Vancouver Canucks: Week 8 Preview, Predictions

The Vancouver Canucks went 2-1-0 on the road last week. This week they play three games at home, as we turn the calendar to December.

The Vancouver Canucks have come home from a successful road trip.

They won two of three games, and lost to the Dallas Stars only by one goal. This week, they return home and will try to put fans in the Christmas spirit.

But history may be repeating itself. The Canucks are still missing Chris Tanev, and now may have to do without Alexander Edler as well.

Edler took a puck of the hand last game against the Colorado Avalanche and left midway through the first period. According to the coach, it “doesn’t look good”:

Last year, the Canucks got into huge trouble with injuries to the defense. Edler, Tanev, Dan Hamhuis and Luca Sbisa all missed significant time. Lack of depth on defense was one of the things that derailed last season.

Up until now, the concern had been how rookies Troy Stecher and Nikita Tryamkin would find ice time. Now, the point may be moot, as they will have to help take some of the big minutes that Edler and Tanev usually play.

Let’s look ahead to the three games on the schedule this week.

Tuesday, Nov. 29: Canucks vs. Minnesota Wild

Which goalie leads the league in shutouts, and is top-three in both save-percentage and goals-against average?

If you said “Devan Dubnyk“, you are correct!

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The enigmatic goaltender is making up for lost time. He played five seasons with the Edmonton Oilers, sometimes putting up solid numbers, and other times not-so-solid. After brief stops in Nashville and Arizona, he has made a comfortable home for himself with the Minnesota Wild.

He was a finalist for the Vezina trophy in his first season there. And it looks like he could repeat that feat again this year. Dubnyk has four shutouts, a paltry 1.66 goals-against, and a sparkling .946 save-percentage.

The Wild are known for not giving up many goals against, and that has continued under new head coach Bruce Boudreau. Minnesota leads the lead, having surrendered only 42.

When they visit Vancouver, brothers Mikael Granlund and Markus Granlund will face each. Mikael, the elder of the two, has been a mainstay in the Wild’s top-six for years. Markus, on the other hand, is getting his first crack at being a second-line winger. Both brothers have five goals on the season.

Predictions

Gerald Morton:

Minnesota starts to make America great again by beating up on the poor Canucks. (Note: game will overturned in a decade when it is learned illegal Russian referees infiltrated game).

Janik Beichler:

Sometimes the Canucks play solid hockey and this will be one of those nights.

Alex Hoegler:

Minnesota doesn’t give up goals and the Canucks barely score goals

Jeff Godley:

Devan Dubnyk is too good. The Canucks will get one past him, but no more. The Wild offense is middling, but it will get the job done against Vancouver.

Thursday, Dec. 1: Canucks vs. Anaheim Ducks

In their first meeting of the season, Ryan Kesler and Kevin Bieksa won against their former team.

Since that game, the Ducks signed key defenseman Hampus Lindholm to a six-year contract. Lindholm has played nine games this season and managed only two assists.

Overall, the Ducks have been average this season. They are 16th in goals-for, and 11th in goals-against. Currently, Anaheim sits fourth in the Pacific Division, just one point back of the Los Angeles Kings. They hold the first wild card spot.

With Frederik Andersen traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in the off-season, John Gibson has become the Ducks’ number one. The results have been lackluster so far. Gibson only has a 6-7-3 record, with mediocre numbers.

Meanwhile, newcomer Jonathan Bernier is performing well in a backup role. He is 4-1-1, with a 2.02 goals-against and .933 save-percentage.

Gibson has a bit of ground to make up if the Anaheim Ducks want to fulfill their Stanley Cup dreams. The window for this team is closing fast.

Predictions

Gerald:

Kesler and Bieksa take pity on old team and play terrible. At least, that is what they tell Carlyle when he launches into one of his trademark rages.

Janik:

The Ducks really aren’t that good right now, but they can still find ways to beat Vancouver. Bo Horvat with the lone goal.

Alex:

They’ve surprisingly played Anaheim well and will be due for a win here.

Jeff:

Just like last game. The Canucks will be close going into the third period, but Anaheim will ultimately prove to be too much for them.