Canucks face former teammate Zack Kassian and the Oilers tonight

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EDMONTON (NEWS 1130) – The Canucks are trying to snap a two game losing streak when they face the Oilers this evening. Vancouver continues to be decimated by injuries and will be icing a very young lineup.

With Yannick Weber and Luca Sbisa out with upper body injuries, the Russian towers will remain on the blueline. Andrey Pedan and Nikita Tryamkin will look to make an impression on the Canucks front office. Coach Willie Desjardins says the team has to remain patient with Tryamkin, but so far, so good.

“For him to come in with his age, the difference in leagues, the difference in the language, it is a big step for him. If he doesn’t do great right now, it doesn’t mean that he doesn’t have an upside to do great in the future. We have to let him get used to it and see where he is at. I thought his first game was a good game and he will definitely get challenged tonight.”

Alex Biega is expected to return, while Jannik Hansen (ribs), Markus Granlund (upper body), Derek Dorsett (upper body), Brandon Sutter (fractured jaw) and Alexander Edler (fibula fracture) remain out.

Oilers forward Zack Kassian will face his former team for the first time since being traded last summer. Bo Horvat says he wishes nothing but the best for his friend.

“He has gone through a lot in his life and he has recovered well. I went to dinner with him last night and he seemed like he was doing really well, in high spirits and having fun again so it was nice to see.”

Jacob Markstrom gets the start in net, while the Oilers are likely going with Cam Talbot between the pipes.

The puck drops at 6 p.m. and you can watch the game on Sportsnet.

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