The Vancouver Canucks take on the Arizona Coyotes tonight as the preseason schedule continues.
On Saturday night the Canucks and Flames played an entertaining game with Calgary sealing a 4-3 win in overtime.
Game Time: 7:00 pm
TV: Sportsnet One
Let’s face it. The preseason is a bit torturous to watch, but the Canucks have to be pleased to see so many young prospects showing well. Tonight’s game against the Coyotes may not mean anything in the standings, but it is another chance for those players on the bubble to show Canucks management they belong with the big club.
Storylines
1. Is there room for McCann?
"If McCann plays week 2 like he did week 1 he should be on the roster" – jpat on post gm, pointing out Canucks can't be all talk about youth
— Jason Botchford (@botchford) September 27, 2015
Jared McCann has been impressive throughout the preseason and may be playing his way on the Canucks roster when the regular season begins.
McCann’s skill is obvious, but he appears to be responsible in his own end as well. Combine McCann’s impressive play with Linden Vey’s lacklustre preseason thus far and you have to wonder how the Canucks can cut McCann.
Jim Benning has gone on record saying that he has no issues opening a spot for a young player who deserves to play. Saying it and doing it are two different things. Your move Benning.
2. Hutton impressing
You want to get noticed by Canucks brass in preseason? Try getting 3 assists in a single game. Ben Hutton did just that in the 4-3 loss to the Calgary Flames on Saturday.
No doubt Hutton is a long shot to stick with the Canucks, but he has shown a tremendous amount of poise and maturity. The Canucks have to be extremely pleased they have a defensive prospect that appears to be close to NHL-ready.
3. More Cuts
Jensen, Cassels & Cannata are all missing from #Canucks roster section http://t.co/I3zZLOauwv
Headed to France with the Comets tomorrow?
— Rob Williams (@RobTheHockeyGuy) September 28, 2015
Super sleuth and editor extraordinaire Rob the Hockey Guy saw this coming.
The Canucks made it official today, sending Jensen, Cassels and Cannata (along with Alex Friesen, Blair Jones and Ludwig Blomstrand) to Utica this morning. The early cut of Cassels tells you how good McCann has been. Cassels was considered a possible fit on the Canucks 4th line prior to training camp, but the Canucks likely feel he could use some AHL seasoning.
Lineup
Jake Virtanen gets a shot with the Sedins tonight, while Jared McCann is moving to the wing with Burrows and Sutter. Also keep an eye on Linden Vey, who gets a chance to play with some skilled players tonight. Jacob Markstrom is expected to play the full game in net.
D. Sedin | H. Sedin | Virtanen | |||
Baertschi | Vey | Vrbata | |||
McCann | Sutter | Burrows | |||
Kenins | Cracknell | Grenier | |||
Sbisa | Weber | ||||
Hamhuis | Corrado | ||||
Hutton | Fedun | ||||
Markstrom |
Prediction
Look for the Canucks and the Coyotes to turn the red light on multiple times. Vancouver takes this one 6-4 and the home crowd, for one night at least, believes the Canucks will not have scoring problems this year.