Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Canucks Oilers on Linden Game Day

It's a big day for the Canucks and their former captain Trevor Linden who will have his #16 jersey retired to the rafters of GM Place before tonight's game against the Edmonton Oilers. Linden met with the media today after a suprise unveiling of "Gate 16", the newly named entrance to GM Place where the Canucks offices are located. Also meeting with the media was NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, who will be a part of tonight's festivities.

As far as the game is concerned, it looks like the Canucks may make a minor change to their line-up than the one they iced in a 5-3 win over the Florida Panthers on Sunday. Sami Salo is a game time decision but likely will return after missing the last three games with a groin injury. If he's not good to go, Rob Davison will be back on defence. Curtis Sanford will indeed start in net.

As for the Oilers, they likely will make a change or two after a 9-2 loss to the visiting Chicago Blackhawks last night. Expect Jason Strudwick to play on a line with Marc Pouliot and Zack Stortini. Still waiting official word on who Craig MacTavish will start in goal, although the Oilers media expect it will be Dwayne Roloson.

This will be the third meeting of the season between the two clubs. Vancouver (17-11-3) posted a 6-3 win at home on Oct. 25 where Jannik Hansen and Mason Raymond each scored twice. Edmonton (14-13-2) shut out the Canucks Dec. 13 at Rexall Place where Roloson made 23 saves for the win.

Here are the expected line-ups for both teams:
Canucks:

D. Sedin - H. Sedin - Hansen
Pyatt - Demitra - Raymond
Burrows - Kesler - Bernier
Hordichuk - Wellwood - Brown

Mitchell - Bieksa
O'Brien - Edler
Ohlund - Salo/Davison

Sanford
Schneider

Oilers

Dustin Penner - Shawn Horcoff - Ales Hemsky
Robert Nilsson - Andrew Cogliano - Sam Gagner
Ethan Moreau - Kyle Brodziak - Erik Cole
Jason Strudwick - Marc Pouliot - Zack Stortini

Sheldon Souray - Tom Gilbert
Denis Grebeshkov - Lubomir Visnovsky
Steve Staios - Ladislav Smid

Dwayne Roloson
Mathieu Garon

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