Preseason Preview Game 2: Versus Edmonton Oilers

Greetings, tonight the Edmonton Oilers make their preseason visit to Rogers Arena.  This game will be televised on Sportsnet-Pacific, Sportsnet-West, and NHL Network (USA).  Puck drop is set for 10 PM ET, 7 PM PT.

Let's get familiar with the lineups for tonight's matchup with Edmonton:

Canucks (the good guys):

Forwards:
Daniel Sedin - Henrik Sedin - Zack Kassian
Hunter Shinkaruk - Brad Richardson - Jannik Hansen
Nicklas Jensen - Bo Horvat - Colin Stuart
Brendan Gaunce - Mike Santorelli - Brandon DeFazio

Defensemen:
Jason Garrison - Kevin Bieksa
Peter Andersson - Patrick Mullen
John Negrin - Chris Tanev

Goaltenders:
Roberto Luongo (starter)
Joacim Eriksson

Oilers (the bad guys):

Forwards:
Ryan Smyth - Taylor Hall - Jordan Eberle
David Perron - Boyd Gordon - Ales Hemsky
Jesse Joensuu - Mark Arcobello - Tyler Pitlick
Ben Eager - Will Acton - Mike Brown

Defensemen:
Andrew Ference - Justin Schultz
Darnell Nurse - Nick Schultz
Martin Marincin - Taylor Fedun

Goaltenders:
Devan Dubnyk (starter)
Ty Rimmer

Things to watch for - Canucks: 
-Roberto Luongo makes his preseason debut (surprisingly) for the Vancouver Canucks.  I hope the Canucks faithful welcomes him back with open arms.  I am not sure whether he plays the full 60 minutes, but he should play around 2 periods.

-After a good preseason debut, how will Hunter Shinkaruk respond with new linemates Brad Richardson and Jannik Hansen?  He seems to have impressed Torts and management staff by his "enthusiasm" that he brings to the lineup.  Can he continue to bring his production and enthusiasm to turn even more heads as preseason rolls along?

-Piggybacking off of Shinkaruk, how will other young Canucks prospects perform in the second preseason game?  Canucks 1st Round Pick of 2011 Nicklas Jensen was invisible in game 1.  Bo Horvat was sound in the defensive zone, but did not create much in the offensive zone.  Brendan Gaunce was able to tally a goal off of a juicy rebound, but did not do much the rest of the night.  Can some of the prospects step up and look visible on the rink?

Things to watch for - Oilers:
-Taylor Hall is getting some experience playing at centre due to Ryan Nugent Hopkins' shoulder injury.  Is he able to win faceoffs and set up his linemates Eberle and Smyth?

-Coming to Edmonton via trade this offseason, David Perron is trying to cement his position as the second line left wing.  The Oilers sacrificed power forward Magnus Paajarvi and a 2nd Round Draft Pick for Perron's services.  Can Perron put up consistent production this season and bounce back after going sour with the Blues brass?

-Selected 7th Overall in the 1st Round by the Oilers in the 2013 NHL Draft, Darnell Nurse is ready to prove himself as worthy of cracking the Oilers blueline come opening night.  The Hamilton, Ontario native has a good size frame to be a full time NHLer.  He is not afraid to drop the gloves and stand up for his teammates.  He could potentially bring some sandpaper to the Oilers blueline that they have been lacking for quite some time.


Until next time, stay classy. -George       
Go Canucks Go!