CANUCKS ON THE ROAD
Coquitlam’s Barzal and Isles up next
THE BIG MATCHUP
Mathew Barzal versus Canucks’ D
The Coquitlam native not only sliced through defenders last NHL season like a hot knife through butter, the Islanders whiz kid topped Brock Boeser and Arizona’s Clayton Keller in Calder Trophy voting. While it may seem like the firstline centre is having a sophomore jinx with two goals in 16 games, the speedster has still been at his playmaking best with 12 assists. It’s not just the giddy-up that will cause problems for Erik Gudbranson and Ben Hutton, it’s his ability to find time and space and release a hard and accurate wrist shot.
FIVE KEYS TO THE GAME 1. Not so special teams
Injuries to Boeser, Sven Baertschi and Alex Edler have affected a power play that was 5-for-31 in nine games leading up to the Monday meeting with the Rangers. Same story on the penalty kill. The loss of injured centres Brandon Sutter and Jay Beagle have placed a bigger burden on Bo Horvat in the defensive zone.
2. Roussel walks the walk
It’s one thing for a veteran to talk about contributing, dragging his club into the fight and being a voice of reason. A healthier Antoine Roussel, fully recovered from a concussion, has done all that and was promoted to the top line Monday. Roussel had six points in his previous six games before Monday.
3. Go time for Goldobin
Nikolay Goldobin had five shots and seven attempts a week ago in Detroit and played his best first period of the season Saturday in Buffalo. Playing with Elias Pettersson provides ample opportunity, so coach Travis Green will need to to continue to see more from him.
4. Defence getting offensive
Gudbranson and Hutton have found some mojo. Gudbranson had six points in five games heading into the Rangers clash. He is over shoulder and wrist surgeries, has improved his stride and is confident. Hutton had four goals after 16 games and there is a marked improvement in his fitness.
5. Eriksson showing some jam
On Saturday in Buffalo, Loui Eriksson, as he was being driven to the ice by Jake McCabe, roofed the puck for a goal. Showing a willingness to hang in the tough areas while being belted wasn’t lost on anybody on the bench or behind it.