Canucks try to snap losing streak against Winnipeg
Posted November 18, 2015 1:19 pm.
Last Updated November 18, 2015 1:33 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
WINNIPEG (NEWS 1130) – The Canucks wrap up their seven game road trip with a game against the Winnipeg Jets. Both teams are struggling and Vancouver has lost five of the 6 games on its trip so far.
Alex Burrows says his team has to be better and it starts tonight.
“Some nights are a special teams struggle, other nights we turn over the puck too much. We have to clean it up a little bit. We have the team to do it, it is just a matter of executing it on the ice and doing it for a full game.”
The Jets have lost six straight and Maple Ridge native Andrew Ladd says something has to change.
“Every team goes through points in the season where you are in a rut and you have to find a way to get out of it. We need to stick together, work as a group and we will find a way and get out of this.”
Playing a physical Jets team, the Canucks have called in help from the farm team. Alex Grenier will play his first NHL game and he’s excited for the opportunity.
“Obviously having five games in the preseason helped me out a lot. I learned a lot during those games and I learned a lot in the training camps I have been in and I am ready for this.”
Grenier has seven points in 13-games this season in the AHL and the 24-year old says he can bring a lot to the team.
“I want to use my size and bang some bodies especially against a big team like Winnipeg. I will want to try and bring some offence as well.”
Grenier will play on the second line with Jared McCann and Chris Higgins. To make room for Grenier’s arrival, the team sent Hunter Shinkaruk back to Utica after just one game.
On the blueline, Luca Sbisa returns to the lineup after missing time with an ankle injury. He says it was tough to watch from the sidelines.
“I am excited to be back. It took a little bit longer to recover then I thought, but at this time of the year I think you have to make sure you are 100-percent before you come back.”
Radim Vrbata won’t play because of a minor groin injury and Ryan Miller gets the start in net.
The puck drops at 4:30 p.m. and you can watch the game on Sportsnet.
