Gameday preview: Canucks vs Jets (January 27)

The Vancouver Canucks begin a four game road trip and their first stop is Manitoba’s capital where they will take on the Winnipeg Jets.

This will be the final meeting between these two teams this season and the only one at Canada Life Centre. The Canucks won the last two meetings at Rogers Arena. The first was a 3-2 win on November 19 and the second was a 4-3 shootout win on December 10.

The Canucks have lost three straight and they lost 3-2 in overtime to the Edmonton Oilers in their last game. Spencer Martin played well in that game but the Canucks ended up blowin a 2-0 lead.

Vancouver has had numerous players enter the COVID-19 protocol. There was good news on Thursday morning as Thatcher Demko, Jaroslav Halak and Conor Garland have come off the COVID protocol.

Bruce Boudreau confirmed that Martin will get the start once again since Halak hasn’t been able to practice.

Here is how the Canucks lined up during their morning skate. With Garland returning to the lineup, he was put on a line with Elias Pettersson and Nils Höglander.

“It’s obviously tough when you’re healthy, and you have no symptoms, to sit on the couch and watch all those important games,” said Garland on returning to the lineup per Brendan Batchelor of Sportsnet 650.

The Jets currently sit sixth in the Central Division with a 17-15-7 record and they have lost five straight games. Connor Hellebuyck will get the start against the Canucks.

We also should note that former Canuck Jake Virtanen has been charged with sexual assault. Virtanen is currently playing in the KHL and was bought out by the Canucks last summer.

The Canucks put out a statement regarding Virtanen.

“We have been made aware of the charges laid by the Crown against Jake Virtanen,” read the statement. “When the allegations first came to our attention, we immediately placed Jake Virtanen on leave. He is no longer a member of the organization.  We have been in contact with the Vancouver Police Department throughout their investigation and will continue to provide support as needed. Our organization is committed to fostering a safe and welcoming environment and will not tolerate sexual misconduct of any kind. We will not be commenting further on this matter.”

Players to watch

Winnipeg Jets-Kyle Connor: Connor leads the Jets in scoring with 42 points in 39 games. He has 23 goals and 19 assists this season.

Vancouver Canucks- Elias Pettersson:  Pettersson has five points in his last five games. That includes four goals.

Puck drop is at 5:00 PM. You can watch the game on Sportsnet Pacific or listen to it on Sportsnet 650.