The Vancouver Canucks are back home and looking to reset as they open an eight-game homestand tonight at Rogers Arena against the Edmonton Oilers. After a tough 4-1 loss to the Blue Jackets, the Canucks aren’t overhauling the roster, but they are shaking up the lines - and the changes could give us a glimpse into some intriguing chemistry experiments.
One of the most notable tweaks? Liam Öhgren is getting a look alongside Elias Pettersson and Brock Boeser on the top line.
Öhgren has been turning heads with his play, and this isn’t the first time he’s earned a promotion. He started last Saturday’s game against Toronto on the second line with Boeser and Max Sasson, and now he’s getting a shot next to Vancouver’s franchise center.
It’ll be his first time starting a game with Pettersson, and if their skillsets click, this could be a combination worth watching closely.
Elsewhere, the team’s depth is starting to get healthier. Nils Höglander, Filip Chytil, and Teddy Blueger were all on the ice as extras this morning - and both Chytil and Blueger have shed their non-contact jerseys.
That’s a strong sign their returns aren’t far off. While neither is expected to play tonight, seeing them take full contact in practice is a step in the right direction for a Canucks squad that’s been managing some key absences down the middle.
One absence that stood out this morning was Kiefer Sherwood. The forward, who’s been out since Monday with an injury, didn’t skate at all today - a change from previous game-day skates where he at least joined as an extra. Head coach Nolan Foote noted that both Sherwood and goaltender Thatcher Demko were undergoing evaluations today, which suggests the team is taking a cautious approach with both players.
Speaking of goaltending, Nikita Tolopilo is expected to get the start tonight as Kevin Lankinen deals with an illness. This will be Tolopilo’s fifth NHL start of the season, and he’s coming off a solid performance against the Canadiens earlier in the week. He’s posted a 2-2 record so far, and with Lankinen sidelined, the Canucks will be counting on him to hold the fort against a high-powered Oilers offense.
Here’s how the Canucks are projected to line up tonight:
Forwards
Öhgren - Pettersson - Boeser
Kane - Kämpf - DeBrusk
O’Connor - Räty - Garland
Bains - Sasson - Karlsson
Defense
Pettersson - Hronek
Buium - Myers
Willander - Mancini
Goaltenders
Tolopilo
Lankinen
Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. PT at Rogers Arena. The game will be televised on Sportsnet and broadcast on Sportsnet 650 radio.
With a long homestand ahead, this stretch could be pivotal for Vancouver as they look to build momentum and solidify their place in the playoff picture. Keep an eye on how the new line combinations gel - especially that top line with Öhgren, Pettersson, and Boeser. If they find some early chemistry, it could change the shape of this lineup moving forward.