Canucks Vs Predators, SNET-P, TEAM 1040, 7:00PM
Sorry for missing last game I got a little busy with work and all.
Simple version of the game against CBJ was Luongo won the game. That's all you really need to know.
On to tonight's game and starting with Luongo again. He has a chance tonight to be only the 25th goalie in history to win 300 games. Unfortunately I expect him to have to do it on his own again. I say this because I don't expect Nashville to give up very many chances.
If they do get any chances tonight the big guns for the Canucks need to step it up and put the puck in the net. It's been a long time since we've needed to complain a bit about the SSB line and Kesler but they have been slumping a bit lately. Starting with the Twin line. Obviously the checking is getting tighter as the playoffs loom closer and it isn't going to get any easier. They need to use their skill and creativity to find open space and fire the puck. It doesn't need to be pretty, it just needs to be a shot on goal. Burrows needs to pick his game up as well, crash the net a little harder and play more physical in the corner. Kesler needs to simply get back to what he was doing so well this year. Finding open ice to get his wrist shot off or drive the net hard.
The 2nd line will have a fired up Samuelsson tonight. He was very upset the other night that he lost his spot to Tambellini. We all know what happened last year when Samuelsson was angry, he took off. Hopefully that happens again this season.
The third line has looked good lately, Torres has been hitting everything that moves and it's been fun to watch. They just need to keep up a similar effort and bring more energy to the team.
Lapierre should have had a bit more time to get used to this team and it's systems. I expect him to become more of a factor as we move closer to the playoffs. As long as the fourth line is gritty they will see ice-time.
Good news on the injury front. AV has said that both Bieksa and Higgins will join the team on the road trip. Not sure when they'll both play but it's still good knowing they are getting close. Bieksa is clearly missed and I think Higgins will make an impact when he gets into the lineup. Edler will be the only missing piece. He is a big piece however the team should look much more complete in the next week or so.
Looking forward to sitting down tonight and watching the game.
Check out my twitter tonight during the game for thoughts as the game goes along. @bmah03
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