NEXT GAME VS. COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS
Today: 4 p.m. | TV: Sportsnet Pacific | Radio: Sportsnet 650 AM
HEADING INTO TODAY’S GAME
Canucks look to break out of funk vs. Blue Jacket
The Vancouver Canucks were pegged to be contenders for a playoff spot this season. Instead, as they hit the quarter mark of the season and prepare for today’s road clash with the Columbus Blue Jackets, they are struggling through a losing skid that has them plummeting down the standings.
A 4-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday to kick off a five-game road trip has Vancouver with just one win in eight games.
“I don’t know if we’re pressing too hard,” captain Bo Horvat said. “We’re trying to make something out of nothing right now (and) not playing the way we should be playing in order to win. I don’t know if we’re pressing for offense or what, I don’t really know the answer, but it seems to be that way — we turn pucks over and it ends up in the back of the net.”
Horvat’s goal in Pittsburgh snapped his team’s goal drought at 147 minutes and 58 seconds, as well as his own personal seven-game slump. The struggles has every aspect of the team being questioned, including its desire.
“I don’t know if it’s necessarily compete level,” coach Travis Green said. “I think we have some players that probably aren’t playing as good as they can. They’re trying, they’re competing. They’re just not getting it done.”
The situation has reached the point there are plenty of calls for Green and general manager Jim Benning to be fired, but also suggestions that a slew of players should be traded.
“I’m worried about our team playing well, getting better, winning hockey games. That’s the only thing I’m focused on,” said forward JT Miller, who is among those bandied about in trade rumors. “I’m worried about one thing and that’s winning games.”
The Blue Jackets are on the other side of the spectrum, somewhat surprisingly sitting in a playoff position having won four of five games including a 3-0 home-ice victory over the Winnipeg Jets on Wednesday.
That win featured a 36-save shutout by goaltender Elvis Merzlikins, whose name was chanted by the fans in the final couple of minutes. He was pleased to receive the accolades from the crowd and excited to put in a strong performance after admittedly not being up to his standards the previous couple of outings.
— Field Level Media
TALKING POINTS
*Maybe the Canucks won’t be slow today? Speed has been a problem, but head coach Travis Green believes his team has more.
*Columbus boasts one of the league’s best offences: they’re scoring 3.4 goals per game, more than a goal-per-game better than the woeful Canucks. Oliver Bjorkstrand is their leading scorer, but Jakub Voracek is right behind him. The veteran winger was picked up in a trade for Cam Atkinson.
*The Blue Jackets said “we’re rebuilding,” but are already playing ahead of expectations. Cole Sillinger was drafted this summer and stepped into the lineup, playing like a top-six centre.
SCHEDULE
On the horizon
Dec. 1: Vancouver Canucks at Ottawa Senators (4:30 p.m. | Sportsnet Pacific | Sportsnet 650 AM)
Nov. 29: Vancouver Canucks at Montreal Canadiens (4:30 p.m. | Sportsnet Pacific | Sportsnet 650 AM)
Nov. 28: Vancouver Canucks at Boston Bruins (4 p.m. | Sportsnet Pacific | Sportsnet 650 AM)
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