Canucks Gameday Preview #21: A Chance To Sweep The Season Series Against The Penguins

A day after defeating the Boston Bruins, the Vancouver Canucks (11-6-3) are back in action on Wednesday as they take on the Pittsburgh Penguins (7-12-4). This is the second time these two teams have met this season, with Vancouver defeating Pittsburgh 4-3 back in October. With a win, the Canucks can push their current win streak to three games while improving to 9-1-0 through their first ten road games of the season.

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There is plenty of intrigue heading into this game, as these two teams have been linked in trade talks for the last couple of weeks. With the Penguins struggling out of the gate, Wednesday's game may be the perfect opportunity to start discussing a future trade. Who knows, if everything goes right, Vancouver could be leaving Pittsburgh with not just a win but a new addition to their lineup.

Players to Watch:

Conor Garland:

Conor Garland has been one of the Canucks most consistent players this season. Currently on a five-game point streak, Garland has stepped up not just at even-strength but also on the penalty kill and power play. Based on the way he has been playing, it wouldn't be shocking if he extends his point streak to six games on Wednesday.

Marcus Pettersson:

One of the names that has been linked to Vancouver is defenceman Marcus Pettersson. The Canucks have had interest in the left-shot defenceman before, and with the way Pittsburgh is playing, the pending UFA could be on the move this season. A player that Jim Rutherford has already traded for once before, it may be only a matter of time before Vancouver adds a third Pettersson to their organization.

Vancouver Canucks Projected Lineup:

DeBrusk-Pettersson-Sherwood
Joshua-Suter-Garland
Heinen-Blueger-Boeser
Höglander-Räty-Sasson

Hughes-Hronek
Brännström-Myers
Soucy-Juulsen

Šilovs
Lankinen

Top 5 Scoring Leaders (Goals, Assists, Points):

Vancouver Canucks (11-6-3):

Quinn Hughes: 4-16-20
Conor Garland: 6-11-10
J.T. Miller: 6-10-16
Elias Pettersson: 6-9-15
Jake DeBrusk: 8-8-14

Pittsburgh Penguins (7-12-4)

Sidney Crosby: 8-13-21
Evgeni Malkin: 5-15-20
Rickard Rakell: 7-5-12
Erik Karlsson: 2-10-12
Anthony Beauvillier: 6-3-9

Game Information:

Start Time: 4:30 PM PT
Venue: PPG Paints Arena 
Television: Sportsnet
Radio: Sportsnet 650