Canucks Vs Avalanche Pre-Game Nov 24

Last year many players on the Canucks played their best seasons after having some kind of controversy to deal with. Henrik had the loss of his brother (started shooting, putting up points, leading the team). Samuelsson got left off the Swedish Olympic roster (started playing angry and scoring). Just to name a few. Well now the whole team has controversy. And the core guys need to step up their game. Everyone needs to play angry and come out strong.The Canucks need to come out of the gate and play like the Avs did all last season. They need a gritty hard working performance from all 12 forwards, 6 dmen, and Luongo in goal. 

As I said a few days ago, expect to see Tambellini suite up on the 2nd line with Kesler and Raymond tonight. AV was on the team1040 today saying he expects Tambellini to bring a Grabner like element to that line tonight. Speed, skill and shooting ability. I expect that line to do exactly what the coach is looking for. Good passes from the defence to anyone on this line will cause problems for the Avs defence. Speed kills in this league and this line is fast.

The Twins need to break their slump. Look for points from this unit tonight. Another thing to note from this line is their +/-. Last season Daniel finished a +36 and Henrik was +35. Even though they are putting up the points this season their puck control and cycle game hasn't been as strong. This year they are both at even +/-, with 24 points a piece. If Burrows starts playing his aggressive play getting in and retrieving the puck the +/- for this line will improve drastically.

A veteran presence from the 3rd line will be important tonight. Torres, Malholtra and Samuelsson don't really need to put up points tonight but they can't give up any and they need to have good positive shifts each time on the ice.

Hansen being moved to the 4th line is a big improvement to what we have seen lately. Although he has hands of stone he is aggressive and his reckless hitting style will be a good energy boost for the team. Looking forward to see him on the 4th line with Glass.

The defence needs to keep learning each others play. Strong games from Edler, Ehrhoff and Hamhuis would be a nice sight. They need to match the play of Colorado's defence including John Michael Liles (20Gp 3G 17A).

In goal it will be Luongo vs Anderson. Anderson is coming off injury, his first game back was a good game against the Rangers. For himself, the team and the fans Luongo needs to win a game and this would be a great one tonight. He's 4-0-1 in his last five against the Avs.

Tonight's game is a huge divisional game and possible season turner for the Canucks. A win and the fans will calm down, a loss and Vancouver could explode. On paper the Canucks should be able to match up with any team in the NHL, but as we know the games aren't played on paper. It's time for the them to come out and show 5x5 that this team is a team to challenge for the cup this year.

No prediction tonight other than I expect to see a big time 60 minute performance from all the Canucks.

Side note: Tonight I will be working at the Save-On Foods Memorial Centre where the Salmon Kings will be taking on Idaho Steelheads. Canucks game will be recorded will watch it in the morning and post game will follow.

Follow me on Twitter @bmah03.

Enjoy the game.

GO CANUCKS GO.