Saturday, Dec. 3: Canucks vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
Fans had this game circled on their calendars before the Canucks and Leafs finished their last game.
On that November 5th night at the Air Canada Center, both teams filled the penalty box. In the end, the Leafs also ended up filling the Canucks’ net.
But of course, the loss is not the main thing on everyone’s minds.
No, that would be Nazem Kadri‘s now-infamous blindside hit on Daniel Sedin:
Daniel was not injured on that play, though Jannik Hansen was injured just prior to that and has not played since.
Related Story: No Suspension for Kadri's Hit on Daniel Sedin
In addition to Kadri’s hit, the Canucks were also up in arms about Matt Martin fighting Troy Stecher. Stecher was only in his third NHL game, and Martin stands five inches taller than him. Ryan Miller jumped in to defend Stecher, and both he and Frederik Andersen were ejected from the game.
There is plenty of bad blood to go around. This game could get out of hand quickly, and Vancouver players need to take care. You know the NHL will be looking for any sniff that the Canucks are exacting revenge by throwing cheap hits of their own.
Predictions
Gerald:
Toronto and Vancouver battle for the title of best Canadian city as Montreal laughs from above in the standings. In the end, the Sedins cycle for so long and so hard all the youngsters on the Leafs get motion sick and have to lie down.
Janik:
Why? I have no idea.
Alex:
Both teams are struggling, but you have to like the younger, faster team.
Jeff:
Remember, remember, the fifth of November
Kadri got Daniel with a cheap shot
He escaped suspension, got the Canucks’ attention
And that hit will ne’er be forgot
The Vancouver Canucks have two days off before hitting the ice for their next game. It happens Tuesday against the Wild.