Monday, January 12, 2009

Canucks Update from Monday Practice

Lots coming out of a hard, intense practice at GM Place today for the Canucks as they prepare to snap a four-game home ice winless streak tomorrow against the New Jersey Devils.

Roberto Luongo says he is as close to being "pain free" as possible and is feeling good after his first full practice with his teammates in weeks. He says at this point he is doubtful to play tomorrow, but it's looking very likely that he'll re-appear in the line-up at some point next week. No word obviously from today as to whether Luongo, Jason LaBarbera, or Curtis Sanford will suit up against the Devils.

Taylor Pyatt skated today after missing the last few weeks with a broken foot. In fact, he practiced on a line with Mats Sundin and Mason Raymond. He feels good to go and likely will draw into the line-up tomorrow.

Sami Salo also skated today as he continues to rehab his rib injury. He says he is feeling much better, but doesn't know when he'll be able to return to the line-up.

As mentioned off the top, this was one of the harder-run practices this team has had in a long time. Assistant Coach Rick Bowness was not his typical-self during the drills he was in charge of, as he ripped into the team on numerous occasions when they weren't executing things properly.

Alain Vigneault had many interesting things to say during his post-practice media gathering. Although he didn't really pop off, he did indicate that many of the players are showing signs of maybe getting "too comfortable" with what they've acheived to this point in the season. In particular he discussed the play of Pavol Demitra, who has only scored two goals in his last 13 games.

Although not a 100% healthy hockey club yet, there were 25 players in practice. Vigneault did confirm that they will not be making any changes in the next 24 hours when it comes to either having to place a player on waivers or send him down to the Manitoba Moose.

Here's how the line combos and defence pairings looked during their skate today:

D. Sedin - H. Sedin - Wellwood
Raymond - Sundin - Pyatt
Burrows - Kesler - Bernier
Hordichuk - Johnson - Demitra/Hansen
extra Brown

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

Luongo
LaBarbera
Sanford

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