The Canucks return home to face-off against the Blue Jackets who currently sport a record of 6-14-3 (15 pts) over 24 games.
The Canucks showcase the hot hand of Cory Schneider who was named the NHL’s second star for the week ending November 27th after posting a record of 3-0-0 for a GAA of 0.67 and a SV% of .978.
The Canucks are coming off a 3-2 win in San Jose and return home as winners of their last four games with Schneider between the pipes.
He was named first star in the game in San Jose and while some are questioning why he is playing vs. Luongo, he’s got the hot hand and Luongo is resting an undisclosed injury, so at this stage in the season – why rush it?
This is the second of four meetings this season between teams that will meet again in two weeks in Columbus. They last met on Oct. 10 in Columbus.
On that evening the Jackets took a 2-1 lead into the third period before having Hodgson and Burrow’s score to give Vancouver a 3-2 win.
As the Canucks take to the ice, much to do was made about the possible return on Mason Raymond, who did take the pre-game skate, but is not in the line-up for the game.
The Jacket’s have points in the five of the last six games and won back-to-back games for the first time since winning three straight from February 18-25th of this year.
The Jacket’s started the season with a 0-7 record, they have earned points in their last eight games.
Head Coach Scott Arneil spent the last few seasons with the Manitoba Moose, the farm team for the Canucks.
He led them to a record of 181-106-33 from 2006-10 and had four appearances in the Calder Cup Playoffs.
He was named the 08-09 Coach of the Year taking the Moose to a record of 50-23-7 and prior to this he was with Buffalo for four seasons.
He also played parts of 11 seasons in the NHL from 1981-92.As we all know teams change Coaches each year and one of the most recent was Kurt Muller who was with Milwaukee Admirals in the AHL, and in conversation with him earlier in the year, he told me, “as a Coach you have lot’s resting on your shoulders and it’s put up or shut up”.
He continued “it’s like raising a family all over”.
Following this game the Canucks get set to face Nashville on Thursday then turn their attention to the Flames for a Sunday game.
In conversation with Sanford following the game, he stated “he was surprised to see Luongo on the bench for so many back-to-back games, but Schneider is the hottest goalie in the league right now, so he deserves the start”.
The Canucks pull off a 4-1 win and now focus on facing Nashville on Thursday with the face-off set for 7 pm.
Interesting to know that one of the game ref’s; Stephen Walkom grew a moustache for Movember, but is pleased to take it off prior to the next game.
Game Stars:
1st Cory Schneider (Canucks)
2nd Ryan Kesler (Canucks)
3rd Ryan Johansen (Columbus)
Super-Skills:
The 2012 Canucks for Kids Fund Super-Skills, powered by Rogers, will go on sale this Saturday, December 3rd at 10:00 am.
Tickets through participating local minor hockey teams or ticket master. Tickets will also be available at Ticketmaster Ticket Centres and the Rogers Arena Box Office as of Monday, December 5th at 10:00 am.2012 Canucks for Kids Fund Super-Skills, powered by Rogers:
The Vancouver Canucks, in partnership with Rogers, are proud to host the 2012 Canucks for Kids Fund Super-Skills event at Rogers Arena on Sunday, January 22, 2012.
Net proceeds of the event are going to the Canucks for Kids Fund and the NHLPA Goals & Dreams Fund.
In 2011, this event raised more than $230,000 for the Canucks for Kids Fund and the NHLPA Goals & Dreams Fund.
The Canucks Centre for BC Hockey, in partnership with BC Minor Hockey, raised an additional $4,893 for minor hockey teams throughout BC.
This is a great event, so please make sure to get involved.
Thanks to the Canucks media department for the info.
