evander Kane: Monday will feature a milestone moment for Evander Kane as he skates in his 1,000th career regular-season game. In 999 career games, the 34-year-old has 338 goals along with 647 points. As for this season, Kane has played 69 games and recorded 30 points. Mitch Marner: All eyes will be on Mitch Marner and how he responds to Tortorella taking over as coach. The 28-year-old has not lived up to expectations in his first year with Vegas, but he does sit second on the team with 71 points in 73 games. The question now is, can Tortorella help Marner unlock another level, or will personalities clash over the next few weeks? Feb 4, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (9) keeps the puck away from Vancouver Canucks defenseman Tom Willander (5) during the third period at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/f9110954-b97b-4393-8314-fbe38dbe2328.jpeg] Feb 4, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (9) keeps the puck away from Vancouver Canucks defenseman Tom Willander (5) during the third period at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images Vancouver Canucks (21–43–8): Points: Elias Pettersson: 15–30–45 Filip Hronek: 8–33–41 Brock Boeser: 17–21–38 Jake DeBrusk: 16–18–34 Linus Karlsson: 13–18–31 Goaltenders: Thatcher Demko: 8–10–1 Kevin Lankinen: 8–25–5 Nikita Tolopilo: 5–7–2 Jiří Patera: 0–1–0 Vegas Golden Knights (32–26–16): Points: Jack Eichel: 25-53-78 Mitch Marner: 20-51-71 Mark Stone: 23-41-64 Pavel Dorofeyev: 34-26-60 Tomas Hertl: 24-30-54 Goaltenders: Akira Schmid: 16-10-6 Adin Hill: 9-9-5 Carter Hart: 5-3-3 Carl Lindbom: 2-4-2 Game Information: Start time: 7:00 pm PT Venue: T-Mobile Arena Television: Sportsnet Radio: Sportsnet 650 Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwr-DfCA?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen] for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks]. Latest From THN’s Vancouver Canucks Site [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks/]: Canucks To Face Former Coach On Monday As Golden Knights Make Coaching Change [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks/latest-news/canucks-to-face-former-coach-on-monday-as-golden-knights-make-coaching-change] 8 Players Who Skated In Their 1000th NHL Game With The Vancouver Canucks [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks/players/8-players-who-skated-in-their-1000th-nhl-game-with-the-vancouver-canucks] Vancouver Canucks Mailbag: D Partners, Future Contracts & More [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks/players/vancouver-canucks-mailbag-d-partners-future-contracts-more] For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free [https://thehockeynews.store/products/print-subscription?_gl=1*if85lf*_ga*MjAzNzYwNzU2Ny4xNzczNDI1NzEw*_ga_ZET34ZFCGX*czE3NzM0MjU3MDkkbzEkZzEkdDE3NzM0MzA3MDIkajYwJGwwJGgw]. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here [http://eepurl.com/i7OC4I]. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum. The Hockey News [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/b4d37a40-828d-4b9c-aeab-1e9512a4f27c.jpeg] The Hockey News
