Goldobin debuts as Canucks face the Kings in LA
Posted March 4, 2017 1:36 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
LOS ANGELES, CA (NEWS 1130) – The California road swing continues in Los Angeles for the Vancouver Canucks, as they face the division rival Kings at Staples Center. (7pm, SNET)
The biggest angle with the Canucks these days is the implementation of youth into the system. Nikolay Goldobin, the big prize in the Jannik Hansen trade will make his Vancouver debut in Los Angeles.
Goldobin was a first round pick of the Sharks in 2014, and is known for his skill. While he did speak today following the morning skate – he may be a young man of few words. Upon being asked how to describe his game, Goldobin simply said:
“There’s no words. I’ll just show you in the game.”
With that in mind, Goldobin is expected to begin the game on a line with Brandon Sutter in the middle.
Like everyone else, head coach Willie Dejardins will get his first look at Goldobin in game action with his new teammates.
“He’s got good skill. You can see his skill level. We’ll get a chance tonight to see how that translates into a game.” Dejardins said this morning.
“As a new player coming in, it doesn’t matter where you (slot into the lineup), you have to find a way to succeed. I do think he’s a good offensive player, so we have to try to put him in the right spots, but in this league, nothing comes easy.” the coach added.
There will be a debut of another kind on Saturday, as goaltender Ben Bishop makes his first start as an LA King.
Bishop was acquired from the Tampa Bay Lightning last Sunday, and is expected to form a strong tandem in the crease with a now healthy Jonathan Quick. The Kings have just a one point lead over the St. Louis Blues for the final wild card spot in the western conference. Ryan Miller will start opposite Bishop, as Jacob Markstrom is still out with an injury.
Saturday’s game marks the front end of a back to back for Vancouver – they will face Ryan Kesler and the Ducks in Anaheim on Sunday.
