Canucks Gameday Preview: Another clash with the Canadiens

The Vancouver Canucks snapped a three-game losing streak last night defeating the Montreal Canadiens in a shootout. It wasn’t the most complete game by any standard, but Bo Horvat got the Canucks back on track after racking up two goals, an assist, and adding the game-winning goal that beat Carey Price between the legs.

Tonight the Canucks will look to make it two wins in a row as they will attempt to break even at a record of three wins and three losses. A couple of things will have to happen for the Canucks to be able to get that done, including finding a way to shut down the ex-Canuck turned Canadien, Tyler Toffoli — who scored a hat-trick against the Canucks last night.

The Canucks’ lineup

Don’t expect there to be many changes to the Canucks lineup other than the fact that Alex Edler might have to miss some time. He left last night’s contest and did not return after receiving what looked like a fairly innocent hit from Artturi Lehkonen. If he’s not ready to go tonight, Jordie Benn or Olli Juolevi will be there to take his place.

What that does for the rest of Vancouver’s blueline is still in question. Travis Green didn’t exactly shuffle his defence pairings a whole lot during training camp, but if he elects to insert another youthful defender, a complete juggle could land the Canucks a nice mix of veterans spread throughout the back end. My guess on it all… the veteran status of Benn lands him the vacant spot.

As for goaltending, it’s expected that Thatcher Demko gets the nod from the coaching staff. The Canucks have been swapping their goalies in and out the whole time so it makes sense Demko starts tonight. Considering it’s Vancouver’s second game in two nights and Braden Holtby didn’t exactly have an A grade performance, it’s a no-brainer for Green.

The Canadiens’ lineup

More or less, tonight’s Canadiens roster should look the same as it did 24 hours ago. Montreal has a good mix of skillful players at every position and it’s just too early in the season for Claude Julien to make any drastic changes, especially on the man-advantage.

Toffoli proved last night that he’ll be an excellent supporting player after scoring three goals, including a power play tally that made him the fifth Canadien player to already score while up a man. Clearly, they’ve got something going there that they do not want to mess with. Last night’s game was a power play assault for both teams.

The one change I see happening for the Canadiens is who starts in goal. Price is an excellent goaltender but they brought in Jake Allen for good reason. The season is condensed, it’s intense and Allen is a guy who can swoop in and take care of business. Expect a battle of the back-ups tonight.

Players to watch

Brock Boeser: The kid is simply on fire right now. After making comments that his wrist shot feels as good as it did back in his rookie campaign, Boeser has backed it up with four goals through five games. His wrist shot is lethal right now, look out!

Shea Weber: The Canadiens captain played a big role in allowing the Canucks to unleash on the power play. He won’t be happy about giving up three man-advantage goals. Look for him to insert his physical presence and booming slap shot.

The game starts at 6:30 PM Pacific.