Canucks @ Oilers Pre Game

Canucks @ Oilers SNET-P, Team 1040, 5:00PM

Tonight is the second game of  a back to back for the Canuck's. They gave Luongo a rest last night and it will be up to him and the team to come out and play a good game against the young but very talented Oilers team. The Oilers are playing very good as of late going 5-0-1 in their last six games and should not be taken lightly. Typically the Canuck's sleep against weaker teams however this is a decent rivalry and divisional team so I doubt they are completely blank tonight. They had a good comeback last night and hopefully the goal in OT by Stamkos won't kill the momentum the Canuck's created in the third.

Starting with a quick goal will be huge tonight. There are a lot of reasons for this, first get the crowd out of the game. Rexall Place can be a loud arena and getting them out of the game early would be nice. Second, the team needs a jump start coming off the back to back. Third, the Oilers are young and might get down on themselves if they give up an early one.

The Twins haven't had a dominant game in a while. Edmonton's defense is nothing to write home about and the Twins should be able to take control of the game down low. They need to get back onto the plus side of the +/- for the Canucks to win tonight.

The rest of the team needs an overall gritty performance. If they play a good defensive game they will create turnovers against this young Oiler's team and be able to counter punch for scoring chances. Maybe Torres can get it going again against his old team.

Luongo got the night off last night so it's his time to shine and carry the team. He needs a big game for the team and tonights the perfect night.

The defense will need to stay responsible against the very fast Oilers forwards.

I said in my post game from the Lightning that if a team can get three points out of a possible four in a back to back situation they would be happy. Tonight's the night to get two and complete that situation. Look for the team to play a very passive defensive game with a strong counter punch and the Twins working their magic down low.

Follow the Twitter @bmah03

Leave a comment and get an answer.