Vancouver Canucks receive significant advantage against the Winnipeg Jets in first game back
Photo credit: The Hockey Nees
Vancouver Canucks get a surprise break as Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey is missing Wednesday versus the Canucks, shifting Winnipeg's blue-line depth ahead of puck drop.
Vancouver Canucks fans now see a different matchup edge with the Jets blueline weakened, especially with Morrissey sidelined.
Morrissey, 30, has been out since leaving Canada's opening Olympic game with an upper-body injury and will miss tonight's contest in Vancouver. 
The veteran is a major driver of Winnipeg's transition game, averaging big minutes and pacing the Jets with 42 points in 56 games this season before the break.
That kind of puck movement is exactly what the Canucks have struggled to contain all season, meaning his absence is a tangible gap.
Vancouver Canucks coach will watch tonight's game plan change after Scott Arniel confirmed the news on Monday.
Here's the original report on the injury and the Jets' lineup update.
Here's the original report on the injury and the Jets' lineup update.
https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/winnipeg-jets-josh-morrissey-injury-miss-game-canucks-nhl-news
Josh Morrissey's absence gives Vancouver Canucks a clearer path on the blue line
There's a real buzz in the building that losing Morrissey might invite Vancouver to test their cycle more than usual. Fans are feeling optimistic that Vancouver's top-six forwards can exploit Jets breakouts tonight.
Morrissey's ability to quickly retrieve and move the puck out of danger has been a staple of Winnipeg's D-corps. Without him, Vancouver's forecheck could force more turnovers.
Especially with heavy minutes on the Canucks' forecheck units, this presents a chance to tilt possession.
It's not a cure-all, but for Vancouver's weary blue line, that's a welcome change.
It's not a cure-all, but for Vancouver's weary blue line, that's a welcome change.
Canucks defencemen will still need to match up physically, especially on the rush.
And with Eric Comrie in goal for Winnipeg tonight, Vancouver's shooters may get more looks than usual. 
The Canucks' penalty kill will be tested less by quick transition threats without Morrissey.
The Canucks' penalty kill will be tested less by quick transition threats without Morrissey.
Still, Vancouver must stay disciplined and avoid gifting Jets restart zone entries.
This is a chance for Vancouver to set the tone early in the second half of the season.
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