Preview of Upcoming Game

The Canucks closed the book on January with a 3-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks last night. It was one of the more complete team efforts that we’ve seen from them this season, every line looking engaged, dangerous and pushing to win it for Jaroslav Halak, who has put in some solid performances but not gotten the goal support to get the wins.

Despite the All Star break, which will see the Canucks not play again until they host the Arizona Coyotes and New York Islanders next Tuesday and Wednesday, they’re heading into February in pretty good shape. They’re just two points back of the Calgary Flames for that last wild card slot in the West, and the only bad thing is the games in hand the teams in front of them hold at the moment.

Tonight, they’re going to have to dig deep and fight off fatigue as they play their third game in four nights, visiting a Nashville team that hasn’t played since their shootout loss in Edmonton on Thursday. And yes, the Preds are pretty good, and worthy of their spot in the standings. Yet it doesn’t seem to matter how good they are, the Canucks are a team that gives them fits. If you look at the 3 previous meetings before this season between these teams, the Canucks outscored the Predators 17-8 in the season sweep.

These teams have split the season series so far, dropping a 3-2 decision at home to the Preds in November, and came through with a big 3-1 win in Nashville two weeks ago in the last game of that crucial 5 game Eastern road swing. With the San Jose Sharks taking on the Tampa Bay Lightning and Calgary Flames visiting the Dallas Stars, this is a must win for the Canucks to keep pace, and with a Sharks loss, one that could see them pass San Jose and Edmonton as they inch closer to a playoff spot.