Yahoo Sports Canucks Gameday Preview #47: Vancouver Looks To Bounce Back Against A McDavid-Less Oilers
After a disappointing loss to the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday, the Vancouver Canucks (20-16-10) are back in action on Thursday as they face the Edmonton Oilers (29-15-3). This will be the third and final regular-season meeting between these two division rivals, with the winner of Thursday's contest taking the season series. Both these teams will also be missing important pieces of their lineup, as both Tyler Myers and Connor McDavid are still serving suspensions.
Latest From THN's Vancouver Canucks Site:
Why It Is Time For The Canucks To Call Up Aatu Räty
Canucks Tocchet Gives His Thoughts On McDavid & Myers Suspensions
Thursday's game will be a massive test for the Canucks both on and off the ice. Not only will the Oilers be looking for some revenge after what occurred on Saturday night, but players and coach Rick Tocchet will most likely be heavily questioned before and after the game. If Vancouver wants to leave Edmonton with a victory, they will need to shut out the noise and try to replicate their performance from Saturday night.
Players to Watch:
Conor Garland:
Unfortunately for Conor Garland, Thursday's game has been turned into a circus. Whether it is pre or post-game, he will be asked about the hold on McDavid and is expected to receive some boos whenever the puck is on his stick. That being said, if Garland can block out the noise and be annoying to play against all night, it could be what the Canucks need to capture a win in Alberta.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins:
In McDavid's absence, one player who will be looking to step up is Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. The former first-overall pick had an assist the last time these two teams met but has struggled lately to produce consistently. Whether it is on special teams or at even strength, Vancouver will need to keep an eye on Nugent-Hopkins throughout the night.
Top 5 Scoring Leaders (Goals, Assists, Points):
Vancouver Canucks (20-16-10):
Quinn Hughes: 12-39-51
J.T. Miller: 8-24-32
Conor Garland: 11-20-31
Elias Pettersson: 11-19-30
Jake DeBrusk: 17-12-29
Edmonton Oilers (29-15-3):
Leon Draisatil: 34-37-71
Connor McDavid: 20-45-65
Evan Bouchard: 8-27-35
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins: 12-15-27
Zach Hyman: 15-11-26
Game Information:
Start Time: 6:00 pm PT
Venue: Rogers Place
Television: Sportsnet
Radio: Sportsnet 650
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News 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.
