Saturday, 19 January 2013

Game Preview: Canucks vs Ducks, January 19th 2013

So, the season kicks off tonight. I'd apologize for this post being late, but seeing as the blog was only created today, and that the only page view is my own, I won't.

Anyways. Back on track. The Canucks season starts off tonight against the Anaheim Ducks. Anaheim finished dead last in their division last year, and a full 15 points out of a playoff spot. Normally, this would waive any sense of threat that I, and many others, would feel...

... BUT...

2 factors:
 -  The Canucks are short Ryan Kesler and David Booth, the staples of the 2nd line
 -  Anaheim and Vancouver split the season series at 2 a piece last year, and have frequently been a pain in the butt.

Truthfully, this game could be a blowout or a shootout win for either side.

Moving on, here's the expected lineup for tonight:
 Sedin-Sedin-Burrows
 Raymond-Ebbett-Kassian
 Higgins-Lappiere-Hansen
 Weise-Malhotra-Volpatti

On that note, I don't expect the 2nd line to get as much ice time. Granted, if Raymond plays like he did a few years back, and Kassian has truly upped his game, I could be absolutely wrong. Either way, I think that we'll see the 3rd line get a lot more ice time.

Now, onto Dale Weise. Coming off of an impressive run in the Netherlands (oxymoron?) where he obtained 40+ point in less than 20 games. Looking back, he does have some talent (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQSVrna3tKE), but will his stint in De Dutch lead to a Weise that is constantly trying to force an up ice rush, even when nothings there?

Just some thoughts from a fan.




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