• Game day previews from the Vancouver side. (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province; Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province; Cam Cole, Vancouver Sun; Matthew Sekeres, Globe and Mail)
• Louie's ready to go. (Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province)
• Pyatt's not. (Brad Ziemer, Vancouver Sun)

Labels: game day preview, Luongo, Oilers, Pyatt

• The Canucks have won four of their last five at home.
• The Canucks have failed to gain at least a point in only one of their last twelve home games.
• The Avalanche have lost four straight games on the road, and since beating the Canucks at GM Place on February 27th, have lost five of six road games.
• At 18-10-2, the Avalanche have the best intra-divisional record in the Northwest Division.
• Despite averaging only 12 minutes of ice-time, Marek Svatos has eight points (5G-3A) and a +5 rating in five games against the Canucks this season.
• The other Canuck-killer, Milan Hejduk has four goals and six points in seven games against them.
• Henrik Sedin and Daniel Sedin lead the Canucks in scoring against the Avs this season. They have nine (3G-6A) and eight (3G-5A) points respectively.
• Taylor Pyatt is the only Canuck with a plus-rating (+3) against the Avs. He also has five points (2G-3A) in seven games against them.
• Last Sunday's heroes, Markus Naslund and Trevor Linden has had a terrible time against Colorado this season. In seven games each, Naslund has three points (0G-3A) and a minus-4 rating and Linden has zero points and a minus-6 rating.

• Team practices are optional the rest of the season... (Elliott Pap, Vancouver Sun)
• ... and Luongo is taking full advantage. (Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province)
• Inhospitable hosts. (Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province)
• Needing the Twins to step it up. (Elliott Pap, Vancouver Sun)
• Bieksa's back. Hopefully for good. (Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province)
• A piece on Milan the Canuck-killer. (Marc Weber, Vancouver Province)
• Still anyone's game. (Cam Cole, Vancouver Sun)
• A preview from the Colorado side of things. (Rick Sadowski, Rocky Mountain News)

Labels: Avalanche, Bieksa, game day preview, Luongo

The implications of tonight's task are staggering given that a win over the Vancouver Canucks will vault the Edmonton Oilers to within three points of eighth place in the Western Conference.

A loss, on the other hand, will result in a stubborn seven-point deficit.

Talk about a swing game.

"It was just two teams going back and forth at each other," remembers Kyle Brodziak, one of seven Oilers who dropped the mitts that night. "Both teams really wanted to win that game and nobody was backing down. That's how it escalated."

"I think it's going to be a similar game to the last time we played them," predicted Brodziak. "It's a crucial game, both teams are hungry for the win, and they're a pretty hard-nosed team. We definitely can't back down from them in any way. We have to come out with the same urgency and same grit that they do."

"We're going to ice a lineup that can take care of itself and go in and play a hard game." -- Canucks coach Alain Vigneault

Rick Rypien was in the minors and Nathan McIver a spectator the last time the Vancouver Canucks and Edmonton Oilers met in a memorable melee.

The Bruise Brothers won't be bystanders tonight in the Alberta capital. Rexall Place could be turned into Wreck-All Place if punch-ups play a part in the push to the playoffs.

• Nine games versus the Northwest. (Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province)
• I agree with this one - I hope the Canucks don't finish in seventh place. Actually, I just hope they don't play the Pacific. (Tony Gallagher, Vancouver Province)
• Baby talk out of bounds for Luongo. (Elliott Pap, Vancouver Sun)

Labels: game day preview, Luongo, Oilers, Shannon

The Canucks received some surprisingly good news Saturday.

Not only did Kevin Bieksa and Ryan Kesler get medical clearance to play but so did Mattias Ohlund who, just a few days ago, many people thought would miss the rest of the regular season because of bone chips in his knee.

The pain and swelling in Ohlund's knee have subsided and it's a good bet he will play Saturday against St. Louis.

"He looked fine this morning ... and if he looks good in warmup and says he can play, he'll play," Vigneault said.

Ohlund said he felt ready.

Labels: Blues, game day preview, Ohlund

Mattias Ohlund had an MRI (magnetic resonance image) on Wednesday to evaluate the extent of a knee injury he suffered Tuesday in Denver.

• Mason's back in the lineup. (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province)
• In light of their recent slump, maybe the Sedins should be more fazed. (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province)
• And the rest of the team should be as well. (Elliott Pap, Vancouver Sun)
• The fans certainly are. (Ed Willes, Vancouver Province)
• Shades of 2004. (Iain MacIntyre, Vancouver Sun)
• Slowly but surely, Mo's getting there. (Elliott Pap, Vancouver Sun)

Labels: game day preview, Morrison, Ohlund, Predators, Raymond, Sedin

• Morrison and Miller on the mend (Jim Jamieson, Vancouver Province)
• Talk about well-prepared. (Jim Jamieson, Vancouver Province)

Labels: Avalanche, Burrows, game day preview, Miller, Morrison

Bieksa wasn't sure of his status after Manitoba's 2-1 overtime victory over the Chicago Wolves last night but the team confirmed he will be going back to Vancouver today. The Canucks play in Nashville tonight.

Bieksa showed why he's such a big part of the Canucks future with his cool robust style. He mixed right into the action, starting the game on the point and making a point to get involved -- as evidenced by the way he hammered former Moose Jesse Schultz twice to the ice before the game was two minutes old.

The Grimsby, Ont. product took a regular shift, killed penalties and spent significant time on the power play. Bieksa took a minor penalty and counted an assist on Pierre-Cedric Labrie's second period goal.

So, now that Bieksa's return to the Canucks lineup is so close he can feel it, he can laugh about everything that's happened and, when pressed, even see the positive things.

But way back in November, when his wife Katie broke the news that Bieksa was going to be out a lot longer than the week or two he envisioned, he didn't feel that way. Mostly he felt scared and confused about why this was happening; why something so freakish could derail his season and possibly his career.

"It's the worst part of the game," said Bieksa of his recovery. "It's slow. It's monotonous at times. But the closer you get the easier it is. This week is easier than last week and last week was easier than the week before. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel."

It's been a long time coming.

• With Bieksa back, McIver's going back to Manitoba. (Gordon McIntyre, Vancouver Province)
• Great piece on Trevor and Lane Linden on the 'Nucks father-son road trip. (Iain MacIntyre, Vancouver Sun)
• Honey, let's shrink the goalies. (Cam Cole, Vancouver Sun)

Labels: Bieksa, game day preview, McIver, Predators

• Earlier this month, the Canucks had one win in nine games. Now, they're 3-1-1 in their last five, they're back in seventh place in the Western Conference, and everyone in Canuckland is breathing a bit easier. (Easier than last week anyway.)
• I'm sure there's no need to point this out but tonight's game against the Minnesota Wild is another big one. I actually managed to catch last Thursday's game at a sports bar in Toronto and I thought the Canucks, overall, outplayed the Wild and deserved the full two points.
• I got back in time to catch Saturday night's game against the Oilers. Heckuva game, and like everyone, I was most impressed with the boys' effort. I was also least impressed with Craig Mactavish's coaching techniques and his Oilers players' shenanigans. Sending Zach Stortini out when the game was virtually over was a dipshit move. So were Brodziak and Greene goading Mitchell and Linden into fights with two seconds left, Steve Staios slashing Alex Burrows after his goal and Jarret Stool taking a run at Burrow three Mississippis while Burrows was celebrating. Incidentally, Staios was fined by the NHL for that slash (TSN.ca).
• Another one bites the dust. Taylor Pyatt's travelling with the team but won't play tonight or maybe Thursday because of an "upper body injury" (that really looks like a shoulder injury). That's extremely disappointing. Pretty Eyes was playing some of his best hockey and has been one of the more consistent forwards over the last couple of months. Jeff Cowan will take his place in the lineup. (Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province)
• Maybe Kay Whitmore is still holding a grudge against the Vancouver Canucks for trading him for Joey Kocur, but I don't understand his constant flip-flopping over Roberto Luongo's pads. Yes he can wear it, no he can't, no he has to trim them first, no he has to cut them. Oh, meantime, all the other goalies can wear it. Make up your freakin' mind. (Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province)
• I received an email from Malcolm, a Canuck Place family volunteer. I've supported Canuck Place in the past but he is doing something extraordinary. Not only does he give his time to help the kids that stay there, but on September 6th later this year, he's participating in the Canuck Place Adventure Challenge, a fundraiser event that consists of a 6 km kayak, a 32 km bike ride and an 8 km run. All this for Canuck Place. In the meantime, he's documenting some of his stories, and if you get a free minute, make sure you stop by. (Canuck Place Adventure Blog)

Labels: game day preview, good karma, Luongo, Oilers, Wild

"At the end of the day, we'll make the playoffs and go from there," predicted Naslund. "I really like our team if we have everyone back. We're as good as anyone."

• No offense to the 9th, 10th, 11th d-men on the depth chart, but... (Brad Ziemer, Vancouver Sun)
• Zach-lovin' it. (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province; Winnipeg Sun)
• More Foppa talk. (Iain MacIntyre, Vancouver Sun)

Labels: FitzGerald, game day preview, Naslund, Thrashers

The prolonged post-practice conversation between Alain Vigneault, Dave Nonis and medical trainer Mike Burnstein said it all Monday.

Here in Big D, where they serve big steaks, the trio wasn't making dinner plans. They were wondering what cuts of hockey beef the Vancouver Canucks will ice tonight against the Dallas Stars.

While Sami Salo is set to return after missing two games with a groin strain, Aaron Miller didn't practise and is questionable after blocking a shot Friday in Florida. Mattias Ohlund has returned home for personal reasons and his playing status is also uncertain.

• The Stars are hot, the Canucks are not. (Brad Ziemer, Vancouver Sun)
• The Marty motivation factor. (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province)
• It's not quite as bad as the 'Nucks, but the Stars have some injuries on the blueline as well. (Mike Heika, The Dallas Morning News)

Labels: game day preview, Miller, Ohlund, Salo, Stars

• Remember when the Canucks couldn't lose to the Southeast teams? (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province)
• Louie not making any excuses. (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province)
• Believe it or not, we're only 12 points from being in the Steve Stamkos sweepstakes. (Brad Ziemer, Vancouver Sun)
• Their big-3 was better than our big-3. (Brad Ziemer, Vancouver Sun)
• There were as many fights as goals last night. (Damian Cristodero, St. Petersburg Times; The Tampa Tribune)

• Shut 'em out, Louie. (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province; Brad Ziemer, Vancouver Sun)
• Again, thanks Mike Keenan. (Ben Kuzma, Vancovuer Province; George Richards, Miami Herald)
• He deserves a warm welcome back. (George Richards, Miami Herald; Steve Gorten, South Florida Sun-Sentinel)
• Meh... he'll snap out of it. (Brian Biggane, Palm Beach Post)
• Olli Jokinen might not play tonight. (Steve Gorten, South Florida Sun-Sentinel)

Labels: game day preview, game recap, Lightning, Luongo, Panthers

• Already, Curtis Sanford's appeared in more games than Dany Sabourin. (Gordon McIntyre, Vancouver Province)
• Don't worry ladies. You'll get to see more of Taylor Pyatt's pretty face again. (Vancouver Province)
• Fresh from the AHL All-Star game, D-Mac will back-up the Sandman. (Tim Campbell, Winnipeg Free Press)

Labels: game day preview, Mitchell, Sanford, Stars

• Jaffray in, Beech beached. (Brad Ziemer, Vancouver Sun; Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province)
• The Blues are the new Wild. (Elliott Pap, Vancouver Sun)
• Produce and play more or play more to produce? (Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province)
• Still waiting for the big one. The big trade that is. (Ed Willes, Vancouver Province)
• The Canucks aren't the only one on a mid-season skid. (Jeremy Rutherford, St. Louis Dispatch)

Labels: Beech, Blues, game day preview, Sedin

Labels: game day preview, Naslund, Wild

• Sedin, Sedin and Pyatt
• Naslund, Beech and Raymond
• Cooke, Kesler and Burrows
• Isbister, Ritchie and Linden

• Happy 1000th game, Markus! (Iain MacIntyre, Vancouver Sun)
• The Wings have a great team. On the ice and off it. (Tony Gallagher, Vancouver Province)
• It hasn't been a happy new year so far. (Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province)
• Beechy's just trying to fit in. (Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province)
• More Sundin talk. (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province)
• The window of opportunity is not just this year and the next. It's for as long as Roberto Luongo is in a Canucks jersey. (Ed Willes, Vancouver Province)

Labels: Beech, game day preview, Luongo, Naslund, Raymond, Red Wings

"It's obviously going to be different for me and I do have to be a little more cautious," he said.

"They're obviously out there to shut other people down. But, that being said, they're good enough to take advantage of other teams.

"It's a little bit of a new challenge for me. I do want to be able to play in all different scenarios. I like those guys. They're not just defensive guys. They can skate and they can put the puck in the net."

• Where will the goals come from? (Iain MacIntyre, Vancouver Sun)
• Of course, this is the first year in three years that I don't have Zherdev in my hockey pools. (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province)
• Fans - and teammates - back up Louie. As it should be. (Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province)
• Turning up the cold in Columbus. (Jeffrey Sheban, Columbus Dispatch)
• The Jackets have the second-best home record in the league (15-6-4). The good news is, the Canucks won their only other game there this season. (Tom Reed, Columbus Dispatch)

Labels: Blue Jackets, game day preview, Naslund, Pyatt

• Pissing off Pyatt. (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province)
• Ohlund's getting better. (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province)

Labels: game day preview, Sharks

Labels: Edler, game day preview, Islanders, Linden, Luongo, Mitchell

• Sean Avery brings bad karma wherever he goes.
• Mike Brown will kick Sean Avery's ass.
• Mason Raymond will score his first career hat-trick.

• Little offence is going a long way (Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province)
• Avery? Just let him yap (Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province)
• Renney not fooling with April (Tony Gallagher, Vancouver Province)
• Rangers' changes wide-ranging (Gordon McIntyre, Vancouver Province)
• Canucks playing to their strength (Brad Ziemer, Vancouver Sun)
• Coach Vigneault having trouble saying the C-word (Brad Ziemer, Vancouver Sun)

Labels: Avery is a tool, game day preview, Kesler, Ohlund, Rangers

• Surely the Canucks are better than any team that has Mike Ribeiro as their leading scorer.
• Marty Turco can still hear the "Tuuuuuur-cooooooo" chants from game 7 of last season's conference quarterfinals.
• This game's not going to a shootout, dammit!

• Try the net: Vigneault (Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province)
• Kesler good at both ends (Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province)
• Miller goal all in a decade's work (Jason Botchford, Vancouver Province)
• Bad memory's dogging Stars (Jim Jamieson, Vancouver Province)
• Top line told to think of nothing but net (Brad Ziemer, Vancouver Sun)
• Good, but no parade plans yet (Barry MacDonald, 24 Hours)
• Jaffray finally gets his chance (Grant Kerr, Globe and Mail)

Labels: game day preview, Jaffray, Kesler, Miller, Stars