Canucks hope to leave St. Louis feeling the Blues this evening

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – The Canucks will attempt to start the season with a perfect 3-0 record with a victory over St. Louis this evening. Vancouver will be in tough against a Blues team that has played extremely well to start the year, with three straight convincing wins.

Coach Willie Desjardins says his team is prepared and adds they will need a solid effort from all four of his lines tonight.

“They are always a good team. They play hard, play with structure and they are really deep in their lineup. They are one of the top teams in the league and we know that. It will be a good test for us and we know we have to play better.

Jack Skille will make his Canucks debut after sitting for the first two games. The winger says he needs to keep things simple and make an impression.

“I am really excited. It has been a while and I am excited to play with the boys and see what I can do. I need to play a north/south game, drive the net when I can and play smart defensive hockey.”

Skille is taking the spot of Jake Virtanen, who will be a healthy scratch for the first time this season. The youngster says he isn’t too worried about it and says he just has to keep working hard.

“I talked to Desjardins this morning and he said I was playing good. He said Skille had to get in to the lineup, so he wants me to watch and learn. I need to keep playing my game and I think I will be fine.”

Jacob Markstrom gets the start in net for the Canucks. Ryan Miller is a late scratch with what the team is describing as tightness. Vancouver did not have time to call up a goalie from the AHL on such short notice, so UBC’s Matt Hewitt will serve as the emergency backup.

The puck drops at 7 p.m. at Rogers Arena and you can watch the game on Sportsnet Vancouver.