The Vancouver Canucks finally get back on the ice tonight after a five day layoff which last saw them beat Dallas 4-3 on Sunday night in a shootout. After starting the season with three straight losses, the Canucks have reeled off two wins in a row, and are looking to move to .500 with a victory tonight in Calgary. Conversely, the Flames started the year with four straight wins, but have since lost three in a row.
Vancouver is already dealing with some serious injury issues. Daniel Sedin and Sami Salo are out for at least another month, while Pavol Demitra's rehab isn't going as well as planned. There is a possibility that he might miss the entire season, and at best won't be back until around Christmas. Mathieu Schneider is expected to be back in early November, but with his age, it might take him awhile to get back into game shape. Rookie Michael Grabner will finally play in his 1st NHL regular season game, and he is slotted on the top line with Alex Burrows and Henrik Sedin. Aaron Rome will play his 1st game with the Canucks, filling in for the oft-injured Salo.
Our take: Any time these two teams faceoff it's a big game, regardless of what time a year or standings or anything. Vancouver will be looking to avenge a 5-3 opening night loss to the Flamers. Michael Grabner will get 1st line minutes, and is looking to work off the early season success he has found in the AHL. Alain Vigneault has made a few more tweaks to the lineup, moving 4th line center Ryan Johnson to the wing on the 3rd line alongside Kyle Wellwood and Steve Bernier. Mason Raymond, Ryan Kesler and Mikael Samuelsson will remain together on the 2nd line while Tanner Glass will join Rick Rypien and Darcy Hordichuk on the 4th line. Guillame Desbiens has been sent back to the Moose.
Prediction: 4-3 Vancouver win. Goals by Ryan Kesler, Kyle Wellwood, Alex Edler and Henrik Sedin with the winner late in the 3rd.
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