Just Another Game

If the fan’s wouldn’t be so forgetful, they should remember that Ryan Kesler was an important part of the Canucks for a number of years, so being realistic – we should welcome him, then cheer for the Canucks.

The discussion for this game all centers around the return of Ryan Kesler of the Ducks, which is the first time, back since the trade to Anaheim over the summer.

The Ducks are more intent on the return of other players from illness and injury and a return to winning ways on the ice.

Vancouver fans will either welcome Kesler back with a likely mix of cheers and jeers but Anaheim welcomes Beauchemin back after missing five games with of all things the mumps and Smith-Pelly, was out three with an upper-body injury.

The Ducks also get top goal scorer Corey Perry back two games ago, have picked up at least a point in six of the past seven games but only have one win (1-1-5).

That includes a 2-1 shootout loss to the Canucks on Nov. 9 in which they were also missing highly skilled defenseman Cam Fowler.

Anaheim is making plans on shaking its forward lines with Smith-Pelly back following a 4-3 S/O loss to the Flames and with Patrick Maroon moving up to play with Perry and Getzlaf on the top unit.

But the bigger impact may be the return of Beauchemin to a team that gave up 17 goals the past four games.

Kesler on the other hand was with the Canucks since being selected 23rd in the 2003 NHL Draft is hoping for a warm reception – but preparing for the worst after his departure in the summer.

“Obviously you give your heart and soul out for 10-11 years and you expect a warm reception but if not it just fuels the fire,” Kesler said.

Kesler addressed his return after the Ducks practiced in Vancouver and reiterated it will “be an emotional night” after skating Thursday.

He talked about catching up with old friends the day before, but said friendships end on the ice.

Kesler added “All business once the puck drops is game on and I’ll see them after the game and hopefully with another two points under our belt.”

This will also be the first time that defenseman Luca Sbisa who came back to the Canucks as part of that trade and will get to play against his old Ducks teammates.

Nick Bonino scored the S/O winner against his old Anaheim team on Nov. 9, but Sbisa was out with an ankle injury.

The Canucks are currently in 7^th in the league with a 85.3% success rate on the PK allowing only 10 PPGA this season, while on the road they rank 6^th (86.0%) success rate and only 6 PPGA.

Great night for hockey at Rogers Arena.