After losses in Detroit and Buffalo, the Vancouver Canucks look to get back into the win column against the Chicago Blackhawks.
The Blackhawks still have yet to win a game this season and have an 0-3-1 record.
Chicago last game was a loss in their home opener to the New York Islanders 4-1.
They have also been outscored 15-2 at 5 on 5 this season according to Mark Lazerus of The Athletic.
The Canucks did not hold a morning skate on Thursday but they did hold one on Wednesday.
“We didn’t compete hard enough last night,” said Bo Horvat after Wednesday’s skate. “Worst game we played since we started. It’s unacceptable. We came out today with a hard practice. I’m glad we play tomorrow to redeem ourselves.”
“There’s an air of intensity,” said Jason Dickinson. “A lot of guys are pissed off.”
Here were the lines head coach Travis Green put together at Wednesday’s practice.
Lines for the #Canucks at Wednesday practice in Chicago
— Brendan Batchelor (@BatchHockey) October 20, 2021
Pearson-Horvat-Garland
Höglander-Pettersson-Boeser
Dowling-Miller-Podkolzin
Lammikko-Dickinson-Highmore
OEL-Poolman
Hunt-Myers
Rathbone-Schenn
Extras: Chiasson, Burroughs@Sportsnet650 pic.twitter.com/soodSmXuGN
So he basically put the same line up from the game against the Sabres. However, these were just the lines from practice and things could change at puck drop.
On Thursday, three players skated. They were Quinn Hughes, Vasily Podkolzin and Luke Schenn.
No #Canucks morning skate on Thursday.
— Thomas Drance (@ThomasDrance) October 21, 2021
3 skaters out getting work this morning at the United Center: Quinn Hughes, Vasili Podkolzin, Luke Schenn.
We’ll see how hard they get skated here, but those could be the 3 scratches vs. Chicago. pic.twitter.com/ocjCIExPQl
Hughes missed the game in Buffalo and Wednesday’s skate due to an undisclosed injury.
Green was able to provide an update on the Canucks defenceman. It looks like he is dealing with a lower body injury and is a game-time decision. If Hughes returns, Brad Hunt could possibly come out of the lineup.
Travis Green says Quinn Hughes is battling a lower-body injury. Reiterates that he was close to playing Tuesday, and is close to playing tonight.
— Thomas Drance (@ThomasDrance) October 21, 2021
Hughes skated hard this morning and Brad Hunt - who would presumably draw out if Hughes returned vs. Chicago - didn’t. #Canucks
Green also confirmed that Thatcher Demko will start in net against the Blackhawks.
Travis Green confirms that Thatcher Demko starts Thursday vs. Chicago. #Canucks
— Thomas Drance (@ThomasDrance) October 21, 2021
For the Blackhawks, Kevin Lankien will start in goal according to Ben Pope of the Chicago Sub Times.
Former Canuck Adam Gaudette practiced with a small group of Blackhawks players but it looks like he will be a healthy scratch according to Drance.
Puck drop is at 5:30. You can watch the game on Sportsnet Pacific or listen to the game on Sportsnet 650.