Panthers star Barkov poses tough test for Horvat

THE BIG MATCHUP

Aleksander Barkov vs. Bo Horvat

The Panthers’ No. 1 centre is an absolute beast. It’s a big test for the Canucks and Horvat, who figures to line up against Barkov fairly often today.

1. FIVE KEYS TO THE GAME

Emotional ride The Canucks play the fourth game of their road trip today against the Panthers. Even with the slow pace of this trip starting to settle in, you can’t help but think this is a game Vancouver will be desperate to win. The Panthers are a strong team, but they’re not as strong as the team the Canucks faced in Tampa or will face in the trip’s final two games: Pittsburgh and Winnipeg.

2. No Lu, no problem?

Former Canucks netminder Roberto Luongo is on crutches, having sprained his knee a week ago against Tampa. He’s still being honoured pre-game for playing 1,000 games in the NHL, but not having him in the lineup surely is a relief for the Canucks’ shooters, even if his backup James Reimer is plenty capable in the crease.

3. Controlling the neutral zone

One of many knocks against the Canucks’ defence corps in 2017-18 was their work against the other teams’ rushes through the neutral zone. The focus for this season has been to put more pressure on the opponents and look to break up plays higher up the ice, before teams can get established in the Canucks’ defensive zone.

4. Roussel return

The agitating winger has yet to make his season debut because of a concussion suffered in August during an informal skate in Montreal. But coach Travis Green suggested he was close to returning to action; will he make his debut in South Florida? The Canucks must waive someone to make room for him.

5. Five guys

The Panthers have started the year with a five-forward power play unit. It’s aggressive, but many analysts have been suggesting more teams should look at such a set-up, because it’s not often a defenceman is actually a more skilled shooter or passer than a forward.