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The Vancouver Canucks will host the Dallas Stars tonight in the third game of their seven game home stand. The last game didn't go as planned, as the Sabres jumped on Vancouver early for a 3-0 lead and never looked back. Dallas comes into this one as the hottest team in the NHL having only one regulation loss in their past 10 games. This sudden hot streak has taken the Stars form battling for the 8th seed to sitting a little more comfortably in the 3rd spot.

Canucks 41-17-8 90pts
Stars 35-26-5 75pts

Leaders

Canucks
Goals D. Sedin 28
Assists H. Sedin 53
+/- Humhuis, Burrows, and H. Sedin +21
Hits Lapierre 193

Stars
Goals Ryder 28
Assists Eriksson 37
+/- Ryder, and Eriksson +17
Hits Ott 217


Things to Watch Tonight


~ Can Luongo bounce back against the hottest team in the NHL?

~ Will Kassian continue his outstanding play and become a star with Kesler? Kes to Kas just has a great ring to it doesn't it

~ Will Vancouver finally listen to the fans and scratch Mason "Bambi" Raymond?

~ If they don't. What's the over/under on Raymond falling? I'll set it at 11.

~ Who will be a bigger pain in the butt tonight, Ott or Kesler?

~ Can the Sedins score against a team that maters?

~ Will Gragnani get his first point?

~Will we see another shootout?


Well those are the things I'm most interested in watching tonight. As far as the game goes, I think we are going to see a much better Canucks team. This team seems to go in waves and I just have a feeling they will wake up and play some good hockey for the rest of this home stand. Dallas is playing great and I think Vancouver will be looking to send them a message that the road goes through Vancouver once the playoffs start.

In their last meeting, Vancouver lost in the final minute because of a botched icing call. Tonight I don't think they leave it that close. Last time these teams played, Vancouver was playing their second game in roughly 36 hours. Tonight the Canucks are a well rested team that got to sleep in their own beds last night. I have a feeling Vancouver comes out fast and doesn't let up. Tonight is in a way a statement game and Vancouver will be looking to make a loud statement. I can see the new line of Kesler/Booth/Kassian having a huge night. When all 3 of these guys are on their game they are virtually unstoppable because of their size, strength and speed. Vancouver win's this one with a big night from the new top line.

Prediction- 5-1 Vancouver with 3 points each for Kes and Kas

Thanks for reading.
Enjoy your day.
Ian

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