Dealing with injuries, the Canucks face the Kings

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VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – The Canucks will have to overcome their bumps and bruises tonight when they host their division rivals, the Los Angeles Kings. Vancouver has managed seven of a possible eight points in its last four games as the injuries continue to take a toll.

The blueline remains decimated, with Chris Tanev, Luca Sbisa and Dan Hamhuis still sidelined. Help appears to be on the way amongst the forwards, with the return of Alex Burrows and Chris Higgins to the lineup. Higgins hasn’t played since December 20th and he has been impressed with his team’s play in his absence.

“I think it is a good thing we are getting wins with guys out. I think if you can stick around during the tough times and grab points here and there when you have guys out of the lineup, it is a good sign.”

Coach Willie Desjardins echoed Higgins thoughts, saying the team can’t use the injuries as excuses.

“You can’t look at the injuries. You can’t dwell on that. You have to keep your focus on what we have and where we are going and I think that is just part of the game. We have to look at the guys who will be in and make sure we are ready to play.”

Jacob Markstrom will get the start in net, with Ryan Miller still sidelined with a lower body injury. Markstrom expects the Kings to create havoc in front of the net.

“They crash the net. The Kings have a lot of big, heavy bodies. They are not afraid to get to the net. It is going to be tough for us to keep the crease clear and the view clear so I can try and make some saves.”

The puck drops at 7 p.m. and you can watch the game on Sportsnet.

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