Prust out with leg injury after Kesler collision
McCann back in lineup; power play needs jump-start
Ryan Kesler left a lasting impression on Brandon Prust.
The Vancouver Canucks winger is out with a left-leg injury after he was struck Friday by the right leg of Kesler while chasing a loose puck and then directing it back into his own zone. Kesler’s knee contacted the back of Prust’s knee and he hobbled off the ice late in the third period of a 2-1 shootout victory over the Anaheim Ducks.
Prust has had ankle problems this season, but video evidence of the Kesler collision was obvious and coach Willie Desjardins gave it the day-to-day injury summation. It means Adam Cracknell will centre Alex Burrows and Linden Vey on Monday against the Arizona Coyotes and Jared McCann will return from a one-game exodus to work between Chris Higgins and Derek Dorsett.
For McCann, part of the new plan is to play the rookie centre more sparingly and allow him to improve certain aspects of his game in practice. An obvious one is faceoffs. He was 0-for-10 against the Los Angeles Kings on Dec. 28 and his 32 per cent efficiency rating is worrisome because the Canucks rank worst at 45.2 per cent. McCann had played 32 consecutive games, last sitting out Oct. 18.
“I understand it’s a learning experience and obviously every night I want to be in the lineup and contribute and I’m going go to take it in stride,” McCann said Sunday. “I know I need to work on things and areas where I need to improve big time.
“I’m not the biggest guy and with faceoffs, some players are different than others and it’s hard to get into a groove sometimes. Some guys are big and strong and just bear down and others are finesse and try to pick you apart in different ways. You just have to go through games and pick up on habits and see if you can pick them apart.”
MORE POWER IN THEIR PLAY
The power play continues to go the way of the Canadian dollar. It has slipped to a 28th ranking with an 0-for-20 funk the last nine games. McCann replaced Higgins on the second unit at practice Sunday, but unless the first alignment gets going, the Canucks are going to be in jeopardy of missing the playoffs.
“Our division is so tight and I’ve liked the way we’ve played lately, but we have to create more offence,” winger Daniel Sedin said. “Sometimes, if you mix it up good things will happen and we tried a few new (power play) things today.”
One thing wasn’t putting Jannik Hansen on the power play. Despite his symmetry with the Sedins at even strength, the winger only saw some recent spot duty when an ailing Henrik Sedin couldn’t take faceoffs.
“I haven’t played the power play since my time in Winnipeg (AHL) and it’s never really been a question here,” reasoned Hansen. “We have so many good offensive guys it’s never come up. I’m happy with the ice time I’m getting and I’m not looking for more. If I get a (power play) chance, great.”
DOMI HAVING HIS DAY
Max Domi was returned to junior last season by the Arizona Coyotes. He had 32 goals and 70 assists in 57 games with the London Knights, had five goals and five assists to help Canada capture world juniors gold and added five goals in nine OHL playoff games. For the gifted centre, the 12th overall pick in the 2013 draft, the longer route to the NHL has worked. The rookie has 10 goals and 18 assists in 38 games.
“For me, the (NHL) wait was better and paid off,” Domi said. “Some guys can step in right away and some guys, it takes a couple of extra years. It’s just a matter of finding your way and when you do, it’s a matter of staying there. Our leadership core here is unbelievable.”
Said Coyotes coach Dave Tippett: “I don’t think there’s a formula — every player is different. You have to see where a player is at physically and mentally and his role and the minutes he can get. Is he better off getting those minutes somewhere else? With Max, the whole season with the world junior and being the captain of London, (Ont.), was a very good year for him. He has matured as a player and a leader.”
OF NOTE: Sven Baertschi (neck) is dayto-day along with Ryan Miller (groin). Luca Sbisa (hand) is closer to returning than Brandon Sutter (Dec. 1 sports-hernia surgery) and Dan Hamhuis (face).