Gameday Preview: Vancouver Canucks vs. Ottawa Senators (December 1st)

Can the Vancouver Canucks make it two in a row?

The team made their way to Ottawa on Tuesday, looking to wrap up their five-game road trip on a high note. It wasn’t a great start away from home for Vancouver, who dropped the first three games in disappointing fashion while also being outscored by a margin of 14-5, but they were able to secure a win against the equally disappointing Montreal Canadiens on Monday night.

With the win, Vancouver jumped ahead of Montreal to 28th in the standings, but still remain dead last in the Pacific Division with just 16 points. In theory, they should have an easier task on Wednesday night against the last-place Senators, who have lost five contests in a row, but who knows which Vancouver club will show up at this point?

Vancouver also hasn’t won back-to-back games since October, where they wrapped up their season-opening road trip with two victories in Chicago and Seattle. Since then, Vancouver has gone 4-12-1 with a points percentage of .265%.

The team hit the ice for their gameday skate on Wednesday morning, giving fans and media a glimpse of the line rushes.

To no one’s surprise, head coach Travis Green didn’t make any modifications to his roster, rolling with the same combinations that gave his team the win on Monday night.

As a result, Elias Pettersson remained on the third line with Justin Dowling and Vasily Podkolzin. The young Swede put up one of his better performances against Montreal, registering one goal, two SOG and a 50% Corsi For in just over 13 minutes of ice time. Pettersson also drew both of Montreal’s penalties, one of which he made the Canadiens pay for right away with an absolute rocket, but is still isn’t playing at the consistent elite and electric level that we’ve grown so accustomed to seeing.

Tanner Pearson, Bo Horvat and Conor Garland will look to carry over their offensive chemistry on the first line, while Nils Höglander, J.T. Miller and Brock Boeser will round out the top-six rotation.

Jason Dickinson will centre the fourth line with Tyler Motte and Alex Chiasson, replacing Juho Lammikko, who is expected to be a healthy scratch for the fifth straight contest. It’s been a disappointing season for both centres, but more so for Dickinson. The former Dallas Star has only registered one goal and two assists in 21 contests with his new club, and is barely holding onto a bottom-six role at this point. Not exactly forgiving statistics for a $2.65 million player.

Green also won’t be making any personnel changes on the blueline, but will be looking for a stronger outing from Tucker Poolman. The 28-year-old posted three takeaways and a 44.74% Corsi For in just over 17 minutes of ice time, which was highlighted by his poor pass to Horvat that eventually led to Montreal’s opening goal.

The Canucks are still without right-handed defenceman Travis Hamonic, who did not travel with the team due to an non-COVID related illness. Hamonic’s agent, Kevin Epp, joined “The Donnie and Dhali Show” on Wednesday, indicating that his client is now fully vaccinated and can play in all games south of the border, barring any more injury or sickness.

Thatcher Demko will be getting the nod for the 19th time this year, looking to build upon his 7-10-1 record. To no one’s surprise, Demko was sensational on Monday, delivering a handful of huge saves to help his team preserve the lead, including a pad-stacking beauty in the final moments of the third period, and will be looking to carry that momentum into the nation’s capital.

The Canucks will also be facing off against a familiar face in Adam Gaudette. The 25-year-old, who was traded to the Blackhawks last year, only played eight games with Chicago this season before being placed on waivers. Gaudette will be making his Senators debut on Wednesday, centering a line with Zach Sanford and Alex Formenton.

Puck drop is set for 4:30pm PST at Canadian Tire Centre.

What are your thoughts heading into Wednesday’s game against Ottawa? Make sure to drop a comment below!