Vancouver Canucks Outlook and Predictions Week #24: Rising

vs. Winnipeg Jets (28-35-5) Monday, March 13th

Leading scorer: Blake Wheeler (18 goals, 60 points)

Keys to the game:

1. Dominate Emotionally
2. Physicality for Physicality
3. Win those Draws

The Vancouver Canucks had no idea that they were going to win on Saturday night until this happened and the leading scorer for the Nashville Predators and the leading physical presence for the Canucks clashed together. And this happened.

And the Canucks dominated the game emotionally. Finally, the home team advantage played out right for the Canucks. So if the Canucks can repeat that against a Canadien rival, the Winnipeg Jets who are now without Andrew Ladd, the game is sure to be the Canucks’.

More from The Canuck Way

• Which team won the Bo Horvat trade?
• What to expect from newcomers Anthony Beauvillier, Aatu Räty
• Back to the future: How the skate uniforms became a regular Canucks’ feature night
• Canucks kick off 2023 with disappointing 6-2 loss to Islanders
• 2nd period penalty trouble sinks Canucks in 4-2 loss against Winnipeg

But Blake Wheeler and Dustin Byfuglien are both on the roster still, among many others. This game is not an easy game physically. There is no doubt that the Canucks will have to rise to the occasion with some size of their own. Alex Grenier will help.

Oh man. Wonder what a Byfuglien standings against a Tryamkin looks like.

One advantage of big wingers is the ability to use them to tie up on the faceoffs. But the Jets have not been able to do that. They rank 28th in the league in faceoffs. The Canucks, although ranked 30th, should look to take advantage. Dominate the faceoffs, don’t let the big guys get onto the puck, and steal possession from them.

Predictions

For a Canucks win:

Sam Dewar, Sarah Laug, Janik Beichler, Steve Boddy, and Gerald Morton.

For a Jets win:

Jeff and I

Next: Home vs. Colorado