Canucks Gameday Preview #36: Vancouver Ends 2024 Hoping To Extinguish The Flames

The Vancouver Canucks (17-10-8) hit the ice one more time in 2024 as they battle the Calgary Flames (17-12-7) on New Year's Eve. Vancouver will be looking for a better outcome than their last time out when they blew a 4-1 lead to the Seattle Kraken, falling 5-4 in overtime. As for the Flames, they are also looking for a bounce-back performance after being shut out by the Vegas Golden Knights 3-0 on Sunday night.

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The biggest story heading into this game will be if the Canucks leaders can step up their game in the absence of Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes. While Vancouver put forth a strong effort on Saturday, they fell apart late, allowing three goals in the final 4:55. Facing a Calgary team that is 12-4-3 at home, the Canucks will need players like J.T. Miller, Brock Boeser, Jake DeBrusk and Tyler Myers to step up if they want to leave 2024 with two points.

Players to Watch:

Derek Forbort:

In Hughes's absence, Forbort is expected to play more minutes at even strength. He played 20:07 against Seattle, with over 17 of those minutes coming at even strength. If Forbort can be strong defensively and ensure he makes clean breakouts out of the zone, it will go a long way toward helping Vancouver win this game.

Kevin Bahl:

Kevin Bahl is an underrated defenceman who deserves more praise than he gets. The 24-year-old has 12 points in 36 games and is averaging 21:37 of ice time a night. Listed at 6'6", 230lbs, Bahl is also a pain to battle in the crease and isn't afraid to play a physical brand of hockey along the boards.

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: 16-11-27
Brock Boeser (28 Games): 13-11-24

Calgary Flames (17-12-7):

Jonathan Huberdeau: 15-12-27
Nazem Kadri: 13-12-25
Connor Zary: 8-12-20
MacKenzie Weegar: 4-15-19
Matthew Coronato: 9-9-18

Game Information:

Start Time: 6:00 pm PT
Venue: Scotiabank Saddledome 
Television: Sportsnet
Radio: Sportsnet 650