Elias Pettersson enters tonight’s matchup leading all NHL skaters with 16 hits, recording eight hits for the second consecutive game. As the Canucks look to secure their first consecutive victories of the season, the team will honor forward Paul Cotter, who is set to appear in his 300th career NHL game.
This division clash carries weight for both teams as they adjust their rosters early in the season. For the Canucks, the challenge of a quick turnaround after their Saturday victory means the final lineup will be finalized during pre-game warmups. Managing player health is a priority, with Jake DeBrusk remaining day to day due to illness, while the team continues to cope with the absences of Thatcher Demko and Filip Chytil.
According to Canucks Army, Kevin Lankinen is expected to start in goal. Lankinen aims to rebound after allowing 13 goals in 90 minutes of early-season play. On the opposing side, NHL.com reports that Hill is set to make his first start of the season for Vegas. This follows the Golden Knights' recent 4-3 loss to the Anaheim Ducks. The Vegas lineup will see minimal changes, with the coaching staff looking to tighten up defensive performance against a Vancouver squad that has already seen 12 different players score goals this season.
The game serves as a critical Pacific Division test for both clubs. The Canucks, coming off a 4-1 result against Calgary, have seen offensive contributions from Liam Öhgren, Elias Pettersson, Drew O’Connor, and Aatu Räty, all of whom notched their first goals of the season on Saturday night.