Canucks begin back to back at home vs. Calgary

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – With the club’s bye week on the horizon, the Vancouver Canucks open up a back to back on home ice Saturday with a visit from the Calgary Flames. (7pm, CBC)

In terms of the standings, the Canucks enter Saturday’s play five points behind Calgary for the second wildcard spot in the West, as the teams battle head to head for the final time this season.

Saturday’s morning skate was fully attended, save for Sven Baertschi who is still out injured. Brendan Gaunce draws back into the lineup for the Canucks after sitting in St. Louis.

“They’re (Calgary) a big heavy team and that’s the way they play.” Gaunce said on Saturday.

“We’re going to have to counter that with our own play.”

Given the Canucks’ postseason positioning, and staying with what they’d like to accomplish on the ice this season – wins are most important. The Canucks will have five days off after Sunday’s matchup with the Flyers, so they can’t leave points on the table.

“It’s kind of do or die now for us.” Vancouver defenseman Troy Stecher said on Saturday morning.

“We have to go with a little desperation, and a chip on our shoulder, and do something a little extra. Bo (Horvat) was talking about it – giving an extra five percent. If we incorporate that into our game, we might have some more success.”

Canucks head coach Willie Dejardins echoed that a little bit as well.

“It doesn’t matter who you play. You have to focus on what you do, and do well. We have to make sure we’re moving our feet, and executing.”

The Flames have alternated wins and losses in the last five games. A familiar face will be making his debut on the Calgary blueline, as Matt Bartkowski, who spent last season in Vancouver, plays his first game as a Flame. Ryan Miller starts in goal opposite Brian Elliot.

Before Saturday’s game, the Canucks will unveil a statue of beloved former head coach and GM Pat Quinn outside Rogers Arena at 6:15pm.

The Canucks will host Philadelphia on Sunday night.

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