Canucks continue the road trip on Long Island

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(NEWS1130) New York – The Vancouver Canucks are looking to get back on track right away on Long Island this afternoon (3pm, CITY TV) as John Tavares and the New York Islanders provide a difficult task.

A better start is important for Vancouver after falling behind early in Friday’s loss to the Devils. It’s the first thing Willie Dejardins brought up Sunday morning.

“You need a good start every night. You have such a better record if you score first. They’re (Islanders) a good team, we don’t want to play catch up with them, for sure. Every team wants a good start, so it’ll be a battle early.”

Vancouver winger Alex Burrows will miss his second straight game with a lower body injury, although he remains on the trip. The Canucks also recalled forward Niklas Jensen from the Utica Comets on Saturday evening.

Zack Kassian will see some more ice time with the Sedin twins following a pair of goals Friday in New Jersey. Kassian echoed his coach’s comments.

“Coming off a loss, we need to have a high energy level. This is a good team, and they play well in their building, but we’re just looking to have energy and play hard.”

Chris Higgins is from the area, and is looking forward to playing at the Nassau Coliseum.

“If you played hockey in Long Island, the Coliseum has a place in your heart, for sure. Played a lot of big Long Island championship games here. My generation, my group of friends will always have a place for the Coliseum.”

Barring an improbable Stanley Cup Final match-up, today marks the last game the Canucks will play in the Nassau Coliseum. The Islanders are moving to Brooklyn for next year.

The Islanders come into Sunday’s game as the second best team in the Eastern Conference with a record of 21-7-0 on home ice. Vancouver has won the only other match-up between the two this season.

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