The Jackets look to finish the season on a high note, but tonight they’ll face a tough test in the Vancouver Canucks. The Canucks are a deep team, led by the Sedin sisters and Bobby Lou/Cory Schneider in net.
The Jackets have shuffled the forward lines a bit, moving Jake Voracek to the second line with R.J. Umberger and Antoine Vermette. At points last season the “Killer Vees” were the Jackets best duo, let’s see if Jake and Vermmy can recapture their previous chemistry. Having Umby on the line will keep Jake accountable.
Matt Calvert is expected to get the promotion to the top line in Jake’s place. This will hopefully re-ignite Calvert’s offense, as he’s been a bit dry of late. I’m excited to see what Maksim Mayorov can do this evening, here’s hoping he gets some powerplay time.
The Jackets will determine at game-time if Anton Stralman is fit to play. With the time off, maybe he comes back to the lineup rejuvenated and will boost the powerplay.
The Canucks will be without former Jacket Manny Malhotra, who suffered a scary eye injury. Our thoughs go to Manny, we wish him a full and speedy recovery.