Canucks vs. Oilers Game Day Preview: Avenge or Revenge?

Weise and Brown Reacquainting Themselves – courtesy of Canucks.com

Getting themselves off to a fantastic start in the first 10 minutes of the game two nights ago, Canucks nation held out hope that the team was quickly gelling under John Tortorella. But Vancouver dug themselves a hole, forced to kill off a two-minute 5-on-3 before a handful of turnovers led to two quick Sharks goals.

Tonight, Vancouver looks for their first win of the year and have the chance to get it in front of their fans as they host their home opener against the Edmonton Oilers.

Canucks Record

0-1-0, 0 points (6th in the Pacific Division, 12th in the Western Conference). After only ONE game (you can breathe again).

Season Series

It’s the first matchup between the two teams of the regular season, but this also marks the first time the two meet since Zack Kassian’s errant stick broke Sam Gagner’s jaw (and Dale Weise’s dangerous hit on Taylor Hall). Kassian is still suspended, but Weise will be in the Vancouver lineup, creating the potential for some fireworks if the game gets out of hand for either team.

Who’s Hot

Alex Ovechkin, he of 3 goals for 5 points in 2 games. Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on the cut of your jib) he’s not playing for the Canucks or Oilers.

Who’s Not

The Canucks offence. Beyond a strong effort against a light Phoenix squad in the preseason, the hometown team could very well be part of Team PowerSmart considering the lack of goal lights they’ve been turning on.

Who’s In, Who’s Out

Alex Burrows won’t be in the lineup for the next few weeks, as Tortorella announced at this morning’s pre-game skate that Burrows broke a bone in his foot blocking a shot. In  his place, Torts said the Canucks aren’t calling up an additional forward and will instead dress an extra defenceman… So, uh, the Sedins are currently playing with a mystery linemate for now.

Tonight’s Lineups

Vancouver

Daniel Sedin – Henrik Sedin – ???

Chris Higgins – Ryan Kesler – Jannik Hansen

David Booth – Mike Santorelli – Brad Richardson

Tom Sestito – Zac Dalpe – Dale Weise

Dan Hamhuis – Kevin Bieksa

Alex Edler – Jason Garrison

Ryan Stanton – Chris Tanev

Roberto Luongo

Eddie Lack

Edmonton

Ryan Smyth – Taylor Hall – Ales Hemsky

Jesse Joensuu – Boyd Gordon – Jordan Eberle

David Perron – Mark Arcobello – Nail Yakupov

Luke Gazdic – Will Acton – Mike Brown

Andrew Ference – Justin Schultz

Ladislav Smid – Jeff Petry

Nick Schultz – Anton Belov

Devan Dubnyk

Jason Labarbera