Canucks vs Canadiens Pre Game

Canucks Vs Canadiens, SNET-P, TEAM 1040, 7:00PM

Lots going on in Canucks land recently. There's trade talks, recalls and healthy players. Starting today off with the really good news that both Dan Hamhuis and Keith Ballard will be back in the lineup. This is the kind of news fans of Canucks aren't very used hearing as we have all become accustomed to hearing that another dman is out. It will be good to see both these guys get back into the lineup and it looks as though they will both be in the top four. Hamhuis with Salo and Ballard with Ehrhoff. They will both need to focus on getting their games back up to game speed fast as the Habs bring a bunch of quick forwards with their lineup.

Montreal is coming off a very hyped game the other day in Calgary. The outdoor game seemed like it was a pretty big success for everyone but the Habs. I'm sure they will be frustrated and bring a pretty good effort against the best team in the NHL tonight. I think if they were playing any other team in the league they would have a let down game tonight. That's a lot of hype for one regular season game I would think it would be hard to get geared up for the next one however it is the Canucks. Getting up for the best team in the league is never really hard. Expect Montreal to want to revenge their 4-0 loss tonight.

Daniel Sedin is currently in first in the NHL in points with Henrik close behind in 3rd. Stamkos (in 2nd) has a game in hand on the Twins and doesn't play again till Wed. Not that the Twins care who is winning the scoring race, it would be nice to see them build a bit of a lead tonight. Last time the Canucks played the Habs the Habs managed to shut down the SSB line. I think they only registered a couple of shot. That simply can't happen tonight. The Canadiens blue line has a ton of injuries and this line needs to be able to use this to their advantage. I expect them to have another good game after a big night against the Stars the other day.

The Kesler unit will not have as big of an advantage as they are used to tonight as the Habs are a pretty fast group of forwards. They will need to use their size and smarts to create plays tonight. They didn't seem to be a big factor against the Stars which surprised me as I am expect Raymond to snap out of his slump. Tonight let's hope that Kesler and Sammy can help Raymond out a bit and get him on the score sheet.

The third line of Malholtra, Torres and Hansen has been 100x better as of late. I've said it all along they don't need to be scoring on a consistent basis but they need to always, ALWAYS be physical. Along with Hansen, Torres has brought his hitting back to the team. When he is running around like a train making big hits and getting off good shots he is extremely effective. It's what I've expected out of him since the singing and what I think people will be very excited about come playoff time. Malholtra can continue to be very effective by winning faceoffs and killing penalties. They all have the ability to hit the score sheet and should be able to beat most NHL third lines. Tonight is no different they need to be a factor either on the score sheet or in the physicality department.

Guess who's back, that's right, everyone's favorite Cody Hodgson is back tonight. He'll be centering a fourth line of Glass and Oreskovich. This is a great chance for Hodgson as he is clearly the lead contender for the fourth line center position in the playoffs. I have been very happy with Hodgson's performance as the fourth line center so far this season. In the five games he's played the line has spent the majority of their time in the offensive zone. For a line that is supposed to make sure the other team doesn't score against them that is a great place for them to be. It's hard to get scored on when you're in their zone. In the next couple of games Gillis and AV will be able to decide is Coho is the right options. If he is I expect them to add a 3rd/4th line winger at the deadline. Oreskovich is not the option and I think they want to have Tambellini as a top six forward spare in case of an injury. This line tonight will be big on the dump and chase. Look for Glass and Hodgson to create a few chances together as they've looked pretty good when paired up. Hodgson will also get to use his creativity on the PP. I haven't liked what I've seen of him there so far but that's because for some reason he's been asked to stand in front of the net. To me he's a skilled guy and should be running the play from the half boards. He has great vision and can make almost any pass. If they give him a chance there tonight expect the 2nd PP to look much better.

Luongo gets the start in goal tonight and he will sporting the new mask we've all been waiting to see. I really like the looks of it. Check it out for sure.

Should be a fun night in the NHL there is a ton of games and I'm really looking forward to them.
Canucks and Habs is always a great game to watdh. Can't wait till puck drop!

Enjoy.

Go Canucks Go

Twitter me @bmah03

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