At a Glance: Vancouver
Tickets to this game and all 12 remaining home games on sale
PrintDETROIT – The Vancouver Canucks wrap up a four-game road trip with a stop at Joe Louis Arena on Sunday. Last season’s President’s Trophy winners will be looking for their third straight win in four days – and seven points out of a possible eight – when they face-off against the Red Wings for the first time since last February.
The Canucks, who for the last three seasons have been led by a top five offense, have cruised to the No. 3 spot in the Western Conference on the strength of a stingy defense.
Behind veteran goalie Roberto Luongo, who seemingly has moved off of the trading block, Vancouver’s goaltending tandem has allowed just 36 goals. … The Canucks are led by five players who have five goals each – Daniel Sedin, Alexandre Burrows, Mason Raymond, Jannik Hansen and Kevin Bieksa – this season. Meanwhile, center Henrik Sedin has a team-high 13 assists and a plus-12 rating.
PLAYER TO WATCH
RW JANNIK HANSEN – In his seventh NHL season, Hansen has earned the reputation as a solid, speedy two-way winger. But this week, his squeaky clean rep took a hit when he was slapped with a one-game suspension for his hit to the head of Chicago forward Marian Hossa on Tuesday. Hansen was disappointed with the league’s decision, which carried a fine of more than $7,200. “It bothers me that you have that on your record now,” Hansen told the media in Dallas on Thursday. “You have that on you now and if something happens in the future you are repeat offender.” Red Wings’ fans may remember an incident where Hansen bowled over goalie Jimmy Howard last season. The play resulted in a Canucks’ goal, which easily should have been disallowed.
NUMEROLOGY
Season Series: 0-0-0
2011-12 Season Series: 2-1-1
All-Time Series Season: 82-54-18-5
Vancouver’s Season Record: 10-3-4
Top Scorer vs. Red Wings: Henrik Sedin – 4 Assists in 4 Games.
Red Wings’ Top Scorer – Darren Helm – 1 Goal, 4 Assists in 4 Games.
Follow Bill Roose on Twitter | @Bill_Roose
Tickets to this game and all 12 remaining regular-season contests at The Joe are currently available for purchase at the JLA box office (313-396-7575), all Ticketmaster (800-745-3000) outlets, and online at DetroitRedWings.com.
