Sean Zandberg, a blogger at Nucks Misconduct, took some time to answer a few questions about the Canucks in preparation for tonight's game:
Q: Give us a scouting report on how the Canucks have played since the Stars saw them on Oct. 11.
A: The Canucks lost 2 of their next 3 games, both losses to divisional opponents Calgary and Edmonton. It was the 4th game after against Chicago where something clicked. The team played solid, Luongo exorcised his demons and Willie Mitchell destroyed Jonathan Toews. Since then, the Canucks have been plagued by injuries but are sticking together as a team.
A: Yes they do. Mike Gillis confirmed that on Team 1040 radio last night. There are Canucks scouts watching Forsberg in Finland right now.
Q: Who should Stars fans expect to see in goal for the Canucks on the second of back-to-back games? Give us a report on the goalies and how they've done this season.
A: I can't really answer the first part of the question as I don't know Alain Vigneault's mind. With Roberto Luongo possibly returning early next week, I'd play Andrew Raycroft again tonight even though it's a back-to-back scenario. Raycroft has played so well lately and just as importantly, the team has played very well in front of him. Luongo, as I mentioned earlier, had a great preseason but then started the regular season slow. He wasn't even close to his true self until the Chicago game, seemingly.
Q: Tell us about the top line and how they've performed.
A: The Sedin line was playing terrific to start the season until Daniel went down with a broken foot. Since that injury I think that Henrik has proven that he can put up the points even without his twin brother there. He has 12 points in 13 games since his brother went on the IR. The top line has been a game of musical chairs, especially with all the injuries taking place. With all of that going on, Ryan Kesler is emerging on line 2.
Q: Vancouver has the fourth-best power play in the league. What makes it so good?
A: It's a combination of a lot of things: creativity, chemistry and crashing the net. It doesn't hurt having those guns at the point either.
Q: How are the Canucks on the penalty kill?
A: I'll go with average and inconsistent, especially if the puck gets though the blocks at the point. Yes, we have good shot blockers like Ryan Johnson and Ryan Kesler who lay in front of the point shot any chance they can get. But the down-low coverage is where the biggest issues are.
Q: Give us a few more players that Stars fans should keep an eye on.
A: The Canucks will most likely ice the same roster as last night, with the exception of Shane O'Brien perhaps drawing back in after his 1 game suspension. Luongo may return next Tuesday. Daniel Sedin is still over a week away from returning.
Q: Anything else Stars fans should know about the Canucks and this game tonight?
A: I'm not going to give away any secrets. :) I think Marc Crawford knows what to do tonight. Vancouver will be a little tired in a back-to-back scenario and I expect the Stars to run the Canucks any chance they get plus raise some hell in Raycroft's crease. This game could get ugly, which is fine by me!
The Canucks, injuries and all, cannot be underestimated though. They've won 3 in a row and 7 of their last 10.
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Richard Durrett
Richard Durrett joined ESPNDallas.com in September 2009. He writes about colleges, the Dallas Stars and the Texas Rangers. Richard spent nine years at The Dallas Morning News covering the Rangers, Stars, colleges, motorsports and high schools.
