We've got another double-continent doubleheader on tap tonight, as the Vancouver Canucks take to the ice in Edmonton against the Oilers, then in Beijing against the Los Angeles Kings.
Friday September 22 - Vancouver Canucks at Edmonton Oilers - 6 p.m. - Sportsnet 650, Canucks.com
The Canucks came home after Wednesday's game against Calgary and are taking their game-day skate at Rogers Arena before hopping on their flight to Edmonton.
Game day skate underway for @Canucks at @RogersArena. No Boeser, Subban or Demko on the ice. I'd be surprised if they travel to Edmonton. pic.twitter.com/CSfM43TllZ
— Joey Kenward (@kenwardskorner) September 22, 2017
Sounds like Brock Boeser and Thatcher Demko are getting the night off after strong performances in Calgary.
Coach Cull says Boeser and Demko are having maintenance days, which is good because he can have a look at other players.
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) September 22, 2017
I'm not sure Jordan Subban's absence is for the same reason, since he skated with the injured players this morning.
Brendan Gaunce, Jonathan Dahlen and Jordan Subban out early before the rest of the group doing some skills work. #Canucks
— Brendan Batchelor (@BatchHockey) September 22, 2017
Here are the PP units from practice. Looks like Evan McEneny is back in after being scratched from Wednesday's game against Calgary.
Top PP unit features Rodin, Goldobin, Megna, MacEwen and Holm. #Canucks
— Brendan Batchelor (@BatchHockey) September 22, 2017
2nd PP unit: Carcone, Chaput, Virtanen, McEneny, Chatfield. #Canucks
— Brendan Batchelor (@BatchHockey) September 22, 2017
With Demko out of the mix, Richard Bachman and Michael Garteig will make the trip to Edmonton. I hope Garteig gets at least half a game—he was strong against the Oilers in Penticton at Young Stars.
Speaking of the Oilers, they're 3-0 so far in preseason, with two wins over Calgary and one over Winnipeg. Expect to see Laurent Brossoit carry the full load in the Edmonton net. Sounds like Connor McDavid will get the night off.
#Oilers lineup tonight vs. Vancouver will be led by the Lucic-Draisaitl-Caggiula trio up front as well as the Klefbom-Larsson duo on D.
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) September 22, 2017
Game time is 6 p.m. PT. There's no TV for this game so you can listen to the new play-by-play team of Brendan Batchelor and Corey Hirsch on Sportsnet 650 and/or tune into the livestream at Canucks.com.
Meanwhile, back in China...the Canucks and Kings have made their way to Beijing for today's game, which is an afternoon affair. The Canucks are officially designated as the home team this time around.
Saturday September 23 - Los Angeles Kings at Vancouver Canucks - 12:30 a.m. - Sportsnet 650, Sportsnet
The Canucks and Kings shared the flight to Beijing. It's not quite the Crystal Skye, but the travel looks like it was still pretty darn comfortable.
Nick Cotsonika's video blog sums up the travel and offers awesome views of the afternoon at the Great Wall of China:
My video blog on the Kings and Canucks touring the Great Wall of China https://t.co/HFMUODo22T via @NHL
— Nick Cotsonika (@cotsonika) September 22, 2017
Why I am I not surprised that committed Grouse Grinders Daniel & Henrik Sedin wanted to climb to the highest viewpoint? Looks like Alex Edler...and Sven Baertschi? were with them.
Click here for Michael Del Zotto's latest blog from China, including the Canucks' desire to get off to a stronger start in tonight's game and a little insight into going with the flow, diet-wise, when travelling.
If you're on Instagram, check out some of the Instagram stories that the players and the Canucks are posting. You'll see more of the Great Wall and the food that the players are experiencing on this trip.
No on-ice news from China. I'm gonna go out on a limb and project that Anders Nilsson could get the start in net tonight.
To close today, a couple of quick notes on the Matt Duchene trade rumours. I was surprised to hear the Canucks mentioned among interested teams earlier this week, but I probably shouldn't be—I think Jim Benning does his best to ensure that he's in the conversation on every possible deal that's in discussion around the league.
Darren Dreger essentially confirmed that line of thinking today, after his mention of the Canucks' possible interest triggered a round of scout-watch in Denver.
The Canucks interest in Duchene was an inquiry, not unlike most teams. It didn't go anywhere. My bad for even mentioning it last week. https://t.co/hoSoyCN8ti
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) September 22, 2017
After all this time, it seems like a fool's game to even believe that Duchene will finally be traded before the season starts. But it has to happen, doesn't it?