If there was ever a time to break out of a mini-slump, it would be tonight. After losing their last 2 games on the road in disappointing fashion, a late meltdown against Dallas and an uninspired effort against the Blues on Tuesday, the Canucks should show alot more hustle at GM Place tonight in front of the home crowd. Roberto Luongo's harsh words for the team after the loss to the Blues should inspire them as well. It's time for the offence to score some goals, after scoring only 2 goals in their last 2 losses.POSITIVES
-The Canucks have won 7 of their last 8 games against the Dogs.
-Pray for Curtis Joseph top start for Phoenix. Since January 15, 2002, Cujo is 1-7-0 with a 4.11 GAA against Vancouver.
-The Coyotes have only won 2 of their last 9 games. One of them was last game against the emotionally disturbed Edmonton Oilers. That doesn't count! haha
MY TAKE
The Canucks will win this one by a score of 4-1. Smolinski will get 2 points. The home ice advantage should kick start these guys.
Anyone else feeling brave enough to make a guess of the outcome of tonight's game?
I tell ya what...if the Canucks lose this game it isn't going to be a pretty sight. The fans will be increasingly alarmed. The Smolinski and Sopel signings will be questioned. It's a fickle world here in Western Canada.
It's time to get back in the winning column NOW, as the Canucks will play the Wild on Sunday (a team on their heels) and the streaking Lightning on Tuesday.
A win tonight will put them 2 points ahead of the Flames again, as those bastards just won't go away! Just to put the pressure on, the Flames' next 2 games are against the Oilers and Blues....
You get my point.
The Coyotes held an interactive games event for charity with their fans recently (video). You can tell it was pre trade-deadline. Pretty cool interaction with their fans. Thanks to PB at One Fan's Perspective (a great Coyotes blog) for the link. I look forward to pestering him tomorrow if the Nucks win tonight.
LATE CANUCKS NEWS
- It appears that Tommi Santala is out, and Taylor Pyatt is IN!!! Oh thank Luongod for that!!