Lines juggled as Canucks look for scoring
Posted May 3, 2011 09:13:20 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
NASHVILLE, TN. (NEWS1130) – Now that we’re done with the election, the only spectacle for Vancouver Canucks fans tonight is game three of the team’s playoff series with the Nashville Predators.
A huge concern for Vancouver fans is the lack of scoring.
Roberto Luongo has been doing a great job stopping Nashville shooters, but he can’t contain them by himself as we wait for the Canucks to get their act together.
It really comes down to three names for the ‘Preds: Shea Weber, Ryan Suter and goaltender Pekka Rinne.
“In Weber and Suter you have one of the league’s top defensive pairings. Both are masters at playing Nashville’s defensive style game, forcing the opposition to the outside of the ice. The Canucks have to start going to the middle, get in front of that net. But once Vancouver is stationed in front there is a problem of Rinne,” says News1130 Sports Reporter Ann Schmaltz.
Henrik Sedin ssys the team is not frustrated yet.
Coach Alain Vigneault will juggle his lines in an attempt to spark the offense. Alex Burrows is going back on the top line with the Sedin twins, who have not registered a point in the last three games.
Meantime, Mikael Samuelsson, who has not scored in six games and has just two points in the playoffs, has been demoted to the fourth line.
Game time is at 6 p.m.
Green Men make prediction
The Green Men are prepping to be enemy numbers 1 and 2 at Bridgestone Arena. But Sully says he may have to turn to Force to defend him if things get rough.
“He does have more of a karate background than I do, but if something goes down tonight, we’ll be on the losing end, no question,” he predicts.
Sully thinks the Canucks will take a 2-1 lead in the series, with a 2-1 win in the game.
Tickets up for grabs for Game Five
The drama of the Blackhawks series is behind them, but that’s not stopping Canucks fans from eagerly snapping up tickets for Game Five against the Predators this Saturday.
Kingsley Bailey with Vancouver Tickets and Tour Service says seats are surprisingly affordable. “I am really surprised. We are now going into game five in the second round and three-quarters of the teams in the league aren’t even playing hockey anymore. At $225, that’s a steal,” Bailey insists.
He says Nashville’s defensive playing style hasn’t lessened the demand.
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