Tuesday November 21 - Vancouver Canucks at Philadelphia Flyers - 4 p.m. - Sportsnet Pacific, Sportsnet 650
Vancouver Canucks: 20 GP, 9-8-3, 21 pts, sixth in Pacific Division
Philadelphia Flyers: 20 GP, 8-8-4, 20 pts, eighth in Metropolitan Division
The Vancouver Canucks head into U.S. Thanksgiving with back-to-back games in Pennsylvania, starting tonight against the Philadelphia Flyers.
If you're curious about the vibe on the plane for these long road trips, Brandon Sutter is on the case this year:
The Canucks practiced on Monday in Philly, as well as making a couple of roster moves.
On Day 29 of his call-up to the Canucks, Patrick Wiercioch was returned to the Utica Comets, one day before he would have had to clear waivers again in order to be sent down. In his place, Philip Holm has been summoned as the extra defenseman.
In his first year in North America, the 25-year-old has played well since being assigned to Utica, leading the team's defensemen with 10 points in 15 games. He's also waiver-exempt, so there's no concern about how long he spends with the big club this year.
Chris Tanev and Troy Stecher are also travelling with the team but are not yet cleared to play. Barring further injuries, Holm will most likely be shuffled back to the Comets as soon as one of those two is healthy.
The Canucks also announced on Monday that Anton Rodin was being placed on unconditional waivers for the purpose of terminating his contract. Caught in a logjam of veteran players, Rodin was scratched for all three Comets games last week, leading him to ask for his release so that he can return to Sweden. In the seven games he did play with Utica, Rodin was 1-1-2 and a minus-three. It's a disappointing ending to the NHL dream for the 2015-16 Swedish Hockey league MVP, who turns 27 today. I hope he's able to rediscover his game back in his homeland.
I figured Rodin might be one of the players who could lose out when the Canucks signed Thomas Vanek on September 1 but I will admit, Vanek is growing on me. With five goals and 12 points through his first 20 games, the 33-year-old is on pace for 21 goals and 50 points—pretty much the best-case scenario when he was signed. That gives him twice as many points as Sam Gagner, who was also supposed to provide offense this season—and at a lower price point.
Vanek's the Canucks' top scorer after the trio of Baertschi, Horvat and Boeser. I find him fun to watch because it seems like he makes no effort, but somehow he has a knack for getting himself into scoring position. Watching him game in and game out, I now have a better idea why his talent and hockey sense have made him so desirable to NHL general managers over the years.
Tonight's game is a homecoming for both Gagner and Michael Del Zotto, who previously suited up for Philadelphia. Gagner's now being deployed on the Canucks' checking line with Sutter and Derek Dorsett—if you want to call it that.
"We’re not looking for his line to be total defenders either," explained Travis Green to
Ben Kuzma of The Province when asked about Gagner's new assignment. "We want him to play a fast game, get in on the forecheck and deny breakouts. Part of that is the way our lines are set up and how they all add up."
After a tough assignment against Tarasenko, Schenn and Schwartz of St. Louis last Saturday, Gagner's group will once again have its hands full tonight, trying to shut down the Flyers' new Big Line with Claude Giroux moved to left wing alongside Sean Couturier and Jakub Voracek.
Voracek's currently tied for sixth in league scoring with 25 points in 20 games, while his linemates are close behind with 22 points each.
The Flyers are currently on a four-game winless streak, most recently suffering a shootout loss in Winnipeg, then an overtime loss at home to Calgary on Saturday. Ex-Canuck Dale Weise is expected to be a healthy scratch for Dave Hakstol's team for the fourth time this season.
In goal, Michal Neuvirth is expected to make his first start in six games. Like the Canucks, the Flyers are kicking off a back-to-back series. They'll play the Islanders on Wednesday.
Though Neuvirth is 2-3-1 this season, his personal numbers are solid—he has a .928 save percentage and 2.17 goals-against average. He'll go up against Jacob Markstrom, back in net after taking last Saturday off.
Looks like the swap in net will be the only change in the Canucks lineup.
Early game, with puck drop at 4 p.m. Enjoy!
Vancouver Canucks Blogger • 
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