Canucks vs Sharks Pre Game

Canucks vs Avs. TSN and Team1040 radio @ 7:00 pm

Keep the momentum going. That is important for tonight's game. Coming off a good hard fought, well played 4-2 win over the Avs the Canucks need to bring a similar performance to the ice tonight against the Sharks. In recent years the Canucks have not fared well against the Sharks, last year the Sharks won 3 of 4 games.

Each player that talked in pre-game interviews today talked about how important it was that they played solid defensively which contributed to their offense. Coach V said the win was because of strong defensive zone play and a good forecheck. Look for both those things to be extremely important tonight.

Tonight's game has potential to be a rematch between Luongo and Niemi from last years playoffs, however, if the Sharks follow their current goalie pattern it is Niitymaki's turn in goal tonight.

Keys to tonight's game:

The forwards need to continue their strong play in both zones. Solid forechecking will lead to offensive chances but when playing without the puck the team needs to play solid defence. The SSB line will be matched up with one of the top two lines from the Sharks and will need to have a strong game to shut down the big guns from San Jose. Another strong +/- game from this line will lead to another win for the Canucks. Also I can see Malholtra having a strong game tonight against his former team. His faceoffs will go a long way in keeping the puck control game for the Canucks in full swing against a team that keeping the puck away from is always a good thing. I can see the Kesler line making a difference tonight, they are very quick and can use their speed to put some pressure on the Sharks D.

Tonight the Canucks defence will be tested. The Sharks have a very good top 9 forwards with scoring spread throughout. All 6 dmen for the Canucks will have to have a strong game. Tonight is Keith Ballard's birthday. After hearing his interview on the team 1040 the other day I expect him to have a relaxed attitude going into tonight's game and have a good birthday game. Hamhuis will need to have a better game tonight, the Canucks can't afford to be short handed against a potent team in the Sharks.

Tonight will be a good test for Luongo. He's coming off a fairly solid game against the Avs and like the rest of the team will need to continue his good play. Throughout Luongo's career this is the time of year he normally starts coming on and proving he's a top quality goalie. It is important he gets his consistency back on track and tonight would be a great game to start his roll.

Again, no prediction for tonight's game but I look for the team to come out and have a solid effort tonight. They always seem to be able to get up for big teams and the Sharks are a big team with a lot of offensive power.

I will be working again at the Salmon Kings game in Victoria tonight, I'll have the game recorded so I can bring you a post game blog tomorrow. Make sure you check back in then.

Follow me on Twitter @bmah03.
Leave a comment of your game predictions for tonight if you want. Or anything else you have to say.

Go Canucks Go!