The Vancouver Canucks (10-13-3) will conclude a challenging four-game road trip as they take on the league-leading Colorado Avalanche (18-1-6) at Ball Arena in Denver. The matchup is set for 6 pm PT, with the Canucks aiming to build on their earlier performance against the Avalanche despite suffering a narrow 5-4 overtime loss on November 9.
In net for the Canucks, Kevin Lankinen is expected to make his second consecutive start following a gritty 2-1 overtime defeat against the Los Angeles Kings. Vancouver’s offense in that game relied on Evander Kane scoring his first 5-on-5 goal of the season. However, the power play continues to struggle, as the Canucks have gone 0 for 11 in their last two games.
The Canucks will miss the dynamic Conor Garland, who has been sent back home for further evaluation due to an undisclosed injury. In his absence, Jonathan Lekkerimäki, recently recalled from the AHL affiliate in Abbotsford, is likely to remain in the lineup after logging 13:24 of ice time and notching a shot on goal in his previous outing.
Kiefer Sherwood, who previously enjoyed a strong start to the season, is currently in a slump, having gone six games without a goal. Despite leading the Canucks with 12 goals, his output has significantly dropped, with only three goals in November, following nine in October. On a positive note, Quinn Hughes continues to impress as the team captain, logging a season-high of 30:13 minutes against the Kings. Expect a possible change on the blue line, with Elias Pettersson returning for P-O Joseph.
On the other side, the Avalanche are riding high, boasting a record of 10-0-1 in their last 11 games. Their recent 7-2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens highlighted their offensive prowess, with Nathan MacKinnon leading the charge. MacKinnon, currently among the league’s top scorers with 44 points, has shown consistent form, netting goals in three straight games. Tonight, he is expected to be joined by Valeri Nichushkin, who is returning to the lineup after missing eight games due to injury.
The Avalanche are not only the top-scoring team in the NHL, averaging 4.12 goals per game, but they are also the best defensive squad, allowing just 2.08 goals per game. Their impressive +48 goal differential reflects their dominance on the ice this season.
In goal for Colorado, Scott Wedgewood will get the nod. He leads the league with 13 wins and maintains a solid 2.08 goals-against average alongside a .920 save percentage. The Avalanche have been nearly unbeatable at home this season, holding a 10-0-2 record and outscoring opponents 58-26 in front of their fans.
As the Canucks prepare to face the Avalanche, they will look to break their recent trend of struggles and make a statement against one of the league’s elite teams. Fans can catch all the action and postgame analysis through Rink Wide Vancouver’s livestream, which will begin shortly after the final buzzer.