The Vancouver Canucks look to snap a three-game losing skid on Sunday afternoon against the New Jersey Devils. Here’s what to know for gameday.
When the puck drops at Rogers Arena this afternoon, the Vancouver Canucks will be looking to end two losing streaks.
The first: A three-game losing skid, their longest on the young 2019-20 season. Following an overtime loss to the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday, the Canucks dropped road games to the Chicago Blackhawks and the Winnipeg Jets.
Secondly, the Canucks will be looking to end a frustrating and inexplicable 10-game losing streak to the New Jersey Devils. Despite the struggles of both teams over the past five years, Vancouver just hasn’t been able to steal a win from Cory Schneider and company.
So can Quinn Hughes lead his team to a win over Jack and co. in what will mark the second of many Hughes brother showdowns? We’ll find out soon enough.
Players to watch
Elias Pettersson: Surprise, surprise. The reigning Calder Trophy winner is leading the team with 21 points in 17 games. Pettersson has been held to one assist in his last three games, however. Can he turn things around today?
Taylor Hall: The 27-year-old is playing for a big payday as he finishes out the final year of his contract. Hall leads the Devils with 14 points in 15 games, and he had one assist in the Oct. 19 showdown against Vancouver.
J.T. Miller: It’s not a stretch to say he’s been the most impactful offseason addition thus far. Miller has been a machine on Vancouver’s top line, and he’s second in team scoring with eight goals and 18 points.
Jack Hughes: He has nine points in 15 games, but Hughes will probably have to produce better if he wants to earn a Calder nomination. There’s little denying that brother Quinn has been the better rookie thus far, but Jack has the chance to make a big statement here today.
Prediction: 3-2 Canucks
The Canucks were due to cool down a bit after a surging start, but the minor slump is finally out of the way . It’s time for this team to regain its top form and pick up two valuable points against a struggling New Jersey team.
While New Jersey finishes up its long and tiring western road trip, Vancouver should be able to bounce back here on home ice. Hall and his teammates have been slumping as of late, and the Canucks are simply the more balanced and well-rounded team.
When all is said and done, the Canucks will pull off a tight 3-2 victory, with Brock Boeser scoring the game winner midway through the third period.