Vancouver Canucks projected lineup drops ahead of massive Hockey Night in Canada showdown with Maple Leafs
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
The Vancouver Canucks' projected lineup has been revealed for tonight's Hockey Night in Canada battle with 2026 Olympian Auston Matthews & the Toronto Maple Leafs.
With the Vancouver Canucks on the verge of another 4+ game losing streak on Thursday night, goaltender Nikita Tolopilo stepped up in a big way, stopping all 32 shots he faced, while Kevin Lankinen made one save too, as the pair combined for a shutout in a 2-0 win over the Anaheim Ducks.
Tonight, the Canucks are back in action for their final home game before the Olympic break as they take on the Toronto Maple Leafs and have a big opportunity ahead of themselves as with a victory, they'll win back-to-back games for the first time since December 19th & 20th against the New York Islanders and Boston Bruins, respectively.
Adam Foote's group are hoping to put on a good performance in front of the Rogers Arena faithful this evening as they won't be back in front of their home fans until Wednesday, February 25th and the team's roster could look a lot different by then.
Vancouver Canucks projected lineup announced vs Toronto Maple Leafs
The Vancouver Canucks opted not to hold a morning skate today after practicing at Rogers Arena on Friday, with Nikita Tolopilo set to get his second start in a row after Kevin Lankinen stayed out late on the ice yesterday, according to NHL.com.
"The Canucks did not name a starting goalie, but with Lankinen staying out on the ice late after practice, it appears Tolopilo will get a second straight start." NHL.com shared.
It also looks like Adam Foote will stick with his same forward lines and defensive pairings for tonight's contest, which makes sense coming off that shutout victory against Anaheim.
Elias Pettersson will center the top line, flanked by Conor Garland and Evander Kane, the latter of whom may very well be playing in his final home game with the Canucks amid ongoing trade rumors.
The other forward lines will see David Kampf with Filip Chytil and Linus Karlsson, Aatu Raty centering Drew O'Connor and Jake DeBrusk, while Teddy Blueger, who is off to the Olympics next week with Latvia, is set to skate with Liam Ohgren and Jonathan Lekkerimaki.
Marcus Pettersson and Tyler Myers will remain as a pairing tonight, as will Elias Pettersson & Filip Hronek, along with Pierre-Olivier Joseph and Tom Willander, while Victor Mancini is set to be a healthy scratch.
Vancouver Canucks Projected Lineup
Evander Kane -- Elias Pettersson -- Conor Garland
Filip Chytil -- David Kampf -- Linus Karlsson
Drew O’Connor -- Aatu Raty -- Jake DeBrusk
Liam Ohgren -- Teddy Blueger -- Jonathan Lekkerimaki
Marcus Pettersson -- Tyler Myers
Elias Pettersson -- Filip Hronek
P.O Joseph -- Tom Willander
Nikita Tolopilo
Kevin Lankinen
Scratched: Max Sasson, Victor Mancini.
Injured: Nils Hoglander (lower body), Brock Boeser (concussion protocol), Zeev Buium (facial fracture), Thatcher Demko (hip surgery), Marco Rossi (lower body), Derek Forbort (undisclosed).
Evander Kane -- Elias Pettersson -- Conor Garland
Filip Chytil -- David Kampf -- Linus Karlsson
Drew O’Connor -- Aatu Raty -- Jake DeBrusk
Liam Ohgren -- Teddy Blueger -- Jonathan Lekkerimaki
Marcus Pettersson -- Tyler Myers
Elias Pettersson -- Filip Hronek
P.O Joseph -- Tom Willander
Nikita Tolopilo
Kevin Lankinen
Scratched: Max Sasson, Victor Mancini.
Injured: Nils Hoglander (lower body), Brock Boeser (concussion protocol), Zeev Buium (facial fracture), Thatcher Demko (hip surgery), Marco Rossi (lower body), Derek Forbort (undisclosed).
Puck drop for tonight's game between the Vancouver Canucks and Toronto Maple Leafs is set for 4 p.m. PT and can be viewed nationally on Sportsnet and CBC.
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