Canucks Vs Flyers Pre Game

Canucks VS. Flyers, TSN, TEAM 1040, 7pm PST

Could this be the Stanley Cup Final preview? Philly is probably the best team in the East and the Canucks could be the best team in the West. Tonight Philly is missing their best player and the Canucks will need to take advantage of that. Even though Philly is missing Pronger their defense is still top 10 in the NHL.

With Pronger out of the line up the twins should have a lot more open ice. Along with Burrows they will need to use this ice to produce points in an important game for the team. Big time players need to show up in big time games.

The second line will need to continue playing at the level they are playing at. Both Kessler and Tambellini have point streaks going that would be nice if they could continue tonight. Not sure of Raymond’s status but I am hearing that he will take the pre-game skate. If he is good to go Hansen should slot into the fourth line and Volpatti will come out. Raymond should be in game shape with his legs as long as his hands don’t let him down he should be able to stay on the second line.

The third line has been picking up their play lately and it would be nice to see them staying consistent. For the first time in a while the other team has a third line that is comparable to the Canucks. They can’t afford to loose the third line battle tonight, so playing strong defensively will be important.

Like I said in last games post game I think Volpatti has lost his job. If Raymond can’t go Volpatti tonight, the fourth line will have to play a strong game without allowing any goals if they want to see any ice time.

Canucks second ranked power play will have to be a difference maker tonight. Because the Flyers biggest weakness is in goal a key to the power play will be lots of shooting with traffic in front. Like my Grandpa likes to say “SHOOT THE PUCK!”

Assuming there is no baby Luongo coming Luongo will be starting. Because these teams are so similar Canucks biggest advantage could be in goal. It would be nice to see the defense along with Luongo putting up a shut down performance tonight against the powerful team.

These two teams are built very similarly to go deep into the playoffs. Tonight should be a good measuring stick for both teams. Both teams have three lines who can bring offence, solid overall defense and good goal tending. Tonight’s game should have a playoff atmosphere and will be very fun to watch. Enjoy the game.

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Thanks to my family for a great Christmas. Back to work tonight.

Thanks to my Girlfriend for typing while I drive the Island Highway.