Brandon Sutter returns to Canucks lineup for game against Predators

By

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – The Canucks hope to enter the all-star break on a winning note with a victory against Nashville tonight. It is Vancouver’s first game at home in over two weeks following a six game road trip.

The Canucks are getting a huge boost to the lineup with the return of Brandon Sutter. He has missed the last 33-games following sports hernia surgery. Sutter says he is finally at 100 per cent.

“Once we got the surgery going it felt like we were starting to see the light. Even though it was only seven weeks ago, at least you are working towards something and I am happy I am back at it now.”

Coach Willie Desjardins is throwing Sutter right back in to the fold, playing on the first line with Daniel Sedin and Jannick Hansen. Desjardins thinks it will give Sedin and Hansen more offensive opportunities.

“It is a totally different look in a lot of ways. He hasn’t been in for a little bit and we haven’t tried this combo before so it remains to be seen on how it will play.”

Nashville is entering Vancouver with some confidence after back-to-back 4-1 wins in its previous two games. A large portion of the Predators success is due to the play of their defenceman. Nashville’s blueline has collected 119-points this season. The Canucks defenceman have combined for just 74-points. Desjardins says it is crucial that Vancouver shuts down Shea Weber and Roman Josi.

“Weber is a tough guy and Josi is smart and always in the right position. They will play a lot of minutes. We are going to see them about 25-minutes tonight. The challenge will be that we get to see them a lot and with Weber’s shot, take care of that when he is out there.”

Ryan Miller gets the start in net, while the Predators will counter with Pekka Rinne. Brandon Prust and Adam Cracknell remain the healthy scratches for Vancouver.

Jake Virtanen will play despite taking a puck to the face in the morning skate and needing a couple of stitches to close the cut.

The puck drops at 7 p.m. on Sportsnet.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today