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Pettersson out with concussion
Vancouver Canucks (3-2-0) at Pittsburgh Penguins (2-1-1)
THE BIG MATCHUP
Sidney Crosby vs. Chris Tanev Tanev and Alex Edler have been carrying nearly all of the Canucks’ primary defensive load. Expect them to be tasked with going up against Crosby.
FIVE KEYS TO THE GAME
1.
Life without Dekey Pete
The loss of Elias Pettersson is going to sting. First, there’s the simple upset about a young, skilled player being out for any amount of time due the recklessness of an opponent. Second, there’s the truth of how important he’s already become for the Canucks. He’s their leading scorer and has dominated the opposition consistently when on the ice. Up against a Stanley Cup contender such as the Penguins, life is going to be very difficult without him.
2.
Springy boards
Apparently the new boards at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh are very lively. There will be bounces galore. Are the Canucks ready for that?
3.
No Justin Schultz
The high-scoring Penguins defenceman suffered a nasty leg injury on Saturday night, which most expect will keep him out long term. The Penguins are strong on the back end, but it’s never easy to fill an attacking gap like the one Schultz fills.
4.
Penalty-kill patchwork
The other loss from the weekend is Jay Beagle. The centre, who turns 33 today, broke a bone in his wrist and is now out for up to six weeks. He’s taken almost half of the draws to date on the penalty kill
5.
Gaudette’s back
Big Bostonian Adam Gaudette will likely make his season debut, skating in place of Jay Beagle on the Canucks’ fourth line. He’s had a strong start to the season in Utica. Travis Green took a long look at him in preseason. Playing the Penguins to start off the year in the NHL is as hard a task as you can imagine.