FIVE KEYS TO THE GAME
1 Goaltending
Like the Canucks, the Bruins aren’t the offensive force they once were — but there’s no doubt for the Canucks to have a chance this season they need goaltending like what they got from Anders Nilsson on Tuesday in Ottawa, especially since, unlike the Canucks, the Bruins really do have at least one line that’s clearly a top trio.
2 Puck-moving defence
The Canucks’ blueliners did a very nice job getting out of their zone with control on Tuesday, especially Derrick Pouliot and Troy Stecher. Those two got the puck out of their own end by either passing it or skating it out nearly 60% of the time. That’ll get you noticed by the coach.
3 Getting good shots
Canucks coach Travis Green has been honest about the depth of his forwards, noting there’s no true first line. The Canucks are trying to find a way around that, but the simple fact is their biggest challenge — like it was under Willie Desjardins — remains getting quality shots. Somehow, some way, they need to get more if they’re going to be in the playoff discussion.
4 Killer B’s
The Canucks showed some new looks with the man advantage on Tuesday, with the Boeser Burmistrov-Baertschi trio looking especially promising. (Yes, so promising they got a goal.) Even at even strength they did well. Can they keep the chemistry?
5 Bergeron, Backes in doubt
Patrice Bergeron, the best two-way centre of the last decade, has yet to play this season because of some undisclosed lower body injury. He did skate the last two days but wasn’t involved in contact so he remains doubtful on Thursday.
David Backes has diverticulitis and remains on the shelf, though he’s also close to a return. Goalie Tuukka Rask limped out of practice Wednesday.