Islanders vs. Canucks: Exciting NHL Game Preview
Marc Gatcomb’s return to Vancouver carries special significance, though it may not resonate as a homecoming. The forward of the New York Islanders previously spent two years in the Canucks organization, playing in Abbotsford. However, he never graced the NHL ice with Vancouver. The upcoming game at Rogers Arena will mark his debut as an NHL player in this iconic venue.
“The city here is awesome. It’s very pretty, especially when driving into the rink and seeing the mountains,” said Gatcomb. He also expressed eagerness to reconnect with close friends on the opposing team after the match.
Season Series Overview
The Islanders currently trail the season series against the Canucks, having lost their previous encounter 4-1 at UBS Arena on December 19. Historically, the Islanders have fared well in British Columbia, boasting a record of 6-0-3 in their last nine visits. Their most recent regulation loss in Vancouver occurred on January 6, 2015.
Canucks’ Current Struggles
- Kevin Lankinen will start as the goaltender for the Canucks. He holds a record of 6-13-4 this season with a 3.37 GAA and .887 SV%.
- Kiefer Sherwood was traded to the San Jose Sharks earlier on Monday in exchange for two second-round picks and defenseman Cole Clayton.
- The Canucks are experiencing a severe slump, having gone 0-8-2 in their last ten games. Their last victory was on December 29.
- Vancouver is currently last in the NHL, accumulating only 37 points.
Statistics during the Losing Streak
- During their 10-game winless stretch, the Canucks have scored just 17 goals, averaging 1.70 goals per game.
- They have allowed 45 goals, which breaks down to 4.50 goals per game — the worst in the league during that period.
- The team’s penalty kill has operated at 56.5%, successfully killing 13 of 23 penalties.
- The Canucks hold the worst home record in the NHL at 4-13-3.
Key Players
- Elias Pettersson leads the Canucks with 29 points, consisting of 13 goals and 16 assists over 40 games.
- Defenseman Filip Hronek contributes significantly, leading the team with 24 assists.
- Goaltender Thatcher Demko remains on injured reserve and will not play against the Islanders. His season stats include an 8-10-1 record, a 2.90 GAA, an .897 SV%, and one shutout.
- Marco Rossi, who was acquired in a trade for defenseman Quinn Hughes, is also on IR due to a lower-body injury. He recorded two points in eight games with the Canucks before his injury.
The matchup between the Islanders and Canucks promises to be exciting as both teams navigate their respective challenges. Fans eagerly await to see if Gatcomb’s hometown feel will inspire a different energy in Vancouver.
