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Drive for 5

March 30, 2012, 4:13 PM ET [91 Comments]
Ian Esplen
Vancouver Canucks Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
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Vancouver goes looking for win number 48, as they entertain the Dallas Stars at Rogers Arena. The Stars come in with their sights set firmly on tops in the Pacific Division and will surely bring a physical, playoff style of game tonight. Vancouver looks primed and ready for that style a game, having won their last four games in that same manor. Luongo is scheduled to get his crack at the rotation tonight and will be looking to keep doing what Canuck keepers have been doing; shutting teams out.


Canucks 47-21-9 103pts
Stars 42-30-5 89pts


Impact Players



Hansen- No Canuck has played better than Hansen over the past few weeks. Hansen is fully in playoff mode and every time he is on the ice it seems like he's winning a race to a puck or finishing a check. Hansen is a player on the Canucks that will bring his lunch pail tonight and make things difficult on the Stars.

Higgins- Like Hansen, Higgins has been playing outstanding hockey as of late. He is one of the Canucks better penalty killers and has scored some huge goals for the Canucks in the past few weeks. If Vancouver needs a big goal tonight, chances are number 20 is getting it.

Luongo- Luongo has been a beast in his last few starts and he will have to be equally as good in a game that will be intense. If Lu is in rhythm, he will be hard to beat and the Stars will have an uphill journey.

Edler- Alex Edler has been fairly hot and cold this season, and while he hasn't been racking up the points, he has been rattling his opponents lately. Edler has been one of Vancouver best D during the past few weeks and has helped turn the Vancouver slot from a kid's play party into a war zone. If Edler brings the hurt tonight, there will be a lot of Stars sore in the morning.

Booth- Last game Booth was a beast and he is definitely built for this time of year. No Canuck has his combination of size, speed, grit, and physicality. When Booth wants to play, I don't see too many players who can match him physically. If he is on, the Stars D will have their hands full.


Benn- In my opinion, Benn is the Stars best player. If the Stars are going to make the playoffs and do some damage they will need number 14 to dominate. Benn can do that so Vancouver will have to watch him closely.

Ribeiro- I hate Ribeiro, but that is mostly because he plays well against the Canucks all the time. He has maybe the best hands in the game, and his skill level is off the charts. If Vancouver gives the Stars too many power-plays, then Ribeiro will kill them. When it's all said and done I bet Ribs has a point tonight.

Ryder- Ryder is the hottest player in Dallas. He has 35 goals this year and has five in his past five games. Ryder always brings his "A" game against Vancouver, so Vancouver will need I put the little Newfie on his butt at all times. If Dallas wins tonight, I bet Ryder plays a part in it.

Ott- The biggest pests in the league will surely be looking to stir the pot tonight. Look for Ott to be in Hank and Kesler's faces for the whole night. He'll likely put up 6-8 hits and don't be surprised if someone has a go with him. Lappy, Weise and Kassian, I'm looking your way if Ott crosses that line.

Goligoski- The key to scoring is good passes from the D. Goligoski moves the puck as well as almost any D and the Stars will need him to play well if they want to make the playoffs. The Canucks will need to get in his face if they want to win tonight because he can control a game from the backend all by himself.

Prediction- 2-1 Canucks


Daniel Back

The Canucks got some positive news from Mike Gillis, as he said Daniel is feeling better and better each day, and should be back for the playoffs. Having Heavy D back will certainly help the PP and maybe we can get away from seeing these one goal games. Best of luck getting back D; the Canucks need you.

Thanks for reading
Enjoy your day.
Ian
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