Canucks Gameday Preview #35: Can Vancouver Survive The Kraken Without Hughes & Pettersson?

The Vancouver Canucks (17-10-7) return from the holiday break by welcoming the Seattle Kraken (15-19-2) to Rogers Arena. This will be the first of four meetings in 2024-25 between these two Pacific Division rivals, with a rematch scheduled in less than a week. Last season, Seattle walked away with the series win, with Vancouver going 1-2-0 in the three meetings.

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The biggest question heading into this game is will the Canucks be able to withstand not having Quinn Hughes and Elias Pettersson in the lineup. While both have not been officially ruled out, Rick Tocchet labelled them both as doubtful for Saturday's matchup. Expect players like Tyler Myers and J.T. Miller to step up and play big minutes in the absence of Hughes and Pettersson.

Players to Watch:

J.T. Miller:

As mentioned, Miller is one player who will need to have a big game on Saturday if Vancouver wants to snag a win against the Kraken. Miller will most likely be above the 20-minute mark and see significant time at even-strength and on special teams. If Miller can deliver a multi-point effort, it will go a long way in helping the Canucks take down their division rivals.

Shane Wright:

While it took some time, Shane Wright has finally adjusted to life in the NHL. The former fourth-overall pick has 16 points in 33 games and enters this matchup on a two-game point streak. One of the league's top young players, if given time and space, Wright will find a way to make Vancouver pay.

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

Vancouver Canucks (17-10-7):

Quinn Hughes: 8-34-42
Elias Pettersson: 10-18-28
Conor Garland: 8-19-27
Jake DeBrusk: 15-10-25
Brock Boeser (27 Games): 11-11-22

Seattle Kraken (15-19-2):

Jared McCann: 12-15-27
Oliver Bjorkstrand: 11-13-24
Chandler Stephenson: 3-20-23
Brandon Montour: 8-13-21
Jaden Schwartz: 9-11-20

Game Information:

Start Time: 1:00 pm PT
Venue: Rogers Arena
Television: Sportsnet
Radio: Sportsnet 650