Virtanen returns, Etem sits as Canucks battle the Lightning

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – The home stand for the Vancouver Canucks continues Saturday night, and gets a little tougher with the defending Eastern Conference champion Tampa Bay Lightning in town. (7pm, CBC)

Steven Stamkos and the Lightning haven’t quite lived up to some lofty expectations, entering play Saturday sitting fifth in the Atlantic division. Tampa earned win number 20 in game 41 Friday night in Edmonton, 3-2 over the Oilers. Stamkos was credited with the winning goal, although Tampa Bay benefited from a heavy dose of puck luck. The Canucks also have the upper hand in the season series, winning the first meeting between the two teams 2-1 on December 22nd.

Canucks GM Jim Benning was busy on Friday, acquiring 23 year old forward Emerson Etem from the New York Rangers for Nicklas Jensen and a sixth round draft pick in 2017. Etem did take the morning skate at Rogers Arena on Saturday, but head coach Willie Dejardins confirmed this morning the former Medicine Hat Tiger will not make his Canuck debut against the Lightning. He will likely suit up against the Florida Panthers on Monday night in the final game of the homestand.

“We’re getting a guy with NHL playoff experience, and a young guy at that.” Dejardins said of Etem, who coached the young forward in Medicine Hat.

“It’s always a benefit if we can get younger and faster. (Acquiring Etem) takes care of both of those things.”

Speaking of getting younger, Jake Virtanen will also return to game action for the Canucks on Saturday night.

“I’m excited. I felt pretty good in pregame skate. I’m excited to get out tonight and get back with the guys.” Virtanen said.

Meanwhile, goaltender Ryan Miller will back up Jacob Markstrom for tonight’s game. Miller hasn’t played since a shootout loss to the Panthers in Florida on December 20th. Jake Virtanen will also return to the lineup, seeing his first action since being sent to Hockey Canada for the World Junior Championship.

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