Canucks Vs Ducks Pre Game

Canucks Vs Ducks, SNET-P, TEAM 1040, 7:00PM PST

The Anaheim Ducks are normally a very tough opponent for the Canucks and I don't see that being any different tonight. Canucks are getting thin on the back end and the Ducks are getting their best player back in the line up in Getzlaf.

Schneider will be getting the start tonight in goal. According to the team it was a planned start and he's not in because Luongo is feeling sick. Schneider has played well all season and is coming off a pretty good game against the Stars. He should be able to give to team a good chance to win tonight and that's what the team has come to expect from their young up and coming goaltender.

Tonight's game will be a game that the depth players need to step up. Not necessarily at regular strength, but on the PK. The Ducks have a good PP ranked 3rd in the NHL. Teemu Selanne has a power play goal in both of the games this season and to me he can be a difference maker. Guys like Malholtra and Hansen will need a strong game to keep Selanne and the other stars in check.

The Ducks went out and got themselves a defenceman today from Toronto in Beauchemin however he won't be in the line up tonight. The Twins and Kesler will need to take advantage of this and put some points on the board. Daniel has one game in hand on Stamkos for the scoring lead but he's four points back. Tonight could be a night where he moves closer in that race. I could see the Twins having a very strong game tonight.

Everyone on defense will need to step up tonight. Although I liked Rome standing up for Henrik the other night he simply can't do that in a game where he needs to be relied upon for minutes in the game. Bieksa and Hamhuis will play a lot of minutes tonight and Ehrhoff will also get a lot of time. Rome, Alberts and Tanev will need to play good solid hockey tonight for the team to get a W.

Notes on a few other things going around the NHL:
-Matt Cooke is a good player when he is playing on the edge, but when he crosses it it's disgusting. What he has done recently is simply unacceptable and shouldn't be in the game of hockey. He clearly hung a knee on Ovechkin and that hit from behind was horrible. I'm glad he got 4 games and if he does it again he should get 15-20. He's a repeat offender and it needs to stop.
-As I mentioned the trades have been started off the the Ducks and Leafs striking a deal today. I think the Leafs won this deal and I like where they are going with bringing up Aulie. He's a player I really like. Lupul is a good player but has a bad contract. I still like the deal for the Leafs.
-The Canucks will have some cap space at the deadline with all the injuries they've had. It'll be interesting to see what they get up to.

Should be a good hard fought game tonight. Enjoy it.

Follow me on Twitter @bmah03

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