Vancouver Canucks Week #11 Outlook: Uphill Momentum
By David Joun
Oct 24, 2015; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Detroit Red Wings forward Teemu Pulkkinen (56) scores against Vancouver Canucks goaltender Ryan Miller (30) during overtime period at Rogers Arena. the Detroit Red Wings won 3-2 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
@Detroit Red Wings (16-8-6) Friday, December 18th
Leading Scorer: Henrik Zetterberg (5 Goals, 24 Points)
Keys to the Game
- The game is winnable
- Wear them down, and wear their will down
- Get under the skin of the opposing goaltender
The Detroit Red Wings find themselves magically in second place in the Atlantic Division, just behind the Montreal Canadiens. They only scored one more goal than they allowed, and also struggled in overtime, with 6 OT-losses. Though this team looks so tough to beat, it is still a winnable game.
The Red Wings are missing some core players. Johan Franzen is out with a concussion, Kyle Quincey is out with a concussion and an ankle injury, Drew Miller is out with a broken jaw, and Teemu Pulkkinen is out with a dislocated shoulder. If the Canucks can give these guys a rough ride, you can wear down their compete level.
Jimmy Howard and Peter Mrazek have been just so good this year. With Howard supposedly on the trade block, Mrazek is seeking to concrete his grasp of the No. 1 spot. We know it all too well, Vancouver. If the Canucks can’t solve whichever one is in net on Friday, they are going to be playing a frustrating game. Find a way to get after the goaltender, and protect your own, whether it be Ryan Miller or Jacob Markstrom.
Next: Bottom Line