Canucks continue road trip in the Big Apple against the Rangers
Posted January 19, 2016 12:40 pm.
Last Updated January 19, 2016 1:21 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
NEW YORK CITY (NEWS 1130) – The Canucks aim for a third straight road victory this evening in New York. Vancouver will be up against former Coach Alain Vigneault and the New York Rangers. The Canucks will be a little shorthanded for the game, as Captain Henrik Sedin is out of the lineup until after the All-Star break with an upper body injury. Jared McCann takes Sedin’s spot on the top line and is looking forward to his first ever game at Madison Square Garden.
“It is pretty exciting. This is one of the most historic places in hockey so I am really excited to go out there tonight. I am really lucky they kept me in the lineup and I want to make the most of it tonight.”
Daniel Sedin acknowledges it is nearly impossible to replace his brother’s production, but he says McCann will bring good speed to the top line.
“They are obviously different players. I think McCann plays with speed and tries to beat guys one on one. It’s a little bit different, but before Christmas we played a little bit together and I think we did a pretty good job.
Jake Virtanen will be a healthy scratch for a second straight game. Ryan Miller will likely get the start for the Canucks, while the Rangers are countering with Henrik Lundqvist.
It will be Emerson Etem’s first game against his former team, since the Rangers traded him to Vancouver in December. Even though his stay in New York was short, he is excited to return.
“The fans are great here. I miss the excitement and atmosphere here for sure, but being with Vancouver has been a good four games for me. I have been gaining more confidence and hopefully I can come in here and show the fans something.
In their one previous meeting this season, the Canucks beat the Rangers 2-1 on December 9th.
The puck drops at 4 p.m. and you can watch the game on Sportsnet.
