Gameday - Canucks at Rangers

The Canucks visit Madison Square Garden for the first time since 1994... er wait... it hasn't been that long, but it sure seems like it.

The Canucks will have Alex Edler (flu) back in the lineup. According to the Team 1040 Rob Davison will be out and Lawrence Nycholat will be in. After a terrible performance by the power play against the Islanders it will be interesting to see how much time Nycholat gets on the point and whether Vigneault will move away from using a forward on the point. Here's how the lines should shake down...

• Sedin Sedin Demitra
• Pyatt Wellwood Bernier
• Burrows Kesler Hansen
• Hordichuk Johnson Raymond

• Ohlund Salo
• Mitchell O'Brien
• Nycholat Edler

Roberto Luongo will get the start in goal with Sanford starting tomorrow in Minnesota (although I wouldn't be surprised to see Luongo should the Canucks lose to NY).

Keys to the Game

Special Teams

On most nights special teams are the difference and with two of the best goaltenders in the world between the pipes tonight should be no different. The Rangers have the 2nd best PK in the league at an outstanding 91%. The Canucks sit 18th at 80.6%. However the both teams struggle on the PP, the Rangers at just 15.4% & the Canucks at a marginally better 16.3%.

Turnovers

The Canucks have been turning the puck over a lot lately, they've also had trouble getting the puck out of their own zone. Keep an eye on turnovers at the bluelines leading to scoring chances or penalties.

Faceoffs

In tight games it's often the little things that make the difference. With two great goaltenders in the game this one will likely be close. New York has struggled this season in the faceoff department ranking 22nd in the league at 48.8%. Surprisingly the Canucks are much improved in this department ranking 8th at 51.%.

Catch the game on TSN at 4:30 pst.

Might have more leading up to game time...