The Vancouver Canucks will look for a season high fourth straight win as they welcome the Carolina Hurricanes to Rogers Arena.
Like the Winnipeg Jets last game, the Hurricanes are going to be playing the second game of a back-to-back. They were in Edmonton on Saturday night and defeated the Edmonton Oilers 3-1. The Hurricanes have won four straight and Vancouver is the the fourth stop on a six-game road trip.
Carolina has a 19-6-1 record and are second in the Metropolitan Division and are fourth in the NHL.
The Canucks held an optional skate on Sunday morning but held a full practice on Saturday. The lines weren’t Tweeted out so we shall see what lineup Bruce Boudreau puts out at game time.
Boudreau spoke about the power play on Saturday and emphasized on shooting the puck more.
“I’ve watched three games now where we pass it back and forth, beautiful passes, but no shots on goal,” said Boudreau per Harman Dayal of The Athletic.
Elias Pettersson has also changed his stick from the longer one to the one he used before. That could possibly be a factor in his lack of finishing.
Pettersson says he’s gotten rid of the longer stick and is back to using his old one
— Harman Dayal (@harmandayal2) December 11, 2021
Jason Dickinson was asked about being coached under Boudreau on Sunday.
“He’s got a passion for the hockey, but also for the people,” said Dickinson per Thomas Drance of The Athletic.
“My thought process is, do what is best for you to make you prepared for tonight.” said Boudreau on the game against Carolina.
Thatcher Demko will get the start against the Hurricanes.
“Before we start, Demko is playing… just wanted to get that out of the way,” says Bruce Boudreau, leaving the Vancouver media with nothing else to ask. #Canucks
— Thomas Drance (@ThomasDrance) December 12, 2021
Canucks owner Francesco Aquilini also caused quite the stir on Twitter on Saturday evening with this Tweet taking aim at Vancouver media.
Gotta love media in Vancouver. Two weeks ago: "What's wrong with Aquilini? Why isn't he cleaning house? Can't he see it's a disaster? Why's he so slow to act?" Two weeks later: "Why's he moving so fast? Why's he cleaning house? Can't he see it's a bad look?" Kinda funny actually.
— Francesco Aquilini (@fr_aquilini) December 12, 2021
Players to Watch
Carolina Hurricanes- Sebastian Aho: Aho leads the Hurricanes with 32 points (15 goals and 17 assists) in 26 games. The Canucks are going to have to make sure he stays off the scoresheet.
Vancouver Canucks-Thatcher Demko: Once again, the Canucks are going to need Demko to stand on his head. He has started more games than any other NHL goalie and has made some highlight reel saves.
Puck drop is at 7:00 PM. You can watch the game on Sportsnet Pacific or listen to the game on Sportsnet 650.