Preview of Game 16: Vancouver Canucks

Once again, the Ducks look to break their losing streak tonight in a Veteran’s Day matchup against the Vancouver Canucks who have been almost the opposite of the Ducks this season.

The Canucks lost 4 of their first 6 games this season, but since than have reversed that won 6 of 10. They are coming off two wins in a row against Chicago, 6-2, and Los Angeles, 3-2. Tonight’s game is the last of a 6 game road trip for the Canucks in which they have gone 3-2. This might favor Anaheim tonight because of the Canucks last game of a long road trip and they want to get home finally, but then again it could favor Vancouver who will want to finish the road trip strong. The Canucks have a ton of offensive talent, there is no question about it. It starts with the Sedin twins and with players like Ryan Kesler, defenseman Alex Edler, Chris Higgins, and Alex Burrows. They also have solid defenseman like Edler, but the defense has not played particularly well this season. As of right now, I have not seen any confirmation on who will be in net for the Canucks but it would either be Roberto Luongo, who believe to be overrated, or Corey Schneider, who has played better this season but has a worse record than Luongo.

Keys to the Game:

  • VAN: Draw the Ducks into taking penalties because the power play is lethal.
  • VAN: Get after the Ducks early, with an early goal and good offensive push the Canucks can hold a lead.
  • ANA: Get off to a good start for once and don’t allow a goal early in the game.
  • ANA: Establish some offensive presence.

Players to Watch:

  • VAN – F – Daniel Sedin: He’s one of the best offensive players in the game and is a total stud. He’s coming off of a game where he had two assists against the Kings.
  • VAN – F – Henrik Sedin: How can you talk about one brother without mentioning the other brother? Here’s the answer, you can’t.
  • ANA – F – Ryan Getzlaf: As the captain of the Ducks at some point he needs to take matters into his own hands, even if that means getting in a fight to rally his team.
  • ANA – F – Teemu Selanne: He has 9 goals in his last 10 games against the Canucks and has been the only consistent offensive performer so far.

Prediction:

Well, I can’t say much about this team anymore, its too exhausting. However ,with Vancouver in the very end of a long road trip, the Ducks have a good chance to break this losing streak tonight. Then again, we can only hope.

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