By Andrew Phillip Chernoff | CanucksBanter
October 30th, 2024
The Vancouver Canucks (4-1-3, t-3rd Pacific Division) host the New Jersey Devils (6-4-2, 1st Metropolitan Division) in an cross-conference contest tonight at Rogers Arena.
Early Season Matchup
This will be a statement game for both teams as each each club attempts to find their groove: a successful execution of game plan or system that has them climbing up their division, conference, and league.
The Canucks will want to re-establish their dominance at home and get back to winning after their loss on Monday night against Carolina at Rogers Arena.
The Devils snapped a 4-game losing streak coming off a 6-2 win against the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday, with Stefan Noesen scoring two goals at home and want to continue their winning ways on the road.
Home Ice Advantage
The Canucks will be looking to feed off the energy of their home crowd at Rogers Arena, especially in bucking the Devils recent dominance of winning 15 of the last 17 games against Vancouver.
The Canucks have a 1-0-3 record at home this season.
Offensive Firepower
Keep an eye on key players like Elias Pettersson, Quinn Hughes, J.T. Miller and Brock Boeser for the Canucks, and Jack Hughes, Timo Meier, Nico Hischier and Paul Cotter for the Devils.
Opportunity Knocks
- For the Devils
- The Devils could see this as a prime opportunity to steal a win on the road against a potentially vulnerable Canucks team. Expect them to come out with aggressive forechecking and try to capitalize on any lingering frustration from the Canucks.
- For the Canucks
- The previous loss might highlight the need for tighter defensive play. Look for the Canucks to be more aware in their own zone and try to limit the Devils’ scoring chances.
- Vancouver has only one loss in regulation play and have earned points in their last 5-games. They have been resilient and found ways to win and get points. Hope for the same.
- Quinn Hughes, their star defenseman, can control the pace of the game and contribute offensively. Tonight against the Devils and his brothers would be perfect.
- Kevin Lankinen, their key staring goalie is at the top of his game right now, with a 4-0-1 record, and is the main reason the Canucks have managed to move up their division as he has given them the support to be able to win.
Key Things to Watch
- How the Canucks respond to the loss of Monday night: Will they come out flat or with renewed determination?
- The Hughes brothers’ head-to-head battles: Can the Canucks contain Jack and Luke? Will Quinn be contained, unable to play a dominant game?
- Which team can better capitalize on their opportunities? In a potentially tight game, converting chances will be crucial.
- Vancouver has had trouble keeping the puck out of their net, evidenced by their recent overtime loss to Carolina. Canucks starting goalie Kevin Lankinen has done everything he can. What are his teammates going to do to keep High Danger scoring chances to a minimum?
Team Stats
Game Notes
- Brock Boeser leads the Canucks with 5 goals and 9 points
- J.T. Miller also has 9 points with 4 goals goals
- Elias Pettersson has had a slow start with only 4 points with 1 goal as the first month of the season an end
- Quinn Hughes, the reigning Norris Trophy winner, has 8 points with 6 assists
- Hughes Bowl: This game is being dubbed the “Hughes Bowl” as it features three brothers playing against each other: Quinn (Canucks), Jack (Devils), and Luke (Devils). It’s only the second time all three brothers will face each other in an NHL game.
- Pettersson’s Performance: Will Elias Pettersson continue racking up offensive numbers against the Devils? In his last four games against the Devils, Pettersson has 2 goals and 5 assists for a +/- of 0. The 5 games previously, he had 1 goal and no assists and a +/- of -5.
- Devils’ Road Trip: The Devils are starting their Western Canada trip in Vancouver. How will they fare against a Canucks team with a strong home record?
Source: nhl.com, statuses.com