Vancouver is beginning a four game homestand that they can hopefully gain some points back after a horrid start to this month. The Canucks only have three wins in their last ten games, while the Predators have only four wins in their last ten. Both teams are having issues finding the back of the net this season - Vancouver is ranked eleventh in the West with 129 goals, while Nashville is ranked thirteenth with 125 goals.
Vancouver Canucks: 51 GP: 26-16-9; 61 pts
Nashville Predators: 51 GP: 22-22-7; 51 pts
Predators Acquire Del Zotto:
Nashville Predators acquire Michael Del Zotto from the New York Rangers for defenseman Kevin Klein. http://t.co/CuRd4xX3j1
— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) January 22, 2014
On Wednesday, the Predators made a deal with the Rangers that sent defensemen Kevin Klein to the Big Apple in exchange for defensemen Michael Del Zotto. Klein was a steady eddie right handed shot defensemen with not much upside. Del Zotto is a young upcoming defensemen who has some offensive abilities. Del Zotto will be in the lineup against Vancouver being partnered with rookie standout defensemen Seth Jones.
Trotz said Del Zotto will play with Jones tonight
— JoshuaCooper (@JoshuaCooper) January 23, 2014
This game can be viewed on Sportsnet Pacific or Fox Sports Tennessee at 10 PM ET/7 PM PT.Here are the projected lineups:
Predators (the bad guys):
Forwards:
Craig Smith - David Legwand - Nick Spaling
Gabriel Bourque - Mike Fisher - Patric Hornqvist
Eric Nystrom - Paul Gaustad - Viktor Stalberg
Rich Clune - Matt Cullen - Colin Wilson
Defensemen:
Roman Josi - Shea Weber
Michael Del Zotto - Seth Jones
Ryan Ellis - Victor Bartley
Goaltenders:
Carter Hutton (starter)
Devan Dubnyk
Canucks (the good guys):
Forwards:
Daniel Sedin - Ryan Kesler - Alex Burrows
Chris Higgins - Zac Dalpe - Jannik Hansen
David Booth - Brad Richardson - Zack Kassian
Tom Sestito - Kellan Lain - Dale Weise
Defensemen:
Alex Edler - Kevin Bieksa
Dan Hamhuis - Chris Tanev
Jason Garrison - Ryan Stanton
Goaltenders:
Roberto Luongo (starter)
Eddie Lack
Things to watch for - Predators:
David Legwand - the lifelong Predator has been in the rumor mill as far as trades. The Detroit native has a goal and seven points in his last four games. The second overall pick in the 1998 draft has been one of the NHL's most quiet underrated players. He would be the perfect addition to any team trying to bolster their depth down the middle come trade deadline time.
Michael Del Zotto - the newest Predator is also a former first round pick. He has been in the Rangers doghouse for a while now because of inconsistent play. When he is on his game, he shows some offensive flair. He is a restricted free agent at the end of this season, and the Predators will try to resign him to a long term extension. He will try to turn his career around in Music City.
Things to watch for - Canucks:
Zack Kassian - he is starting to gain more confidence as each game goes on. With the flaws in his game come the rewards. His passing is improving and he is starting to shoot a little bit more. He has five points in his last seven games. He had the game winning goal in the last game against Edmonton and has really thrived against the Oilers in his short career.
Ryan Stanton - the Canucks waiver wire summer acquisition makes his return to the lineup after missing over a month of action with a high ankle sprain. The former Moose Jaw Warrior has eleven points in thirty six games this season. He has been reliable on the back end, giving the Canucks a solid 15-18 minutes per game.
Prediction:
2-1 Canucks (OT) (Higgins OT GWG)
Until next time, stay classy! -George
No comments:
Post a Comment