Canucks and Oilers Prepare for Pacific Division Clash
The Vancouver Canucks are set to face off against the Edmonton Oilers tonight at Rogers Place in a highly anticipated Pacific Division matchup. Puck drop is scheduled for 10:00 PM ET, and the game will be broadcast on CBC, SN, and CITY. Both teams are eager to make a statement early in the season, setting the stage for a potentially thrilling contest.
Canucks Look to Build on Opening Night Success
Vancouver comes into this game with a 1-0-0 record after a dominant 5-1 victory over the Calgary Flames in their season opener. Filip Chytil led the charge with two goals, while Brock Boeser, Jonathan Lekkerimaki, and Kiefer Sherwood also found the back of the net. Goaltender Thatcher Demko was solid, stopping 17 of 18 shots.
The projected lineup for the Canucks is expected to remain largely unchanged from their first game.
Forwards:
- Jake DeBrusk - Elias Pettersson - Brock Boeser
- Arshdeep Bains - Filip Chytil - Conor Garland
- Evander Kane - Braeden Cootes - Jonathan Lekkerimaki
- Drew O'Connor - Aatu Raty - Kiefer Sherwood
Defense:
- Quinn Hughes - Filip Hronek
- Marcus Pettersson - Tyler Myers
- Derek Forbort - Elias Nils Pettersson
Goaltenders:
- Thatcher Demko
- Kevin Lankinen
While Kevin Lankinen could get the start, Demko is likely to be back in net after his strong performance against Calgary. Coach Adam Foote's decision could indicate how the Canucks plan to manage the workload between their two goalies this season.
Injuries are keeping Teddy Blueger, Guillaume Brisebois, and Nils Hoglander out of the lineup. Linus Karlsson and Victor Mancini are expected to be scratched.
Oilers Aim to Rebound After Shootout Loss
The Edmonton Oilers are looking to secure their first win of the season after a disappointing 4-3 shootout loss to the Calgary Flames on Wednesday. Despite the defeat, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl both had two points, showcasing their offensive prowess. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins also contributed with a goal and two assists.
The Oilers are expected to ice the same forward lines as their first game.
Forwards:
- Leon Draisaitl - Connor McDavid - Trent Frederic
- Andrew Mangiapane - Ryan Nugent-Hopkins - Matthew Savoie
- Ike Howard - Adam Henrique - David Tomasek
- Vasily Podkolzin - Noah Philip - Kasperi Kapanen
Defense:
- Mattias Ekholm - Evan Bouchard
- Darnell Nurse - Alec Regula
- Brett Kulak - Ty Emberson
Goaltenders:
- Calvin Pickard
- Stuart Skinner
Calvin Pickard is expected to start in goal for the Oilers, replacing Stuart Skinner. Skinner is "on the clock" and needs to show improvement to remain with the team. Darnell Nurse, who missed practice due to illness, is expected to play.
Mattias Janmark and Jake Walman are currently sidelined with injuries. Curtis Lazar and Troy Stecher are expected to be scratched. Jack Roslovic, recently signed by the Oilers, will likely make his debut on the upcoming road trip.
Prediction
While the Canucks are coming off a strong win, the Oilers are favored to win at home. Edmonton has won six of the last ten meetings against Vancouver and boasts a strong home record against them. Dimers.com's predictive model gives the Oilers a 60% chance of winning. Bleacher Nation predicts that the Oilers will win, and the total score will be over 6 goals.
