Canucks Gameday Preview #70: A Highly Anticipated Matchup Against J.T. Miller & The Rangers

The Vancouver Canucks (32-25-12) continue their road trip on Saturday morning when they take on the New York Rangers (33-31-6). This will be the first time these two teams met since they pulled off a blockbuster trade on January 31. With a win, the Canucks would temporarily jump back above the playoff bar but will have to wait until the end of the day to see if they will spend the night in the second Wild Card spot. 

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Saturday is an opportunity for Vancouver to take advantage of a struggling team. The Rangers have lost three straight and are slowly slipping out of the playoff race in the East. If the Canucks can get bodies and pucks on the net, they should be able to capitalize on what will be a desperate New York team.

Players to Watch:

Elias Pettersson:

All eyes will be on center Elias Pettersson in this game. After years of feuding with J.T. Miller, this will be Pettersson's first chance to face his former teammate in an NHL game. With Vancouver needing a win, the hope is Pettersson can step up his game and push his point streak to seven games. 

J.T. Miller:

After a strong start with his new team, Miller has struggled to pick up points of late and hasn't hit the scoresheet in three games. With that in mind, it is clear he is motivated for Saturday, as he told reporters, "It will be a war, and I think we all understand that." The question is, will Miller be able to elevate his game, or will his pointless streak be extended at the hands of his former team? 

Vancouver Canucks (32-24-12):
Last 10: 5-4-1

Quinn Hughes: 16-50-66
Elias Pettersson: 15-30-45
Brock Boeser: 22-21-43
Conor Garland: 17-24-41
Jake DeBrusk: 23-16-39

New York Rangers (33-31-6):
Last 10: 3-5-2

Artemi Panarin: 31-44-75
Adam Fox: 5-45-50
Mika Zibanejad: 15-34-49
Vincent Trocheck: 20-28-48
Will Cuylle: 18-20-38

Game Information:

Start Time: 10:00 am PT
Venue: Madison Square Garden
Television: Sportsnet
Radio: Sportsnet 650

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