Vancouver Canucks Gameday Preview #68: The Struggling Tampa Bay

The Vancouver Canucks (21-38-8) welcome another Eastern Conference team to Rogers Arena on Thursday as the Tampa Bay Lightning (41-21-4) visit for the only time this season. Tampa Bay is firmly in a playoff spot, but has struggled of late with a 3-7-1 record over its last 10. As for Vancouver, the team is starting to find some consistency as they enter Thursday night with two wins in their last three games.

Off the ice, Thursday is a big night on the calendar as it is the annual Canucks For Kids Fund Telethon. Fans can donate both at the game and online. The Canucks are also offering a promotion in which every donation over $100 comes with a photo featuring Filip Hronek, Jake DeBrusk, Elias Pettersson and Brock Boeser.

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Shifting focus back to the ice, Vancouver has the chance to pick up back-to-back wins for the first time since December. As for back-to-back home wins, that hasn’t happened for the Canucks all season. Ultimately, with a strong performance, Thursday could become a special night for the fans at Rogers Arena

Players To Watch:

Liam Öhgren:

Liam Öhgren has found a home as a key member of the BRÖ line. The 22-year-old has two assists in his last three games and has at least one shot on goal in six straight. Whether it is getting in on the forecheck or finding teammates in open space, Öhgren is showing he can be an impactful player in the top six.

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Nikita Kucherov: 

Nikita Kucherov remains one of the best players in the NHL. He is coming off a five-point night on Tuesday and is up to 111 points in 62 games. A potential Hart Trophy finalist this year, Kucherov will most likely feature on the scoresheet on Thursday night.

Vancouver Canucks (21–38–8): 

Points: 

Elias Pettersson: 15–25–40

Filip Hronek:…