7:30 p.m. ET; FDSNMW, Prime
After watching the last Canucks game, do you ever wonder what the fuck is going on? They play a disciplined 200 foot game against the Caps and beat the league leaders. And yet we all know that they are just as likely to shit the bed in this game against a team that isn't as good as Washington.
I am now of the mindset that J.T. and Petey should just stay in Van. Trading one or both doesn't fix the anything except for the distraction of the two. If they get traded, does this team magically become better...no. So why trade them? They have both sucked so far and this team still has a chance to make the playoffs. Keep them both and let them know that it's on them to turn this around.
Many will disagree with me....so be it. I just don't see a trade that brings the team what it actually needs to get better. That includes a center and a defenseman that can play defense. Looking at the trade scenarios, I just see a team that will waste Quinn Hughes at his prime.
Besides that stance, I am of the belief that the only player that should be traded is Thatcher Demko. His injuries continue to mount and his next extension is coming closer. Some would say he is the franchise goalie the team has been waiting for since Lu, but all we done so far is wait. His body has been unable to make it far into the playoffs. The money thrown at some goalies this offseason is ridiculous and I fear the perception of Demko's performance will get him overpaid by the Canucks. Trade him for a 2nd line dman and sign Lankinen for less than $4 million/yr.
If things don't turn around by mid-Feb, realistically, the only person who should be traded is Brock. his contract will be too high for a player that has scored 30+ goals once in his career.
LINEUPS
Canucks projected lineup
Danton Heinen -- J.T. Miller -- Brock Boeser
Nils Hoglander -- Elias Pettersson -- Linus Karlsson
Jake DeBrusk -- Pius Suter -- Conor Garland
Phil Di Giuseppe -- Teddy Blueger -- Max Sasson
Quinn Hughes -- Tyler Myers
Derek Forbort -- Filip Hronek
Elias Pettersson -- Carson Soucy
Kevin Lankinen
Thatcher Demko
Scratched: Noah Juulsen, Vincent Desharnais
Injured: Kiefer Sherwood (lower body), Dakota Joshua (lower body)
Blues projected lineup
Dylan Holloway -- Brayden Schenn -- Jordan Kyrou
Jake Neighbours -- Robert Thomas -- Pavel Buchnevich
Brandon Saad -- Mathieu Joseph -- Zack Bolduc
Alexey Toropchenko -- Radek Faksa -- Nathan Walker
Philip Broberg -- Colton Parayko
Cam Fowler -- Justin Faulk
Ryan Suter -- Tyler Tucker
Jordan Binnington
Joel Hofer
Scratched: Oskar Sundqvist, Alexandre Texier, Scott Perunovich
Injured: Nick Leddy (lower body)
Status report
The Canucks did not hold a morning skate. … Garland had a maintenance day Sunday but is expected to play. Joshua, a forward, skated in Garland’s spot and could return after missing the past 10 games. … Myers is expected to return from a three-game suspension for cross-checking Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard on Jan. 18. … Sherwood, a forward, could join Vancouver later on its road trip. ... Walker will return and replace Sundqvist, a forward, and Joseph will move to center from right wing. … St. Louis will mix up all three of its defensive pairings from a 2-0 loss to the Dallas Stars on Saturday.
Game Day Chatter
“I like that fact that we hung in there against a big team, it should give you confidence.”
🗣️ Head Coach Rick Tocchet speaks on last night’s win and the upcoming Central Division road trip. pic.twitter.com/Ke1zqNBzLk
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) January 26, 2025
“That’s part of the game. You got to deal with the hand you’re dealt and keep pushing forward. So, looking forward to getting back in.”
🗣️ Dakota Joshua meets with the media after participating in today’s practice. pic.twitter.com/DK34bavh8f
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) January 26, 2025
Game Day Battle Hymn
Did you know that John Tesh is undefeated this year?
But if I was to use him 2 games in a row, Kent will hunt me down.
So I leave you with a happy/sad song from The Clash.
Go Coconuts Go!