FIVE KEYS TO THE GAME
Defensive structure 1
Coach Travis Green was honest about his team’s defensive play in Friday’s 4-3 win over the Buffalo Sabres: the Canucks simply weren’t good enough. Even against the struggling Red Wings he’ll be demanding a much better performance.
Leave it to Leivo 2
The winger put in his best performance of the season for the Canucks Friday and will likely find himself back with Pettersson. He skates well, carries the puck well, shoots well and passes well. He’s been an excellent pickup for the Canucks.
Good health 3
For the first time all season, the Canucks should have nobody on the injured reserve list when the game starts. It will also be just the seventh game of the season that the Canucks will have their four top centres dressed at the same time.
Return of Tommy Gun 4
Former Canuck Thomas Vanek celebrated his 35th birthday Saturday. He scored 41 points in 61 games for the Canucks in 2017-18. He signed with the Wings last summer but has just 21 points in 41 games so far this year.
Rasmussen ready? 5
The hometown kid is on injured reserve with a hamstring problem. He skated with his mates on Saturday, so if he’s declared healthy for today’s game, he’ll skate in Vancouver for the first time as a Red Wing.