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The Minnesota Wild are back in Rogers Arena for the first time this season and they will be looking to avenge the 4-1 spanking they received less than a week ago.
Alain Vigneault was apparently not impressed with Cory Schneider during the skills contest on Sunday, as Roberto Luongo will get the start tonight. In my opinion, the tipping point for who would start came when Schneider showed up some of the Canucks players by not only hitting the net with a shot, but by having it register harder than half the team can shot. Either way, there really isn't a bad choice for Vigneault as both goalies are player standout hockey.
Vancouver will look to their usual three keys to winning: Luongo playing well, the Sedins controlling the puck and staying out of the penalty box. If they can do all these things well, they will skate to their sixth win.
For the Wild to win, they need two things to happen: Suter needs to remember how he got that huge contract and Konopka needs to stay off the ice. Suter is improving, but when you make the most on the team and your +/- in the worst, teammates will start to take notice. And as far as Konopka, win the faceoff and get off the ice. If he starts running around like a meathead, the Wild generally lose.
With the way the Canucks are playing right now and the way Minnesota is on the road, I'll take Vancouver in a close one. The Wild are 1-3-1 on the road and had to go to a shootout to beat Calgary. Vancouver on the other hand has won five in a row, outscoring opponents 16-5 in the process. Look for Vancouver to get the lead early and hold on for the win.
Prediction- 4-3 Vancouver- Hank gets the record
Respect your Rival
Jonas Brodin
It's not very often a team's best defenceman is only 19-years old, but Rodin has been that for the Wild this season. Despite his slim stature and the fact he has already suffered a broken color-bone, nothing seems to rattle this kid. He one of those players that always looks relaxed and in two effortless strides he is out of trouble. He can pass the puck up ice as good as any and rarely turns the puck over. Watch number 25 for the Wild tonight, because he is worth the price of admission.
That’s a wrap.
Ian
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