Sunday December 17 - Vancouver Canucks vs. Calgary Flames - 5 p.m. - Sportsnet - Sportsnet 650
Vancouver Canucks: 33 GP, 15-14-4, 34 pts, sixth in Pacific Division Calgary Flames: 33 GP, 16-14-3, 35 pts, fifth in Pacific Division
We're all OK with the early start time for today's game against the Calgary Flames, right? The Canucks have now been home for a few days; they practiced on Saturday and held a season ticketholder meet-and-greet event, while the Flames took the late slot on Hockey Night in Canada—an 8 p.m. Mountain Time start, and a 2-0 loss to Nashville in a pretty chippy game.
The Canucks were able to take advantage of the San Jose Sharks on a more traditional back-to-back on Friday. Maybe today will be more of the same?
Remarkably, today's game is the final meeting of the season for the Canucks and the Flames—the addition of Vegas to the Pacific Division means the teams will play each other just four times this year instead of the usual five. The season series is 2-1 in the Flames' favour. They won an early-season game in Vancouver and pulled off that come-from-behind victory in Calgary last week, while the Canucks won at the Saddledome in early November.
Once again, the game is a true four-pointer, with the Flames sitting just one point ahead of the Canucks in the Pacific Division standings. Despite the recent losing streak, a win tonight would pull the Canucks ahead of the Flames and the Anaheim Ducks, back within two points of a playoff spot.
The Flames have also struggled to pick up points in recent weeks—they're on a two-game losing streak and are just 3-5-2 in their last 10 games (the Canucks are 4-5-1). Johnny Gaudreau's torrid scoring pace has slowed—he has just two goals and three assists in his last 11 games. Sean Monahan is 2-2-4 in his last 10 games and is now on a four-game pointless streak—Glen Gulutzan has even split the pair at times, although they mostly played together on Saturday.
I'm excited to see Jaromir Jagr tonight! He played 12:48 on Saturday as he returned to the Flames lineup after missing five games with a lower-body injury.
It's surprising to see the two teams' power plays heading in very different directions. The Flames have gone 0-for-19 in their last five games and are now 20th in the league at 17.54 percent, while the Canucks are 4-for-13 in their last four games and are now fifth—FIFTH!—in the NHL standings at 21.92 percent.
The Canucks' line combos were status quo at practice on Saturday, including Erik Gudbranson once again in the extra D pairing with Ashton Sautner.
FWIW - Coach Green said there could be a chance Gudbranson plays against the Flames, but he may stick with the winning lineup.
— Ann Schmaltz (@annschmaltz) December 16, 2017
For his part, Guddy is ready to go.
#Canucks Gudbranson says he's close. He'd like to play tomorrow: 'it sucks being hurt. I've done a lot of that the past two seasons.'
— Jeff Paterson (@patersonjeff) December 16, 2017
Ben Hutton left practice after an accidental collision during a drill, but did return to the ice. He says he's fine, but if he can't go tonight that could create the necessary opening for Gudbranson to get back in after missing the last 11 games.
I expect we'll see Jacob Markstrom back in net today after a strong showing against San Jose on Friday. Not sure whether the Flames will go back to Mike Smith, who wasn't super-busy in facing 28 shots on Saturday, or tap new backup David Rittich.
A 25-year-old Czech, Rittich is 2-1-0 since taking over for Eddie Lack as the Flames' backup. His two starts both came in back-to-backs, and were both wins. He has a 2.57 GAA and .913 save percentage at the NHL level this season.
Here's more on Rittich:
Pour a coffee and get to know #Flames new backup goalie: On David Rittich's unusual morning ritual, his path to the NHL and why he was in tears one night in San Jose ... https://t.co/YTDoo6mY6W
— Wes Gilbertson (@WesGilbertson) December 17, 2017
Finally, if there was any doubt about Brock Boeser's status among Canucks fans...
Just a few people want a @BBoeser16 autograph... pic.twitter.com/8izUbdw1KA
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) December 16, 2017
Grace under pressure, even when things get awkward.
Boeser nearly got more than he bargained for at today’s Season Ticket Member event when he thought this young fan took scissors to the flow. pic.twitter.com/E10qyHHJxN
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) December 16, 2017
Not surprisingly, we could be seeing Brock's famous locks on cereal boxes and TV ads before too long.
The business world has taken notice of Brock Boeser’s great season as he’s getting endorsement deals but not jumping at them.
— Rick Dhaliwal (@DhaliwalSports) December 16, 2017
To wrap up today—an update on the guy who won the car in the shoot-to-win contest during the Nashville game last Wednesday. What a story!
What a surreal couple of days! Still speechless! Big thanks to @Canucks @RogersArena @hannahbernardd for being wonderful hosts, @ToyotaBC for a new car, my bro for taking me to the game, and my Wife (34 weeks pregnant!) for letting me go without her! #savingexcitementforbaby
— Aaron Dunn (@Dunnorama) December 16, 2017
Enjoy the game!