Photo credit: Bob Frid – Imagn Images.
The Vancouver Canucks have made a crucial change to their lineup ahead of Saturday’s clash on Hockey Night in Canada against the Winnipeg Jets.
Just hours after the trade deadline passed, the Vancouver Canucks opened up a two-game road trip against the Chicago Blackhawks, with several familiar faces now no longer part of the group, including forwards Conor Garland and David Kampf, who were dealt to the Columbus Blue Jackets and Washington Capitals, respectively.
Coming into action on Friday, the Vancouver Canucks were on a seven-game losing streak, with their last win being against the Anaheim Ducks all the way back on January 29th, prior to the National Hockey League’s Olympic break.
With the stress of the trade deadline behind them, Adam Foote’s group was able to put up a solid performance against the Blackhawks, defeating them by a score of 6-3 thanks to multi-point efforts from Brock Boeser, Jake DeBrusk, Marcus Pettersson and Max Sasson.
Vancouver is set to wrap up their two-game road trip against the Winnipeg Jets this afternoon and will look to string together back-to-back wins for the first time since the middle of December.
Vancouver Canucks make crucial change to lineup vs Winnipeg Jets
Head coach Adam Foote met with reporters prior to puck drop on Saturday where he wouldn’t share who would get the start between the pipes today, although it’s quite likely it’ll be Kevin Lankinen after Nikita Tolopilo got the nod last night in Chicago.
“Adam Foote says same line up as last night but no confirmation on starting goaltender.
Curtis Douglas has joined the team in Winnipeg but will not play tonight.” @CanucksInsider said on X.
Vancouver is set to stick with the same lines and defensive pairings that got them the win on Friday night, with Elias Pettersson remaining in his usual top line center position, flanked by Jake DeBrusk and Nils Hoglander.
Liam Ohgren, who got bumped up to the second line in Chicago, will stay there today with Marco Rossi and Brock Boeser, while Evander Kane, Aatu Raty and Drew O’Connor round out the top-nine, with a fourth line of Max Sasson, Teddy Blueger and Linus Karlsson.
Elias Pettersson is set to skate alongside Filip Hronek on the first pairing tonight, followed by Marcus Pettersson and Tom Willander on the second duo, while Zeev Buium and Victor Mancini round things out as the third pair in Winnipeg.
Vancouver Canucks Projected Lineup
Jake DeBrusk — Elias Pettersson — Nils Hoglander
Liam Ohgren — Marco Rossi — Brock Boeser
Evander Kane — Aatu Raty — Drew O’Connor
Max Sasson — Teddy Blueger — Linus Karlsson
Elias Pettersson — Filip Hronek
Marcus Pettersson — Tom Willander
Zeev Buium — Victor Mancini
Kevin Lankinen
Nikita Tolopilo
Scratched: Curtis Douglas
Injured: P.O Joseph (upper body), Filip Chytil (facial fracture), Thatcher Demko (hip surgery), Derek Forbort (undisclosed)
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Vancouver Canucks make crucial change to lineup ahead of Saturday’s clash with Winnipeg Jets
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