Canucks @ Sharks, SNET-P, TEAM 1040, 7:30 PM PST
For a Stats holiday Monday there is a ton of news around the Canucks camp today. Starting with HUGE news about the salary cap. Canucks have been granted a cap relief for Rick Rypien. To be honest I do not 100% understand all the intricate parts of the cap world, however if you're looking for someone who does, capgeek.com usually knows their stuff. They are reporting today that the Canucks will need to clear approximately 1.8M in cap space to have everyone come off LTIR. Meaning, one way to get Salo back in the lineup would be to move Rome and Alberts which equals 1.8M. I do believe MG will find a way to move one of these two players, but I think he'll also work something else to be able to keep one or the other as the backup defenseman. Clearly the Canucks have always been a team who needs depth at defence and having Rome or Alberts as #7 is a luxury most NHL don't have.
Other news in Canucks land is the slow return of Cody Hodgson to the Moose. The Moose are playing great without two of their star players, Hodgson and Schroeder, but mostly thanks to star goaltending by Eddie Lack. Hodgson's return from injury is taking a bit longer than expected and he will probably be out for another two weeks. Schroeder on the other hand should be back in the next week.
Finally the most important news in Canuck's land that could very much affect tonight's game is the game time decision for team leader Ryan Kesler. He blocked a shot last night with his foot and it has been reported that he has been limping fairly badly. Kesler hasn't missed a game in roughly three years so we can assume he will try to go tonight. The question for Kesler will be can he get his foot in his skate. If he can do that then my guess is he'll be a go. If he can't the Canucks could have some issues tonight. Tambellini can play centre, so there is a possibility he moves into the 2nd line centre spot flanked by Raymond and Hansen. That would allow the #1 and #3 lines to stay the same with Volpatti slotting back in on the fourth line. If they put Malholtra in the 2nd line centre spot I have no idea what the rest of the team will look like.
Knowing all this, if Kesler can't go, the Sedin's will need to step up and carry this team on their back for a night. Burrows will need to be crashing the boards and the front of the net to create some space for the twins. The Sharks have a very solid all around team and it will be tough for this line to create space, however, the Canucks are the best team in the league, the twins are their best line, so they need to find a way to do it tonight.
Schneider will be in goal tonight relieving Luongo from back to back duty again. What a luxury for the team it is to be able to put Schneider in goal and not worry about a drop in play. Luongo had a tough game last night and he deserves the night off in every way. Hopefully Schneider can keep his good play going again tonight by staying calm and in good position. The Sharks have good balance this season throughout their lineup and will be bringing a lot of pucks towards the net. Schneider will need to be ready tonight.
The defense will also need to step up tonight, if Kesler can't go they will need to provide a little offense as well as playing a big game in front of Schneider tonight. Bieksa will need to keep up his solid play and hopefully Edler can bring some more physical play like last night.
Tonight will be quite the test for the #1 team in the NHL. The Sharks can play with anyone in the NHL so the Canucks will need to be on their toes. It's a back to back game on the road so expect a low scoring defensive effort from the Canucks tonight. If they can take the crowd out of the game in the first period with a slow boring start they'll have a chance tonight. If they can't weather the Sharks early storm they will be in trouble.
Big thing for the Canucks tonight is keep the ball rolling. There's a lot of momentum behind this team and they'll need it tonight.
GO CANUCKS GO
Twitter me @bmah03
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