few notes--
thanks Horns, looks like it is spada's nhl debut this yr maybe even ever
islanders- of course w/o cairns who was suspended but also steve webb did not travel with the team due to concussion suffered-expect osgood in goal
huge games tonight in canada-edmonton/la dal/cal and clb/van are really big, "We're talking about five points separating six teams in the conference,'' said Kings coach Andy Murray. "Every game all six of those teams play from here on in is going to have huge implications.''
potvin & salo expected in edm tonight
Vancouver--"The Canucks have yet to lose to the second-year Blue Jackets (6-0-1) and can only hope that trend continues tonight as Vancouver finds itself in one of the fiercest playoff races in recent memory. The Canucks trail the eighth and final post-season berth by three points heading into today's games.
Don't expect too many changes in his lineup from Marc Crawford. The Canucks head coach indicated he was quite pleased with the effort brought forth by his charges in Tuesday's 4-0 shutout over the Kings and won't be doing much tinkering. However, it won't be a surprise if tough-guys Mike Brown or Jason Strudwick suit up to match some of Columbus' grit. If that's the case, expect Todd Warriner to be the odd-man out.
Dan Cloutier will get the start. The 25-year-old Canucks No. 1 set a new team record with his seventh shutout of the season against the Kings. Cloutier came into the year with just one over his four-year career. In his past seven games, Cloutier has gone 5-2, allowing just a paltry nine goals.
As for Columbus, you can expect to see a number of line combinations as head coach Dave King has been forced to deal with a rash of injuries. Following Thursday's morning skate it was still not known the status of Espen Knutsen (knee), Serge Aubin (face) or Kevin Dineen (ribs) for tonight's game. The three were injured earlier this week and Robert Kron is out indefinitely with a fractured foot. Sean Pronger is the only call-up, so King could find himself using a short bench. It's already believed Jean-Luc Grand Pierre will move up from defence to a forward position.
Surprisingly, Marc Denis was the first goalie off the ice earlier today. Denis has allowed 10 goals in two games since returning from injury, but still looks to be the starter when the puck drops. Ron Tugnutt will be backing up. from SLAM
also bertuzzi bobblehead night! sweet..
