GAME DAY PREVIEW: Canucks @ Anaheim

Vancouver Canucks @ Anaheim Ducks

Honda Center, Anaheim, CA

When: 7:00 PM PST

Where to watch: Sportsnet Pacific, FS-W

Where to listen: Sportsnet650

SB Nation Game Hub

Opposition Blog: Anaheim Calling

As we mentioned in yesterday’s Roundup, there was a lot going on that would have an impact on the Canucks’ chances of finishing in 31st, and boy did it ever. Montreal, Ottawa and the surprising Arizona Coyotes all pulling off wins against playoff-bound teams. It helped Arizona to get out of the basement and pushed them to within 3 points of the Canucks. It also eased the Buffalo Sabres back into the bottom slot. The Sabres, by the way are going to be getting Jack Eichel back in their lineup soon, as he’s been skating with the team.

The biggest question facing the Canucks right now isn’t are they going to win another game this season, it’s can they even score another goal. Since Brock Boeser went down against the Islanders, the Canucks have looked absolutely unable to compete, and it’s not going to get any easier against a team like Anaheim. The Ducks have outscored the Canucks 9-1 in two meetings so far this season, including a 5-0 shutout at their last clash.

One thing that should help the Canucks tonight is it looks like Chris Tanev will be good to go for the game. Tanev’s been out with a broken leg for a while now, so there’s gonna be some rust, but he’s always had a stabilizing influence on the team.

The Ducks are currently on the outside looking in, and it’s quite a log jam in the West that’s going to change multiple times before the end of the season:

While a win won’t get them back into that last Wild Card spot, it’s going to help them keep pace, and having lost 3 in a row, they’re likely looking at this one as a chance to do just that.

TANKWATCH 2018: Only one game that could impact the Canucks’ chances tonight, and that has the Oilers on the back end of a back to back taking on San Jose at home. After a frustrating 1-0 loss last night, the Oilers will be looking to... oh, who am I kidding? They’re going to lose this one and win the damn lottery again. Bastards.

GAME DAY BATTLE HYMN

Bay Area thrash demons GHOUL have a new 7” split coming out in May with rapper Ill Bill on one of my favorite indie labels Tankcrimes Records. We should totally hit them up for some kinda giveaway or something.