Canucks @ Avalanche, SNET-P, TEAM 1040, 5:00 PM PST
Tonight is the first game of a crazy stretch for the Canucks. They play 5 games in the next 7 nights. It will be a test of will for the team as this kind of stretch isn't typically good for keeping winning streaks alive. They are however well rested for tonights game and should have Luongo back in goal tonight. Raymond will also be slotting back into the lineup. In a bit of a surprise AV will be using Raymond on the 4th line. It might have to do with the fact Raymond will be wearing a splint on his thumb still or that the top 3 lines are playing fairly well together.
Don't let the standings fool you, tonight's game is more than important. It is a crucial game for the Canuck's going into this crazy month of hockey. The Canuck's are currently sitting 2nd in the West, six points ahead of Colorado with 2 games in hand. Tonight they have the opportunity to not only be first in the West (If Detroit loses to Philly) but to put 8 points between them and Colorado while still having two games in hand. This kind of lead will be huge for the stretch run and may take some pressure off the team. Knowing these things I would call tonight a very important game against a division opponent.
We all know that Vancouver can play any type of game, fast paced offensive game or a tight stifling defensive game. Colorado on the other hand only seems to have one gear and that's offense. Canucks should be able to bring a strong counter punching game and have a lot of chances on goal.
Because of the Colorado's offensively minded dmen the Twins and Burrows should be able to take advantage of their cycle game to put up some solid numbers tonight. It's an important game and having the Twins prove to the team they can show up for big games is always a good thing.
The 2nd line will still be Hansen, Kesler and Tambellini tonight so they will need to keep using their speed to get in on the forecheck and cause turn overs. It would be nice to see this line start another point streak.
The third line has an advantage tonight as most teams in the NHL aren't as deep as the Canucks. Colorado is one of those teams. The third line should be able to dominate the faceoff circle and have the puck most of the time. Puck control and solid pressure should generate a solid game from this line.
The fourth line is improved tonight with Glass and Bolduc lining up with Raymond as their other winger. They should be able to get a fair share of ice time with it being a back to back tomorrow so they will need to use their speed to create some chances. Glass and Raymond add an interesting combination of speed size and defensive ability. Bolduc will need to stay within himself tonight and not make any mistakes. If they can all play a good game there is potential for this line to be very effective tonight.
In goal tonight is Luongo. Hopefully Luongo won't be distracted tonight from his new baby boy. The nice thing about this stretch of games is the team and Luongo know Schneider will be playing so he should be able to come in focused on tonight's game knowing he'll have the night off tomorrow. I expect a good performance from him tonight because the push from Schneider is starting to come on. Schneider is playing like he wants the number one spot and eventually if he keeps it up Luongo will need to keep pace.
A solid team performance tonight will get a W and a huge lead in the North West. Could the Canucks be #1 in the West tonight? Tune in to find out.
Post games and Pre Games tomorrow, follow twitter for updates @bmah03
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