Return Of Dakota Joshua Should Give Canucks Massive Boost Against The Predators

The Vancouver Canucks are expected to receive a massive boost on Wednesday as Dakota Joshua returns to the lineup. Joshua has missed the last 11 games with a lower-body injury, which occured the last time Vancouver took on the Nashville Predators. While it may take some time for Joshua to get back to his 2023-24 form, his return could be a massive boost for the Canucks.

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With Joshua out of the lineup, Vancouver has struggled. During his 11-game absence, the Canucks were 4-5-2 while averaging 2.18 goals per game. Vancouver also missed his toughness, with the Canucks seeing a significant dip in hits per 60 while Joshua was out of the lineup.

Scoring in the bottom six has also dried up without Joshua in the lineup. Only five players are above .50 points per game, while Conor Garland, Pius Suter and Teddy Blueger, who he usually plays with, have a combined four goals over the 11 games. While the bottom six has struggled to produce at different times this season, there has been a significant dip since Joshua's last game on January 3.

The 2024-25 season has not been kind to Joshua. He has only played 24 of the team's 49 games and has recorded two goals and four points. That being said, he has been physical every chance he gets and is up to 83 hits so far this year.

In the end, Joshua's return to the lineup should provide the team with a massive boost. He also returns at an important time, as Vancouver is looking to build momentum and jump back above the playoff bar. Even if he is held off the scoresheet, Joshua will have an impact against the Predators as he helps make the Canucks a more difficult team to play against.

The Canucks continue their three-game road trip on Wednesday against Nashville. This will be the third meeting between these 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs rivals, with the Predators having taken the first two. Game time is set for 6:00 pm PT from Bridgestone Arena.

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