As the Vancouver Canucks prepare to conclude their six-game road trip, they face off against the Columbus Blue Jackets tonight at Nationwide Arena, with puck drop scheduled for 4 PM PT. The Canucks currently hold a record of 16 wins, 25 losses, and 5 overtime losses, while the Blue Jackets boast a record of 20 wins, 19 losses, and 7 overtime losses.
During their morning skate, the Canucks announced some lineup changes. Nils Höglander is expected to be scratched in favor of Arshdeep Bains, who will make his return to NHL action for the first time since December 11th. Additionally, Tom Willander will return to the defensive lineup, replacing PO Joseph after being a healthy scratch in the previous game against the Ottawa Senators. Willander will line up alongside Victor Mancini on defense.
In an effort to rejuvenate Brock Boeser, who has been mired in a 21-game goal drought, the Canucks are changing his linemates. Boeser will now play on the right wing with Max Sasson centering and Drew O’Connor on the left flank.
Goaltender Kevin Lankinen will make his second consecutive start following a tough loss against Ottawa, where he faced a barrage of shots, ultimately conceding two goals late in the first period but performing admirably thereafter.
Elias Pettersson has been a bright spot for the Canucks, scoring in back-to-back games and climbing to 10th on the franchise’s all-time goal-scoring list with 198 goals. His recent performances have been supported by Linus Karlsson, who has tallied 10 points over the past 12 games, contributing assists on Pettersson’s last two goals.
The Blue Jackets, coaching under interim head coach Rick Bowness, are looking to build on their recent victory against the Calgary Flames, which marked Bowness’s return to the bench. Defenseman Zach Werenski leads the team with 17 goals and is among the top scorers for defensemen this season. Notably, the Blue Jackets’ special teams have struggled, particularly their penalty kill, which ranks near the bottom of the league.
Facing the Canucks in goal will be Elvis Merzlikins, who has faced difficulties this season, having not won a game since early December. Jet Greaves has emerged as the primary goaltender for Columbus, indicating a shift in responsibilities within the net.
Remarkably, the Canucks previously defeated the Blue Jackets 4-3 at Rogers Arena on November 8th, marking their only game in which Jake DeBrusk scored at even-strength this season.
Tonight’s matchup promises to be an intriguing contest as both teams seek critical points in the ongoing NHL season. Fans are encouraged to tune in for postgame coverage with Rink Wide Vancouver, which will provide in-depth analysis and insights immediately following the game’s conclusion.