Canucks aim to cool the Jets

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – The Canucks are in action this evening facing Winnipeg. It’s the first of two straight home games against the Jets. Vancouver is trying to turn things around before the Christmas break having just three wins in nine games in December.

If the Canucks want to secure a victory tonight, Jannik Hansen says the Canucks have to shut down the lethal line of Nikolaj Ehlers, Mark Scheifele and Patrik Laine.

“We have to play them in their end. It is the mantra when playing against a lot of good, skilled lines. It is obviously not a physical line so if you can control the puck I think you stand the best chance. You can’t get in to a race with them. Turning the puck over is obviously a bad idea when they are on the ice.”

Chris Tanev is still finding his legs after returning to the Canucks lineup following his lengthy absence due to an injury. He will be playing his brother Brandon for the first time in the NHL tonight. The former Surrey Eagles forward has found a spot on the grinder line with the Jets this season. Chris says he does not want to let his younger sibling win.

“I don’t want to let him win. We hate losing to each other. If you have ever been in our house there is usually an argument going on about something. We are all pretty competitive and hate losing to each other.”

Brandon Sutter comments on facing the Jets twice this week in Vancouver and what the #Canucks must do to shut down Patrik Laine. pic.twitter.com/56yrV4iysF

— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) December 20, 2016

The Canucks will be looking to take advantage of the struggling special teams play of the Jets. Winnipeg has only scored one powerplay goal in its last six games. The Jets penalty kill is also struggling, allowing nine goals the last 19 times they were shorthanded.

Jacob Markstrom gets the start in net, while the Jets will counter with Connor Hellebuyck.

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