GameThread: Canucks @ New Jersey

When: 4 pm PT, Prudential Center, Newark, NJ

Where to Watch: NHL.com, Sportsnet Pacific

Where to Listen: TSN 1040

SB Nation Game Hub

Opposition Blog: All About the Jersey

Money Line: NJD -149 to -160

Today begins the first of five straight early starts as the Canucks embark on an east coast swing. The New Jersey Devils are up first. The Devils sit three points below the Eastern Conference playoff bar, but have three games in hand on the eighth place Philadelphia Flyers.

Today’s opponent is appropriate given the news of the day. According to Darren Dreger the the New York Islanders are maybe seeking to interview Mike Gillis (or maybe just seeking to pick his brain for ideas on how to restore their franchise). New Jersey/Vancouver games are the starkest testament to the way Gillis mishandled the Canucks goaltending situation. Bringing him in the Brooklyn, with their dysfunctional three goalie rotation, would take some willingness to hope history doesn’t repeat.

Enjoy the game. Coconuts Go!