Sharks smell blood of shaky visitors
THE BIG MATCHUP
Bo Horvat vs. Brent Burns
The Bo Horvat story in 201819 continues to be about a player who is taking on all comers and doing well against nearly all of those high-flying opponents. On Wednesday, he won his battles with Ryan Getzlaf and Ryan Kesler. How will he fare against Sharks blue-liner Brent Burns, who has been driving San Jose’s offence?
FIVE KEYS TO THE GAME
1.
Penalty killing
The Canucks, losers of seven straight, have given up a goal while down a man for six consecutive games. Against the Ducks on Wednesday they gave up another that came shortly after a penalty expired. Find a way to be better, head coach Travis Green is demanding.
2.
Erik Karlsson
Adding one of the NHL’s best blue-liners to an already deep defence corps has put the Sharks in the Stanley Cup conversation. This is a lineup that can kill you in more ways than one.
3.
Edler’s return
Might the man they call Eagle make his return to the Canucks’ lineup Friday night after a month on the shelf with a knee injury? The power play has been finding its way without Alex Edler, but there’s no doubt his presence is missed at even strength.
4.
Nilsson time?
Jacob Markstrom’s save percentage is taking a beating. Does he just need a break? He’s started nearly every game during the past three weeks. Now that Anders Nilsson’s hand has healed, will he face the Sharks? (If not, he’ll play against the Kings on Saturday in Los Angeles.)
5.
Get a bounce
Nikolay Goldobin was playing well for the first 10 games of the year, but he wasn’t getting any puck luck. Now he’s getting points. Was some of that just needing a little luck? The Canucks have been doing lots of things well, but are getting burned on their mistakes. Is some of that just about bad luck, too?
SICK BAY
Canucks: Sven Baertschi (concussion), Jay Beagle (wrist), Brock Boeser (adductor), Alex Edler (knee), Brandon Sutter (shoulder) Sharks: None