Canucks try to end long slump vs. the Blackhawks
Posted March 27, 2016 1:25 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – While the Canucks are mired in a seven game losing streak that’s seen them officially eliminated from playoff contention – and therefore officially relegated to playing out the string with just seven games left after Sunday – The Chicago Blackhawks have a little more to play for.
The defending Stanley Cup Champions have not been at their best as of late, winning just three of ten games, but can clinch a playoff spot for the 8th straight season with one point at Rogers Arena. (5pm, SNET)
Luckily for the Hawks, most teams have been able to take points from the Canucks in their building. Visiting clubs have gone 23-10-4 in Vancouver this season.
With nothing to play for but pride and draft lottery position, Willie Dejardins kept things very simple on Sunday morning when asked what he hoped to accomplish against Chicago, and moving forward while the season winds down.
“I want us to execute. That’s everybody knowing their roles and executing their roles. I want us to improve our battle level, keep it (battle level) high, and I want us to come to the rink every day looking to get better. I want us to get better every day.” Dejardins said.
The Canucks didn’t exactly light the world on fire after Daniel Sedin called out things like battle level and effort following a recent home loss to St. Louis. The team is 0-2-1, and was shut out twice following that outburst.
Henrik Sedin echoed his coach’s comments early Sunday.
“We’re past focusing on winning games. It’s about effort, like the one we had in Nashville. Even though we lost in a shootout, we were pleased with the effort. We could leave (that game) feeling good about ourselves.”
It’s Ryan Miller’s turn in the goaltender rotation, while Scott Darling will get the call between the pipes for Chicago. Corey Crawford remains out with an undisclosed injury.
Derek Dorsett, Chris Tanev, and Andrey Pedan will not play for Vancouver, while Alex Biega and Jared McCann draw back into the lineup.
Russian defenseman Nikita Tryamkin spent some time during Sunday’s morning skate standing in front of the net on the power play, something Dejardins admitted the team would like to try out.
Vancouver will host the Sharks next on Tuesday.
