Well, they had a nice run.
In what feels like a setup for another cruel joke being played by the hockey gods on the Vancouver Canucks, they sit in first place in the Pacific Division.
First place!!š pic.twitter.com/PZghZ5HiM7
— Laura ššš (@canucks181) October 25, 2018
With a surprising 6-4-0 record after 10 games, it hasn’t been easy. The Canucks have had a difficult schedule, which has already included games against powerhouse teams like the Tampa Bay Lightning, Pittsburgh Penguins, Winnipeg Jets, Boston Bruins, Washington Capitals, and Vegas Golden Knights.
And while tonight’s opponent in Arizona isn’t a Stanley Cup contender, the job has somehow gotten more difficult.
The Canucks will face the Coyotes without services of Alex Edler, Sven Baertschi, and probably Chris Tanev. All three left Wednesday’s surprise win in Vegas early, prompting the team to call up defencemen Alex Biega and Guillaume Brisebois from Utica.
Edler appearedĀ to injure his leg after getting tangled up with Max Pacioretty in the first period.
Edler gets tied up with Pacioretty along the boards, awkwardly falls.
Play goes into the Cancuks zone and 67 finishes his check on Edler.
Edler played a 10 second shift afterwards and won't return#canucks
CC:@patersonjeff pic.twitter.com/KtJowgwIGB
— Ryan Biech (@ryanbiech) October 25, 2018
He’s going for an MRI on Friday, but the outlook doesn’t look good. Sportsnet 650’s Rick Dhaliwal reports that it could be a high ankle sprain or a sprained knee.
Source – could be a few weeks for Edler, I have heard high ankle sprain or sprained knee. #Canucks
— Rick Dhaliwal (@DhaliwalSports) October 25, 2018
In the third period, the Canucks also lost Edler’s defence partner. Tanev blocked a shot and didn’t return to the game.
Here is the play that appears to have injured Tanev – shot hits his right ankle, and was slow to the bench
Played a 24-second shift after but was noticeably uncomfortable when putting weight on#Canucks pic.twitter.com/Snf6YsmOcX
— Ryan Biech (@ryanbiech) October 25, 2018
While Tanev skated in Arizona this morning, TSN 1040’s Jeff Paterson thinks he’s doubtful for tonight.
just saw the Tanevs going for a father-son stroll here in Glendale. Son not looking terribly mobile. Canāt see him playing tonight #Canucks
— Jeff Paterson (@patersonjeff) October 25, 2018
As for Baertschi, he left the game in Vegas after a hit to the head and is now in concussion protocol.
Baertschi on the receiving end of a hit to the head and wasn't very happy about it #Canucks pic.twitter.com/g7puh9gCbJ
— Vanessa Jang (@vanessajang) October 25, 2018
Making matters worse for the Canucks is they’re still missing their top two players, Elias Pettersson (concussion) and Brock Boeser (groin).
Sportsnet’s John Shannon confirms that neither player will suit up in Arizona. Expect recently called up Darren Archibald to draw in on the fourth line. Michael Del Zotto should slot in on defence for Edler in just his third game of the season, while Alex Biega is a good bet to draw in if Tanev can’t play.
Canucks in Glendale tonight vs Coyotes. Boeser and Pettersson will not play.
— John Shannon (@JSportsnet) October 25, 2018