The Canuck Way
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What needs to change on this Canucks road trip?

By Isabella Urbani

TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 13: Matthew Highmore #15 of the Vancouver Canucks celebrates a goal during a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena on January 13, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 13: Matthew Highmore #15 of the Vancouver Canucks celebrates a goal during a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena on January 13, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FLORIDA – JANUARY 13: Brayden Point #21 of the Tampa Bay Lightning and Tyler Motte #64 of the Vancouver Canucks fight for the puck during a game at Amalie Arena on January 13, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA – JANUARY 13: Brayden Point #21 of the Tampa Bay Lightning and Tyler Motte #64 of the Vancouver Canucks fight for the puck during a game at Amalie Arena on January 13, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

Scrambled Bottom Six

With Canucks COVID-19 protocol changing daily, lineup pairings have been juggled to an extent. Forwards Justin Bailey and Justin Dowling have been slotted into the lineup and will continue to be on the road trip, as forward Tanner Pearson is the latest Canuck to enter protocol.

With an undermanned lineup, moving players up, it was surprising to see forwards Vasily Podkolzin and Nils Höglander record less than 10 minutes of ice time respectively against Edmonton. With another top 6 forward in protocol, this number is expected to increase.

Forward Jason Dickinson also needs to get himself going after only recording five points (Three goals and two assists ) in 39 games with Vancouver.

Jet Setting Return

Canucks PR tweeted about the removal of Demko, Halak, and Conor Garland from the COVID-19 protocol list. However, per Brendan Batchelor of Sportsnet 650, Martin is confirmed to start in back-to-back games to give Halak more time to practice.

Sitting back in seventh place in the Pacific Division, four games ahead of the Oilers who they trail,  the Canucks need to start the road trip off with a win against the Jets to entertain any chance of a playoff run come April.

Next. Canucks goalie Spencer Martin’s Start compared to Chris Driedger. dark

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