Canucks try to strike down the Lightning in latest stop on their road trip

TAMPA BAY, FL. (NEWS 1130) – The Canucks five-game road trip continues with a game against the Lightning in Tampa Bay. Vancouver will be trying to rebound after its loss to New Jersey to begin the road swing.

Sven Baertschi remains on the second line with Bo Horvat and Alex Burrows and he says it is imperative that the Canucks score first and get the Lightning on their toes.

“In every game it is always big. We really try on focus on the first five minutes. Everyone gets a shift in, gets a feel for the game and we move on well after those five minutes.”

Steven Stamkos remains out of the Lightning line-up with an injury, but defenceman Luca Sbisa says Vancouver is well aware of the numerous other offensive weapons the Bolts have.

“They probably have five or six guys that get a lot of points. If they were in a bigger market they would be much bigger names. I am sure they enjoy that they are under the radar. The players in our room know how good they are so they won’t catch us by surprise.”

Tampa Bay has enjoyed the last three days off and forward Alex Killorn expects his team will have fresh legs.

“We have the most games played in the league. We’ve also played the most road games. It takes a toll on you not just physically but mentally. It was nice to have two days to do nothing. It gave us a little bit of a break. Now we are back and feeling refreshed.”

Philip Larsen has returned to Vancouver after spending a night in the hospital following Taylor Hall’s massive hit on Tuesday. Alex Biega takes his spot in the lineup, playing his first game of the season as a defenceman. The team also recalled Andrey Pedan from the AHL.

Ryan Miller gets the start in net, while the Lightning will counter with Ben Bishop. Bishop will be playing his 250th NHL game.

Tampa Bay has dominated Vancouver since 2009, compiling a 7-1-1 record against the Canucks.

The puck drops at 4:30 p.m. and you can watch the game on Sportsnet Vancouver.