Canucks and Stars cling to faint playoff hopes ahead of tonight’s game
Posted March 16, 2017 12:35 pm.
Last Updated March 16, 2017 12:50 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – The Canucks will wrap up a five game homestand this evening against the Dallas Stars at Rogers Arena. Vancouver’s playoff chances have pretty much flat lined over their last 20-games, managing to earn only five wins. The Canucks enter tonight’s contest 12-points back of the final playoff spot in the Western Conference with just 13-games left on their schedule.
Henrik and Daniel Sedin have seen a notable drop off in their production in recent games, but Coach Willies Desjardins says it would be unfair to put the Canucks struggles on their shoulders. “I would never say they hurt the team. They may be disappointed in their play. I think they are two good powerplay guys, but we haven’t produced on the powerplay and I think they would probably take responsibility for that.”
Adding to the Canucks woes is the long list of injuries and illnesses. Jacob Markstrom, Chris Tanev, Nikolay Goldobin, Loui Eriksson, Erik Gudbranson and Brendan Gaunce remain out of the lineup.
Troy Stecher says it’s giving a great opportunity for the younger players to shine. “Every day is kind of a new guy when you are a young guy. You come in and try and make a good impression right away. You try to do the little things to impress your teammates and earn their respect. We have a young group in here and I am in the same boat as all of them. I am still trying to earn my ropes in this league.”
“We take pride in playing at home in front of our fans.” @troystecher comments on the #Canucks looking to rebound against the Stars. pic.twitter.com/Mz811Ez9ph
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) March 16, 2017
Ryan Miller gets the start in net for a fifth straight game. Kari Lehtonen is expected to get the start for Dallas.
This is the third and final meeting of the season between the two teams. The Canucks defeated the Stars 5-4 in overtime on November 13th. Two weeks later Dallas exacted some revenge with a 2-1 victory. The Stars have dominated the Canucks in recent years with a 11-0-1 record.
Reid Boucher discusses playing in his 100th NHL game tonight and emphasizes the importance of making the most of his opportunities. pic.twitter.com/Q86kveTodu
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) March 16, 2017
The puck drops at 7 p.m. and you can watch the game on Sportsnet.
