Vancouver Canucks: Week 5 Preview, Predictions

Apr 1, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Vancouver Canucks coach Willie Desjardins reacts during an NHL game against the Anaheim Ducks at the Honda Center. The Canucks defeated the Ducks 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Vancouver Canucks coach Willie Desjardins reacts during an NHL game against the Anaheim Ducks at the Honda Center. The Canucks defeated the Ducks 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 18, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Red Wings left wing Henrik Zetterberg (40) skates with the puck chased by Vancouver Canucks left wing Daniel Sedin (22) in the third period at Joe Louis Arena. Vancouver won 4-3 in a overtime shootout. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Red Wings left wing Henrik Zetterberg (40) skates with the puck chased by Vancouver Canucks left wing Daniel Sedin (22) in the third period at Joe Louis Arena. Vancouver won 4-3 in a overtime shootout. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Thursday, Nov. 10: Canucks @ Detroit Red Wings

The Detroit Red Wings have not missed the playoffs in a quarter-century.

Detroit will have tough time stretching that impressive streak to 26 years. Right now the Wings are in a four-way tie for the last wildcard spot in the East.

They’ve also lost three straight games.

Pavel Datsyuk left for the KHL in the offseason. After claiming the starting job last year, goalie Petr Mrazek has struggled so far. Meanwhile, former starter Jimmy Howard has posted stellar numbers in limited minutes.

This is the last game on the Canucks’ current road trip. With the Red Wings struggling, they may be able to come home on a winning note.

Predictions:

Alex:

Final. 4. 104. 2. 72

The Canucks and Red Wings always keep it close. They’ve split their last four meetings, with each squad winning on the road in extra time against the other last year.

Vancouver is a mess right now. But the worst teams don’t lose every game. With Detroit also struggling to find its identity right now, it seems like a good time for Vancouver to steal one.

Gerald:

The Canucks win, built on a fabulous goaltending performance and one of the young players stepping up. Specifically, Stecher will score a power play goal early and it will prove to be the winner.

Jeff:

72. Final. 4. 104. 1

The Canucks will salvage four points from this road trip with a comfortable win.

Next: No Suspension for Kadri's Hit on Daniel Sedin

It might seem ambitious to predict the Vancouver Canucks outscoring anyone by three goals. Yet if the Columbus Blue Jackets can win 10-0, why can’t the Canucks win 4-1?

I rest my case.