Canucks and Avalanche are set to clash in Colorado
Posted January 25, 2017 12:35 pm.
Last Updated January 25, 2017 12:43 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – The Canucks have only two games remaining on their schedule before this weekend’s All-Star break. They will play the Colorado Avalanche today, followed by a game in Arizona against the Coyotes tomorrow. Vancouver enters tonight’s contest just one point back of Calgary for the final wild card playoff spot in the Western Conference and the team has three games in hand.
Jacob Markstrom will get the start in net for Vancouver. He says with the playoffs well within reach it is perfect motivation for his teammates. “You can’t ask for a better way to motivate your team before you go in to the game. It is going to be a tight, tough game. We have to play structured and play hard.”
Jacob Markstrom speaks on the significance of finishing strong heading into the All-Star break as the playoff race heats up. pic.twitter.com/7kuiZ3aekv
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) January 25, 2017
Alex Edler will be on the Canucks blueline despite suffering an upper body injury on the weekend. He knows the importance of heading in to the all-star break on a winning note. “They are two really big games. We are obviously only focused on tonight’s game. We are in a position where we really need the points. We know that this is not an easy building to come in to. They have a quick skilled team so we need to come out with a great team effort.”
This evening could be the final time the Canucks play Jarome Iginla in his storied career. The 39-year old will be a free agent in July and it’s Vancouver’s final game against Colorado this season. The Avalanche are in last place in the league so the forward isn’t ruling out being traded at the deadline.
“I have thought about and know it is part of hockey. As a team, if they can trade guys at the deadline and gets draft picks for it then I am sure they will do it. I am aware that is a possibility. If that situation comes I will deal with it then.”
Calvin Pickard gets the start in net for the Avalanche. He has lost both career meetings against the Canucks.
The puck drops at 6:30 p.m. and you can watch the game on Sportsnet 360.
