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Canucks try to strike down the Lightning this evening

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VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – The Canucks have returned home after a disappointing five game road trip. Their one win on the trip actually came against their opponent tonight, the Tampa Bay Lighting. Vancouver is expecting the Bolts will want revenge this evening and Alex Burrows says the Canucks have to be ready for a fight.

“All their forwards are very skilled. They are fast and make plays. I think we did a lot of good things last week by getting puck behind their defenceman and getting in on the forecheck. If we stay above them and limit turnovers we will be fine.”

The Canucks blueline is getting a massive boost with the return of Chris Tanev. He has been out of the lineup since early November and Coach Willie Desjardins is predicting he makes an immediate impact.

“He brings a lot to the lineup. He is a guy who can play against the other teams best players. He moves the puck well and defends well. He doesn’t get too excited, keeps his composure and brings a lot of good parts to his game.”

Tampa Bay has won four straight games in Vancouver, but has struggled against Western Conference teams this season with a 1-5 record.

Ryan Miller gets the start in net, while the Lightning counter with Andrei Vasilevskiy.

This evening’s puck drop is at 7 p.m. and you can watch the game on Sportsnet.

Before the game, the team will recognize Mattias Ohlund and add his name to the Ring of Honour. Alex Edler says the defencemen had a real impact on him early in his career.

“I think he was a big part of my career. He took me under his wing and helped me out with whatever I needed on and off the ice. Spending time with him, being around him and watching how he acted like a professional hockey player really helped me.

The Canucks are asking fans who are attending the game to be in their seats by 6:45 p.m. for the presentation.

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