Canucks playoff push continues against the Columbus Blue Jackets
Posted March 19, 2015 12:35 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – The Canucks five-game homestand comes to a close tonight against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Rogers Arena. Vancouver has compiled a 3-1 record during the stretch and will try and wrap it up with another victory.
The Blue Jackets have nearly been eliminated from playoff position, but have won four straight games on the road. Coach Willie Desjardins expects Columbus to bring an edge to its game tonight.
“They have been really hurt by injuries and it has been a tough season for them, but teams like that are really hard to play because they get excited. They are a good team, they just haven’t had a good year this year.”
Zack Kassian and Brad Richardson did not take part in the morning skate and they will likely be the scratches tonight. Linden Vey will take Richardson’s spot in the lineup. On the blueline, Kevin Bieksa says he is closing in on being 100-percent after his hand injury.
“It will be my third game tonight. The first game you spend trying to get caught up to speed and you run on adrenaline. The second, third and fourth game are a little bit harder until you hit that threshold where you feel a little bit more like yourself.”
There is no rest for Eddie Lack, who will make his seventh straight start in net for the Canucks.
“I am feeling good right now,” says Lack, “It is fun playing and coming to the rink everyday and battling with the boys.”
The Canucks have dominated the Blue Jackets over the last few seasons. Vancouver has only one regulation loss in the last 17 games against Columbus.
With the blueline finally getting healthy, the Canucks have assigned Frank Corrado to the farm team in Utica.
The puck drops at 7 p.m.. You can watch it on Sportsnet Pacific. Listen for game updates every 10 minutes on the fives.
