Canucks and Kings clash in Vancouver
Posted March 31, 2017 12:31 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – The Canucks are looking to a put a major dent in the Kings faint playoff hopes this evening. Los Angeles enters tonight ten points back of the Predators for the final wild card spot in the Western Conference. Vancouver is down to its final six games of the season and Coach Willie Desjardins wants to see a stronger work ethic.
“I talked to the group about how hard work beats talent unless talent works hard. It is one of the keys to coaching is getting your talent to work hard. It is kind of a process and plan we are working on. It is something that goes back to your culture and who you are and it is something we have got to get in place.”
With the Canucks season coming to a close in just a few weeks, Troy Stecher says everyone needs to use it as an audition for next season.
“Obviously with the position we are in we are trying to build right now and build for next year. There will be spots available come camp and right now friendly competition is always a good thing. Guys are practicing hard and competing in games and trying to prove they belong.”
Griffen Molino will make his NHL debut this evening after signing a two year deal with the Canucks earlier week. The 23-year old was with Western Michigan University this season collecting 33-points in 40-games. He will be on the fourth line alongside Drew Shore and Alex Biega. He says he can bring a lot to the lineup.
“I bring speed and energy to the lineup. I think that I bring a good hockey IQ and playmaking ability. I think my versatility allows me to play up and down the lineup, so wherever a team needs me. I am looking to bring that to Vancouver.”
Biega’s place on the fourth line is raising some eyebrows as Desjardins has decided to play the defencemen up front and make newly acquired Nikolay Goldobin a healthy scratch.
Ryan Miller gets the start in net, while the Kings are expected to counter with Jonathan Quick between the pipes.
Kings forward Jarome Iginla is set to enter free agency at the end of the season and at the age of 39 it is possibly the last time he plays an NHL game in Vancouver.
The puck drops at 7 p.m. and you can watch the game on Sportsnet.
