The Vancouver Canucks are set to host the Winnipeg Jets in a midweek matchup at Rogers Arena, a game that may not feature top-tier competition but offers intriguing storylines as both teams navigate challenging seasons. With the Canucks and Jets languishing near the bottom of the NHL standings, this contest provides a glimpse into player recoveries, roster adjustments, and looming trade decisions.
Marco Rossi's Comeback and Health Update
Canucks centre Marco Rossi is making a highly anticipated return to the lineup after a series of setbacks. Acquired in a major trade that sent Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild in December, Rossi has managed only eight games with Vancouver due to injuries. He suffered a shot block against the Philadelphia Flyers on December 30, which sidelined him initially, followed by a rehab setback in late January. Prior to the trade, he also missed 13 games with the Wild.
Rossi, who recorded 60 points last season in Minnesota, has just two points with the Canucks so far. However, he expressed optimism about his current condition, stating, "I feel 100 per cent for the first time since I’ve been here." He acknowledged the challenges of adjusting post-trade and injury, emphasizing a focus on improvement and learning within the new team dynamic.
Goaltending Adjustments and Home Struggles
The expected goaltending duel between Connor Hellebuyck and Kevin Lankinen has been altered due to logistical issues. Hellebuyck is unavailable for the Jets because of travel constraints, while Lankinen is delayed by a snowstorm in New York City. Consequently, Nikita Tolopilo will start for the Canucks, with Jiri Patera serving as backup.
Tolopilo, standing at 6-foot-6, has a record of 3-3-1 this season with a 3.04 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage. His performance will be crucial as the Canucks, who have allowed the most goals per game in the league at 3.65, seek to break a dismal home record. Vancouver has not won at Rogers Arena since January 29, posting a league-worst 6-17-1 record at home this season.
Trade Deadline Implications and Player Uncertainty
As the NHL trade deadline approaches on March 6, several Canucks players are under scrutiny. Evander Kane, Teddy Blueger, and David Kampf, all pending unrestricted free agents, face potential moves that could reshape the roster. Head coach Adam Foote is mindful of the trade rumors affecting player morale and performance.
Foote noted, "I read the room. I worry about all of them. And I’ll take a look where they’re at every day, their mindset, their body language." He added that he engages with players to gauge their feelings amid the constant speculation. Fans at Rogers Arena are likely to react with mixed emotions, reflecting the team's turbulent season.
Additional Game Notes
Practice lines from Tuesday indicate Rossi centering a line with O'Connor and Boeser, while other combinations feature key players like Pettersson and DeBrusk. The game also marks a possible final career visit for Jonathan Toews, adding a sentimental element to the matchup.
With both teams out of playoff contention, this game serves as a platform for individual performances and team evaluations ahead of the offseason. The Canucks' slow slog to the finish line continues, with hopes pinned on players like Rossi to regain form and provide a silver lining in a disappointing campaign.
