Canucks road trip continues tonight against the Montreal Canadiens.
Posted November 16, 2015 12:59 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
MONTREAL (NEWS 1130) – Vancouver’s road trip is not going according to plan. The Canucks have lost four of their first five games, but the team hopes to rebound tonight in Montreal against the Canadiens. The Habs have also hit a speed bump after a red-hot start to the season, having dropped two straight games.
Coach Willie Desjardins expects both teams will be hungry for a win this evening.
“We have a lot of challenges. The Habs are a good team. They have lots of speed and lots of weapons. All their lines have contributed and they get scoring from their blueline. They are a good team in all facets really.
Jacob Markstrom gets the start in net after winning in his season opener last Tuesday. He expects the Habs will want some revenge after the Canucks beat them 5-1 in October.
“They are a great hockey team. They are going to come out flying today. They really want to make this a statement game, so we have to be ready, play hard, really focus on our game, follow our plan and hopefully we can win.”
Carey Price is on the injured reserve with a lower body injury, so Michael Condon gets the start in net for Montreal. The injuries are also adding up for the Canucks. Brandon Sutter won’t play because of a lower body injury, while Alex Burrows is unavailable after returning to Vancouver for personal reasons.
The Canucks are seeking an offensive spark, so Hunter Shinkaruk will play in his first NHL game. He was recalled from the AHL after scoring 10-goals in 12-games this season for the Comets. Desjardins says the youngster deserves the opportunity.
“I think he deserves to be here. We always ask our guys to go to the AHL and play hard and he has played hard. What a great opportunity to come in for his first game, so he will be excited and I am sure that energy will show on the ice.”
The 21-year old admits he will be a little nervous stepping on the ice tonight, but he hopes to contribute in any way he can.
“I need to play my game. I like to use my speed out there and create offence. I will try and take it shift by shift and really just enjoy the experience. I obviously want to make an impact tonight. I need to take deep breaths because I will be so excited. I don’t know if I will be able to get a nap in today. I am looking forward to this.”
The puck drops at 4:30 p.m. and you can watch it on Sportsnet.
