Canucks vs. Avalanche: Projected Lineups, Key Notes Ahead of Pivotal Western Clash
The Vancouver Canucks are set to square off against the Colorado Avalanche tonight in what promises to be a high-tempo Western Conference battle. Puck drops at 9 p.m. ET, with the game airing on ALT and SNP.
Let’s break down the projected lineups and key status updates heading into this matchup.
Vancouver Canucks: Projected Lineup
Forwards
- Evander Kane - Elias Pettersson - Jonathan Lekkerimaki Pettersson remains the engine of this top line, and he’ll be flanked by the physical presence of Kane and the youthful skill of Lekkerimaki. That’s a trio with both grit and finesse-expect them to set the tone early.
- Brock Boeser - David Kampf - Kiefer Sherwood Boeser’s scoring touch adds pop to this second unit, while Kampf brings a defensive conscience down the middle. Sherwood rounds out the line with his high-energy, forechecking game.
- Drew O’Connor - Max Sasson - Jake DeBrusk This third line has the potential to tilt the ice with its speed and versatility. DeBrusk’s north-south game complements O’Connor’s two-way play, while Sasson gets another shot to prove he belongs.
- Arshdeep Bains - Aatu Raty - Linus Karlsson The fourth line is young, but don’t overlook it. Raty's vision and Karlsson’s offensive instincts could make this more than just a checking unit, while Bains continues to earn trust with his work ethic.
Defense
- Quinn Hughes - Filip Hronek Vancouver’s top pair remains elite.
Hughes is the heartbeat of the blue line, and Hronek’s steady presence allows him to push the pace offensively. Together, they drive transition and control possession.
- Marcus Pettersson - Tyler Myers Pettersson brings calm to the second pair, while Myers adds size and reach. This duo will likely see a lot of Colorado’s top six, so composure will be key.
- Elias Pettersson - Tom Willander Yes, that’s another Elias Pettersson-this time on the back end.
He pairs with Willander, a promising young defenseman with poise beyond his years. This third pair could be a hidden strength if they manage their minutes well.
Goaltenders
- Kevin Lankinen
- Jiri Patera
With Thatcher Demko sidelined, Lankinen is expected to carry the load in net. Patera, recalled from Abbotsford under emergency conditions, slots in as backup after Nikita Tolopilo was designated non-roster following the birth of his child.
Scratches: P.O. Joseph, Lukas Reichel
Injured: Conor Garland (upper body), Thatcher Demko (lower body), Filip Chytil (concussion protocol), Teddy Blueger (lower body), Nils Hoglander (lower body), Derek Forbort (undisclosed)
Status Update:
Nils Hoglander skated in a non-contact jersey during practice, and head coach Adam Foote noted that he’s “feeling good.” That’s an encouraging sign for a player who brings speed and scoring punch when healthy.
Colorado Avalanche: Projected Lineup
Forwards
- Artturi Lehkonen - Nathan MacKinnon - Martin Necas MacKinnon is the straw that stirs the drink, and he’ll have Lehkonen’s relentless puck pursuit on one side and Necas’ scoring touch on the other. This line can be lethal off the rush or on the cycle.
- Gabriel Landeskog - Brock Nelson - Valeri Nichushkin Landeskog’s return to form continues, and with Nelson’s playmaking and Nichushkin rejoining the lineup after missing eight games, this line has the potential to do serious damage.
- Ross Colton - Jack Drury - Victor Olofsson Colton and Drury are both responsible two-way players, while Olofsson brings a shoot-first mentality. Expect this line to be active in the offensive zone.
- Parker Kelly - Zakhar Bardakov - Joel Kiviranta This is your energy line-hard on pucks, aggressive on the forecheck, and not afraid to throw the body. They’ll be tasked with wearing down Vancouver’s defense.
Defense
- Devon Toews - Cale Makar One of the best pairs in the NHL.
Makar’s dynamic skating and elite puck skills are complemented by Toews’ high hockey IQ and ability to read the game. Vancouver will need to be sharp any time this duo is on the ice.
- Josh Manson - Brent Burns Manson and Burns bring a physical edge and veteran savvy. Burns still has a cannon from the point, and Manson’s grit makes this a tough pair to play against.
- Samuel Girard - Sam Malinski Girard’s mobility and puck-moving ability are well known, and Malinski continues to show he can handle NHL minutes. This third pair gives Colorado depth and balance on the back end.
Goaltenders
- Scott Wedgewood
- Mackenzie Blackwood
With Alexandar Georgiev not listed, Wedgewood is expected to get the nod. Blackwood backs up, giving the Avs a capable tandem if needed.
Scratched: Ilya Solovyov
Injured: Gavin Brindley (lower body), Logan O’Connor (hip surgery)
Status Update:
Valeri Nichushkin returns to the lineup after missing eight games with a lower-body injury. His presence adds a heavy, skilled element to Colorado’s top six and should give their offense a noticeable boost.
What to Watch For
This game pits two teams with serious playoff aspirations and plenty of firepower. Vancouver’s depth will be tested against a Colorado team that rolls four lines and has one of the most dynamic blue lines in the league. Key matchups to watch include the Hughes-Hronek pairing against MacKinnon’s line, and how Vancouver’s young third and fourth lines handle the pace and physicality of the Avalanche forecheck.
Both teams are dealing with injuries, but there’s no shortage of talent hitting the ice tonight. With Nichushkin back for Colorado and Pettersson leading the charge for Vancouver, expect a fast-paced, physical game with playoff-level intensity-even in December.