FLAMES		CANUCKS
	AT

The Canucks are 7-1-2 in their last 10 games against the Flames on home ice. Just wanted to throw that dominant stat out there. I know the Flames have won 2 in a row, but if the Canucks keep playing the way they have been, I don't give Calgary much of a chance in this one.

Interesting stats in the table above. The Flames have taken the least amount of penalties, which is a good thing because their penalty kill is ass and they don't block many shots. It's intriguing how shot-blocking and PK go hand in hand. Imagine that. So, once again, if the Canucks can get under Calgary's skin and get them to commit some fouls, perhaps that lousy Calgary PK can be exposed and the Canucks can get their power play going, because Lord only knows, that power play is far from acceptable. Beggars can't be choosers though. As a result of a lousy PP, the Canucks score most of their goals 5 on 5, which they are now ranked 2nd in the NHL. Ole!

The Flames' PP is good, (6th) so maybe the Canucks should maintain some discipline. I noticed the Sedins are taking more minors now than they did at the beginning of the year.

After being near the basement, the Canucks' faceoff winning percentage is slowly creeping up the ranks.

PROJECTED ROSTERS / LINES

Cory Schneider

#35 / Goalie / Vancouver Canucks

Height: 6-2

Weight: 195

Born: Mar 18, 1986

Sedin - Sedin - Burrows

Raymond - Schroeder - Hansen

Higgins - Lapierre - Kassian

Weise - Malhotra - Volpatti

Bieksa - Garrison

Hamhuis - Edler

Ballard - Tanev

Leland Irving

#37 / Goalie / Calgary Flames

Height: 6-0

Weight: 175

Born: Apr 11, 1988

Glencross - Tanguay - Iginla

Cervenka - Stajan - Hudler

Comeau - Backlund - Stempniak

Begin - Jones - Jackman

Giordano - Bouwmeester

Brodie - Wideman

Butler - Derek Smith

Key injuries to Cammalleri and Backlund and Kiprusoff does not bode well for the Flames.

TRENDS

• Flames are 5-12 in their last 17 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Flames are 3-8 in their last 11 games playing on 1 days rest.
• Flames are 3-9 in their last 12 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Flames are 2-6 in their last 8 road games.
• Flames are 2-7 in their last 9 vs. Northwest.
• Canucks are 14-3 in their last 17 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Canucks are 4-1 in their last 5 games following a win.
• Canucks are 4-1 in their last 5 Saturday games.
• Canucks are 40-12 in their last 52 vs. Northwest.

SCORE-PREDICTING WIZARDS UPDATE

Twin Terror: 7

andrew21nz: 4

Bobby Canuck: 4

FormerHab: 4

Meat Mayos: 4

raincity: 4

marcness52: 3

ChuckinNux: 2

EvianBubble: 2

patrik e (hugs kittens): 2

PeaceJo: 2

Sean Zandberg: 2

seedvt: 2

westy99: 2

beardstache: 1

Geordie Nuck: 1

Kent Basky: 1

KYCanuck: 1

radepalma: 1

Thursday: 1

Vancouverguy: 1

AHAHAHA:

A big stick tap to Temujin for sending me the following image:

Too funny! Soooooo true!

FUN SHIT

This is an old flash hockey game where you can blast the puck from the point. You get points for scoring AND taking out the defencemen with the puck. So pretend you're Edler shooting at Keith, Seabrook and Crawford! Oh, and see if you can beat my high score of 0....

VIDEO

Meanwhile, In Russia:

The title of this game preview post has been brought to you by Kraft Dinner and Pantera:

GO CANUCKS GO!