by Canucks Communications @Canucks / Vancouver Canucks
Vancouver, B.C. – The Vancouver Canucks released a statement today in response to former player Jake Virtanen being charged with sexual assault following a Vancouver Police investigation:
“We have been made aware of the charges laid by the Crown against Jake Virtanen. When the allegations first came to our attention, we immediately placed Jake Virtanen on leave. He is no longer a member of the organization.
We have been in contact with the Vancouver Police Department throughout their investigation and will continue to provide support as needed. Our organization is committed to fostering a safe and welcoming environment and will not tolerate sexual misconduct of any kind. We will not be commenting further on this matter.”
It’s game day in Winnipeg for the Vancouver Canucks in the first game of a four game road trip.
The road trip continues in Calgary on Saturday; Chicago on Monday; finishing at Nashville on Tuesday, February 1.
Canucks (2-1-2 in their last five games), visit Winnipeg sporting a two game win streak left over from their last road trip, but winless (0-1-2) in their last three games from a three game homestand.
The Jets face Vancouver with a record of 0-3-2 in their last five games, looking to re-establish winning at home after a 5-3 loss to the Florida Panthers on January 25 and end their own winless streak.
One thing is clear. One of the teams will win either in regulation, overtime or by shootout.
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Spencer In Net For Vancouver
Abbottsford Canucks goalie Spencer Martin is expected to be in net in his second consecutive start for Vancouver, his first road game with the NHL team.
Martin has been outstanding in his previous two starts. He stopped 33 of 34 shots in a 2-1 loss to the Florida Panthers in a shootout loss on January 21. Tuesday night he was the 1rst Star of the game stoping 47 of 50 Edmonton Oilers shots in a 3-2 overtime loss.
QUICK NUMBERS
• Bo Horvat has seven points (6-1-7) in his last nine games. • J.T. Miller has 11 points (3-8-11) in his last 10 games. • Quinn Hughes has 10 points (0-10-10) in his last 13 games. • Elias Pettersson has five points (4-1-5) in his last five games. • Tyler Motte has six points (3-3-6) in his last nine games. • Tanner Pearson has eight points (3-5-8) in his last 11 games. • Spencer Martin has posted a .952 SV% and 1.86 GAA in his last 2 games (0-0-2), stopping 80 of 84 shots.
Hellebuyck Starts In Net For Winnipeg
According to Rotowire, Hellebuyck is on track to start between the pipes in Thursday’s home game versus Vancouver, Ken Wiebe of Sportsnet reports.
Hellebuyck has struggled of late, suffering five straight losses while posting a sub-par 3.60 GAA and .884 save percentage. The 28-year-old netminder will attempt to start righting the ship in a home matchup with a Canucks club that’s averaging 2.65 goals per game on the road this year, 20th in the NHL.
Jets Bits
Kyle Connor is leading Winnipeg in points at 42, also leading Winnipeg in goals at 23 with four coming on the power play on 175 shots on goal this season.
Connor is the Winnipeg leader in assists with 19, nine of which coming on the power play and is a -4 on the year.
Jets have lost their last five consecutive games most recently at home against Florida
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