Canucks Gameday Preview #40: A Tough Matchup Against Alexander Ovechkin And The Red Hot Capitals

The Vancouver Canucks (18-12-9) continue their eastern road trip when they visit the Washington Capitals (26-10-4) on Wednesday. The Capitals have been one of the hottest teams in the league this season, with their 148 goals ranking second only behind the Winnipeg Jets. In order to escape Washington with a victory, Vancouver will need a full 60-minute effort from their entire lineup.

Latest From THN's Vancouver Canucks Site:

Analytics Site Projects That The Canucks Will Miss The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Canucks Announce Cancellation Of 2025 Young Stars Classic

The 2025 Vancouver Canucks’ Path To The Playoffs

For the Canucks to be successful, they need to get as many pucks on the net as possible. Vancouver has struggled to generate shots this season, and have recorded under 25 shots in five of their last six games. With the way the Capitals have been playing this year, especially Alex Ovechkin, the Canucks can not afford to sit back and hope that a turnover leads to an offensive scoring chance.

Players to Watch:

Jonathan Lekkerimäki:

After his first multi-point performance in the NHL, all eyes will be on Jonathan Lekkerimäki, who will need to have a big game if Vancouver is going to win. The 2022 first rounder pick has been lighting up the AHL this season, and should be able to generate some shots on net against Washington. Everyone knows Lekkerimäki has a great shot, now it is time for him to showcase it in the NHL.

Connor McMichael:

What a year it has been for Connor McMichael. The 2019 first round pick is up to 17 goals in 40 games and is three points away from setting a new career high. With the way McMichael has been playing this season, the Canucks will need to keep an extra eye on him throughout the game.

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

Vancouver Canucks (18-12-9):

Quinn Hughes: 8-36-44
Jake DeBrusk: 17-12-29
Conor Garland: 10-19-29
J.T. Miller: 8-21-29
Elias Pettersson: 10-18-28

Washington Capitals (26-10-4)

Dylan Strome: 13-33-45
Aliaksei Protas: 18-17-35
Tom Wilson: 18-14-32
Connor McMichael: 17-14-31
Pierre-Luc Dubois: 5-26-31

Game Information:

Start Time: 4:30 pm PT
Venue: Capital One Arena 
Television: Sportsnet 
Radio: Sportsnet 650

Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum.