Already eliminated, the Canucks prepare to battle the Avalanche
Posted April 10, 2014 1:04 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – The Canucks have not been in this position since new Team President of Hockey Operations Trevor Linden retired from playing hockey at the end of the 2008 season.
The team has been eliminated from the playoffs and they are simply playing out the stretch. Tonight they host the Colorado Avalanche in their first game under the reign of Linden.
Even though the team will likely be golfing in less a week, Daniel Sedin says the boys in blue want to finish the season on a strong note.
“It shouldn’t change the way we approach things. If we come prepared and play our system we will have a good game. In this league right now, if you don’t come prepared and you don’t focus out there you will be embarrassed and that is not fun.”
Canucks Coach John Tortorella is shuffling his lineup with just three games left. Jacob Markstrom will make his first start in net for the Canucks after being acquired in the Roberto Luongo trade. Markstrom says he has been itching for this opportunity.
“I am really excited. It has been a while so I can’t wait to get in there. It is my first start on this team so that is always really special. It is my first time playing in this arena and it feels like I have been watching a lot of games so it is going to be fun to get in there.”
Tortorella is also taking Jason Garrison out of the lineup. The defenceman has been dealing with a nagging ankle injury. Frank Corrado will take his spot on the blueline. The young defenceman says he is ready to make an impact on the Canucks roster.
“I know for the next half a week here I can really concentrate on what I need to do and knowing that I will be in the lineup will definitely ease the nerves a little bit.”
As for Colorado, the Avalanche have already locked up a playoff spot. The team has had a major resurgence this year under the guidance of first year coach Patrick Roy. He says he wants his team entering the playoffs firing on all cylinders.
“It is the way we have been playing on the road lately. For some reason we have been playing really well. I think it is a team record for wins on the road. Our players deserve a lot of credit for that. These guys are playing hard every night and every day they come on the ice they are ready to play. It makes me extremely proud of them.”
Puck drop at Rogers Arena is at 7 p.m. and you can watch the game on Sportsnet Pacific.
