The Vancouver Canucks (17-30-5) are back on home ice tonight, hosting Macklin Celebrini and the San Jose Sharks (26-21-3) at Rogers Arena. Puck drops at 7 p.m. PT, and there’s no shortage of storylines heading into this one.
Celebrini’s Star Continues to Rise
Let’s start with the headliner: Macklin Celebrini. At just 19 years old, he’s already tied for fourth in NHL scoring with 74 points-trailing only the likes of Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, and Nikita Kucherov.
That’s elite company, and it’s not just about the numbers. Celebrini’s blend of hockey IQ, pace, and finishing touch has made him the engine of San Jose’s offense.
He’s coming off a two-goal performance against the Rangers, pushing his season total to 26, and he’s opened up a commanding 40-point lead over his next closest teammate in the scoring race.
Canucks Dealing with Injuries, Looking for Spark
The Canucks are dealing with some roster shuffling of their own. After a 3-2 loss to Pittsburgh on Sunday, Vancouver placed both Brock Boeser and Zeev Buium on injured reserve. In response, the club recalled Jonathan Lekkerimäki and Victor Mancini from Abbotsford, and both were on the ice for today’s morning skate.
Lekkerimäki will draw into the lineup tonight and is expected to see time on the top power play unit-a big opportunity for the young Swede. He’s been producing in the AHL, and now he’ll get a chance to show what he can do with NHL talent around him.
Assistant coach Adam Foote had high praise for Lekkerimäki’s game, especially his quick release and hockey sense without the puck. “He doesn’t even need that much time,” Foote said.
“He’s got a great opportunity here.”
Mancini, meanwhile, will be a healthy scratch, along with Max Sasson and David Kampf.
Evander Kane, Trade Rumors, and Line Juggling
Evander Kane will suit up tonight amid swirling trade rumors. He’ll start the game on the fourth line, a move that might raise eyebrows but could also be a strategic way to manage minutes and matchups.
Kane addressed the speculation this morning, acknowledging the noise but keeping his focus on the game ahead. “It’s part of the process,” he said.
“I’m just looking forward to tonight’s game.”
Teddy Blueger and Jake DeBrusk provided the offense in Sunday’s loss to Pittsburgh. Blueger, in particular, has been quietly effective-he’s now scored in back-to-back games and has three goals in just five appearances this season.
Conor Garland, on the other hand, continues to search for his scoring touch. He had a first-period goal waved off against Pittsburgh due to goaltender interference, and he’s now gone 10 straight games without a point.
His last goal? An empty-netter back on December 16 against the Rangers.
Lankinen Gets the Nod Again
Kevin Lankinen will make his fifth straight start in goal and his seventh in the last eight games. He stopped 22 of 25 shots against the Penguins and has been a steady presence in net, even as the Canucks struggle to keep pucks out of their own.
Sharks Holding On in Tight Playoff Race
San Jose comes into this one rested, having not played since a 3-1 win over the Rangers on Friday. That win kept them in the second wild card spot in the Western Conference, but it’s a razor-thin margin. The Sharks are tied with both Los Angeles and Seattle at 55 points, and they’ve alternated wins and losses over their past seven games-consistency has been elusive.
Despite their playoff position, the Sharks have some glaring issues, particularly defensively. They rank 30th in the league in goals against, allowing 3.46 per game.
Only Vancouver and Anaheim have been more porous. Their overall goal differential is -19, and in regulation time, it dips to -26.
But here’s the kicker: San Jose has been clutch in overtime. They lead the league with nine OT wins and are 9-2 in games decided beyond regulation.
That’s been the difference between being in the playoff picture and chasing from behind.
Sharks Lineup Notes
Kiefer Sherwood, acquired from Vancouver last week, is on the road trip with the Sharks but won’t make his debut tonight. He’s still working through a hand injury and hasn’t played since January 10. He did take part in the morning skate as an extra forward.
The Sharks’ lineup features a few familiar faces for Canucks fans. Tyler Toffoli, Adam Gaudette, and Vincent Desharnais are all former Canucks now skating in teal.
Yaroslav Askarov will get the start in goal for San Jose. He’s 16-13-1 on the season with a 3.51 goals-against average and an .890 save percentage. Not exactly Vezina numbers, but he’s been effective against Vancouver-he’s 2-0 in their head-to-head matchups this season.
Head-to-Head: Sharks Have the Edge
San Jose has taken both meetings with Vancouver this season. They won 3-2 on Black Friday in November and followed that up with a 6-3 victory at Rogers Arena on December 27.
Celebrini was a force in that second game, firing eight shots on goal and registering 16 individual shot attempts. He’ll be a focal point again tonight.
Officiating Crew
Tonight’s referees are Kyle Rehman and Graedy Hamilton.
What’s at Stake
For the Canucks, this is a chance to stop the bleeding and build some momentum despite the injuries and trade buzz. For the Sharks, it’s about banking points in a crowded playoff race and continuing to ride the wave of Celebrini’s breakout season.
Buckle up-this one has the potential to get interesting.